The morning routine has evolved. Sleep was far better on this train, the seats are more comfortable, the one next to me empty.
Around 6:00 am, still dark, I headed to the restroom. A washcloth and small towel doesn’t compare to a hot shower, but after I felt a whole lot better being in my own company. Clean underwear, t-shirt and socks, my hair combed, teeth brushed and deodorant applied… a fresh start for the day.
The dining car still wasn’t open, but I just needed a hot coffee. They kindly provided me a complimentary cup. Back at my seat, using just the available light, my the morning breakfast items might be hard to make out. Next to the coffee is an organic carrot juice from Trader Joe’s, it’s good. I really like the Norwegian Crispbread, also from TJ’s. This morning I had Cabot cheddar, but I also like having crunchy NuttZo on it — that’s a healthy snack any time of day. I had another hard steamed egg, one more left for tomorrow.
Last night I decided, for the first time, to try the Amtrak dining car for dinner. They have everyone sign up and you pay ahead, prix fix, $45 for an appetizer, main meal, one alcoholics beer or wine, coffee or soda and a dessert.
They decided the seating and it turned out to be a great group. None of us had met ahead of time. Turns out all these guys have done Amtrak travels in various parts of the country. They had great stories, glad I went. Plus, the food was quite good.
As I am about to post this, about 2:20 pm local time, I am passing through Montana. There are patches of snow and it is obviously well below freezing. I have gone to the observation car, but not a lot to see so far.
