Amtrak with Ned

Washington. Baby in arms. The Capitol, Smithsonian; half smoke hot dogs in the park. We caught the New Orleans train and I remember the baby, lying on his back with his arms held up high, as the view liner train went through the night and on into Virgina. I woke early and saw that we were in Georgia and that the earth, just by the track, was red. The baby was still asleep, the train rocking him; my husband beginning to stir on the bunk above mine. He raised his head: "We in Georgia yet?"

In the dining car a shower of ma'ams and y'alls and a shower of hands for the baby. We had grits and eggs and crisp bacon, with hot sauce. Scalding coffee to further wake us. The creepers and the red earth gave way to the suburbs of Atlanta and we were almost there. I'd always enjoyed the hoardings of the city as we approached it from Hartsfield airport: Free at Last Bail Bonds! Chicken Breast Strips Meal only $2.. Here, just flashes of garden, then creek, refuse by the side of the track, more red earth. Still the kitchen staff dandled the baby while others poured us endless coffee and we were content. I remember that my husband told me to get ready. I hadn't combed my hair but I put on some lipstick because I wanted my mother in law to think well of me when we arrived. Silly, really, what with the baby being the show, not me. I remember that he was dressed in a bright red all in one we called the 'firework suit.' We were there.

Just a memory. Of being in motion and being at ease. Also, a testament to the South and why central government should not have slashed the Amtrak budget, if you're asking.


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Photo (I cheated slightly , this train is actually a North bound one coming up from  Florida to Virginia....) courtesy of John H Gray; he has a fine selection of Amtrak photos at www.flickr.com Thank you.