Wow, I was just reading a story last night about a group of gay friends traveling Colorado and other parts of the West in a special vintage Amtrak with a domed observation car. It wasn't a narrow-gauge train, but your photo of the front of the train and the view below reminds me of one of the spectacular scenes they described.

I love traveling by train, though there aren't many opportunities in the Midwest where I live now. Back in the day, I used to travel between Manhattan and Montreal via Amtrak sometimes. (Well, to points south also, but that's not as much to write home about.)

There's a point where the Amtrak route to Montreal closely follows the cliff-rim of Lake Champlain, for many miles. It's a spectacular view you almost can't get anywhere except on that train. (Driving a similar route, you won't see any of the lake.) Such a beautiful experience!

Of course, my emotions are probably hazed by the fact that I was deeply, newly in love, and I was usually on the train to go to Montreal to spend a few days with my lover. Eventually, I moved to Montreal.

But I still think about that scenic route with fondness, even if I never did see Champy, the Lake Ness monster's American rival.

Even without being in love, there's just something about traveling by train that's calming and centering.

Thanks for sharing your story!