Recent content by Eliza

Made the connection with about 10 minutes to spare. Luckily they were on tracks directly next to each other, so it was easy. They also had an agent with a giant sign to catch folks as they were coming off the platform and direct us to the right train. I'm in an aisle seat for this leg ---...

Ha ha ha. I'm trying not to worry about it because que sera sera. But that's easier said than done. The scenery in the mid-west is less impressive to me. Probably because I've driven all over this section of the country on back roads and have seen my fill of endless corn fields.

It's going to be close on the connection. Amtrak is currently showing an arrival time of 5pm. And that seems optimistic given that we aren't even to Galesburg yet. But keeping my fingers crossed. The trip itself has been great so far. Gorgeous scenery - especially in parts of NM and...

Thank you for all the information! I'm on one ticket currently scheduled on the Cardinal, so it should all go relatively smoothly even if there is a delay. I'm keeping my fingers crossed, but don't have a lot of hope. We're already falling behind schedule and we are still in CA and haven't...

Thanks for all of the advice everyone --- I'm at Union Station in LAX waiting for the Southwest Chief to start boarding. It looks like delays have been affecting the route enough that the Southwest Chief has been misconnecting with both the Cardinal and Capitol most days recently. My backup...

During my long wait today I ran some errands and found that the CVS at 201 N Los Angeles Ave (5 minute walk) has a reasonable selection of beer, wine, and liquor.

I am happy to report that I am all packed - had more space than I anticipated so I was able to bring along an extra light-weight sweater and will probably end up bringing the chromebook as well. I can survive with no laundry, if needed. Really looking forward to the trip and my first...

My full trip is 9 days, 8 nights. 1 night in LA, 4 nights on cruise ship, 3 nights on the trains.

@ehbowen - You hit the nail on the head. The great debate is whether I can contrive to pack so that I won't need to do laundry --- the only time I'd be able to do wash would be on the cruise and who wants to waste cruising time waiting for the dryer to finish? Also debating leaving my...

Thanks for all the help --- I'm leaving on my trip on Saturday (although the train portion doesn't start until later). I'm very much looking forward to it, but currently stressing over how to get everything I need for a 4 day cruise plus 3 day train trip into a carry on + personal item. I keep...

Thanks! Good to know ---- I'm finding out that the more I learn --- the more I understand how much I still don't know. But, I'm looking forward to the trip and glad to have found some likeminded folks who enjoy long travel. My mom called and asked if I wanted to borrow money because she...

Forgive my complete ignorance, but what is SSL?

Thanks --- that's my plan (assuming the trains are running on time). If we manage to get in right on time or early, I'm hoping to pop over to the Giordano's on Jackson for deep dish.

Registered, so no longer a guest! Thanks -- unfortunately the timing on that route doesn't work for this particular trip --- but I'll definitely keep it in mind for a possible routing in the future. That makes sense. That also makes sense. :-D