I had the opportunity to book a one-day excursion on a train just recently. Let’s state for the record, lest anyone have any doubt, that I am a huge train enthusiast. You can keep your quick airplane trip. I will always choose the rails.
A few months ago, I found a website called Ohio Rail Experience. There were about a half a dozen destinations to choose from. My best friend and her husband said that they would like to go, so I booked us passage on a small trip that boarded along the Ohio River in Cincinnati.
The trip included a 3-hour ride to Batesville, Indiana that stopped very close to their Kiwanis Park where the annual Apple Festival was held. Thank goodness- I was worried that we might be taking a tour of the casket factory. The Apple Festival not only sounded much more cheerful, but appetizing as well. The train would allow everyone to disembark for 3 hours to enjoy the festivities and then go back to Cincinnati. The entire day would be around 10 hours or so.
There were different cars to choose from on the website, and we chose to ride in style in a 1940s Pullman-type car. We would have a table for 4 to ourselves and a Porter. Food and beverages would be included in the price. I would have booked the trip with or without food—but the menu sounded delightful—so I picked it.
My friend called me the night before the trip.
“What are you wearing tomorrow?” she asked me.
My train engineer overalls, why?
“Seriously?”
Of course-duh- It’s a train. I Wish I had the engineer hat though.
“We’ll see if we can’t get you one. You do know you sound like that nerdy guy on TV?”
Would you rather I wear old lady purple clothes and a red hat?
“Please don’t.” “We’ll see you tomorrow morning.”
The four of us met up in Cincinnati along the Ohio River at a specified park where the railroad tracks ran nearby. Ironically, there was a group of women in line in front of us in purple clothing and red hats. The world is a colorful place! I smiled at my girlfriend and secretly hoped that they all enjoyed their day.
As we stood in line to climb aboard the train, I noticed a large number of amateur photographers with tripods and large cameras on both sides of the track taking photos of the train. This phenomenon continued throughout the entire journey. Photographers lined the road many times over. It was entertaining to see. Sometimes the same people would take pictures, get into their cars, and then race ahead of where the train would pass by again just to take more photos. I thought I was the train enthusiast.
One of the nicest advantages of traveling by train is the allowance of time for philosophical thought. Standing alone in between train cars with my elbows resting on the open ledge of the door, looking down the line of cars in front and behind me. I felt the gentle, warm breeze and sun on my face, and the sound of the wheels against the steel tracks in perfect, continual rhythm.
My first thoughts were about how everyone should have this placid experience. I could have stood there for hours but that would mean ignoring my travel companions, which would be unkind. I wasn’t too worried as they were all enjoying the breakfast course that was served—miniature pancakes and fresh blueberries on a skewer, drizzled in syrup and sprinkled with powdered sugar.
My very thoughtful husband took my pancakes from me and reminded me that I cannot have that amount of sugar. I laughed and told him that he could at least let me have a few blueberries- sugar or not. He acquiesced. I left the 3 of them to their confections. The Porter told me where I could stand in the open air and look outside. He also said he thought my engineer overalls were “a cool outfit.” Ok- he’s getting a good tip.
As the train continued alongside the Ohio River, I watched river barges pass slowly by. My mind now turned to the thought that my current situation of complete relaxation is so unlike day-to-day events. Work, social media, constant contact, politics, and life in general.
For some reason my mind drifted to two very nice women that I know of, and I run into them occasionally at social gatherings. They are best friends and are completely opposite in their views. They both love to post on social media. One is always sharing thoughts of inspiration, faith, and hope while the other shares her dislike for certain politicians. The two of them could not be further apart in their social views, yet they are the best of friends.
They travel together, dine together, play sports together, and share stories about their lives, children, and grandchildren with each other. I admire and respect their relationship. They do not qualify their love for each other based on their political views. They both rise above the noise and find much to share in common. Certainly, we could learn a lot from their affiliation. I enjoy watching the two of them. They are sometimes funny, sarcastic, and loud—but always kind to everyone.
Unfortunately, many people do not rise above choosing a political side, and friendships are lost over who is in an office for a temporary stay. Hatred of others makes a person a slave. People become a slave to turmoil, a slave to misery, addicted to social media, and refuse to have an open mind. Enough of these thoughts- I took a deep breath and went to look out the door on the other side of the train.
The train began to cross a river. The bridge was an old steel trestle. I looked down at the water sparkling in the sun and flowing towards the larger Ohio River. The porter opened the door to tell me that another course was being served. A charcuterie tray with an assortment of cheeses, sausages, and crackers. My husband is not getting my share this time. I left my station by the open air and went in to join the others. There was also an assortment of fine chocolates with the tray. Everything was delicious, made even more enjoyable by the company I shared it with and the view from the window.
After the bite to eat, I asked my best friend to come with me to look out the open area. We stood silently on each side of the train and looked at all of the different trees and wooded areas we were passing. She noticed how many berry bushes we passed by and wondered what kind they were.
My thoughts began to drift again, and I decided that I would rather have more days like this. Looking forward, I decided that perhaps a little less phone or computer time would be a welcome thing. A little less reading what other people think. Solving for peace.
I heard the train whistle. We crossed a busy road, and I saw lots of amateur photographers along the roadside again. I saw a mother and her small child standing on the front porch of their small home. The child was jumping up and down and pointing to the train as we passed. I smiled, laughed, and waved to them all. The Porter opened the door again to tell us that he is now serving freshly baked warm cookies. Cookies and Chocolate? He’s definitely going to get a good tip.
