AMERICA From the window of a train

On a round trip from Maine to California, rail-riders gain a different perspective on the nation's cities, train stations and backyards

By BY KAREN HAMMOND TRAVEL ARTS SYNDICATE

Photo by The Associated Press

A sign on Denver's Union Station encourages would-be travelers to "Take the Train."

ADVERSTISMENT

PORTLAND, Maine - "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step," wrote the Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu. My own journey of more than 7,000 miles began when I stepped onto Amtrak's Downeaster in Portland. It was the first leg of a trip that would fulfill a longtime wish to see the United States by train from coast to coast.

Travel, Pages 85, 90 on 06/01/2008