Amtrak—A Successful Excursion
- lmb523
- Feb 11
- 7 min read
Updated: Feb 13
As I mentioned in my post All Aboard, I took my first train ride today and it was wildly successful. I could hardly sleep last night with the thought of the train ride I was going to embark on. As if my brain had several tracks with trains coming and going carrying different scenarios. I finally fell asleep at 5 am and woke at 7 am with plans on leaving around 7:30. I noticed on the Amtrak app that the train was delayed by 23 minutes which gave me a little extra time to wander somewhat aimlessly getting ready to go!
The drive to the station was nice, not much traffic and scenic on the edge of Ocala National Forest. It was a bit foggy and about halfway some caution signs were lit warning of wildfire smoke. I was surprised, and a bit relieved, to learn that the drawbridge over St. John's river had been replaced by a fixed-span bridge. A short distance from the station, I passed Linda Dr., Paradise Dr., and Padrick Ave. which made me GOL (Giggle Out Loud). When I looked on the map I saw that Celery and Pine Tree were between Linda and Padrick—that made me HAHAHA as did the off spelling. It is similar to how AI usually gets spelling wrong! More Simulation Hypothesis evidence?
When I arrived at the station, I had just crossed the tracks when the arms came down. Thankfully it was the SunRail train pulling into the station which is a Monday through Friday commuter rail service in Florida and operates independently of Amtrak. I went into the station because I was not sure what to do. The agent was amazing, and she really put my mind at ease. She was so friendly and informative, and I let her know how grateful I was to her. Once she came outside, I heard other passengers comment that they could tell she loves her job. Good work should be appreciated! It really helped start my journey on a positive note. I will say only this that the agent at my destination city had at least eight people very upset due to her snippy and dismissive attitude.
The train ended up being 45 minutes late, but I didn't mind at all. It helped set expectations for any future journeys! As you are boarding the train, you tell the attendants where you are going to and they assign you a seat number and direct you which way to go. They come by once the train is moving to scan your ticket, then write your destination by hand on a piece of paper and place it above your seat. I found that to be really intriguing! On the return trip, my seatmate took this picture of it for me since I was in a window seat. I got ahead of myself, more about the return trip later.
I was directed to seat 17 and before the train would arrive at my destination, I would be so grateful that Orlanda was sitting in the seat next to me. She has been riding trains for 40 years and during conversation some of the things I wondered about were answered or confirmed. Such as information about the cafe and dining car as well as bringing on your own food and drink are acceptable. We had a lot in common, including our age and our thoughts on makeup and skin care. Sadly, we both lost a son slightly over a decade ago. She was super encouraging and supportive and I really enjoyed our chat. I gave her one of my cards and I hope she will write about her travels and any other topic that interests her. I know I would love to read her thoughts.
Once at the destination, I got a quick rundown of what was nearby and there seems to be a lot to do within walking distance. Unfortunately, my brain would not tell my legs to move, but instead insisted they stay planted on a bench outside the station. I did not mind at all because the Sociologist in me sure loves watching people. I saw some people across the platform with photographic equipment. I saw a guy and a girl on the bench and wondered if they were getting engagement photos or something similar—I would find out later. As my mind wandered away from them, a young couple sat next to me on the bench. I tried not to eavesdrop on his phone conversation, but since he was speaking Spanish loudly, I was curious if I could at least pick out some words! We later struck up a conversation and I learned they were waiting for the train to arrive because they were shooting a video. When the message said the train was arriving in three minutes on track 2, we said our goodbyes and off they went to the other platform.
I was chatting with the SunRail attendant, and one of the guys from the group across the way came up and started talking to him about someone who had been there. As he was telling his story, he reminded me so much of how Travis would tell things. Not long after, another young guy from the group would approach me and asked if I minded if an actor sat next to me because they were making a film. I said sure, but also let them know I could move! He assured me I was fine sitting there with no need to move. Chandler, the actor, came and introduced himself. I am pretty sure I am not in the shot, but from here on out— I am saying I was an extra in this movie (One Way Ticket)—instead of just being extra! Sometimes I think I should consider stand up comedy! Anyway, they were all so nice and after they got their shots they said goodbye and went to the other side for more filming. I really wanted to tell them about this blog, especially when I heard one of them talking about mustering up courage—I could relate. The intrusive thoughts in my brain kept telling me no, do not give them a card. They are young and would not care, maybe even laugh. The train came and went and they seemingly vanished. I sighed, and told myself, I will get there.
Suddenly they appeared on my side of the tracks again. As fate would have it, one of them came down to thank Escoban (the attendant) and I and then two others joined him. I knew I had to act, I jumped up and with everything in me, I handed all of them a card, and probably overshared. I learned Chandler, Ty, and Brayden are all college students at Full Sail University—and the girl actor, who I did not get a chance to meet, attends UCF. Before it was over, each of the young men offered me a hug or two.
I will not be able to express the amount of empathy and compassion they exhibited towards me. It was amazing to not only be seen, but to be heard and understood. We said our goodbyes, and I hope they will consider writing a post or more about any topic. The one thing I worry about is if I spelled everyone's names correctly.
Before I knew it, my three and a half hours at the Winter Park station was over! I was now a pro at boarding the train, but with everything it is up to chance—or I like to think, fate! I was in seat 51 this time and it was a window seat! I had a great conversation with Jim who is a few years older than me. He is taking a trip to NY, but only partially by train. I learned a bit about his interesting job and his family. I gave him my card, but since he writes for work, I do not think he would be able to submit anything, but I would love if he did. We wished each other a safe journey and like that my adventure was over.
The hour trip home felt like 20 minutes. It really is a peaceful drive, and I tried to stay focused on the road to avoid getting lost in thought! When I got home, my hip was really sore. I had fell to the ground a few weeks before the start of the year. Since then it hurts in the back around my right hip after sitting for extended periods. I will definitely have to take that into consideration if I plan to take a train out west. Overall, an excellent trip!
Now a little back story, as if I could write a post without it. I was suppose to go on a train ride 20 years ago, but minutes before we were to board, Travis had his first seizure and he was rushed to the Shriners Hospital for children. Seven years later he would have a seizure while driving and lose his life at 22. I am very thankful my first train experience turned out to be so wonderful and brought some nice memories of Travis. I am a really big believer in fate, and I also know God watches over me.
When I arrived at the station, a guy was wearing a hat with TB on it, similar to how Travis would write his initials. I even took a picture because I was taken aback.
Then hearing about the loss of Orlanda's 29 year old son—what are the odds? Then noticing how Ty reminds me of Travis in a few ways—his excitement, his energy, and his mannerisms. After learning they were making a movie, it brought back thoughts of Travis' auditions and watching him express himself creatively. All of them including the camera guy brought me flashes of Travis, and I am so thankful they chose today to be at the station to work on their movie. I like the premise based on that one scene!
The people I met are, without a doubt, Amazing! It reminds me what I used to tell my customers at Amazon—they only route me the best customers. Perhaps Amtrak only sits me with the best people! Hmm. AMazing-AMazon-AMtrak—In Exodus 3:14, God did say, "I AM who I AM."...‘I AM has sent me to you.’" You will not be able to convince me otherwise.
Understand, I do not actively look for what some will call coincidences, I just see things and my brain automatically and instantly finds a pattern or a connection. Weird, right?
I forgot, did I tell you why it is called DeLand? Because it is not DeOcean!
The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”
Daniel 4:2
It is my pleasure to tell you about the miraculous signs and wonders that the Most High God has performed for me.
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