Just In Time

Ojai, which is near Santa Barbara

 
Yesterday I had planned to take a day trip to Santa Barbara. I bought a round trip ticket on the Metro to Union Station, and then  was going to transfer to the Pacific Coast Starlight, (my favorite Amtrak train,) and eat lunch on the train.  There's something about enjoying a meal as you're roaring down the tracks that really makes people feel happy and excited.  I dropped Lula off at "dog camp" at 6:30 a.m.  She was overjoyed to be there.

I arrived in plenty of time to take the local commuter train. Unfortunately, it was 80 minutes late. If I had waited, I  would have missed my connecting train to Santa Barbara. I discussed it with a woman I had been chatting with at the platform and tried to figure out  what to do.  My head was spinning.  Fortunately, I had the schedule with me.  If you miss your train on Amtrak, you lose the money. I almost just gave up and went home.

Instead, I decided to try driving to one of the stations further north, rather than trying to get downtown in rush hour traffic. All of a sudden it occurred to me that I could drive down  I5 to Burbank Airport. They have an Amtrak station there, and the Pacific Coast Starlight would stop at that station at 10:30 a.m.  I wasn't sure if I would make it in time, but decided to try.

It turns out I arrived with an hour to spare! I parked the car in Lot G and walked up to the platform. Once there, I conversed with a friendly lady sitting on the bench who was on her way to visit her sister. She's a crocheter, and she complimented me on the hand knit shawl that I was wearing.   We had an enjoyable conversation. She loves to travel, too. 

Everything worked out for the best, and I boarded the train that I had a ticket for at the third station, Burbank Airport,  instead of at the first one. It's fortunate that I had purchased my ticket in advance. I didn't think I could make it to Van Nuys station on the 405 at that time, and I also wasn't quite sure where it was.

I met some friendly people on the train, especially in the Observation Car, which has spectacular floor to ceiling views.  We devoured a delicious hot lunch on the train. I had a cheeseburger, and it was delicious. Our table overlooked the ocean. It was breathtaking to take in the scenery.  Our server was so friendly and kind.

 Train travel is my favorite way to go. It's so comfortable and easy. I love the space and ability that you have to move around in the cars.  Our roomy seats leaned back and had foot rests. It's an ideal space to knit or read.    Photos and info about Santa Barbara are here:  www.downtownsb.org

If you click on Transportation you can see my train. Have you done much traveling by rail?

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