Stranded by the Railroad – 1

(http://paula.pederson.files.wordpress.com/2014/07/train.jpg)

 

A visit with our daughter in Oxnard, California included a whale watch around the wild and craggy Channel Islands. Afterwards, we decided to follow-up with a trip to see our San Diego granddaughter.

My husband bought the Los Angeles Times specifically to solve the Sunday crossword puzzle on the train ride south. So when the loudspeaker later blared a request urging all passengers to dispose of their trash, I rustled up the news sections, circulars and coupons, and searched unsuccessfully for a  receptacle.

“Where can I dump these papers?” I asked the conductor as the train pulled to a stop at Disney World’s Anaheim station.

He pointed to the foot of the ramp. “Right in that barrel.”

“Is there time?” I asked.

“Sure,” he said, helping an elderly passenger to board.

I started down the ramp with the newspapers and looked up just as a hissing sound told me the train was pulling out of the station. I realized I had left my purse on the seat next to my husband. It contained my credit cards, checkbook, and cash. Still, the comforting bulge in my pocket told me that I  was not alone. I had brought the cell phone.

What could I do but wait three hours for the next train? I called our granddaughter and sat down  to wait. Mike would find a way to call me even though I had the cell phone.

What a nuisance! Still, I soon realized how fortunate I was. My husband had just sped by on one train and our granddaughter would meet me at the next one.  It could be a lot  worse.

 

Have you ever been stranded with no money or ID?