On the Train headed West

When we boarded the train, the first thing we confronted was our double cabin.  Our room was 7’ x 5’.  Stacked bunk beds on the left, a two foot walkway, a recessed sink on the right, a W. C. (Toilet) room that was 2’ x 2’.  There was a storage space near the ceiling above the sink (Chuck had to climb the ladder and hang across).  Also a closet which was less than 9” deep (the only saving grace of that was that no one could hide in it!).  We had been instructed that we could each bring two small bags.  Chuck and I each had a backpack and shared a wheeled carry-on.  Our other piece of luggage was checked through to Jasper.  If one person was doing anything —washing their hands for example—the other had to sit on the bed and stay out of the way.  It took some real effort to make it work, but the second day was easier than the first.  By day the beds disappeared and two arm chairs appeared (they folded flat and were under the bottom bunk at night).  There was a shower room for each car.  It was really pretty good.  First you adjusted the temperature and then you punched the button for 30 seconds worth of water.  I think it took me 5 punches to shampoo and shower.
The Dining Car provided excellent food and service.  We ate at the first seating the first day and the second seating the second day.  Entrees included Prime Rib and Rack of Lamb.
When we left Toronto, we went through tall trees on either side of the track for mile after mile.  Once in a while we saw a lake.  Nothing else.  Eventually the prairie started.  Some people called that boring but it was far more interesting to us than all those trees.