Things to do in Whittier

Disastrous Experience with Great Smoky Mountains RailroadI recently had the unfortunate experience of taking a trip with the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in Bryson, NC, and I must say it was a complete disaster. My family and I purchased Coach Class tickets for a trip scheduled from 10 AM to 2 PM on June 25, 2023. We were excited as it seemed like the perfect addition to our day's plans. Little did we know, it would turn out to be a nightmare.The trouble began when the train broke down during our journey, leaving us stranded in the middle of nowhere from 11:47 AM to 5:04 PM. The situation quickly became unbearable as the temperatures rose, and there was no water available apart from the nearby river. To make matters worse, the employees instructed us to disembark the passenger car, forcing us to endure the scorching heat with no respite.As the first-class passengers were accommodated in alternative transportation, we, the "poor people" in the other carts, were left waiting with no updates or activities to distract us from the situation. Desperate for refreshments, we had to make our way on foot to an outdoor center by the river and purchase food and water. The lack of communication and contradictory information from the employees further added to our frustration. To exacerbate matters, there was no cell phone signal, leaving us feeling isolated and helpless.Throughout our five-hour ordeal, hunger and thirst plagued us, while our children grew increasingly restless and upset. The promised buses never arrived to rescue us, and the employees showed no concern or empathy for our predicament. It was only after constant pressure from the three employees who stayed behind with us that we were finally transported back to Bryson using a diesel locomotive.What struck me most was the stark contrast in treatment between the first-class passengers and the rest of us. While they enjoyed air conditioning and food in their carriages, we were left to suffer.