New York to Florida via train

As though being baptized into the true start of my journey onto points unknown, we dive deep under the riverbed of the Hudson for 2.5 miles, to emerge into New Jersey and commence 26 hours of heading south on a single train. Here the landscape is less alluring, although we still often follow waterways. The sun sinks slowly on the horizon and my attention drawn into a long-awaited book.

In Washington D.C. We change engines; here the lines switch from electric to diesel.

The accommodations are relatively spacious and much more comfortable than traveling by plane. I can stretch my legs out fully in front of me, and the seats have foot & leg rests to make sleeping while reclined more comfortable. Unfortunately even when they finally dim the cabin lights around 10:30 pm, they are still overly bright and the cabin a bit too warm. Despite these discomforts I sleep decently. Unfortunately the train doesn't quite have the soporific effect that ferries have for me.



I awake a bit before sunrise, and am greeted by a giant glowing orange orb rising just above swampland. The reflection in the standing water surrounded by trees is stunning. Overnight I passed into southern pine ecosystems, which I have read about but never really experienced. They feel simultaneously disconcerting and perfectly right in this warm, humid environment. I associate pines with cold, harsh, dry conditions at altitude, not this warm, moist, lush place.





The journey across Florida takes most of the day, and the vegetation shifts from out of southern pine land and into more tropical vegetation. Water becomes even more prevalent and birds proliferate over the marshes and swamps. I have completed my transition from snow and ice covered temperate forests into sub-tropical warmth.