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8 best train journeys across the country

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8 best train journeys across the country

There’s a lot of scenic beauty to explore in the country, and one of the best ways to do so is by train. Traveling by train allows one to take in the gorgeous scenery and stunning countryside in one of the most relaxed and luxurious ways possible. Here are some of the best train travel destinations to explore for those with a little extra time and the desire to be engulfed in delightful views.

Coast Starlight
The Amtrak Coast Starlight is a daily train that runs between Los Angeles and Seattle. This 35-hour journey takes visitors through cities like Santa Barbara, San Francisco, Sacramento, and Portland. It gives them a chance to witness a variety of land and seascapes, from the shoreline of the Pacific Ocean and the golden valleys in California to the lush snow-capped mountain peaks in the region. The best views can be seen from the train’s observation lounge.

The Vermonter
Want to get the most out of a single train journey? The Vermonter may be the answer. This train ride takes travelers through nine states, giving them a chance to marvel at some of the largest cities, farming valleys, and even mountain ranges. Covering 611 miles, this train makes several stops along the way, with major attractions being Washington, D.C., New York City, Long Island Sound, Hudson River Valley, and St. Albans. There are no sleeper cars on the train.

Sunset Limited Train
For the penultimate train trip, travelers must take the Sunset Limited. This train journey, offered by Amtrak, covers 1995 miles over two days via cities like New Orleans, San Antonio, Tucson, Phoenix, and Los Angeles. Running coast to coast, this is a stellar way to witness the variety the country has to offer – from glimmering bars and high-rises through the deserts and all the way up to the gorgeous sandy beaches in California.

Metro-North Hudson Line
Those looking for shorter, daytime journeys may be interested in the Metro-North Railroad Hudson line that runs between New York City and Poughkeepsie. Traveling over 69 miles, this train takes about an hour and a half to get travelers from point A to point B, stopping along the way to admire art and food offerings. It is a stunning way to take in the art scene of the area for a small price!

California Zephyr
To make a leisurely trip across North America, take Amtrak’s California Zephyr train that covers a distance of 2438 miles over 52 hours. A classic among train enthusiasts, this journey covers the prairies, deserts, the Rocky Mountains, and even the Sierra Nevada as it makes its way from Chicago to San Francisco. And if this couldn’t get more magnificent, the lounge car in the train boasts floor-to-ceiling windows, offering travelers stunning views throughout.

The Grand Canyon Railway
Want to explore one of the greatest natural wonders? Take this train from Williams, Arizona into the heart of the Canyon Country, exploring the gorgeous forests and deserts along the way. It’s an excellent option for those looking for a day trip or perhaps a picnic, as it allows travelers to get out and explore the area on foot as well before boarding a return trip with delightful sunset views.

Denali Star Train
A flagship journey offered by Alaska Railroad, the Denali Star is a major tourist attraction. It connects Anchorage and Fairbanks, traveling a distance of 356 miles in 12 hours. Along the way, travelers get to experience some of the most scenic views, such as the valleys full of Alpine meadows along the Knik River, Alaskan glaciers, and the Chugach Mountains. There’s also a scheduled 30-minute stop at Denali National Park and Talkeetna for those looking to get a quick glimpse of the region. Adventure Class tickets offer comfortable seating and great views, while the Gold Class tickets are inclusive of food and a couple of beverages throughout the day.

New Mexico Rail Runner Express
Another great option for a short journey, the New Mexico Rail Runner Express runs between Albuquerque and Santa Fe, covering a distance of 97 miles in 90 minutes. This train ride gives travelers a view of the arid mountains and the high deserts while serving as a practical intra-state travel option for locals.

