By the way, any Amtrak coach bathroom can become a shower! Especially the handicapped bathrooms.
I see these at the 99 cents store all the time
Can someone explain what " these " are and what is involved in using them?
I get the impression that it is some kind of hand held device which fits over the faucet and makes a shower like in a motor home.
Would this not make a wet mess in the bathroom, requiring that the room be wiped down and moped?
This idea ,if practical, would be a great help on my journey.
Posted by train lady (Member # 3920) on :
It is simply a hose with a shower head at one end that attaches to a faucet. It would be totally impossible in a coach. In the bedrooms they have a shower curtain to pull across the door,coach wouldn't and everything would get wet. It is just as easy and fast to take a sponge bath. You can't wash your hair that way but after all how dirty can one get sitting in a seat all day?
Posted by Room Service (Member # 2405) on :
quote:Originally posted by train lady: You can't wash your hair that way
Not if you're Rapunzel, no. But a dude with a short hair cut can easily get a quick shampoo withiout making a mess. Trust me. And, that's all I was suggesting, not a full-on soapy body shower. Just be sure to bring a small towel.
Can you not see the image below, johnhedge? If not see. Posted by sbalax (Member # 2801) on :
I would think a wash cloth and a plastic bag to keep it in when it's wet would be the better answer. I wouldn't think the crew or your fellow passengers would appreciate you using a coach restroom as a shower.
BTW, John, I really envy and admire you for taking this trip on!
Frank in wet, cold SBA
Posted by johnhedge (Member # 4241) on :
Kinda of what I thought it was.
If it seems too good to be true, it probably isn't!
Thanks for the idea and the input.
Posted by TwinStarRocket (Member # 2142) on :
For those like me without much hair left, I have no problem washing it in coach. I pack little bottles of shampoo and cream rinse, then use the paper cups to rinse after lathering up over the sink. Use of products that can be left in the hair compensate for the lack of a thorough rinse.
Posted by sbalax (Member # 2801) on :
John--
I checked your blog and it seems like you've really thought things out well. Printing out your meds and condition is something I just started doing after a small stroke. It can make things so much easier for everyone if something should come up.
Frank in still wet SBA
Posted by dilly (Member # 1427) on :
Although it might be more trouble than it's worth, here's a thought. . .
It's possible that some of the cities where you'll be changing trains (without actually staying overnight) may have a municipal swimming pool or two, where you'd naturally be able to take a shower. Obviously, you'd need a long enough layover between trains. You'd also have to do advance research (online and by phone) to see when the pool is open, whether it requires an entrance fee, and whether it's even reachable on foot or by public transit.
Another long-shot shower option is a local health club (particularly of the chain variety), which typically offer guest passes to prospective members. Again, with enough time between trains, you might be able to "tour" the gym (bring shorts and a t-shirt), pretend to test the equipment for twenty minutes or so, grab a quick shower, and endure a sales pitch (to which you'll respond, "I'll think about it."). I don't know what sort of story you'd have to spin over the phone to get them to send a guest pass to you at your current out-of-town address, but if you've got a good imagination and a streak of con artist in you. . . .
Naturally, in both shower scenarios, you'd have to stash your backpack at the train station if possible (or leave it with a fellow traveler who's switching to the same train that you are), lest you raise suspicions that you're merely there to use the facilities.
Which, of course, you are.
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Posted by johnhedge (Member # 4241) on :
Already covered that approach as my blog will show. I will be using the YMCA in Galesburg Ill as there are few options there,
I also need laundry facilities and a grocery store near by.
YMCA's are from $10.00 to $25.00 depending on how big the town is, to use the facilities.
Very few stations have left luggage areas, unless you are sleeper class, since 9/11. I have my " must have " items with me and would feel uneasy leaving them with a fellow passenger, If they came up missing the results would be disastrous if not fatal. Special medicines and equipment needs.
Posted by Mr. Toy (Member # 311) on :
The device shown in the photo is designed to slip over the spout of a standard household bathtub, forming a tight seal that forces the water through the hose. It is too large to fit over the spout of a sink faucet, much less a tiny Superliner sink faucet. It is intended for people who live in older houses that have no shower, just a tub, or those who want to be able to direct a spray somehwere their shower head won't go. They are sold in the plumbing departments of most hardware stores.
Posted by amtrakwine (Member # 4265) on :
Most stations that have checked luggage wil let you leave luggage with them behind the counter,whike you leave the station. I know San Antonio and Ft Worth will although Ft Worth will charge you $2 per bag.
Posted by Room Service (Member # 2405) on :
quote:Originally posted by Mr. Toy: The device shown in the photo is designed to slip over the spout of a standard household bathtub, forming a tight seal that forces the water through the hose. It is too large to fit over the spout of a sink faucet, much less a tiny Superliner sink faucet.They are sold in the plumbing departments of most hardware stores.
The ones at the 99 cent store are just the right size for a Superliner sink faucet. I own one.(Guess how much I paid for it?) I've used it several times when traveling long distance coach. It fits perfectly. Works great! I just couldn't find a photo of one on the Internet.
Posted by sbalax (Member # 2801) on :
They will hold bags for you at LAUPT for $2.00 each. Be sure to ask about the hours they are open, though.
You'll be headed out soon and I'm looking forward to following your adventure. What day will you be on the Starlight headed north. If I'm in town I'd like to at least come down to shake your hand.
Frank in wet, again, SBA
Posted by sbalax (Member # 2801) on :
John--
I just rechecked your itinerary and realize you will miss SBA and some of the prettiest scenery on the Starlight route. I'd hope to shake your hand but that will have to wait for your next adventure.
Best,
Frank in slowly drying out SBA
Posted by PaulB (Member # 4258) on :
Almost every staffed station can hold your bags, but they charge $2 a bag.
Posted by blancoj (Member # 2918) on :
You could always buy a couple of packets of No Rinse Bathing Wipes. These are pre-moistened washcloth sized wipes that you can use for bathing, and you don't have to rinse off afterwards. My friends use them on camping trips.
