THE GRAND TOUR

September 4-8/2023

Via Rail The Canadian-Vancouver to Toronto

Tucked into a lower berth in car 215, I lie mesmerized by the train’s motion. Outside the large window, trees stream past…suddenly a mountain…then a waterfall.

Early morning I wake, raise the blind…mist floats across a farmer’s field, a lone horse bends its neck, the morning light fogs the green fields to grey.

After several days of rocking back and forth, of hypnotic movement past my window, I notice that I can’t focus on reading or writing.

It occurs to me that train travel forces you into the present moment

You have no choice but to be here and now

I feel like I’m in a snugly, being held close and rocked back and forth, constant motion, being held, being fed… the dining car fragrant with delicious meals and good conversation

I am held close and rocked and taken care of so I go with it…I leave the reading and writing til later.