Dolphins and Deer and Coyotes, Oh My!

A wetland area where I often see deer from the train.

A coworker and I were walking from the train to the office recently, and I was telling her about the loud people in my train car that morning. Her response was, "I love this commute. It's way better than the El." She was referring to the El in Chicago, which stands for "elevated train." It's basically a subway, but it is mostly above-ground.

Since I went to college in Chicago, I am quite familiar with the El, and had to agree with her about the Coaster being a much nicer, cleaner, and quieter ride. What strikes me as the biggest contrast, however, is the view.

The ride from Oceanside to downtown is right along the coast, sometimes yards from the ocean. Certain times of the year I can see the sunrise over a lagoon or the sunset over the ocean. It is quite stunning. And quite different from the grimy city view you get from the El.

Along with the beautiful scenery is the wildlife that comes with it. Beautiful white cranes, ducks, and rabbits are commonplace. About a dozen times I've seen deer right next to the tracks in a field. Often there are three or four together, and, in the spring, there are usually young deer with their moms. A couple of times I've seen dolphin playing in the waves in the morning; when this happens, the whole car switches their attention to the ocean. The sight of dolphins never gets old. Once I saw a coyote disappearing into a thick stand of trees.

So even if certain things about commuting on the train are inconvenient or annoying, the views often make it all worthwhile. After all, I could be in an underground subway looking at rats and graffiti.