The Prine Family: Check It Off The Bucket List . . . All Aboard

Last summer as we were planning our Christmas we through around some different ideas and the discussion began about how much fun it would be to take a trip on the train. Oma had always wanted to and we all started to get excited about the possibility. We did some research and booked our return trip from Florida on the train.

We had quite the adventure and I think the consensus is, "been there, done that, not sure we'll need to have that experience again."

We left Orlando, Florida Sunday afternoon and arrived in Washington DC at about 7:30 Monday morning.

Judy and Rick took us to the station.

All aboard!

We booked two roomettes (emphasis on ette!) and when we got on board we realized they were at opposite ends of the car. Thanks to our amazing attendant Walter, Hannah and Oma were relocated and we were able to be right across the hall from each other.

The accommodations were a bit cozy. We had been told that we were free to hang out in the observation car, only problem, no observation car on this train. I had pictured us all hanging out, playing games and visiting. We were able to keep the doors open and visit that way.

Jill gave us a bag for the trip that was full of surprises. We had treats, magazines, toiletries and all kinds of goodies to make our trip even more enjoyable.

The sink folded down from the wall, the table became the toilet and you had to use it as a step to get on the bunk bed. Interesting. The public restroom was about four cars back through the two sleeper cars, the dining car and a regular car. Quite a hike.

Hannah and I each got the top bunk. I don't think any of us did much sleeping. I enjoyed the movement, but it seemed like the whistle blew every few minutes as we approached each railroad crossing. About the time we picked up some speed it was time to slow down and stop at the next station.

Our roomette came with three meals in the dining car. We were afraid that we had missed lunch because the train arrived in Orlando about an hour late. I'm sure that's a common occurrence and they held lunch for us. Thank goodness, we were all famished. It had been hours since our meal at Ohana. We boarded the train, put our luggage in the roomette and true to Prine fashion we headed for the dining car. The meals were pretty good for traveling. For lunch we could choose burgers, sandwiches or salad with beverage and desert. Supper was steak, chicken, fish or pasta with salad, beverage and desert. Breakfast was omelets, french toast, or cereal. We finished breakfast minutes before we disembarked.

We all enjoyed our time in the dining car. The service was great and the atmosphere was something out of a movie. I almost broke out in song as I thought about the train scene in the movie "White Christmas."