In 2019, I did not rack up as many miles as before. Nevertheless, I had fun and even had a few new experiences. Hence, I decided to share my 2019 year review with you. This review includes mileage reports, highlights of destinations and layovers, updates on family, 2020 hopes and dreams, and, I hope, a little travel inspiration at the end.
2019 Adventures
I visited the east coast from Washington, D.C., to Orlando, FL, and Charleston, S.C. My new travel destination is the Great Omaha, NE, area; also, the furthest west I went. This year saw my last trip to Charleston, SC, at least for now.
Road trips in 2019
This year, I traveled more via road trips via my least favorite transportation means. I guess around 6 of them to my sister’s new Nebraska home. Driving with at least one fuel stop takes seven to eight hours. I could get away with one fuel stop, but I found two works better, and then I almost had a full tank when I got to my sisters. Driving to Nebraska is not too bad but boring at points. The highlights include corn and other crop fields, windmills, themed rest stops in Iowa, and The Worlds Largest Truck Stop.
My dad and I also traveled to my grandma’s in northern Wisconsin. We gave her a smartphone, and for someone in her 80s, she eagerly learned how to use the phone and is doing well. While up there, we also visited my dad’s youngest brother and checked out the house he was building. We went with my grandmother to Fred Smith’s Wisconson Concrete Park in Philips. I drove past there several times but never stopped before. It was fun to share this experience with my dad and grandma.
Trains of 2019
This year I traveled 7,725 miles aboard 36 Amtrak trains, with an average of 215 miles per Amtrak trip. With Meta, Chicago”s commuter railroad, I went 1447.2 miles during my 28 times aboard their coach cars.
I rode a new railroad this year, the Omaha Zoo Railroad (OZRR), my two rides on the steam-powered railroad racked up 3.8 miles.
My total 2019 rail mileage is 9,176, and I boarded 66 trains with an average of 139 miles per trip.
Amtrak trains this year include the Hiawatha, California Zephyr, Capitol Limited, Silver Meteor, Palmetto, Silver Star, Cardinal, and the Carolinan with Metra North Central Service and Milwaukee District North.
Flying in 2019
I had two flights this year, and both were in December. Southwest flew me about 556 miles from Omaha to Midway on a Boeing 737-700. The other 515 miles trip went from O’Hare to Omaha aboard American/Envoy Air as American Eagle on an Embraer EJR-145. I am guessing, based on points, making 1,071 miles between the two (based on points earned).
Total travel mileage for 2019
Total of 10,247 miles on 68 rides averaging 150.7 miles per vehicle.
Road trips did not get included in these numbers.
What was new for this year
This year I had a few new destinations, including Raleigh and Wilson, NC; Kissimmee, FL; Papillion and Omaha, NE. New trains include the Silver Star and Carolinan. I took the long way to get to Kissimmee, FL, from Charleston, SC, and that trip had layovers in those North Carolina cities. If you are interested in that trip, check out this story.
My last flight was a few years ago, but I still remember the process. As I said, all my flights were in December and a week apart. The last time in the friendly skies was a triple first, a regional jet, using American Airlines and flying out of O’hare. Although it was on Christmas Day, all went well, and no issues.
Layovers and destinations of 2019
Washington, D.C.
One of my favorite Amtrak layover cities in Washington, D.C., because many activities are within walking distance of the train station. One of my favorite places to visit is about 1.25 miles away from the station, the Smithsonian National History Museum, where on this last visit, I saw my dream car (the photo above), a 1948 Tucker.
This city has a lot to offer travelers, starting with the train station. You can visit museums, restaurants, coffee shops, or other big-city entertainment. Many attractions are free of charge for the public, including the Smithsonian Museums, monuments, and government attractions like the Bureau of Printing and Engraving.
