The
Shinkansen, also known as "The Bullet Train" is a vast network
of high speed rail lines in Japan. Reaching speeds up to 186 miles
per hour (and more recently 200mph), these bullet-shaped trains are
aerodynamically molded and lightweight, enabling them to fly across
the countryside, thus reaching destinations quicker (and more
efficiently) than other modes of transportation. Currently in the
US, the only high speed rail is from Boston to Washington DC
(Amtrak's Acela Express), averaging 68mph overall, reaching a top
speed of 150 mph during a few brief segments. Rumor has it that a
dedicated high speed line is being planned for California, linking
Anaheim and San Francisco via Los Angeles and San Jose.
Here in the lower Hudson Valley, commuter trains are
commonplace, with thousands of daily riders to/from NYC. Most ride
on Metro-North, yet occasionally you will catch a glimpse of an
Amtrak rocket barreling through. Personally, one of my favorite
moments is watching a train roll through a river valley, no matter
what type, which brings us to this cache.
During your pursuit, you will paddle across the Peekskill Bay
where the Annsville Creek spills into the Hudson River. Taking a
bee-line across the bay, you'll be going parallel to the tracks,
and are likely to witness the spectacle of which I have mentioned.
With the resounding boom of a horn, chugging of an engine, and the
click clack rattle of axles across the tracks echoing throughout a
scenic landscape of the Hudson Valley, how can you not lean back
and enjoy the world around you?
