Louis Peitzman

We were warned that if we get off here in Alpine, Texas and the train leaves without us, there won’t be another one passing through until Thursday. (I’m safely in my room.)

Mostly just posting because I have good service, which has been a rarity this morning. Turns out a lot of Texas looks like this. Would love some variation soon, but in the meantime, I’m reading!

Just got to Sanderson, Texas. Not much to see, sorry! Posting this quickly while I have any service at all. We’re really just ambling along here, but thankfully I have really good coffee.

Also got so close to the border at some point just before I woke up that I got a text from my carrier welcoming me to Mexico.

Drifting in and out of service somewhere in south Texas. Here’s another moon shot.

You know what is not going to help me sleep? The fact that my door lock keeps not sticking. Not much I can do except hope the door doesn’t slide all the way open in the middle of the night.

I’ll be there very late and I’m in my pajamas, but thank you!

In Flatonia, Texas. Scheduled to get in to San Antonio quite early and then spend a few hours there, which would be more appealing if I weren’t already in my pajamas. On the other hand, I might be able to fall asleep while the train isn’t moving, which would be a blessing.

Delighted to find that my room has a nightlight, which is what they call this slutty blue lighting. It was missing from my last three trains.

Did slightly better with the sunset. Wish there was more to see, but I’m also ready to get under a blanket and watch my stories.

Almost too dark to see anything, so I tried to capture the big-ass moon from a moving train. Went about as well as expected.

Anyway, still here at the station for the next half hour. I really thought it would be bigger, because, you know, Texas. Spot the Houston skyline in the background.

Shoutout to the real heroes, friends who meet you at the train station with really fancy donuts.

There has been quite a bit of that even now!

No but I get it.

Getting into Houston enough to meet friends briefly, even though I am a rule-follower and was told to stay in sight of the train. (We’re going to be here over an hour! But I guess people do step off and not make it back in time, which is certainly a nightmare scenario for me.)

And yes here’s the San Jacinto River, since you knew that was coming.

Yes. Literally in Texas until tomorrow afternoon.

Looks like we’re going to get into Houston very early, which will make for an even longer layover. Hoping to meet friends at the station, so I’m not mad about that, but I wonder why there’s so much extra time padded into this route. (Better than the alternative of course.)

Look, I’m contractually obligated to keep posting bodies of water, such as the Neches River as we approach the station in Beaumont, Texas.

I couldn’t get a photo of the Sabine River without my hands prominently reflected in the window, but the point is, we’ve crossed the border into Texas.

Really enjoyed this view of Lake Charles, and I’m learning to appreciate the train’s occasionally moseying pace. The next stop is in Texas, so we are making progress!

This and a Diet Coke! (And butter cake.)

I don’t know how much planning goes into it! I’m always going between New York and LA, and there are only so many options, but I try to vary the routes when possible. This time I added in the mini New Orleans vacation. I can definitely answer any questions, though!

Fresh air stop in Lafayette, but I am focused on food at this time. When I tell you I have been dreaming of this totally fine veggie burger and a Diet Coke. There’s something about having this particular meal on the train. It always hits.

Sunny but raining hard, which feels ungodly. Just left New Iberia and should be in Lafayette shortly. I would describe the pacing of this train ride to be leisurely. Not that there’s anything wrong with that!

Lunch soon and I am very ready.

And here’s the Atchafalaya River! Still slowly making our way through Louisiana, so I’m keeping an eye out for any scenery of note along the way.

You know I’m going to point out a new body of water. This is Bayou des Allemends according to my sources (Google Maps).

The attendant said we’re going to be best friends and I do take that as a challenge.

One more glimpse of the Mississippi for the road.