Raleigh, NC
For more than one reason, Raleigh was a fun stop for me this year: Gayle is another Amtrak fan. We are both members of a few Amtrak groups on Facebook. This wonderful lady is the contact person for North Carolina’s Train Host, a neat program that serves as a goodwill ambassador to the trains. Together we walked to the Morgan Street Food Hall and had a great meal at the Cow Bar, a burger joint in the hall. I had a great time meeting her and enjoyed her hospitality.
Disney World
I took a few weeks off during the Lent season (being a church organist, you go by seasons) for a long trip; part of the trip was to watch Abby for a week while my sister and family went to Disney for a week. My brother-in-law went down for a week, and then he flew back. After he returned, I took the train and enjoyed the parks for a week. My sister, niece, parents, aunt, and uncle visited the parks for two weeks.
Disney was never on my “must-go-to” list, but I went since I could. I have to say I liked Disney World more than I thought. My mom and sister made the experience more fun because they showed me their favorite parts of the parks. My first ride was with my sister’s, the Haunted Manson, and her excitement made the experience fun. My mom took me to the Hall of Presidents and the Carousel of Progress, her favorite rides.
We all stayed at Camp Wilderness Resort/Campground with my Aunt and Uncle in their R.V. My first trip “by sea” (in a while) happened there, too, because the boats were the easiest way to travel between the campsite and the park’s transportation area. There were buses, but water travel was usually closer and faster.
Omaha Area
Paula, Mackenzie, and I enjoy visiting the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium. I am not sure if the animals and entertainment are what I want or if I should spend time with my niece. We went several times over the past few months, and seeing the zoo through her eyes was fun. She notices more every time we go, and her little pointer finger points out what excites her. Her favorite exhibit is the aquarium, but she loves to play in the kid’s park and ride the carousel, although she is not brave enough to ride on an animal yet.
I enjoy riding the Zoo Train, two train sets powered by steam locomotives. The train gives you an overview of the zoo and a few animal areas behind the scenes. The train has two stops, but they are not far apart.
Kenefick Park is near the zoo, almost across I-80, an essential visit for railroad buffs. On static display, this park has two of Union Pacific’s giant locomotives, a Big Boy and the Centennial. Besides these seeing these two pieces of railroad history, you learn the history of the railroad. Be advised; that it is a small hike to get to the locomotives but worth visiting. The park shares a parking lot with the Lauritzen Garden to get two outings at one stop.
My Family in 2019
This year was fun and challenging, as every year seems to go. This year was less demanding than others, like 2017, when my hometown flooded. With fun comes struggles; going to Disney was fun, but having to share a bunk in an R.V. with your dad can be challenging what I do for cheap lodging. I am used to traveling solo, but most of 2019’s adventure was with family. I love to help out, but sometimes we can get on each other’s nerves.
As I sorted through the photos of 2019, it amazed me how much Lil Mack grew. When you often see someone, you don’t notice the changes, but I can see her mature after looking at photos from this year.
As you learn, my sister moved from the east coast to Nebraska this year.
Abby the Newfie
The Nebraska move made the 145 pounds fluffy Abby the Newfie very happy. Her favorite changes include a fenced-in backyard, cold weather, and winter with snow (unlike South Carolina.). She loves the freedom of sitting outside as long as her little doggie heart wants, plus she can run around and play.
The things she might miss are her friends and trips to the dog park. There are dog parks in the area, but my niece makes it harder for my sister to take Abby to dog parks as much as Abby wants. Abby and her family lived in an apartment complex with a dog park on campus in Charleston.
Little “Mack” Mackenzie
If you were to tell me that one day a toddler would mean so much to me, I’d call you crazy. I do not have a history of being a little kid type of person, but guess what? One little girl crawled her way into my heart and changed me forever.
As I call her, Mackenzie, or Little Mack, is an essential part of my life. I’ll tell you this; I wish other people were as excited to see me as she gets. She loves her Uncle Kevy (a nickname only a few people can call me) and loves to be around me.
