Train Travel
America Rediscovers the
Joy of Riding the Rails
Due in part to higher gasoline prices and frustrations associated with airline travel, long-distance rail travel for 2008 and 2009 was up 24 percent and 19 percent, respectively, compared with 2007. Amtrak, America’s passenger railroad, is busy improving speed and customer service, while building new routes to include underserved and unserved communities. The company is benefiting from reauthorization of the Passenger Rail Investment and Improve- ment Act, robustly supported by the Obama administration.
Current U.S. routes comprise 22,000 rail miles. Lodging and features range from roomettes and bedroom packages that include meals to family suites with showers. Passengers enjoy panoramic scenic views from second- story sightseeing lounge cars and can gather to mingle, watch a movie or share a meal and refreshments. “The relaxed atmosphere seems to encour- age people to [open up and] tell their life stories,” comments John Pitt, author of The Bradt Travel Guide, USA by Rail. Tips for traveling the rails include: make friends with the car attendant; pack easy-to-prepare foods and water from home, small toys and games for the kids plus pillows and blankets for everyone; and stock an essentials bag with binoculars, books, cards, maps with rail lines, earplugs, eyeshade, pocket flashlight, sunglasses and a cheap digital watch with an alarm.
For detailed information on routes and more, visit
Amtrak.com.
Oceans Ahoy
Communities Celebrate
World Oceans Day June 8
Millions of people annually gather at hundreds of events around the world to recognize the vital importance of the “one ocean” we all share and support the present and future health of our blue planet. Last year saw 70 events in the United States alone. This year, the 50th anni-
versary of the Dr. Seuss classic, One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish, adds
to the fun. Individuals and families will join in kids’ art contests, photography exhibits, film showings, essay and poetry contests, treasure hunts, sleepovers and storytelling at aquariums, museums and zoos across the country. Fests will celebrate sustainable seafood, and local volunteer squads will tackle aquatic cleanup projects.
We rely on a healthy ocean with a rich diversity of life to supply oxygen, foods and medicines, as well as millions of jobs and endless opportunities for recreation and inspiration. Because all the world’s oceans are connected, environmentalists call for them to be treated as one ocean.
Locate and register local events at
WorldOceansDay.org.
natural awakenings
June 2010
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