Recent content by NorthEncantoGirl

Hey everyone! I don't know if anyone here remembers me, but I used to hang out here pretty regularly about a year ago. I stopped by because I read some distressing news about the Southwest Chief, so I logged on to get the skinny. I'm blown away by all the changes. I make (almost) bupkes, but I...

Hey there--I too was concerned about security in the roomettes when I went for my first LD trip last summer. Honestly though, my fears were unfounded. I did take my fanny pack with me to meals and to the PPC (I was on the CS), and felt nothing but secure about both myself and my belongings the...

One thing I just noticed: I'm no longer a 'member' it seems; now I'm 'training'? Is that new, or did I just never notice it before?

I think I'm going to like this. Still playing around with it. Thanks for everything you all do!

Well I'm back. This is not a trip report, just saying that I had a wonderful time, most notably with Gabriel on the Northbound Coast Starlight. He was everything I could have asked for and more. I was cozy and snug in my roomette, I almost didn't want to leave for the (very good) meals. If I...

I'm off for Sacramento on the Pac Surfliner and the Coast Starlight. I expect to have a wonderful time. Thanks everyone for their help and insights. I feel confident and good about this. Offline till Monday; expect a trip report in the near future!

I want to make sure I'm hearing what I think I'm hearing, because I'll be doing the same thing; going from the Surfliner to the the CS. You were able to board right away if you had a sleeper? If that's true, that's awesome.

Hey--I live in SAN too--and had a friend who lived in North Park/Hillcrest who took the UCSD shuttle--IIRC they have one and it's really handy for people, so I hear. Maybe you could look into that!

I'll be on the CS next month too, and I couldn't agree more with you. While I would like to actually see a PPC, it won't make or break my trip.

I'm so excited for you! Have a great trip!

Yes, I've heard that and I believe it. Thanks everyone for your responses. Contrary to how I seem to have portrayed myself, I'm not a Nervous Nellie! I really look forward to my trip. If I felt any real sense of impending doom, I would have cancelled the trip days ago. But it is interesting...

I love rhymes! Make no mistake about it, I have no beef with planes. My dad was a sheet metal mechanic on Navy jets for more than 40 years. Would that there were a million more mechanics like my dad; I would have no qualms about air travel at all. I agree, from what I have read and heard (not...

This is comforting. And, I hope, normative. Thanks for replying!

I know airlines by and large are safe. You're right, thousands of flights and the mishaps are outliers. Still, even one mishap gives one pause. I trust the airlines, but less than I once did. Terms like 'revenue maximization' send a chill up my spine. Human lives are at stake. I know that...

I had read that Amtrak is one of, if not the safest ways to go. In my limited experience on trains, I have certainly felt safe. It's good to know that they put their attention and resources into safety. I want a good onboard experience, but I also want to get to my destination in one piece...