It has been an awesome trip and we are topping it off with a return trip on the Amtrak Auto Train. We left Jeff's at around 8 this morning and arrived in Lorton at 10:30. We ate breakfast at McDonalds and then walked around the plaza until 11:30 when the train station opens. We were about the 20th car in line and took about a half an hour to get checked in. Should have arrived a little later as there were no backups after that. They stuck a magnetic number on the side of the car, we unloaded our carry-ons and went into the station to check into the train. It all went very smooth and we walked around, watched them load the vehicles and shopped until 2:25 when we could board the train. The roomette was very small but comfortable once you got settled. We walked the length of the train twice before our dinner seating time of 5. We had a choice of 5, 7 or 9. It was a sit down meal in the dining car with numerous choices for an entrée. The meal was included in the fare and was excellent and we met fellow travelers from Ft. Meyers who were on their 7th trip. We had beer and wine in the lounge. Our porter turned down (set up) our beds at 8 and we retired early. Alesa insisted on the upper bunk and read while I watched the world go by before retiring. The train, while the equipment a bit dated, was quite comfortable and the personnel were very friendly and helpful. Alesa would have much preferred an in-room toilet . The rest rooms were like airline restrooms and there was one at the end of the hall and 4 more downstairs as well as a dressing room with a shower.
It is an exciting adventure!!