Romancing the Rails: A Trip on the Empire Builder
Sampling the magic of old-time train travel, a couple riding west finds time to relax, reconnect and experience an almost bygone era.
A buzz of adventure
I realized as I researched this trip that we wouldn't be pampered cruise-style. Online photos show train cars and equipment that's more than 40 years old, built before highways and air travel pushed rail travel out of the mainstream. Even Amtrak, the federal rescue of the passenger rail system, is turning 40. I figured what the journey might lack in luxury would be made up in authenticity with a buzz of adventure -- suburban, Midwestern us on the Orient Express.
After all, could a trip aboard a train called the Empire Builder be less than epic? Ken remains dubious: Will his Blackberry work? Sure, I say (not a lie, just incomplete research, I later protest).
Pictured: The Empire Builder makes a stop at the Red Wing, Minnesota, station.
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