Staples Mill Road looks easier to get to without backtracking. Just a layover in Charlotte. An hour and a half at 5 am does not seem ideal for visiting, but is Charlotte convenient to anyone?

Hm, I was thinking just a meal but staying overnight would be very convenient. Looks like I can get to Richmond but the last train going on to DC same day is about 5:30pm, which is very doable but would leave me needing to stay overnight in DC as there appear to be no evening trains leaving there at all. Which would not be a bad outcome, but having a place to stay already sorted is always better.

Ooh, but there's an overnight to Savannah. Oh dear, I'll have to think about that. Probably too much to try to fit in, but maybe not...

Seeing Cashmere would be very cool! I'll ping her just in case.

I believe a lot more trains go to Staples Mill. Just keep me posted.

Great, thank you!

Throwing it out that BWI as a stop in Baltimore on the way to DC might garner a few Balto. Buffistas, and I could certainly go to Baltimore for a visit, dinner, whatever. I mean, and hang in DC, too, but if maximizing seeing people is a plan, think about a Balto. stop!

Was planning on Baltimore already! DC is more of a hub so I will definitely pass through there, but I should be able to arrange things so I'm in Baltimore for longer. Or take some other transit between DC and Baltimore, that might be the practical option