Shortly after we arrived, we found out that the car we were to ride in was a privately owned and refurbished Amtrak dining car.
We also found out that this trip is one that few people have ever gotten to make.
Everyone seemed to be having a good time.
You can't see it too well, but far behind me is the St. Louis skyline.
Here we are heading across the river into Missouri.
As we rode along, we gained totally new perspectives on old landmarks. We also saw things we'd never seen before ...
This factory looks like it's from the early 1900's ... and amazingly, it's still in operation.
This bridge was built in 1874 and still carries traffic into the city.
Here is another bridge that we took back into Illinois. Look at how that bridge is supported!
At one point in our trip, as we s-l-o-w-l-y made our way, a MetroLink train, our version of light rail, went speeding by.
The exterior of this hotel is done in trompe-l'œil, an optical illusion type of painting that tricks the eye.
Please pardon the eerie blue reflection on the window! That reflection is from the indirect lighting on the ceiling of our car.
And because, after forty something years, there is a big metal St. Louis landmark that still fascinates me...
Here is a picture of the Arch ...
And here ...
And here!
We've lived here all of our lives and yet tonight we saw our region in a whole different light.
It's so rejuvinating to see things from a new perspective.
13 comments:
Your photos are like postcards, I especially liked the bridge. I so wish trains would make a big comeback. I used to take the Amtrak to Chicago to see my sister, and I loved it. You can read a book, look out the window. My dream vacation would be taking the Orient Express Paris-Istanbul - in luxury class. :| It ain't cheap. But anyway, I do like how you see a different part of places. I remember taking the Flying Scotsman London-Edinburgh - the sleeper. First seeing the back gardens of folks on the outskirts of London was great. Then falling asleep to the rock of the train on the rails ka-chug ka-chug was romantic and wonderful.
Sigh.
Dear Railroad Ruth,
Riding the rails is indeed a totally different traveling experience. Just sit back and enjoy the view. You don't need a map. There are no pit stops. Sleeping, reading and daydreaming are options.
We've taken the Amtrak to Chicago several times and have enjoyed the trip.
The Orient Express ... Now that would be the ride of a lifetime ... Luxury accommodations across two continents. Sign me up when I win the lottery!
That brings back memories of the last time my entire family was together before the parents passed away - we rode the diner car in Eureka Springs MO - heavy utensils, china and view! Alpha Hubby and I rode the old train in Branson Downtown (MO) and got amazing history from the conductor, saw neat back yard views and just enjoyed ourselves! Thanks for the memories.
Hi LBDD!
It's so wonderful that your family got together for such a memorable trip. Sounds like a most elegant time, and being with loved ones makes it even more terrific!
The Branson train ... It's funny that you mentioned it. A fellow passenger last night said that they have a terrific Polar Express train during the holidays.
Glad I could stir up old memories!
What a great excursion! I love your pictures of it...WOW, those night shots of the Arch are spectacular!
The only train I've ever been on was accidental. We were ending our Alaska cruise and had forgotten to sign up for the trip from Seward inland to Anchorage, and they managed to get us on the train. It was wonderful with the glass top...you could see everything, including sunrise over the mountains. Just beautiful!
Thanks so much Susan! It was a fun trip! I only took about 2 million pictures of the arch and a few turned out. I had to do a lot of experimenting with the lenses and the settings to get a couple good night shots.
What a spectacular mistake to ride the rails in Alaska with a wall of windows in your car! I can't even imagine how beautiful that was!
Love the pics of the arch at nighttime. Well done! I did not know you were heading out on the rails. Very fun!
Goodnight America, how are ya?
It was fun, C-Dub! The photo opps were terrific! If I were any good, I'd have a lot more pics!
Thanks, honey!
J-Dub,
... Said don't I know you, You're my native son? I'm a train they call the city of St. Louis and I'll be gone bout 30 miles when the day is done!
I've never seen a picture of you before!
You are gorgeous! Really, I mean it.
Do you have a dimple? I envy people with dimples. I mean, I have dimples but in the most uncomplementary places.
LOL! Dandy ... You are a hoot!
(Do they still say that? -- I'm so far out of the loop!)
Yeah, the yellow orangish if the hair and the double chin are such exciting features. I thought I'd better put my mutt out there occasionally so people really know there is a CottageGirl!
One dimple on the face ... bunch of others we'll not talk about!!!!!!!!
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