Ride the Empire Builder

Not many people in the U.S. consider trains a viable transportation option, but they exist, and they're pretty awesome.

Not having to go through a TSA screening is almost enough in itself, but trains have several other distinct advantages...

-They look pretty neat.

-They make sweet "clunkity-choo-choo" noises.

- Walking from one car into the next provides opportunity to pretend you're an action hero.

-They have retro sleeping cars with neat-o fold down beds.

-You get to talk on your cell phone. "I'm on a train..."

-They have grandiose names like "Empire Builder" and "California Zephyr"

-They have bars. With liquor, beer, and wine. Lots of it.

They also take you to exotic small town America, where your local bar/casino/dance hall is also your live bait supplier.

Oh, and the Empire Builder takes you through Glacier National Park, and the view is awesome.

Did I mention the full-service restaurant car on the line? With a view of a National Park while you dine...

on steak and drink wine? (I didn't intend to make that rhyme, but even so, it'll be fine.)

Then Oregon's Mt. Hood appears in the distance, and you skate along the Columbia river, to arrive in a rustic old Oregon train station.

Assuredly, the best way to travel.

P.S. Did I mention the booze and steak?

Ciao!