Train Transportation #AtoZChallenge

It's "T" day in the Blogging from A to Z Challenge. My theme has been "From Florida to Vermont With Stops In Between". 

But, up to now, I haven't shown you how we are traveling (at least in my imagination) from place to place on my blog.  Are you ready for the big reveal?

Say "hi" to the Auto Train. In real life, the Auto Train runs, once a day in each direction, from Lorton, Virginia (about 20 miles from Washington, DC)  to Sanford (just north of Orlando), Florida, and vice-versa.  It leaves (if it's on time) between 3:30 pm and 4:00 pm and arrives at its destination (if on time) around 9am the following morning.

I've written several posts about the Auto Train, but I can't give you any current description because I haven't been on it since January, 2020. But this is my imaginary journey so here we go.

Please note that you can't get off anywhere.  You are on the train nonstop.  The train itself makes one stop (more on that later) but only to change crews and load on supplies.

Today, we are going to take the Auto Train from Sanford, Florida to Lorton, Virginia. At one time there was a plan to bring it into Washington, DC but there is a tunnel it would have to pass through and the cars with the auto racks are too tall.

Why the name? In order to ride, you must have a motorized vehicle (car, van, some motorcycles, and, depending on room, a limo) and there is a separate fare for the vehicle depending on what it is.  You don't have access to the vehicle during the journey.

Both stations look basically the same from the inside.  Also, both stations serve only the Auto Train, so only Auto Train passengers and Amtrak personnel are inside the terminal.

Let's board.

One of the cars on the outside.  I'm not a train "geek", so I don't know what the function of this car is.

Ladies and gentlemen, this will be our locomotive.  Actually, there are two of them.

This train is long.  Very, very long.

At full capacity, it holds approximately 300 cars and the passengers accompanying them.  The only place you can see part of the train is around a long curve in Jacksonville, Florida.  In the upper corner, you see part of the front of the train. 

The one stop is in Florence, South Carolina, which is the midway point between Sanford and Lorton.  There is activity, but it's pretty quiet.  It's also a good time to visit the bathrooms because the train is standing still.  Or, if you aren't sleeping, you can enjoy the view of a major medical center.

Sunrise or sunset somewhere.

 And we've arrived in Lorton, Virginia.

Tomorrow is an off day for the A to Z Challenge although I will post a non A to Z post (probably about spring).  

Monday, we resume, with a Music Moves Me musical post devoted to the letter "U".  Join me then!