If the weather were always like this we might never leave, which would be a shame because the world is full of seductively beautiful places. But we do know that the golden warmth is deceptive and the ice age will follow.
Train roughly three and a half hours late - actually unusual on westbound though sadly the least that can be expected coming east. Mussolini had many obvious failings but making the trains run on time is not an insignificant achievement - though one most of Europe does manage. It’s a remarkably scenic trip any time of the year but this time the leaves of the birch trees have turned but not fallen and the tamaracks are an even more brilliant feathered gold, all reflected in the many lakes along the track.
Naturally arrive late - after ten - in Winnipeg, having been warned that we will be required to stay on board for safety reasons during some fifteen minutes of servicing. Fifteen minutes stretches and most are patient, bar one young man, in withdrawal from nicotine or worse, who paces the aisle talking to himself about the need to bust out. Seems there was one possible means of early exit though. An ambulance is seen outside and rumour quickly establishes that an old woman drank too much in the bar car and fell downstairs. Confirmed by a man in the seat behind - “six doubles while I was there”.
And Jennifer, graciously uncomplaining, has waited to collect us.