Cincinnati to Charlottesville, VA, The Cardinal, Train No. 50
Coach seats on the Cardinal train
The man sitting across the aisle from me unloads a large orange duffle bag from his back onto the train’s overhead baggage rack. I know I’ve met someone from a different region when I hear him ask in a soft, southern accent: ”Do you need any help with your bag, ma’am?” I acknowledge his kind gesture with a warm smile and a shake of the head, no. I travel light.
He looks as though he could toss my bag overhead with one arm. His strong build and gentle manner reminds me of how nice men can be. His beard is shabby in an outdoorsman kind of way. His brown hair holds a slight wave. He’s dressed casually in faded jeans and a blue sweatshirt.
“That’s quite a load to be carrying on your back,” I say.
“I’ve been working and camping at Yellowstone National Park for 78 days. I’m returning home to Alderson, West Virginia.” That’s all he says before he begins viewing several music websites on a laptop.
“Are you a musician?”
“No. I’m retired from federal law enforcement.”
“What does federal law enforcement mean?”
“I worked at the federal prison in Alderson for six years and before that twenty some years at the federal penitentiary in Tallahassee, Florida.”
“You were a prison guard?”
“Yes.”
“I bet you have some stories to tell.”
He smiles but doesn’t continue. I put my curiosity aside. I leave him to his music sites. Some rail passengers are friendly but they don’t want to get into long conversations. I understand that. Train travel may be the only time when people get to relax with their own thoughts. He’s been traveling a long while and looks ready for home.
Federal prison for women in Alderson, VA
The federal prison for women in Alderson where he worked is where domestic arts matron Martha Stewart spent time. Its nickname is Camp Cupcake. I learn this while listening to volunteer train narrator Al LaDriere describe the beautiful mountain river region the Cardinal train passes through. He got on in Charleston, West Virginia and reads his script over the train’s radio system. He stands in one of the train vestibules with two doors on either side of him. Everyone onboard can hear him.
Volunteer narrator on Cardinal train
Al works through the Huntington Historical Railroad Society enlightening passengers on the privileged path they are taking while on the Cardinal train. It is truly a scenic route made more visible by the lack of leaves on the trees. The harshness of winter is over but spring has not yet arrived.
The rivers seem only an arms length away. The mountain trees look as though someone has painted their tips silver. I stare and listen and like the prison guard grow quiet.
Scenic views on the Cardinal train
