About those boaters' asses. Seems that anyone that isn't actually working for the railroad is compelled to moon the passing train. Our route followed a river for several miles, and we probably saw a dozen different bare behinds. As a veteran mooner myself, I have no problem with it. My only confusion is on how well-coordinated the efforts were. I guess it's just a powerful word-of-mouth campaign. Next time I'm in a boat on that river, I'll know to drop trou and slap cheeks.

The other reaction to our train was the waving from just about all the railroad workers along the track --- as well as from some of the better-mannered boat riders. That struck me early on in the trip (when the train was still on time and I was still relaxed and pro-rail-travel) as to how cool that was, that the universal reaction was a friendly one. Just call it a promising sign for the future of the human race. Next time a passenger train comes through your town, give 'em a wave from me.