Rule #13 – Push the limits of your comfort zone.
To fly or not to fly,
that is the question.
Whether ‘tis better to
suffer the gropes and wandings from the TSA for convenience sake,
Or to drive, perchance
to train to your destination, thus seeing more of the landscape, yet taking
more time from the ultimate destination…
Many apologies Mr. Shakespeare. But those who fly regularly
know exactly of what I speak. Just the thought of stuffing yourself in an
aluminum tube cattle car with 300 of your closest “friends”, flinging yourself
to the upper reaches of the atmosphere, praying that God doesn’t call the pilot’s
number, and then making first contact with earth on the wings of a few Goodyears…
flying is now a true act of faith. That’s after you get on the plane and after
you get through security checkpoints.
This past March, I decided to check another item off the
Bucket List. I went to Sarasota
specifically for spring training games. I also got to visit former neighbors
and friends down there, but the starting reason was to see the baby O’s
hatching in their spring nest. Planning the trip was interesting, since I was
constantly questioned “Why are you driving? Why not fly and rent a car?” Well,
I could have but… who knows if my flight would be on time; who knows if my
luggage will be diverted to Havana;
who knows if I’ll get sick again, like I have on every other flight. I wasn’t
in the mood to deal with TSA on this trip.
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| So many games and teams - only so much time |
So I planned to drive down. First thing I did was call AAA
travel desk. They were incredibly helpful with one glitch – the lady I talked
to was in Northeast Philly’s office. When I said I was heading to spring
training in Sarasota, she reminded
me that the Phillies train in Clearwater.
A quick conversation about where I grew up, where she was located, and where I
am now located, and we were busy booking travel and hotels. She made sure I had
a TripTik and maps for the entire I-95 route. Since I had my own car, I could
pack, unpack, over pack, and repack as I wanted.
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| Welcome to Georgia |
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| Welcome to Florida (You mean the state might be closed?) |
The drive down was pretty stress free. I bypassed Washington
DC by taking Rte. 301 south. Once into Virginia,
I stayed on 301 through Ft. A.P. Hill, and then picked up I-95 in Carmel
Church. Once past Richmond,
traffic wasn’t bad at all. I made it as far as Florence
SC in one day. Found myself a MicroTel, got
some dinner, then it was take it easy and get some rest. Day 2 had me hitting
some serious traffic around Jacksonville FL. Someone told me that was a normal
thing. But I got past it, got onto 301 south again, and got as far as Bushnell
FL before it was time to stop. Another
MicroTel in another town, and a place to put my tired head down… I found some
nice digs for a night. All the way down, scenery was great. You know, we really
do live in a beautiful country and each area is unique. You just have to slow
down and look at things.
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| In the land where palm trees sway |
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| Oh, yeah! I'm in Florida! |
The third day I drove directly to Ed Smith Stadium. I
watched the Phillies win over the O’s (yeah, fans, the Phillies won). My AAA
agent got me a room at the Hampton Inn and Suites right where University
Blvd. meets I-75 in Bradenton.
I enjoyed some temporary luxury while I bopped around Sarasota.
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| My spring time home |
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| Facebook Feetie pic - proof I was there |
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| Hampton Inn and Suites King Suite - a place for snacks... |
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| ...and a place to hang out with friends |
Now it took me 2-plus days to make an easy drive to Sarasota.
I was not much for another 2-plus days going home. So, I had my AAA agent book
me a seat on Amtrak’s Auto Train. It took me two and a half hours to get from Sarasota
to Sanford in FL, where the Auto
Train station is located. By the way, Orlando
has DC beat on the insane traffic meter by a bunch!
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| Amtrak Auto Train Terminal - Sanford FL |
Here was a portion of the trip that was pure rookie
experience. I pulled into the checkpoint and showed the attendant my ticket.
She then handed me some small folders, one to leave with the car, and one to
keep with me as I checked in inside the terminal. My beautiful blue Ford got a
number put on its side. I pulled up to the terminal, got out what I needed for
the night, then headed into the reservation check in while a valet took the car
and put it on the car carrier. At the check in desk, I got my train car and
seat number plus my meal times. Then there was some chill time until we got the
call “All aboard”.
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| Conscious coupling of car carriers |
We got to our car and were greeted by an attendant, just as
if we were flying. She helped everyone get settled in their seats and explained
just how the cars were being connected and the process for dining and
entertainment. While she spoke, the Amtrak crew was busy getting every car
connected in its proper order. Then exactly at 4
pm, we pulled out. I saw great scenery and I didn’t have to worry
about keeping my eyes on the road.
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| Somewhere in Florida from the train |
We had a real dinner with real food in the dining car. Not
many airlines feed you fresh food anymore. I sat with three other people I
never met before. During dinner and drinks we discussed our Florida
trips, where we were from, and what we did, among other things.
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| My beef tips, garlic mashed potatoes, and seasoned green beans |
I wandered to the lounge car later in the evening. When I
walked in, I felt like I stepped back into the 1940’s. The layout and décor was
art deco. The only nod to the present was the 8 video screens and DVD player.
We watched “Gravity” from any seat in the lounge car. Some people preferred
playing cards. Others actually had a business meeting. Beverages of any proof
were served. Coffee and tea were available for free. It was a great place to
hang out. Some of the funnier moments were listening to those “seasoned
travelers” who did a lot of kvetching about small stuff. Some people are never
satisfied.
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| Lounge car bar, from my perch right near the bar |
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| Lounge car lower level |
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| Enough physical space |
The train started coming alive around 5:45 the next day. My breakfast time was at 6 am and I got to the dining car to find a
really enjoyable continental breakfast set up for us all. Again, I sat with
three strangers, who were not as talkative as the dinner friends (the hour of
the day maybe?). But the selection of foods and the amount served was
delicious. Fresh fruits, cereals, yogurts, bagels, coffee and juices were all
served with a smile.
At exactly 9 am we
pulled into Lorton VA
station. The cars were all consciously uncoupled (sorry, couldn’t resist) and
we all moved into the terminal to wait for our cars to be unloaded. From the
time we arrived until I got my car and got on the road, it was about one hour
and fifteen minutes. Not bad, considering the train was really full. From the
station, it was an easy jump to I-95 and the trip home.
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| Amtrak Auto Train Station in Lorton VA - just off I-95 |
The train trip really pushed me out of my comfort zone.
Really, I think it just stretched my comfort zone. I will definitely use the
Auto Train again. Next time I may pay extra for a berth or compartment, so I
can stretch out through the night. But, considering everything, it was a fun
way to end a great trip.
I never mind driving, and now I look forward to train
travel. I have to fly to Milwaukee
soon…. Let’s see how that goes.
All photos are the property of Marge McGugan. All rights reserved.
Portions of this post are also used in the Arden-on-the-Severn Newsbuoy "A View from the Passenger Seat" by Marge McGugan
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