Amtrak: A Colorful Trip

F8PJ & Charleston Center for Photography

Andy and I are currently in Washington D.C. for the annual D.C. Shoot Off. When we went to book our tickets, the airlines wanted $1,600 dollars! We were both floored and started thinking about driving from Charleston to D.C. However, I don't do well in long car rides and Andy doesn't like how I drive. Since Andy would be doing all the driving, it just didn't seem right to drive. It was then, I suggested taking the train.

When I lived in England, I road the train a lot. How different could it be in the States?

STACY'S PHOTOS...

The series of photos I'm about to share with you are full frame (no crops) and have only been toned in Adobe Lightroom 2. I shot them with the Nikon D3s with a 24-70mm lens.

Walking into the train terminal was like walking into the past. The floor and chairs were green and all of the wood was worn ragged.

The exterior of the building wasn't standing the test of time. The paint was peeling and the medal was rusting.

The terminal was located in the poorest part of town. Therefore, the compound was fortified with chain link and barbed wire fencing.

People from all walks of life came to the train station. I didn't know what to expect, but I was pleasantly surprised.

Andy was as surprised as I was. We both had fun watching other people on the train and taking pictures.

The seats were spacious and reclined all the way back. From the time we got on the train until the time we got off, we were allowed to use all of our electronic devices. They even had electrical plugs! Did you know that you can check up to three bags at 50 pounds?!!? Crazy!

There was plenty to see out of the window. Some of scenes weren't as picturesque as others. But I still enjoyed it.

All in all, riding the Amtrak was a fun experience. We still have our return ride and I plan on shooting a bunch more. If you have a chance to take a train ride in your life, I suggest you try it.

ANDY'S PHOTOS...