The feeling about this trip to the Ford Museum in Dearborn, Michigan was more about being forced into a world of unknowns after being securely wrapped in quilts for the past two years. Traveling by train requires putting a great deal of trust in a system that starts off underground in big cities. In Chicago the main terminal is on the block bordered by Jackson, Canal, Monroe, and the Chicago River. A fair number of the Union Station food stalls were still closed but all essential services were available although the bar was about an hour late opening for the day.

Amtrak waiting room before boarding 352 Wolverine train.

But there was comfort in our numbers as Richard Willis & Ann Crofton, Kevin & Lori Carlson, Jim Renkar, Bill Kalafut & Jean Heasley, Bill & Debby Mennell, Bill & Sally Hedrick, Dean & Kerry Hickenlooper, Victor & Suzanne L’Heureux, Ray & Susan Hansen and we were herded hither and yon until being permitted to make the final dash to our designated car on the 352 Wolverine train, the farthest car down the line. Amtrak personnel were very helpful getting us up the icy steps and onboard. We clustered together in the far end of the car, seating so that passing snacks and beverages would be easy later and not as disruptive to the other passengers. The seating in Amtrak cars is expansive and luxurious without any resemblance to seats fit into commuter trains. And there was no one trying to sell us seats with more leg room or telling us the lavatories were closed for security purposes.

Ford model A—some assembly required.

The train departed on the minute given by the schedule, stopped at 6 stations along the way and arrived at Dearborn within a few minutes of the scheduled 4 hours 54 minutes. We did not have very much time to sample the many appetizers, cookies and other treats and there were very few beverage glasses. However, the occasional clunk as someone deposited a napkin and paper plate in the waste container suggested there may have been a lot of Perrier bottles emptied. The Dearborn Station is new and complete with a small locomotive on display. The hotel shuttle picked us up and we were in the hotel in a few minutes. The hotel kitchen had closed except for deep fried food sales and most of us chose the adjacent lounge out of health interests. The very long walk to the rooms was moderated by the automotive art on the corridor walls.

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