As a passenger rail fan, I loved Jean Thompson's Oct. 8 commentary on rail travel. Amtrak may never again depart from Appleton, but that shouldn't discourage potential train travelers.

Greyhound from Appleton takes you directly to the beautiful Milwaukee Amtrak station. You can park in the ramp next to Appleton's Greyhound station for $1 per day.

Hop Amtrak's Hiawatha in Milwaukee for a night or two in Chicago, or take an overnighter from Chicago to Denver (California Zephyr), New Orleans (City of New Orleans) or Washington, D.C. (Capitol Limited). From Milwaukee or Columbus, Wis., you can hop the Empire Builder for an overnighter to East Glacier Park, Mont., or continue on to Seattle.

Today's transcontinental train travel isn't for everyone. City-to-city routes, like Milwaukee to Chicago, are more predictable because they're based on the business traveler. Long-distance trips can be quirky experiences, sometimes requiring humor and patience.

But for "off the beaten path" souls, know that adventure in U.S. travel still remains via Amtrak from Appleton (with a little help from Greyhound).

C. Leigh Driessen,

Kimberly