©2014 Ted H. Schaar
13. Merced to the Ace
Merced station.
Photo by Pedro Xing. Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.
(http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Merced_station_2387_06.JPG
w#mediaviewer/File:Merced_station_2387_06.JPG)
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Waiting
Station was functional, practically empty, about half a mile from the closest business. Hanging
out
Two groups walked in and out. One was a trio of late-teen guys looking for something to do. Two Hispanics and a European-American--all smokers. They seemed familiar to the depot manager who had an angry exchange with the bigger Hispanic kid. Women
The second group comprised three late teens or early 20s lesbians. Two were a couple--at first I thought the slim, dark one dressed in black with chrome chains and slicked back hair was a man. But, later, when she swaggered by, I noticed small breasts through her camouflaging clothing. Her love interest was a buxom blond who displayed a lot of cleavage, pin-up style. Later I noticed them smooching torridly against the depot wall as a train approached. The third member had a classic tomboy look. She wore jeans and a dumpy sweatshirt; had messy, blond-brown hair; and looked angry. Pam developed a problem with her eyes and called a cab to take her to Walgreens. Fortunately it had her prescription in a database so it was as if it was just down the street. Lesbians, bored youth, national Walgreens. Completely twenty-first century. |
Merced station.
Photo by Pedro Xing. Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.
(http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Merced_station_2387_05.JPG
#mediaviewer/File:Merced_station_2387_05.JPG)
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Coach
Our train to Sacramento
was on-time, and a smiling conductor helped with our
bags.
For the short duration of this leg, we sat in coach seats, which are plenty comfortable and ten times better than anything you'll find on a plane. A young mother with her small daughter and son sat near us. Both kids were asleep in one train seat when we boarded, but the daughter woke and was overtired for the rest of the trip. Mom was patient and loving. When we got to Sacramento, Pam and I watched the kids while she collected their luggage. We walked a ways through the Sacramento depot's lower recesses and eventually found the train to Portland known as the Coast Starlight, got aboard, and were able to sleep about five hours. |
Wednesday morning in Oregon.
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When
religion ruled the world
Had breakfast with a friendly retired couple from Portland. The husband was a former restaurant owner, and she had been a middle school teacher. He was a guitarist, owned a Fender Stratocaster and Telecaster, and played a Gibson J-50 on loan from a friend. Progressives, all, we talked about Wisconsin's currently Dark Ages politics. |
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Greenery
Oregon plants along the tracks look like they'd grow well in Wisconsin, but the Cascades in the distance make it clear we're a long way from home. Lush. Rolling through here is like being in a green tunnel. Conifer and deciduous trees down both sides of the track. We've disappeared into five tunnels, some fairly long. At the moment, we are waiting for freight trains to clear the rails ahead. |
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Portland
Text to Tim in Portland: "Coming at you. Hope to do a little picking. Staying at the Ace Hotel, but just one night. Leaving Thursday. Uncle Ted." Tim: "Welcome to Oregon!!" "Be there soon. Only about 1/2 hour away. Will call when we get to the Ace." |
| Got to the Ace Hotel (above)
in a cab that had a sign on the inner back door that said:
"Support local businesses, pay cash." I paid cash. |
Platform beds, unusual decor, felt right at home, highly recommended. Thanks, Tim.
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