Route 60 Memorial Ride Journals Wednesday, October 3, 2001            Night Train                 Richmond to Chicago — Ashland, the last southern town, faded gracefully into skeletons of lost industry and monuments to government. The Amtrak Acela sped on to Philadelphia and a train change at grand Union Station, monument to railroad power.    Microwaveable White Castle Cheeseburgers for supper, Miller Genuine Draft washed them down as the Moonlite Tavern flashed by the window. Leaving Harrisburg, the track follows the Susquehanna as the train becomes part of the natural flow, as if it belonged to the river. A sense of inner calm replaces the big-east bustle.    On through the darkness now, the train devoured its invisible road. From the windows the passengers could see nothing more; one after another they ceased talking and silently progressed into a sort of sleepless night, occasionally drifting into tomorrow’s dreams.

Return to Journals

The Washington and Jefferson Monuments as seen from the train window by digital eye.

Twilight across the Susquehanna, where future adventures await to unfold.

Good morning America, where are you?

At the Lewistown Station two Pennsylvania Dutch couples boarded as their children watched an anxious farewell. The younger man played his harmonica in the observation car as darkness shut out the view.

Go To Next Journal