The Amtrak Auto Train rumbled north towards its final destination. As we approached Ashland, Virginia, the conductor slowed down and sent warning whistles into the morning air. The scrub trees gave way to graceful old Victorian homes painted green, lavender and peach, all facing the train tracks. Watching these carefully maintained houses slide by in the morning light is always the highlight of the trip for me. The town's big old trees sharing their annual display of orange and yellow leaves was an added bonus, but the residents shared another special treat: Halloween decorations!