The Neverending Train Journey To and From NC

My niece, Taylor, was having her baby blessing NC on June 13th. I thought it would be fun if Donovan and I rode the train (Amtrak). The tickets were super cheap, $162 roundtrip for both us and it was a 7 hour 45 min ride. Going by car is about 6 hours so I figured it was a win-win. Everything started off great. We were on the Carolinian. The train was on time and there was a slight issue with us getting a seat together (thanks to the nice Marine who gave up his seat). I'd done some online research and had food, a portable dvd player, some travel games and jackets. We were all set. Well....apparently, if it is over 90 degrees, the train has to slow down for safety reasons. We spent a good two hours going about 25 mph. So that delayed us. Then, outside of Raleigh, we sat on the tracks unmoving for an hour. No one made an announcement as to why we were delayed, nor did they apologize for the delay until after they finally got us moving. From what I was able to overhear, they were waiting for another conductor to take over the shift. So...with the heat issues still in play, our just under 8 hour train ride, turned into 12 HOURS. Donovan finally gave up and fell asleep once it got dark and slept until I woke him up right before we arrived in Kannapolis. When Rob picked us up at the station it was midnight.

Our train ride back to DC was better but it was delayed too. Only 2 hours though, so that was a bit more bearable than the train ride to NC. We had some delays due to heat and rain. The major delay was when a diabetic passenger had a siezure and EMS had to be called. They did keep us informed of what was going on with that delay and the passenger was removed to the hospital. Donovan was SO OVER riding the train and said that he wanted off the train asap. He was whiny and cranky and I was very glad that he slept for a few hours. So, all in all, the trip back was much better than the trip to NC. Someone asked me if I'd ever take the train again. I would but I think I would limit them to short trips under 3 hours like to New York City. Anywhere else, I'll go by plane or car.