An invitation arrives for a Bar Mitzvah in Albany, NY. Three or four hours behind the wheel of the car on a busy summer Friday evening is the prospect. I go to the Jericho Library and take out Books on Tape to listen on the long trip. No matter what time we leave, the traffic going north to the Catskills and the Adirondacks will be heavy.

On Thursday night my genius wife comes up with an idea, "Let's take the train to Albany." Usually I squelch all brilliant ideas as either being too expensive or we won't have transportation when we arrive at the destination. This time I listened and the plan made a lot of sense.

Lorraine called Amtrak and made the round-trip reservations. Getting the senior rate was a huge help. We boarded the Long Island Rail Road at the Hicksville station. (Also senior rate.) In 45 minutes with one small suitcase apiece, we were at the Penn Station ticket window of Amtrak. The place was buzzing with Friday afternoon travelers. We were told by the ticket personnel that since gas passed the $3 mark, the railroads were busier than ever.

Looking up at the huge train schedule for the time and track is always an experience. When the track number pops up and the crowds rush for the down staircase leading to the silver train, the anticipation is heightened.

The trains are air-conditioned and brand new, with lush seats and a lot of legroom, unlike most airlines.

As we pull out of Penn Station, our signed tickets are collected by the conductor. Soon we are going north paralleling the beautiful Hudson River. The river is wide and the opposite shore is verdant and tree-lined.

The Hudson is one of the world's most beautiful rivers. The Palisades on the Jersey side are majestic. We pass the George Washington Bridge and examine its powerful abutments anew. The Bear Mountain Bridge is next. A blinding rainstorm arises, we can't even see the river as it is raining so hard. We thank the Fates that we have chosen a comfortable, safe, dry method of travel. Soon the rain abates and the sun sneaks out.

We arrive in Albany, NY in a relaxed and rested condition.

The other guests, who drove, were caught in the downpour and in many traffic jams, in five and a half hours.

My wife is a genius, sometimes!