During this month of thankfulness, I can't help but think about what railroad I'm thankful for. As I rode into work this morning, I had plenty of time to think about it. At 5 mph on the highway, my mind wandered.
My first thought? I'm thankful for the Canadian Pacific. The railroad runs right through my small town of Oconomowoc, Wis., carrying oil, grain, auto parts, and other goods. We see about 20 freights a day. Amtrak's Empire Builder makes its way through town on these tracks, too. Each day, I'm reminded as I commute to work, and parallel the CP rails for part of my journey, that it is because of the railroad that I work for a magazine that reports on the present, reflects on the past, and speculates the future.
As I was stuck on the highway, however, I also thought about how I was thankful for the high-speed-rail funds Wisconsin almost had. Are you sensing sarcasm? Perhaps. Nonetheless, our government was willing to provide funds once, it could happen again, and maybe the state will be ready for the connectivity in the future.
I am also thankful for the East Troy Electric Railroad, a 7-mile tourist railroad in East Troy, Wis., which provides a pleasant ride from its namesake town to Mukwonago, Wis., where you find The Elegant Farmer, a farmer's market with a pumpkin farm, apple orchard, and more. What I love about East Troy Electric is that it offers an uncomplicated opportunity for families to take children on a pretty little jaunt through the country on historic cars. Families will also enjoy its railroad museum and gift shop.
Finally, I'm also thankful for public rail transportation. I have fond memories of rides on the "L" in Chicago, my first train ride —maybe a story for a future blog post— as well as Chicago Metra trains, Amtrak's Hiawatha, San Francisco's BART and Muni, and Boston's MBTA. All of these train rides enabled me to have an unencumbered experience in some of the nation’s greatest cities.
Ernest Hemingway wrote, "It is good to have an end to journey toward; but it is the journey that matters, in the end." The railroad spearheaded my ability to use my skills as an editor. For that, I am also thankful.
So, tell me. What railroad are you thankful for? Is it the one you work for? Is it the one that brings you safely to work each day? Or, is it the railroad of your childhood? Please comment below and have a peaceful Thanksgiving.
Our community is FREE to join. To participate you must either login or register for an account.