Train

Where do I start on this post.... The train ride SUCKED! We got on in Fullerton, and the speaker announces STANDING ROOM ONLY FOLKS! Travelling alone, no big deal. But with 2 small kids (one crying), it dissolves into a massive headache. And I'd personally like to thank the people on that train for not even offering to volunteer a seat for a lady with a baby - one dude had a table for 4 and just looked at us like we were crazy.
Eventually, a very nice girl gave up a single seat and CAmLo and the girls crammed in. We got to LA, and the conductor announced that we had to leave the car we were in, and find different seats for some reason. We left, and of course there were no seats to be had. When we returned to that cart, she had allowed other people to come in and get comfy. So i was talking to this guy who grew up in Oxnard, and had finished his tour of duty as a US Marine... and he was pissed off. Basically, he said screw this, i'm going in there and you follow me. He snagged 2 tables, and told the conductor that if she planned on forcing us to move, ww3 would begin right there in that car.

So here's to you, Mr Oxnard Marine train dude! (Oh and they had Arrogant Bastard Pale Ale on the train... that helped)
And for all you smarty pants out there, I took this panorama as we were approaching Simi, well after the crowd had diminished.

for higher res image, click here

What a ride indeed!! Poor little XAmLo was so tired of all the people crowding and pushing...thank the train gods that LAmLo was okay. But fortunately it all worked out and we spent the last half of the ride in comfort with good beer..;) Thank you for sure Mr. Oxnard Marine, not only were you the only guy to give up your seat to a lady with a babe in arms, but you scored a comfortable table for our family of 4! You are a gentleman.

Now we all have colds...blech!! No fevers, just scratchy throats and stuffy noses...thanks to all the germy train crowders. Oh well...we'll live...;)