Thursday 6/6/2024

We were ready to departure for the Amtrak Auto Train station in Lorton VA around 8:30 am after packing the car with supplies. But before we could actually leave, Joyce had to do some gardening because an overnight heavy rain caused the Lambs Ears plants to be reclining on the ground.  We actually departed at 9 am, but had to return to the house because we forgot to pack raincoats.

The map of today’s drive shows that we violated our usual travel rule (the road less traveled) to take I-95, the Baltimore Washington Parkway and a few city streets to get to the Amtrak Station.  A few slowdowns and some construction delays were encountered.

Gary passed the first rest stop in Maryland much to Joyce’s chagrin as she was expecting breakfast enroute.  About 15 miles further on, we stopped at the Maryland House rest area.  Fortunately, there was a geocaching adventure lab to find. A long wait at the Wendy’s for a bacon, egg & cheese biscuit that had no bacon and a hard biscuit with very poor service.  A reminder why we have taken Wendy’s off our list of eating establishments.

On our way again! After Delaware, we drove through Maryland, DC and Virginia. Arrived in the Lorton Virginia area around 12:30 PM. Before getting to the Amtrak station, we stopped at a historic church built in 1774 to find a virtual geocache Geo. Washington’s father was an early parishioner) and a physical cache in a parking lot closer to the station.

Checked in at Amtrak around 1:00 PM.  Enjoyed lunch from supplies while waiting for the 3:30 boarding time.  On the train and in our sleeping car by 4 PM.  Train departed about 4:15 PM and began our journey south. Enjoyed a few water and town views and a lot of woods and greenery along the tracks.

Dinner was at 8 PM.  We enjoyed flat iron steak with vegetables, Cabernet and Blueberry white chocolate cheesecake.  Interesting conversation with our table mates.

Bed turn down at 10 PM. Nighty night!