Embark on an unforgettable adventure across the heartland of America and the breathtaking landscapes of the Canadian wilderness with Erik, a wanderer whose soul finds solace in the rhythmic cadence of train wheels.
’Rocky Mountain Railroad Odyssey’ weaves a tale of more than just tracks and stations-it’s a story of human connection, love, and the unbreakable bond forged on the rails. Erik’s passion for train travel takes him through the Midwest, the awe-inspiring Rocky Mountains, and along the picturesque West Coast. Yet, amidst the stunning vistas, he grapples with a persistent loneliness that shadows his every mile. It isn’t until a chance encounter with the vivacious Candice in Reno, Nevada, that his journey takes a dramatic turn.
Together, Erik and Candice embark on thrilling escapades, tracing the historic route of the legendary 'Olympian Hiawatha’ through the rugged mountains, and find themselves ensnared in the perilous world of the casino mafia. As Erik navigates treacherous terrain, the promise of true love seems distant, leaving him to traverse the solitary roads of his heart.
However, fate has other plans. In the town of Jasper, Erik’s path intersects with Amelia, a radiant spirit from Edmonton. With her, the sun rises anew in his life, illuminating a path that winds along the Pacific, from the vibrant streets of Vancouver to the sun-kissed shores of San Diego. Their love story blossoms amidst the rhythmic symphony of wheels against tracks.
Little do they know, a shadow looms over their idyllic world-a shadow that threatens to eclipse their newfound happiness. ’Rocky Mountain Railroad Odyssey’ is a captivating blend of travelogue and romance, where the grandeur of legendary trains like the California Zephyr, The Empire Builder, The Canadian, and even the Milwaukee Road become the backdrop for a love story that defies all odds.
’Step aboard, and let the journey of a lifetime begin.’
Spis treści
Contents
Eriks Journey through North America
OPENING 5
THE CALIFORNIA ZEPHYR 11
- Rails to the West 15
- Denver Stopover 23
- Through the Rocky Mountains 31
- Candice from Montana 41
- Through the Sierra Nevada 70
THE EMPIRE BUILDER 83
- Whitefish in Montana 95
- Edmonton, Canada 107
- Journey to Minneapolis 109
- Northbound to Winnipeg 123
- On board the 'Canadian’ 134
- Amelia from Edmonton 143
- Erik goes to Jasper 145
- Maligne Canyon 147
- The Train to Vancouver 160
THE COAST STARLIGHT AND THE PACIFIC SURFLINER 165
- Erik in Hamburg 167
- Reunion in Vancouver 171
- Portland and Mt. Hood 183
- The 'Coast Starlight’ – first part 193
- If you are coming to San Francisco … 198
- The 'Coast Starlight’ – second part 202
- Los Angeles and Santa Monica 220
- The departure 247
THE OLYMPIAN HIAWATHA 255
- The Trail of the Hiawatha 268
- The Rescue 282
THE CANADIAN 295
- Edmonton 295
- The End at the Elbe 296
- A New Life 305
About the Author 315
O autorze
Nils Eriksen is a journalist and author. The German-American has made numerous trips through the USA, Canada and Mexico. He has been particularly fascinated by the passenger trains on which he has criss-crossed the country. But Eriksen also enjoys traveling by train in Europe, in Scandinavia and the UK. With 'Passenger from Chicago’ he has published his first novel, having already written for numerous magazines as a journalist. Eriksen lives in northern Germany – when he is not traveling in North America or Europe. More information is available on his homepage: https://nils-eriksen.de.