BY GEORGE I THINK YOU HAVE GOT IT., Best wording of my feelings too. I just wish I did not have to include a plane ride as a part of my rail trips.The people, adventure, conversations, overheard conversations, memories, sleepless nights, gritty big cities, small towns, vast empty space ... I can't put my finger on it exactly. I love the whole atmosphere and always feel like a I go through a range of emotions when riding the train.
Aloha