Page 70 - USA ROAD TRIP SUMMER of 2000

of various methods of mayhem found in recent movies. One small

person made a career of running the aisles for the three hours of
the outward journey. And last, there was the 2 year old who was

terrified of train travel. This was made clear to all in the train (and

the surrounding countryside) by sudden wails of unbelievable
decibels and octaves capable of loosening one’s teeth in their

sockets. We marveled that a human child could produce such a
shriek. Later, we marveled that we could survive this recurrent

vocal blast.

We arrived and took refuge in the forest. When 545 people fall
out of a train and into a woods, there is no pretense of wilderness.

However, the day was beautiful, the adults relatively quite, and

the scenic attractions worth the walk.

At the time of departure, it became clear to us that the adults had
no intention of abandoning their offspring in the wilderness so

every one of them would be back in our company for another
three hours. Controlling my voice so as to not demonstrate my

rising panic, I asked the ticket taker if there was any other seating
available. Learning that we were in coach #1, she looked at me

with understanding and whispered, “Try #8, and good luck.”

Coach #8 was so quiet that we alternated reading, sightseeing and

snoozing. The rocking of the car, the sun in the window and the
lunch had us very relaxed for the return. We arrived back at 6:00

PM, had a lovely supper on the St. Mary’s riverfront and went
“home” to watch the Democratic Convention.

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