People all over the word, join hands, ride the steam train

Well, we are back to our home (and Carlton) after two nights away in celebration of John's birthday. We headed down to an unlikely location, Centralia, Washington. John found a murder mystery dinner train in Chehalis and we decided that was something we'd like to do. And, we also decided that we had so much fun at the Kennedy School in Portland (even though we didn't stay there) that we'd stay at the Centralia McMenamin's: The Olympic Club. There happened to big a huge car show in town so the only room we could get was with a bunk bed.

Notice anything different? That's right, there's only a sink. There are only about 30 rooms, and there are shared bathrooms. When we originally learned this we pictured shower stalls like a dorm, but luckily there were private bathrooms with a toilet, shower, and sink. They also provided robes to walk to and from the bathroom (which we felt a little silly using, so we only wore them in private). Even though it wasn't luxurious, it's a great story and a fun experience.

We were in the "Charlemagne Tower" room, who is a Philadelphia businessman who helped bring the railroad up here. The hotel is actually located on Tower Ave, the main street of downtown Centralia. All the rooms and hallways had tons of old pictures, quotes on the walls, and other memorabilia to help explain the Olympic Club and the town. The building was originally a brothel, from what we pieced together. In fact, there is a sign in front that says "Streets girls bringing a sailor to their room need to pay in advance." There was also a painted sign above the bar entrance that said "Ladies Patronage Not Solicited."

Downstairs from the hotel there is a restaurant with about 10 pool tables, two bar areas, and a movie theater/live music venue. All is decked out in old memorabilia. The movies were free to hotel guests, so we took advantage of that and saw a lame movie (Fast Five) at 9 where the theater turns into a bar and is 21 and older. The theater has couches and a very comfy feel, and you can order food during the movie.

We also stood outside our hotel and watched the cars from the Billetproof Car Show drive through town. Seems like a tradition, because while they can't close off the street there were many cars that put on a bit of a show or would pass by a few times. Everyone lined up on the street, too. Pretty fun. That street also has a ton of antique shops, so we spent Saturday morning walking around that area (sadly, John did not let me get the vintage "A" I found, the small metal fan, or the power line insulators). We also did outlet shopping.

Our dinner train was fabulous. A local group, the Evergreen Playhouse, did the murder mystery part, while the Centralia Chehalis Steam Train ran the ride. It was about two hours total, and we received salad & bread, salmon/prime rib/chicken cordon bleu (your choice), and dessert. The murder mystery played out during dinner as we made our way through some beautiful scenery. Then at the turn-around point we all guessed the killer and learned the motive. Turns out it was Danielle with lipstick she acquired in the South Pacific during her time in the Peace Corps - Harold was blackmailing her because he was the only one who knew her secret (that Danielle is, in fact, Daniel). Lisa's death was accidental. We were pretty close, but had no idea the motive (even though she had mentioned to us that she just had a boob job). Then we were free to roam or sit outside on the ride back. It was a lovely date, and we'd recommend it to anyone who wants something different to do. You might as well do the dinner train and/or murder mystery because it's only $20 more than just riding the train.

We headed back early-ish this morning and have been just hanging out. I still need to wrap John's birthday presents (it's tomorrow so I've got time) before we head out to dinner with his family.