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4 healthy foods for nursing mothers

Mothers who have recently delivered babies don’t have sufficient nutrition due to the loss of blood and lactation. As a result, they have to carefully choose foods that are rich in calcium, carbohydrate, unsaturated fat, iron, folic acid, protein, and vitamins B6, B12, C, and D. Thankfully, healthy foods and supplements can help them regain strength and supply breastmilk to their newborns. The top four superfoods that can help nursing mothers include: Bananas Bananas are less expensive, available throughout the year, and considered a superfood for nursing moms. They are rich in nutrients, healthy carbs, vitamin B, antioxidants, and phytonutrients. Bananas are also abundant in potassium, calcium, and pectin, a source of energy. Experts claim that having a banana every day can help moms regain the energy they need to take care of the baby and breastfeed. Potassium is crucial for maintaining fluid balance in the mother’s body and aids in the rampant transmission of nerve impulses.  Bananas can also aid in regulating blood pressure. It can prevent constipation, aid in regular bowel movements, and promote healthy gut bacteria. These fruits can provide about 1/4th of the vitamin B6 required for nursing moms, which is crucial for hemoglobin production and fighting antibodies.
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6 toxic plants to keep away from dogs

It has become the norm to keep ornamental at home, especially since they beautify the space tremendously. But, if you are a pet parent, you must exercise caution in picking the potted plants you want. While some plants can cause vomiting or dysentery, a few can cause respiratory, digestive, neurological, or cardiac problems, leading to death. If you have become a pet parent recently, here are six plants toxic to dogs to note: 6 plants that dog parents must take note of Sago palm Sago palm is a very popular ornamental plant for indoor and outdoor spaces. It is known by many names like coontie palms or cardboard palms and is part of the Cycads group of plants. It contains multiple toxins, including cycasin and BMAA. Every part of the sago palm is toxic for your dogs, and the seeds can be the most dangerous. If a dog ingests even a small amount of any part of a sago palm plant, it can affect its nervous system, liver, or gastrointestinal system. You may see symptoms within 15 minutes or many hours. The most common reaction is gastrointestinal irritation, with initial symptoms like drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea. It can also lead to serious complications like neurological problems, resulting in weakness, seizures, and tremors.
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Pets

6 human foods that cats can safely eat

Cats are picky eaters, but they may jump with glee if you share a titbit from your plate. Felines love variety in food, and you can share some of your food if it is nutritious and non-toxic. Moderation is the key when you feed human food to your cat so that it does not cause any allergies or digestive issues. Here is a list of six human foods that are safe for your cats: Eggs Small quantities of cooked eggs are good for cats. You can set aside a tablespoon of scrambled egg or a piece of a boiled egg while you cook some for yourself. Don’t season it, add any oil or butter, or  feed raw eggs or yolks. Eggs contain a protein called Avidin that may prevent the absorption of Vitamin B. Raw eggs could contain Salmonella, a bacteria that can infect the GI tract of both cats and humans. Severe infection may lead to death in cats, while humans may need hospitalization. Vegetables Cats are carnivores and are partial to meat; a non-meat diet may not excite them as much. However, you can feed small portions of a few vegetables that can supply your cat’s fiber, protein, and nutrition requirements.
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4 tips to manage flea and tick infestation in dogs

Dogs get affected with fleas or ticks due to spending time on grassy trails, lush parks, or moist areas. And these pests can cause itching and skin damage if not controlled in time. Flea and ticks leave eggs and larvae on the coat, which can be challenging to eradicate. They can also lead to Lyme disease and other debilitating conditions. Following are tips to manage flea and tick infestation in dogs: Consider the following treatment options Bravecto chew Bravecto chew is a chewable treatment option that you can administer along with your dog’s food. It contains fluralaner, an active ingredient that spreads quickly through the dog’s tissues and the skin. Fleas and ticks in the coat ingest minute amounts of fluralaner, which affects their central nervous system, killing them within 12 hours. One dose of Bravecto is effective for about 12 weeks. If your dog is sensitive to the treatment option and vomits within three hours of ingestion, contact your vet, as it may be less impactful in killing the ticks and fleas. Bravecto is also effective in preventing heartworms and intestinal worms. Simparica This prescription treatment option is ideal for dogs over six months and can be administered monthly.

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