This reminds me: I'm going to take a cross country train ride from California back to DC next month. I should finally read Pillars of the Earth. Very cool project though. I've always wanted to build a building of my own, a home perhaps, with as simple of tools as possible. Not 13th century, of course, but as much with my own hands as I can.
Are you familiar with Richard Proenneke? I highly recommend watching Alone in the Wilderness: Part One: Part Two:
This is a great little documentary(?). I think of it often.
I have heard of him! I've never seen Alone, however. He's one of the reasons I want to do a backpacking trip through Alaska. I also have grandiose pipe dreams of one day being in shape enough to do a tour of Alaskan crab fishing, but perhaps not in the same trip.
About 228, so almost exactly the same as flying, less if you count bag fees, so I see it as a win-win for me: no security or rushing, no fees, comfortable and relaxing, gorgeous view, and I get to be drunk. Not to mention, I love having conversations with people on the train.
Sounds wonderful. I remember checking the Golden Line or whatever the hell Amtrak has to get you from Seattle to Boston and it was at least a hundred dollars more than that. And frequently at least half a day late. Talk about a company dying for bankruptcy. But there's something romantic about the idea -- Jack Kerouac did it -- so I'll probably take one at some point, for fun and adventure.