As I write this, Wendi and KDcat have been en route to Portland for 39+ hours so far (including a long layover in Chicago)! Looks like they still have another 22 or so hours to go. What a monumental trip, eh ! Cross-country travel by rail really gives you a better appreciation for the distance, as compared with air travel or even highway travel. Imagine what it must have been like in the covered-wagon days!
So far, reports from the train have been not so wonderful. KDcat seems to be having a good time roaming around socializing. But, Wendi's experiencing some major motion sickness. Oddly, we never anticipated this problem -- which is incredible, as we spent more than a month planning this trip! But, it just goes to show you that you cannot anticipate everything in life!
Anyway, Wendi asked me to send a special shout-out to our friend Melissa who made a little scented sachet for Wendi to take along. She said the smell provided some comfort and helped stave off the motion sickness a little. However, she's currently afraid to eat much, for fear of getting sick. (She did have a small portion of some of the Lydia's organic raw cereal from Natural Zing.)
I'm sure she'll make it through to Portland without too terribly much more sickness. However, if anyone has any suggestions for dealing with motion sickness, please post a comment! She does have internet access from time to time on the train, and will likely see any suggestions you post!
I made a new category (called "2010 Trip") for all of the posts related to this grand adventure. I'm going to now go back into our blog and tag older ones (the trip itinerary and so forth) with that tag. Again, thanks to our Official 2010 Trip Snack Sponsor, Natural Zing!!
Original Comments
Below, we have included the original comments from this blog post. Additional comments may be made via Facebook, below.
On February 24, 2010, wrote:
Well, I'm delighted to hear KDcat is enjoying herself! But, poor Wendi.
Cocculus is a good homeopathic remedy for motion sickness. Unfortunately, that won't do her any good until she gets to Portland and can get to a health food store.
In the meantime: Don't read. Rest your head against the seat back, to keep it still. Drink LOTS of water.
Some peppermint or ginger tea might soothe your tummy if you're feeling nauseous.
xo!
On February 24, 2010, wrote:
Ginger Root! It works!
On February 24, 2010, wrote:
Wendi - I use ginger. So give it a try - get yourself some candied ginger, calming ginger tea... or pick up ginger capsules- Take 1 gram of ginger in capsule form at least 30 minutes before you travel and then take 1/2 - 1 gram more every 4 hours or as symptoms reoccur. Do not exceed 2 to 4 grams a day, as too much ginger can upset your tummy.
On February 24, 2010, wrote:
I have gotten really bad boat sickness and sucking on a piece of ginger really helped. They also have these little bands you can wear on your wrist.
On February 25, 2010, wrote:
Bitt is right, they are called "Sea Bands". Try maternity stores :)
deb
On February 25, 2010, wrote:
Hi
For natural motion sickness remedies, I have learned -
1) Acupressure - place your right thumb on the inside of your left forearm, three finger-widths from the center of your wrist crease. Breathing deeply, apply firm pressure with your thumb for one minute, then move your thumb about half of a finger-width closer to the wrist crease to apply pressure for one more minute. Repeat the procedure on your right forearm.
OR
2)if you can get to a store, you can buy candied ginger and chew on it while traveling, Or, get some ginger supplements - take two 500-milligram capsules about an hour before leaving on your trip and one or two more capsules every four hours while you re traveling.
Hopes this helps -
xoxo
On February 25, 2010, wrote:
superfoods don't do well in my tummy. i'd be sick without my fresh, raw, water-based greens & fruits. did she take greens with her? fresh, raw kale and lettuce, etc
sounds like ginger is a good remedy. i hope she has some in all those treats. most of all i hope she has some fresh, raw, organic green, leafy vegetables.
On February 25, 2010, wrote:
Try Papaya seeds, Wendi. They did wonders for me in Guatemala.