I do not understand how you can get on and off and back on at the various stations when it looks like there are only trains going northbound and southbound twice during the day - how can one do that?

It is not easy unless you take a bicycle. Some stops are longer than others too, but not long enough for real exploring. We took the advice of the conductor and spent time in Peninsula. We then used our car to visit the other areas. The train ride was pleasant, but not a hop on, hop off type of schedule.

you have to be strategic with the schedule, but it works. We did the bike ride one way & returned in the train..

It like goes north, turns around and comes back. If you get off, you're stuck until the train returns.