Adventure

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I've decided that adventure and comfort are almost mutually exclusive. Today CutieBabyBoy woke up at a quarter to five with the runniest runny nose. Of course SOS and I had been up late packing and then I woke up in the middle of the night with a litany of To Do and so was up for a couple hours. It is not the recommended way of starting a long trip, but so many trips begin similarly.

I was thinking about our early start on the day at about six PM when our train slowed to a stop by the Salton Sea. The Salton Sea is beautiful in a stark harshness that makes you glad you are merely passing through. The sun was edging lower and the soft light began to make the dry ravines snaking to the treeless shore almost alluring. And then there was an announcement on the intercom about waiting for a mechanic so enjoy our view of the scenic Salton Sea.

Like I said, the Salton Sea is best enjoyed knowing that you are merely passing through.

After a long while we were moving again, but slowly. I would have considered it normal except that as we were seated towards the back of the train, we could see that we were being shepherded by the aforementioned mechanic in his truck. The sign of things to come.

A number of times in preparing for this trip I have called it "In Search of America" or some similar, equally cheesy title. And I have this to tell you from our little train delay: Americans know how to complain quite remarkably.

We are also a great creator of conspiracy theories.

About nine o'clock we were told that we were stopping for repairs and that they were going to have to turn off the power. For those of you uninitiated in rail travel, that includes air conditioning and restrooms. The announcer said "So if you need to use the restroom, now is a good time to go. If you do not need to use the restroom, now is a good time to go."

An hour later, if you were to have learned about our status merely from the phone conversations, you would have believed that we were prisoners in hell on a hot day, required to sit in our own filth in pitch darkness, and being told lies just to make us feel like they cared about our welfare.

"How could they get a mechanic out here in the middle of nowhere? I didn't hear a helicopter." "They are probably wanting to purposefully make train travel uncomfortable so they can do more freight since that would make them more money." "Why don't they route the train through better populated areas? You would think they would want to make it more convenient for us."

But consider: we had to stop at 9:30, not in the middle of the 115 degree weather of the afternoon. They super chilled the cars before powering off and so I never even felt uncomfortably warm. There were running lights that were sufficient to write by, and we had cell phone coverage to call and complain, I mean, let people know we were running late. Compare that to train travel in 9/10ths of the world or even our country a century ago. Seriously.

So yes, we are four hours late, but my baby is sleeping. What more could a mama want?

Comments

Lorraine said…
Great post Becka! I feel bad I didn't get to give you a hug before your departure... will have to schedule time together after your return to hear of adventures beyond the writing.
8:15 PM
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