Amtrak's Vermonter

 Now that Brian and Anita are just a train ride away, I was happy to discover the Vermonter, popular among college students (there are 5 colleges/universities in the county where they live) and snow skiers.  

Here's the map showing all stops.

Yes, there are a lot of stops but the drive takes about 8 hours and so does the train between DC and Northampton MA.  On the train I can get up and walk around, go to the cafe car, restroom, etc. any time I want.  Also, you meet the nicest people on the train.

It was extra nice to reserve a seat in Business Class.

Lots of leg room and privacy.

Here are shots along the way.

1st view of Philadelphia

Arriving in NYC

First time on Amtrak traveling on the other side of the city.

Long Island City

Innis Arden Golf Club, CT

New Rochelle CT

I disembarked at the unmanned station in Northampton MA.  Only then did I realize that the coach cars were full of college students returning from spring break.  Another reason I was really happy in Business Class -- nice and quiet.

Scenes on the return trip.  

Berlin CT on the Conneticut River

State Capitol in Hartford

By the time we passed through NYC heading back to DC it was too dark to take any more photos.  

When I arrived at Union Station in DC the cab line was really long, so for the first time I used Uber.  Got a delightful woman who had been driving for 2 years with Uber and it started raining while we were on 395 but she was a very safe driver in heavy traffic.  Guess I'll use the service in the future.