My trip to the Gathering ...plus RARE Mileage that I didn't really see

[MARC Rider]

Wednesday, November 6

Woke up outside Charleston, WV. What do you know, we were still running on time! It was a bit foggy out, and I was a bit concerned about whether I was going to get any view of the New River Gorge. But first, a nice contemporary flex breakfast.



Served nicely by the attendant, but notice: the fruit cup and the yougurt are mini sizes. Actually, so is the oatmeal. Fortunately, the attendant comped me a second oatmeal. I can't believe the cheapskatedness of it! Why can't they just serve the same size yogurt as they serve in the cafe car? Of course, availability of a bagel and cream cheese might be nice too. Actually, with the two oatmeals I was filled up fine, if a big sugared up. For lunch I had the chicken alfredo noodles, which was better than I expected, and for dinner, the same beef stew that I had on the Capitol, which was fine. Of course, if I wanted wine, I'd have to pay since I had used my free bottle the night before.

Other than the food, the ride was great. The fog lifted, and I had a great ride through the gorge.










We lost some time outside of Hinton.

 

[MARC Rider]

Wednesday, November 6 (continued)

Nice view of the Blue Ridge descending into Charleottesville.






After we left Charlottesville, it started getting dark. A uneventful ride to Washington.



We changed to electric, and then a quick ride up to Baltimore.





So long, Cardinal. Off to New York for you! Up the escalator for me.



Arrived about an hour behind schedule. I had no problem finding an Uber (half-price again!) to drive me home, and that's all, folks!

 

[jiml]

Excellent complete report.