We started early and were nearly packed already. Our hosts had rhubarb crust and hot drinks waiting for us. We exchanged contact info and wished each other well. I really hope to keep in touch with them. The day started warmer, bright, and windy. We had a short walk to our bus stop and our $0.60/each ready. That got us all the way to Essex Station station about 7 miles away. We heard from our hosts that a project was coming in a few years to restore the train station downtown in Burlington and improve the rail line for easier trips. We look forward to checking that out.
Our bus passed several colleges and universities as well as Vermont Public TV and the line was well used, friendly, and efficient. The small station was near the beginning of the rail line so boarding was easy. The chatty young man minding the station had lots to say but little new info although he was entertaining. Laurie went out and got two huge deli sandwiches for lunch on the train plus coffee for me.
Our Essex Junction Station
Our Vermonter Amtrak was right on time
I overheard someone say that Amtrak has a promotion offering a free coast to coast ride for someone who creates something about the trip along the way. Sounds like a great opportunity for a talented person.
Laurie started a conversation with another rider, Barbara, an older woman who had similar interests and many experiences. They continued talking and riding together for most of the trip. I was sitting across from them taking photos, admiring the scenery and doing some online work. We crossed through New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Connecticut before reaching New York. I didn't feel the urge to "live free or die" as we crossed NH. At one point the train switched tracks and we rode the rest of the way facing backwards. The train filled more as we continued south and the clouds seemed to follow us too.
Laurie and Barbara hit it off snd visited the whole ride
The views from the train today made me smile and think of all the memories stored from this trip so far. We are certainly in the home stretch now with the rest of our stops further south and in large cities. The photos, notes, and literature gathered will take a long time to process but it's the hugs, smiles and good wishes that stand out. With that in mind there is still more to come first.
The colors were brighter
Nice scenery
New interesting areas to see
Crossing the Connecticut River
We arrived at Penn station in NYC about 7 pm and as always it took some time to figure out the right direction for the subway we needed and the process of getting our Metro tickets. We arrived in Brooklyn and walked about 7 blocks to our flat and had an interesting chat about farming in Africa and other things with our host, Mark. He is going to Pennsylvania tomorrow to look at used tractors and offered to bring us back a pie. We also had lovely FaceTime video chats with Elle and the boys and then Rowan and Ella. With all of that the Giants had won their playoff game capping a very good day.
Penn Station to Bed-Stuyvesant Heights area of Brooklyn
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