ABOARD THE EMPIRE BUILDER -- We are just now pulling into Minneaopolis-St. Paul. Sorry, but I won't be able to visit the Mall of America to shop for your gift.

I awoke to the news that because it is so freaking cold, the water on our train is frozen and is likely to stay that way until we reach Chicago about 8 p.m. Thanks, Trump. Pro tip: take bottled water with you to the loo so that you can at least brush your teeth and splash your face.

I'm not a fan of the seating protocol in the AMTRAK dining car. You don't get to choose your seat, so  you end up sitting awkwardly with strangers. I know, that's supposed to be part of the travel adventure, meeting new people. Right? Well, last evening I was seated across from a former meth addict whose story kept changing during the meal. She was headed to her home in Wolf Point, but  she could not tell me if the town was in Montana or North Dakota. (Montana is the correct answer). She frequently visits Spokane and said if I gave her my phone number she would call me next time she's there so we could get together for a drink. Waiter, check please.

 My crack research team dug up another theme song for train traveling: Peace Train, sung by Cat Stevens. Sing along with me now:

 For out on the edge of darkness

There runs the peace train

Peace train take this country

Come take me home again

 

 

 

 

 

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