They call the commute between cities "Train Runs" and it's kind of an event. The Pie Car (dining car on the train, good food none of which is actually Pie. funny isn't it?) is open 24 hours during train runs and can become the closest to a hang out that we have here on the train.
Another popular thing is to hang out in the vestibules - that's the area between cars. That's become my favorite thing to do and has yielded some great viewing. Like I've said, that train goes where cars don't (and vice versa!) so we get to see some countryside unaffected by people. Lots of folk here love taking pictures, and I joined in on the tradition. unfortunately all those pics I took wouldn't load! I apologize for that. I got some of what I thought to be good shots of some bayous and beautiful lakes, but alas they are lost forever. I did retain some shots of some damage, but thought it tacky to post those only, if at all. We've all seen enough of that...
The train runs yield some of the best sleep I've ever had due to the gentle rocking of the train. the trains can't go faster than 55, so it's not a raucous ride by any means, still one does have to "crash proof" one's room before a run. All the cabinets in my room have locking hooks on them so they don't swing open and they provide rubber straps for securing T.V.s and whatnot. Of course the biggest chore is walking to and utilizing the facilities during a run. The development of "Train Legs" is a must as I'm quickly learning.
