Montana Day 2

This part of my trip was the longest, and most enjoyable part of my trip thus far. I was met with challenges and blessings in surprise after surprise.

Saturday morning I woke up at my campsite to the sound of trains going by and got my things together to head to the station. It was cold, and the sun was just rising while I somewhat regretted having to put my sleeping bag in its stuff sack and take down my tent. With my black canvas shoes I climbed down to the grounds entrance to get my ride.

Once on the train I sipped some coffee and anticipated winding through the mountains. In the packed view car, where the seats face large windows that extend into the ceiling, I found a seat and let my heart be filled by the beautiful trees, streams and mountains before me. Orange casts from the sun made for an epic journey away from my day of solitude in Glacier National Park.

As the trees began to thin and the ground began to level, I disappointedly felt as though I was headed toward the central valley of California. Not long after it seemed that all foliage had disappeared our train was stopped. A freight had derailed some ways down the track and we were going to be at the station in Montana for a while. We were advised not to leave the station incase the tracks were cleaned faster than expected, so I meandered about looking into the tiny town of bars and casinos and a shut down JC Penny's. Sometimes I would walk a little ways from the station feeling rebellious, then become concerned about missing the train and would walk back. It was really funny, my small attempts at getting away.

Hours ended up going by, and those with closer stops were bused off. An attendant informed me that Chicago bound passengers would be at the station overnight. At first uncertain, having only vaguely talked to a couple people behind me and feeling quite alone I paced about. It was not long before I put off the uncertainty and embraced the time off the train.
There had been people around me with grocery bags, so I stopped a person walking by and found how to get to the grocery store in town. I walked the five or six blocks feeling no rebellion, knowing that I had about twelve hours to kill. The night ended up well with a veggie meal, a glass of wine, some harmonica playing, writing and drawing. After a picnic in the parking lot at sunset I got back on the train, and fell asleep.

Montana Day 1

A lot has happened since Seattle. I will begin with my first day in Montana.

Leaving Seattle: Late afternoon as the sun set over the shore. Conversation with a guy in front of me that finds us sharing stories about our times in YWAM being overseas (India on his part, Nepal on mine). My first train friend that I made on my journey. A note with words of encouragement, and reflections of his prayers for me, signed his hometown "Dallas, TX," and a number to call if I need help in Montana. My first realization that time flies on trains.


Arriving in Montana: Well rested from the train, as I am small enough to curl into the reclining seat with leg rest. My most intimidating part of the trip, hundreds of miles away from anyone I had even an association with and camping alone. Long walks along the highway, grilled cheese from friendly locals at the only open restaurant, rivers and trees. One strange experience of a man stopping along the road to talk to me, and later, me buying a pocket knife. Safe warm night in a campground rec room playing ping pong with friends of the owners. MAKING A FIRE FROM ALMOST NOTHING. Sleeping cozily in my tent and waking up to the sound of a train passing by.


These small bits of my travels are some key moments in my trip, but could be expounded upon to a large degree. Even more than these things were all of the feelings I had finding my way to where I was going, feeling the appreciation of making a new friend, the adventure of exploring through unknown territory, the uncertainty of standing out as alone (which I realized I did far more than I thought I would), and the feeling of accomplishment in finding that I was quite fine and quite glad to be on the road, alone.



Next post: Day 2 in Montana; with a new location

The Traveler: Stop One

After a short flight, I arrived in Seattle, greeted by rows of pine and clear blue skies. A bus took me downtown where I managed to find Pike Place Market more easily than I expected. It was a strange feeling, walking around a city with my pack on (one man stopped me to say, "Your pack is as big as you!" and another to say, "Got another 5,000 miles to go?" I answered, "Almost," to that), but I maneuvered my way through the people. found a cafe for lunch, and purchased a handful of honey sticks for the road. I proceeded to walk all the way up, through downtown and into Capitol Hill where I visited more than on coffee shop, read Throreau and wrote.

This morning I plan on getting some more coffee (I have to take advantage of the situation) taking some pictures, and hopefuly finding my way to a bus to the Amtrak station, so I can get on the road to Montana, where I will arrive tomorrow morning.

Thank you to all of my friends who were came to say goodbye, and to the some who endured about 4 "last nights" with me this week. Thank you to those who couldn't make it but have extended me your warm wishes, thoughts and prayers.

I gave in and brought my little digital camera along with my film camera, so there may be more pictures when I arrive in Chicago and have access to a computer again.


Much much love, Meg

Ebarking

Today I embark on a journey I have anticipated for what feels like years. I have wanted to hit the road since returning from YWAM, but felt that I should commit to finishing school. Now I am done, and with my things packed in my backpack I will set off to Seattle, Glacier National Park, Chicago, D.C., Philly, and finally arrive in my new home, Brooklyn, NY. Thank you to everyone who requested that I keep on blogging because you want to know what's going on. I'm not sure what the road will bring in terms of blogging, but if it is possible I will share with you all my adventures here.

New York, please be ready to accept me with open arms are rush hour in Penn Station in just a few weeks. I would appreciate greatly your kindness as I attempt to maneuver myself across your great city.

Much Love, Meg