I've started a sales pitch to Mrs. boss on a train ride....
Wish me luck...
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I've started a sales pitch to Mrs. boss on a train ride....
Wish me luck...
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
The train was over two hours late arriving inSF from LA. There wasn't one complaint. When you are trated well and are thoroughly enjoying yourself it is hard to be upset over time. It's like riding the Ferris wheel when they forget to unload your car. You get to ride longer.
For the most part, the trains run on schedule. The Sunset Ltd from NOLA to LA was on time or early at every station. The heat on the tracks and some emergency maintenance caused the train to run at slowere speeds through the inland valley in Cali and up the Mountain near San Luis Obispo.
The great parts of the trip are the views in the lounge car and the people. The lounge car has seats that face the window and you can ride there for hours watching the world around you. I can't wait untilmlater in the week when we will pass through Glenwood canyon in CO. In all my travels it is one of the Top 5 scenic areas. Im living on the extended time God has given me since I complete my work career. I couldn't care less if a trip takes 3 hours or 3 weeks if I am enjoying it. The cross-country train is the destination, not the means to get to a destination.
Here is a favorite pic from somewhere near Del Rio TX.Attachment 6697
It was the start to a great day.
If you only get to take one trip take either the Coast Starlight or California Zephyr. The Starlight runs from San Diego to Seattle. The views are breathtaking. Zephyr runs between Chicago and Emeryville CA. Where the Hell is Emeryville you might ask. It is just North of Oakland and serves the entire Bay Area.
Really enjoying following your reports Mick. I've wanted to take a big train trip, not sure if i'll ever happen but your reports are giving me a real feel for what to expect.
My gut says I'd want a cabin type setup, but sounds like you're happy without it and doing the hotel thing.
If I were to do it again I would get a sleeping berth if I was staying overnight on the train but it was interesting to get off wherever you are when its time to think about dinner and a bed.
Here is a pic of my space when the chair in front is fully reclined. I have room to cross my legs and plenty of table space. Outlet is to my left.Attachment 6698
So the trains stop every night basically for these kinds of trips? Wasn't sure how it worked really, I did some really shallow research years ago, but nothing much.
I'd lean towards a berth just for privacy and such, but I don't know what kinds of rooms those are either really, and I'm sure it varies by train.
I did look at taking the train from here (maysville rather) to DC for a trip, but the timing wasn't going to work out very well so I didn't dig in much.
Train does not stop. For example when I saw the train to LA stopped in San Antonio at midnight I Stopped there. Since this particular route did not run daily, i rented a car and drove to Austin the next night and got to go to Antones and a couple other great bars. Fantastic time. Drove back and got on the train.
Mick enjoying your trip reports.
I was wondering, are there still train robbers? Closest Ive heard of is your everyday subway muggings in NY
Watch out for these types Mick..
http://www.doctormacro.com/Images/An...%20The)_01.jpg
Great reports Mick. Almost makes me want to ask the government to invest two billion so you could ride thru here.
You are right to take advantage while you can.
It is hard to imagine the cross-country trains lasting longer. But the government needs to make a commitment to mass transportation. We cannot continue to pour concrete and widen roads. The subsidizaion of rail transportation pales in comparison to the waste in the rransportation depts, Fed and state.
Well, today we were mooned twice by rafters on the Colorado River today.
Mick, Ed says he is jealous.
First because you are single
Second, the great trip
:)
He did say he thought it was a great trip for you and in secret he wishes he was single
Keep enjoying
Awesome to follow along with your travels!
Coastie, I appreciate your suggestions on San Francisco. We had a great time! Dinner was excellent. It's hard to sift through all the restaurants that SF has to offer. Next visit I am headed to Wine Country. It will be sooner rather than later. Life is too short.
Not the same thing, but wife took the Crescent City Classic from Birmingham to New Orleans earlier this week to spend a few days with her family in New Orleans, celebrating some...I don't know what. Do you really need an excuse to celebrate in New Orleans?
Picking her up at the train station today. She told me she enjoyed the train, but it was cold. She always has a sweater or something with her--she's from New Orleans, and 75 degrees is "cold" to her.
Looking forward to the new Murder on the Orient Express movie :P