My friend Ben B. once told me that being an uncle was incredible, and I thought, okay, sure, whatever. I found out he was right. As she gets older, our bond continues to grow. She does not have issues hanging out with me without her mom around. Mackenzie enjoys bringing me into her world by grabbing my finger and taking me to places; a quick pull of the finger means she wants me down at her level.
Ben, you were right; being an uncle is fantastic.
My sister and her hubby
As you know, my sister and her family had a significant change this year; they moved 1,280 miles from the east coast to the breadbasket of the United States. Over the past eight years, they moved from Wisconsin to Germany, then from Germany to South Carolina, and now to Nebraska. I am proud of how resilient and adaptable my sister and her husband are to the changes they have encountered. I am thankful for the destinations of Charleston and Omaha that I would not have explored without them being there. Plus, I am grateful for the airports and train stations pick-up and drop-off service, rides around, and lodging.
With Paula and the gang closer to Wisconsin, we are thankful they bought a house with more room than their apartment. Since we visited more and the family grew, more space is needed. They had a two-bedroom apartment in S.C., so these new “deluxe accommodations” are great.
There is a reason I do not talk much about my brother-in-law by name or publish photos of him. I like him; he is a great guy, a loving husband, and a father, and I am glad he is in my family. He is in the military with a specialty job. Because of what he doesn’t want me to say too much about his actions, I respect his wishes. His family has become a part of my family, and many are now big supporters of Travels with Kev.
My Folks
Last year my mother retired, and she quickly transitioned into her dream job as a grandma. To fill this role, she needs to travel, something she is not fond of doing. I help get her to go back and forth between home and my sisters. I think that makes me her “support traveler.” She could go on her own, but the staff would probably appreciate her having her travel buddy, plus it’s an excuse for me to travel.
My sister enjoys my mom’s help when my brother-in-law is away for training. Grandpa might be helping out soon. Realistically, Paula could deal with the homefront solo, but why not take help from eager helpers?
My father is about to join the ranks of full-time grandparents. He is finishing up his 47-year career in the glass container industry. He and I will celebrate his retirement by taking a train adventure, and we are setting up a trip to see a state he has wanted to see, Texas. Soon you will find out more about this trip.
Looking towards 2020
I know that 2020 holds forth several visits back to the greater Omaha area to visit Abby, Mackenzie, and the rest of the family. These trips start in January, two weeks after we just got back. These tips to the Cornhusker State will include car, train, plane, or bus to transport us.
Outside those trips, I am looking at visiting Philadelphia, PA, Clearwater/St Petersburg, FL, area, New Orleans, LA, and either El Paso, TX or Los Angeles, CA.
Travels with Kev’s website
This year has been the best year for this site! Traffic increased by 373% over last year. The site helped many people learn about food on Amtrak and changes to food service on eastern trains. I am thankful to you for reading my articles and for your support. If you do not follow me on social media or my email list, check here to learn how you can.
Running a site like this costs money, and if you are interested in supporting the website, check out this page or get ahold of me here. If you cannot or do not want to help financially, share this site with a friend (or close enemy) who could benefit from Travels with Kev’s information.
My wish for you
I hope this year allows you to achieve your travel goals and dreams. We all have to start somehow. If being for you means brainstorming destination ideas, great! Maybe start by purchasing the gear you need; that is great. For others, just booking tickets can be the thing that will get you started this year. You know yourself better than I ever do, but I know if you are here, you want to start traveling, or you’re an excellent supporter.
If you can’t find someone to travel with, that is okay; join the group of us that love solo travel. It is okay to go on your own, and several of us travelers travel the world solo, not just guys. You can always make new friends along the way, and with modern technology, it is more accessible to video chat with a loved one if you feel alone. It can be lonely at times, but I have traveled with others and felt more isolated than I ever did traveling solo.
You can do it, I know you can, but you need to take the first couple of steps. Don’t forget that fear and excitement are very similar emotions.
Thank my mom, sister, and some Disney Cast members for a few photos.
Safe travels!
Kev
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