Getting around NYC

The first challenge we had to tackle was getting to NYC. Flying is a last resort for us and who wants to drive in NYC? So, we decided to drive to the nearby train station, Garrison Station, and take a train into NYC. This worked very well for us and I would encourage anyone to consider it. However, this choice did come with a few hiccups.

First, when we got to Garrison Station, I was disappointed to find it was unmanned. Guess we were just going to have to figure it out. Thankfully, with the help of signs, other travelers and Holly's brief knowledge on riding a train, that's just what we did. We figured out how to pay for parking, figured out how to get to the elevator to cross the tracks, and figured out how to use the app to activate our tickets.

Next, when the train arrived, there were crew members to help. I did have to search them out. Had we waited to be asked if we needed help, that train would have left us behind! When I asked about how Kimberly could board the train, we were directed to the front of the train. Keep in mind, we are dragging with us a lot of luggage. Once we got to the front, that crew member took out a ramp that would allow Kimberly to cross the gap between the platform and train. Unfortunately, it didn't fit well so they directed us all the way to the back of the train. So, down the platform we went, with all our bags and everyone else already on board waiting for us. At the back of the train, the ramp didn't fit any better. The team member told us they had just resurfaced the platform and I guess no one had taken into consideration how this would affect the ramps. Really?!! Thankfully, Kimberly's powerchair can handle a bit of uneven terrain, so I let the team member know that we could still cross with the ramp as it lay.

On the train, we were able to sit together, next to our mountain of luggage. There was even an outlet so that Kimberly could conserve her batteries. When we got to Grand Central Station, we had the stress off moving all our luggage off the train, through the station and out the correct door to meet our Uber. But, we did it! The train trip back to Garrison Station after our time in NYC was much the same.

Funny story, on our Uber trip back to Grand Central Station, Kimberly says to me, "Mom, we could do this, just you and I." I felt the same way, until I remembered that half our luggage was in the other uber with Holly and Anna. There is no way I could manage all that luggage without help. Anyone else want to go to NYC with us?