The train ride was that relaxing and that comforting as far as health precautions are concerned. My next trip on Amtrak could, quite simply, be a ride from Rhinecliff to the Albany-Rensselaer Station, where I just board a return trip back down the Hudson and call it a day. We hadn’t even reached Hudson yet and I felt a burden was lifted from my shoulders. There were also relics of river shore industry that spoke of the Empire State’s rich hist ory. With all my bases covered, I was left to g aze at the Hudson River and Catskill Mountains. And my comfort level was boosted by the strict enforcement of masks. There was little foot traffic in the aisle during the trip.

I couldn’t see th e person in front or behind me. The ride left me feeling as though I had my own pod. train in Rhinecliff.Īmtrak is currently hosting 50 percent capacity, which left the seat beside me empty. With the year-long restrictions on movement, public gatherings and socialization prompted by the pandemic, I can’t tell you how exciting it was on a recent Saturday to board the 11:59 a.m.