All aboard!

Checked out of hotel and rolled my luggage one mile to station Arrived at train station just as train was boarding so didn't take photo of the station. Got settled and got my train shoes on!
Choo-Choo!! We are off

On time departure.
First stop: Tacoma

Looks like about a dozen passengers boarding including one in room nextdoor. I learned that you can have the attendant bring you lunch instead of going to the dining car. Taking note, but I'm stillЧитать далее
First tunnel

Olympia

Ouch!!! Stood up and banged my head. Note to self: don't do that again
Centralia

I feel like I'm in the middle of something
Lunch

Not a moment too soon I'm starving.
Observation car

Time for a scenic break
Next stop: Vancouver

When my seatmate at lunch said he was going to Vancouver, I was kind of afraid to break it him that he was on the wrong train. Who knew there was a Vancouver, WA???
Crossing in to Oregon

It may be time for a nap soon. The rhythm of the rails is soporific.
Portland

We are allowed to get off and walk around for a bit. I got some snacks from the gift shop and free tea from the first class lounge. I feel fancy
Salem

This is a short stop so no getting off unless I want to get left behind.
My biggest decision I am facing now is what time to get my dinner reservation. I'm liking this!
Albany, OR

I've been looking at the map and seeing all sorts of names I don't normally associate with Washington or Oregon. The oddest? Des Moines????
Congestion stop

Pulled over to let another train go by.
I think it's close enough to 5 for cocktail hour!
Eugene, OR

We are allowed off, so I am stretching my legs. There are share-bikes here. Worst case, I could bike to catch-up, I guess.
Things I've learned so far

Should have tried to reserve room on west side of train I'm on the east and scenery had been better on the other side the room across the hall was vacant, until Eugene.
Should have brought a chargerЧитать далее
Out of contact

We are in the middle of Oregon with no cell or wifi. I assume this message will upliad in the morning. I'm sitting in the scenic car now cause it has power I can access. Dinner in 15 minutes.
Dinner

Just finished dinner. Got the surf and turf. It was yummy but maybe a bit too much food
Train shoes

I had a question about my train shoes (thanks,Lynn!)
I had read that you have to wear shoes always on the train, but I wanted to be relaxed so I brought along these foldable flats whose sole is notЧитать далее
Chamalt(?)

I don't know what this place is really called. And it's dark, so I can't read it.
But I now have a bed. With an extra blanket
Bedtime

Nothing I have to read or watch is that appealing, so I'm going to try slesping
Wakey wskey!

Pulling in to Martinez. Got about 9 restless hours of sleep. Not great sleep, but long!
Breakfast is done

I look a little more human too.
They have showers on board but that was more than I was willing to dare. Wet and soapy doesn't mix well with rocking train.
I saw a woman putting on mascara andЧитать далее
Time to get ready

It's 30 minutes to San Jose, so I guess it's time to collect my belongings and say goodbye to the train shoes.
Ready to leave

We are held up due to congestion so I think we may be a little late in to San Jose
You have train shoes ! What are train shoes? Lynn