Time warps

I must give a certain amount of credit to Allan, my favorite roommate of the four at the Grand Canyon. He has this remarkable ability to convince me to do the most improbable things. So, it should be no surprise to learn that only hours after my arrival in Los Angeles I was at a shooting range squeezing off 50 rounds from a Sig-Sauer .40-cal. automatic followed by hiking to Paradise Falls in Wildwood Park on a terrific set of trails near Thousand Oaks. And that was just day one!

The Southwest Chief had arrived 30 minutes early at Los Angeles Union Passenger Terminal and although I had my fears, he was there awaiting my arrival. Wonders will never cease. I simply hope picking me up was not on par with getting up to go dishwashing at the lodge. On those occasions, he was NOT a morning person. This time, and for the next two days he could not have been a better host. We not only had a great time just "hanging out," but he did his best to treat me to things I would never have done on my own. Like wandering down Hollywood Boulevard on a Friday night or going to Universal City's famous City Walk on Saturday. I even coaxed him and some of his friends into lunching at a sports bar for as much of the LSU/Ole Miss debacle as I could stomach.

The only disappointment I encountered took place at the famous Grauman's Chinese Theater. My excitement at spotting Olivia de Havilland's footprints was met with a vacant stare. And they had no clue who anyone else was, either! Having just seen "The Wizard of Oz," it was also fun to spot Ray Bolger and Billy Barty's stars on the sidewalk. And there was Frank Morgan, too. Maybe I just know my films better. Or maybe I am just old! There was an equal lack of enthusiasm for the DVDs I found at the Virgin Megastore. Who has not heard of "The Rocky Horror Picture Show"?? Or Brad and Janet? Depressing, for sure!

Sunday morning arrived and after watching a few minutes of the Cowboys game, it was time to board The Coast Starlight to Seattle. A hug goodbye and it was farewell to my little brother. The train was early and as we head for Oakland we are still on time. I'll spend a few minutes describing this leg in my next posting, but now it is time for a Bailey's or two before I turn in. After a Bloody Mary (made the right way by Josette in the lounge car}, a wine tasting, a "Star-tini" with dinner and these late night toddies, I will snooze well in my upper berth.

Before I go, though, Allan deserves one more thanks. Unlike some of his peers, who I discovered the word "maturity" is foreign to, he is genuinely an enjoyable young man to know. I will always appreciate that he chose to room with me at the Grand Canyon, but even moreso I will always be grateful that he has chosen to continue our friendship beyond that day we said "goodbye" at the North Rim Lodge. Goodnight, Allan! This last Bailey's will be to your success and good health.