Planes, Trains and Automobiles

My last work trip flew me to Detroit.  I couldn't be so close to Canada and not take advantage.  So I got a rental car and after my meetings, drove through Canada 4hrs to Niagara Falls.  It's amazing how comfortable and easy it is to get around Canada.  Definitely not as bad as my failed trip to Mexico.  I thought my cell phone plan included Canada and Mexico in it's data... which was wrong. So I immediately got lost as my maps stopped updating as soon as I crossed the tunnel into Canada.  Thankfully I quickly found a Starbucks where I could connect to WiFi and got in touch with AT&T to set it up for the day.
Anyway - Niagara Falls.  I haven't been since I was 16.  I forgot how stunningly beautiful and large and loud it is!  It was a bit on the chilly side since a storm had just blown through - but even standing in the midst of the mist, it didn't matter.  I was there just in time for sunset, but unfortunately didn't get to actually go up the Skylon Tower overlook as it was all booked out.  So I settled for ground level admiration, and turned around to head back to Detroit for the night before setting off for Chicago.

The Falls panoramic

View of the falls from across the street

Skylon Tower

The next morning began my 4.5hr drive to Chicago.  I can't say that drive is incredibly scenic... however there was one little tiny town along the way that stood out.  My rental kept getting a low air tire warning, and I needed to use the restroom.... so as I was looking for the next town, one billboard stood out "The Chocolate Garden"... in the town of Coloma.  If you are ever on that random stretch of road, I HIGHLY recommend stopping in.  Oh lordy lordy they have the best chocolate truffles.  And the itty bitty town has vineyards and that small town feel.
Once I got to Chicago, I got pretty lost.  The address for the car rental was incorrect and my GPS was sending me in circles.  So I got to see a lot of downtown Chicago!  That was entertaining.  Finally, I found the rental garage attached to the Union Station.  The Union Station has so much beautiful natural light, and was so surprisingly quiet (considering the large building and echo).  It was hard to not smile like a fool just sitting on the bench. I didn't have much time before my train departed for SLC, so a quick lunch and a few pictures later - we were off.

Union Station

So, this is the first time I've been on a cross country train.  I've been on Utah's Trax, and even took a train from NJ to NY back when I was 16.  But nothing could prepare me for my first cross-country trek on a passenger train.  In fact, the purpose of this ride was to help prepare me, in a way, for my major trip to Europe coming up in a few days.  I'll be sleeping on trains more often than not, and wanted to see how I would fare.  I didn't get a sleeper car, and just rode coach.  Luckily I had my row to myself, so stretching out was possible - albeit uncomfortable to a degree.  I met a fantastic Portuguese couple, who were on the train for the specific purpose of riding the California Zephyr from Chicago all the way to San Francisco.  Such a cute couple - Sarah and Rui.  I'm going to see if I can fit Portugal into my Europe trip coming up - maybe see the Portuguese "Golden Gate" Bridge.

Also, on the train, I met Austin. A 20yr old college student with adventure in his eyes.  I could relate. After overhearing him exclaim he had only seen mountains once before while we were pulling into Denver, we started chatting.  Not long into the conversation, he mentioned he was getting off the train in SLC at 11pm as well.  His next plan was to take the bus to Zion in the morning.  I quickly realized he had nowhere to stay, so offered to have him stay at my house and I would take him back to the bus station in the morning.  Best decision.  We became fast friends.  Also, I knew a cold-front was coming in, so I made sure he had my number in case of an emergency...considering I was now the only person he knew within a 6-11 hr drive of Zion.  Sure enough...I got the call.  He was a little under prepared for the unforgiving Utah Desert.... hot in the day, freezing at night.  So I drove to Zion to pick him up, gave him a place to stay while he figured things out.  In fact, he's still here as I write this. haha   I'm as excited for his adventures as I am my own.  And his near death experience with hypothermia in the middle of nowhere also made me happy I've had my own crazy experiences, and have spent the last 4 months researching for my big trip coming up.  I know that no matter how much I plan, something can and will go wrong... and that's ok.

Anyway - back to the train ride.  It was hard getting good pictures due to the glare and constant shaking of the train, but that's ok.  The terrain was better seen than photographed anyway.  No pictures could really do it justice.  I highly highly recommend the California Zephyr train ride. You will not be disappointed.  Oh, and keep your eye on the rafters in Ruby Canyon... it's customary to moon the trains. haha

Train Stop

You see a lot of the city near the tracks...

I have no idea where this is - but it's not The Shire. I assure you.

First Sunset

Good Morning Nebraska!

Comfort with a view

Another train stop - time to stretch the legs

Colorado Rockies

Ruby River Canyon - Pillsbury Dough Boy formation

Ruby Canyon Mooners - they were enthusiastic

Passing trains

Token Selfie!

Late Night Snack.... oh it was good

Final Sunset outside of Helper, UT

Sending Austin off to Zion

I'm so thankful for all of my experiences, all I've seen, and all the people I've met.  Knowing there is so much more ahead of me - it fills me with a mixture of excitement and respect of the unknown.  I've always been independent and tend to do things myself anyway... but I know my upcoming trip is going to test my resolve and ability to truly do things alone with no one to really rely on.  This train trip was easy.  State side, there are few things I can't figure my way out... especially because everyone speaks English.  And even then, I got lost a couple of times for a few.  Always to find my way back.  So, cheers to getting lost.

(Speaking of.... my new tattoo I just got this last Sunday.  Because of all of this.)

not all those who wander are lost

Map My Drive:

Train Route: