I recently took a month off to visit friends and family while I gathered my thoughts and figured out where I was heading. These photos were taken on my trip out of Marathon and back again. I rode trains, flew planes and sat in cars a lot. Here are some photos of things I want to always remember:

I found the backmost train car. It has a cute porch outside a door with an OPEN button. But alas it would not.

Goodbye Texas, my longtime summer lover.

Sitting in the observation deck I overheard an old man say, “You just gotta wonder how many bodies are buried out here…”

I went exploring and found a deserted stripped out train car. The lighting and decor is eerie. I call it the Hobo Room. Many a train jumper, desperate smoker and late night partier has hung out here. At least in my imagination.

This open door onto the Amtrak train car flaunts free rides on a luxury superliner to the travelling hobo. I could have boarded for free!

Welcome aboard!

Little boxes on the hillside…

Taken during the trip back:

I found this reflection somewhat ironic, while sitting on the toilet, thinking about heartbreak.

I’d only seen a picture of one of these as a concept years ago. It was fun to use it!

My new friend Hiram teaches me Gin Rummy on the Train. We whisked away hours playing over pizza and coffee. And some sweet jazz courtesy his laptop.

Of course I whipped his ass!