I’ve gone 5287 miles by train so far.

57.14% (rounded) of the total mileage for the trip.

Do the math…about how many total miles will I have traveled by rail when I arrive at the station in San Diego? (answer here)

It’s not exactly fun to be away from your significant other for a month as I am on this trip. There have been more than a couple of times when I’ve asked myself if it’s been worth it.

Today, I took a look at my podcast subscriber totals (averages) and, well:

  (click for larger image)

I think the answer, business-wise, is yes.

…on the northbound Crescent…

I woke up this morning not long after dawn (6-ish). After doing my morning ablutions I asked the sleeper attendant where we were, as we had just pulled into a station. “Danville, Virginia, Ma’am” he cheerfully said. Consulting his route schedule he added, “Puts us about one and a half hours late,” just as cheerfully.

This is what riding Amtrak is like. You are often late, but it’s just not that big of a deal. Considering how these people manage to make old equipment work, get pushed off the rails by the freight companies, deal with old/senile passengers whom families just deposit on cross-country trains, and still do it all with generally good attitudes and kindness, asking for promptness is tantamount to asking for the moon when you have the stars.

Now, I have a connection to make in Alexandria which is pretty important. If I don’t make it I may very well be late getting to my event. Concerned? Yes, but in good Buddhist tradition, there are problems you can do something about and ones you can’t. This is one I can’t so what is the point of getting in a snit? They can’t very well have the event without me and, if I’m late, they’ll understand why.

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Btw, I made my connection.
More later with pics.