A Day in Our Nation's Capital En Route to Florida on Amtrak
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By GERRY and PAMELA BARKER
North Palm Beach Life Published April, 2020 It was about 1 pm when Amtrak's Capitol Limited pulled into Union Station in Washington DC. We had almost six hours of free time before we had to board the Silver Meteor that would take home to West Palm Beach. Plenty of time to explore the nation's capital complex, only a short walk from the station. It was a glorious, late-October day -- the air crisp, clean and cool. Put on your walking shoes and join us! |
The magnificent Union Station is the second busiest in the country. First opened in 1907, it serves five million riders a year. It also houses lots of shops and restaurants.
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Union Station
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Outside the station, looking toward the capitol.
The Supreme Court
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Pam strikes a pose in front of the capitol building.
Photos by North Palm Beach Life |
The Library of Congress spans three buildings, and contains almost 170 million items in its collections.
We stop to admire the fountains
James Madison, our 4th president. We had
lunch in the Madison Building's cafe. |
Inside, the workmanship will take your breath away
The library's upper floor and ceiling
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All too soon, time to get back to the station ...
The Amtrak counter in Union Station. Washington also serves as Amtrak's headquarters.
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We'll depart Washington around 6:40, and arrive in West Palm Beach
almost 24 hours later. |
Pam outside the ClubAcela waiting area. It's a relaxing lounge where travelers who have booked a sleeper can get a snack, watch TV or just chill.
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After almost a month away, we're home again...
Pam with our luggage at the West Palm Beach station
