Heartland Flyer

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Oh, my gentle snowflakes, the next time I climb onto the train for my trek to Texas, I will be participating in a grand experiment.

The Heartland Flyer will begin testing a renewable biodiesel blend to run the train. photo:Bill Accord

The important thing here is that the biodiesel does not involve the use of food crops. This biodiesel will come from beef byproducts! (Something we have plenty of in Oklahoma.)


Two, count 'em, 2 of my favorite things:
1) alternative energy (reduction of the use of fossil fuels, especially foreign crude oil) and
2) riding the train.

I ask you, how happy can an old girl get?
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Riding the Rails

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Tomorrow I will be doing one of my favorite things. I am going to get on a train and ride to my destination. I love it.

The seats are huge. The leg room is very spacious. When I sit in the seat and stretch my legs A-L-L the way out in front of me and point my toes, I can almost touch the back of the seat in front of me. The seats recline and there is a leg rest that can be popped up. There is a snack car for refreshments--sandwiches, chips, ice, beverages (including alcoholic if one is old enough).

The trip/ride/time spent is also very relaxing. It decompresses me. I read. I look out the window and actually have a view. The clackety-clack of the wheels on the rails is hypnotic. The sway of the car lulls my jangled nerves. It is a very pleasant way to travel.

Yes, it is not as fast as air, but it is wa-a-a-ay cheaper. I will pay (and this is not mis-typed) $21.25 and spend a little over 4 hours on the train (about the same as driving time & no traffic to worry with). The cheapest air fare I can find is $139.10 with 1 hour flight time plus the 2 hour pre-boarding mess plus the waiting for the luggage at the destination airport. Come to think of it, sounds like the time factor is about a wash.

To board the train, I do not have to take my shoes off. I have never been body searched before getting on the train. Although I do have to show a photo ID.

TAKE THE TRAIN.