A few domestic fireworks could just be seen last night from the Creole Queen River cruiser, almost certainly, nothing compared to tonight’s Independence Day celebrations in New Orleans. My three days in what is often referred to as NOLA, New Orleans, Louisiana (or The Big Easy) felt like a week, even if the time passed quickly. Compared to the first two nights, being a Sunday, New Orleans was very quiet, with none or very little of the intermittent but very loud “racket” from outside. However, I felt very safe and confident walking around. I do hope I return; I wish very much to experience the old green streetcars and the newer red and cream vehicles. I’m sure I went on one of the old trams in 1971; I have certainly got Super 8 footage from 51 years ago.
Annoyingly, I have run out of storage space on this phone, and, even having deleted some unwanted videos and apps, I have been unable to work out how to release more storage space; as soon as I am able, New pictures will appear. I seem to have resolved this problem, but I’m not sure at what cost!
Today, Day 64, I am on my final overnight train journey from New Orleans to Washington D.C. This train is, indeed, rather different to the double deck Superliner trains west of Chicago. The Bedrooms geographically are similar, but only on one level, affording a second window adjacent to the upper bunk bed. However, there is no end lower deck. baggage area, and the catering is pre-packed meals. So, no strawberries or American biscuits, or chicken sausage with my continental breakfast. The oatmeal comes with a choice of flavours…..this makes avoiding sugar just about impossible. For lunch, I am forgoing the dessert; I don’t particularly want another diabetic induced lethargic day in Washington! I have to concede, however, that the microwaved meals are not at all bad. They are served in your room; this saves Amtrak dragging around a kitchen and dining car in the consist. While adequate, I would like to think the promised improvements to customer service with new trains and proper dining cars will come to fruition, and soon!
It’s 13.53 right now and we are still in Mississippi State. The journey is most attractive. After passing the outskirts of New Orleans, and the wondrous Lake Pontchartrain which is crossed by the world’s longest bridge over water, at 23.83 miles, which I photographed with the Lumix, we entered endless lovely wooded countryside, which is only interrupted by various station stops, spectacular rivers and occasional industrial units, and other settlements. It wasn’t long before we were into Mississippi State, then Alabama where we still are. (16.08hrs). Amazingly, there is WiFi on this train. And, I can carry on taking photos on my phone. Stephen, the sleeping car steward, has announced that we are on Eastern Time, and my phone confirms this. 10 54 the next day in Charlottesville.
As you can see, I didn’t finish writing last night. I went to sleep in Alabama didn’t see anything of Georgia, S.Carolina or N.Carolina and woke up in the State of Virginia. Steve, our cabin steward wanted to get breakfast over and done with. I was thus the last to order mine, and most items had run out!
The wooded landscape of yesterday continues today, but sometimes conceals eyesores like an industrial unit or area, holiday homes, or car scrap yards. Many buildings and bridges as well as just about every freight car is adorned with hideous graffiti. But there are miles of unspoiled woodland, lakes and ponds, the occasional river.
And (because we remain on schedule) this last big train ride comes to an end in 2 hours and 8 minutes. Thus David will be setting foot in yet another capital city post covid-19, i.e Washington D.C. I slept reasonably well on the train despite the fairground bumpiness (is there such a word?) of the train. (I have not seen the sky over London since 2019).
I have thoroughly enjoyed this extensive of railtours. However, opting for the spacious accommodation did enable me to have a wonderful trip in the best available comfort. Nevertheless, space was tight; I had, as ever “over-packed.” I now have to get some kind of covid-19 test before I can board QM2 in four days’ time. I have the appropriate guidance.
We are (I think) still in Virginia with around 36 minutes before arrival at Washington DC. The countryside is less intense as signs of suburbia slowly begin to immerge. Some time ago on this journey, I saw the depot of the Virginia Express Railway as we sped by.
I shall continue writing soon after settling into my hotel.
In the meantime, many thanks for reading,
David, still on board The Crescent, 12.46 hrs 5th July 2022.
David's Cruise 