Salem: Train Day

A couple of weeks ago we took the train to Salem (Oregon, not to be confused with the place where the Salem Witch Trials were held). We went on the train because we had a two-for-one offer and we wanted to see how train travel was in the US. We chose to travel to Salem because it is the capital of Oregon and we wanted to see another city.

We happened to take the train on National Train Day, which just meant we were given a nice sticker. We made pretty good use of public transport that day, catching a 6:00 am bus from near our place into the city and then taking the 7:30 train to Portland, where we caught a bus to Salem, arriving by 12:45 pm or so.

Getting off the train in Portland. For Portland to Salem we caught a bus for about 45 miles.

The train station in Salem, which is between Eugene and Portland.

When we arrived in Salem we took a stroll around the city. Willamette University has a very pretty campus that was worth walking around.

Willamette University. According to a local, you have to say Willamette so that it rhymes with dammit.

A Fraternity.

Eaton Hall, retro style.

We also toured around the Capitol Building, which is where they make the laws for Oregon State. It is actually the third version of the building and was built after the other 2 burnt down.

G doing her Incredible Hulk impersonation with the ruins from a previous Capitol Building.

The Capitol Building. The golden guy at the top has a pretty impressive axe.

The city of Salem has about 150,000 people so it is pretty small but it still has plenty of things to see and shopping areas to check out.

G posing near Pringle Park.

Pringle Park.

Waiting for the 6:40 am train back to Seattle. What a quick trip.