Recent content by penfrydd

Just in case I choose to bring my own vodka?

My wife and I are departing on the Cardinal from NYP next week. We'll be going to the station the day before just to confirm things and were wondering if we could check our bags at that time. Amtrak asks that, for checked bags, that you arrive two hours prior to departure. That would be 4:45...

What takes us to Visalia is Sequoia National Park and King's Canyon National Park. One day in each, then train back up to Merced for one day in Yosemite. Then a more relaxed and flexible pace for the rest of the journey. Once my wife joins me in retirement, we'll be able to do more leisurely...

Thanks for the replies. So...if the train is obviously going to arrive past my connection time, should I let the conductor know of the issue, or should I call Customer Relations while I'm still on the train? Just two weeks to go until the bucket list trip!

I have a 2.5 hr wait in SAC between the CZ and the 704 SJ. I'm on the SJ to Hanford, and then an Amtrak bus to Visalia. From what I see lately, there's only an even chance that I'll make that connection in SAC. What is Amtrak likely to do for me, and should I consider renting a car and...

Are these all going to be Amtrak trains? I hear soft murmurs of Metro-North running to Hartford.

Okay, gang, I'll be the first to admit that I'm just not into knowing which model of sleeper I'm in at any time, but I will say this: whatever change came about sometime after 1980 was a definite plus in terms of quietness. I rode a sleeper on one of the Silvers around 1980. The interiors...

As expected, the connection between CS and EB makes for an overnight in Portland. Looking for a reasonably priced but fairly nice hotel near the station and restaurants. Never been to Portland; any good ideas for late afternoon/evening activities, and then for the following morning? I've...

When trying to book CS to EB in late July, for a single one-way trip, a warning pops up that it can't be done. Why doesn't it offer me the EB for the next day, rather than nothing? Yet if I book it on multi-city, it goes through fine. I realize this is not likely a doable connection, but am...

I forgot to mention weather. Early October can be very pleasant, especially on a sunny day. Short sleeves can be adequate. However, it certainly can be quite chilly (windy too, especially in the cities). I wouldn't let that put you off. Bring a sweater and some sort of wind breaker. You'll...

For New England colors, the most dependable dates to aim for would be Columbus Day. Sure, the leaves can last longer, but year after year, that's the peak for most of where you'll be. I can't speak for south of NYC. I'm doing NYP to CHI via WAS on the Cardinal, so that I can enjoy the West...

In another thread, which I can't remember/find, a couple of you highly recommended the Hotel Mediterranean, or something like that, in Portland, OR, saying it was reasonable and pleasant. I can't seem to find it on the web, so I'm assuming I've got the name wrong. Kindly advise. I recall...

Every time I've needed to modify a reservation, and made a subsequent phone call, an agent has tried to charge me some outrageous amount for the change. I've always had to "think about it", and called back later. Invariably I get a different agent who charges me nothing extra. I agree that...

My only advice would be to take earplugs! Not because of your kids, but just because the strange noises may really interfere with your sleep. The sleepers of today are just way quieter than they were in the 70's, but I always bring earplugs. And enjoy the trip!

Thanks for the good hotel suggestions. I need to firm up all the details of this trip soon. All the Amtrak and major hotel stays are done; just shuttle buses and rental cars etc to finish it all. 12 days until retirement!, and two months until the big trip.