11.13.16 “If it wasn’t for the hippies, we would still be in Vietnam”, says Kent, whose military haircut and downturned mouth belie the softness of his politics. We’re in the homestretch of the Empire Builder’s westward route, now out over the Columbia River. We had a signal problem in Spokane which set us back two hours, but the unanticipated benefit of this delay is a magnificently eerie sunrise, veiled by thick grey clouds over the river. In a few hours, we’ll hit Portland and I’ll hop off the train for about twelve hours. #8980bookoftravelers