New York By Rail 14th ed. | Page 8

From Our Readers Pat Carter I Deb Lee ’m an avid cyclist. I travel with my folding bicycle, which can be boxed and carried as luggage on the train. The Mohawk-Hudson Trail, located within the eastern Erie Canal Heritage Trail, factored into my decision to move from Schenectady to the Albany suburb of North Colonie. At least once a year since 2009, I’ve ridden the “century,” or 100 miles, from Utica to North Colonie. I’ve also ridden north from Rome to the hamlet of Ava. Last October I did a North Country odyssey: Amtrak’s Adirondack to Rouse’s Point, where I rode to a motel, and then to St. Albans, Vermont, for the next day’s southbound Vermonter. I took Amtrak back to Rensselaer, a CDTA bus into Cohoes, and rode home from there. This summer I’ll travel on the Lake Shore, storing my folding bicycle in the baggage car racks, to view the total solar eclipse from the Katy Trail outside Jefferson City, Missouri. —Bill Claytor, North Colonie, New York For sleeping in coach, I made a lightweight sleeping bag out of a big piece of fleece—it stays put and keeps me covered better than a blanket would. I also bring along a U-shaped neck pillow—best invention ever! I sleep like a baby on the train! —Deb Lee, Highwood, Illinois I take the 4:40 a.m. train and love looking at the scenery so early in the day. To see the sun coming up on the train ride is so peaceful. —Pat Carter, Syracuse, New York Celebrate Celebrate with us this Celebrate with us this summer! with us this summer! For a list of events: summer! canals.ny.gov For a list of events: canals.ny.gov For a list of events: canals.ny.gov 03-06-17 CAADVCONF_r2.indd 1 6 | New York By Rail 03-06-17 CAADVCONF_r2.indd 1 3/13/17 2:51 PM Amtrak.com 3/13/17 2:51 PM