Eventually, it was time to go. I said goodbye to Joy and farewell to this refreshing tropical paradise. Back on the train I was and was heading North to Washington, D.C. As expected, the scenery changed along the way, slowly abandoning the warm climate of Florida.

I was somewhat confounded when we pulled into the Washington station. Before me was a decent view of the city. Almost immediately, however, a freight train pulled up beside us and blocked the view. I was very displeased. (Later, I discovered this would not be a problem on the two-story "Superliners" which traveled the West.) Upon reaching the terminal, I switched trains once again and sleepily cruised towards the Windy City.