Arrival

It's expensive to hire a service to take you from where we live into DC. The cheapest I could find was $140 one way. Way more than my poor pocketbook can afford. So we rented a car for each end of our trip. Total cost is under $100. So I saved myself about $180. Being a Saturday, the drive into DC was not bad, and we arrived at Union Station around 1pm and checked in. Because we purchased a roomette on the train, we were considered "first class" and had access to Club Accela there which we took full advantage of. It's much nicer and a lot more comfortable there.

When it was time to board, we were escorted out to the track and our train and to our room. Now, we knew it was going to be small, as I had researched them prior to booking. Lets just say that they are "cozy". Not bad mind you, but . . . .

They are very quiet however with the door closed, which was a plus, and all meals were provided free as part of the fare which after seeing the menu was a major plus. The two facing chairs were very comfortable and at night made into the lower bed, while a second bed is pulled down from the ceiling. It should be noted that at least one person riding in these MUST be fairly agile in order to get up into the upper bed. When the beds are made, there isn't much room at all between the bed and door, perhaps 24".

We are staying at the La Quinta Inn near the airport and today will be going to Butterfly World and Flamingo Gardens, then meeting some friends of ours for dinner. Will get a couple of pictures posted tonight.

Until then, cheers!