First leg completed, Dallas to Chicago. My first trip on Amtrak.
Started off properly by departure being delayed from 340 to 505. Entirely expected lol. Dallas Eddie Bernice Johnson Union Station is nothing to write home about. Too many shady characters to attempt pics or vids Though security did do a good job of keeping people from hanging out in their usual hangouts. It tries to be historic and grand looking but just doesn't quite do either one very well. At least they put the benches back inside it. The Amtrak employee at the counter was very friendly and easy going. He even helped some passengers get their bags checked 15 minutes before departure assuring them the bags would be safe and be at their destination when they arrive. Our attendant was Denise and she did a fantastic job.
Stopped for freight an hour into the trip and apparently delayed a bit overnight from a broken down freight train as well. The second day delayed twice by freight and once by another Amtrak Midwest train.
I now know the corridors and stairwells are exactly one 6 foot 2 330 lb. human male wide. The room was rather hot and made getting to sleep a bit difficult. The rocking and jostling of the train actually helped me get to sleep. Using the bathroom was not an issue for me and I didn’t bother taking a shower so can’t talk to that experience. Seats are more than wide enough and comfortable enough. The sheets are almost non existent though they are so thin lol. For what they are the flex meals are actually really good. Had the salmon for dinner and was really good even though the rice was a bit mushy which for convention cooked was expected. For breakfast had the three cheese omelet and some pancakes and sausage. Omelet was shockingly good and the potatoes that came with it were a bit dry but really flavorful though. Lunch was the cheeseburger that was a bit overheated so the cheese disappeared but the patty is a good thickness and seasoned well. Brownie was so good as well, not too dense, not too cake like either. Overall id give the flex meals I got a 7 or 8/10.
Arrived in Chicago at around 3:45 or so I think. As is well know Chicago Union Station is every bit as majestic as I was hoping it would be. It is a bit confusing to navigate for those who are there for the first time. Stayed overnight and while going to Target to get a fan for the next leg of the circle trip on the Zephyr, State Street was completely shut down for some kind of parade. So I just watched it for a couple of hours. Art in the Dark I think? Haven’t looked it up to verify it. Chicago is definitely on my list of cities to check out in the future.
Just started the second leg of my trip, the Zephyr to Emeryville. Excited for the true long distance experience. And of course 15 minutes in delayed by the Southwest Chief arriving on time apparently. Also passed a stopped BNSF freight train that I am assuming yielded to Amtrak so anything is possible I suppose.
Oh and for those using a CPAP be aware that the train may lose power upon entering a station. It happened to us almost every time we entered one and the power outlet and air would shut off then come back on a moment later. My CPAP will auto start when it detects breathing so not a big issue for me but I don’t know if all machines have that feature.
To be edited upon arrival in Emeryville: EDITED 11/1/2022
Arrived about 30 minutes EARLY if you can believe that. Time from freight stoppages was made up apparently. I had a south side roomette, room 5 on car 531 even though the lit up car sign number shows 631 lol. On the Eagle I had a Superliner 1 sleeping car. On this consist we had a Superliner 2 sleeping car and the one I was in was a Superliner 1 refurbished/rehabbed. Our car had the wood paneling, a floor to ceiling closet and the controls in the room were touch controls. Other people I was seated with at dinner mentioned they had no closet in the other car and only had the hook. I took the opportunity to check out the trucks to verify they had a Superliner 2. At one stretch one of the bedrooms was actually empty so I took the opportunity to size up the shower in it. I’m 6’2” 330lbs. I would be able to get the job done, maybe 6 inches or so on each side, but it wouldnt be ideal for those wondering.
The first part was as expected, lots and lots and lots and lots of farmland. The scenery after Denver was phenomenal and I couldn’t pick which side I was more interested in. I did make sure I was on the right hand side (North side) as we passed Donner Lake and my God is that area beautiful. The problem with the South side is that the sky was clear for the first two and a half days. It rained shortly after we passed Donner Lake. The sun absolutely BAKED our side of the car. Thank God I picked up that little fan in Chicago. It doesn’t blow a whole lot but at least move air over some parts of me. And the sun beaming down on the windows highlighted just how dusty and filthy they were. It was almost impossible to get good pictures or videos out of them and anytime we tried to look up we were met with the sun staring back at us. Despite the challenges the scenery I could enjoy was worth it. May have video of a small fox running up a hill and got a quick video of what I think was a pack of wild horses. And in Ruby Canyon we did receive the proper Zephyr salute.
The French Toast was a bit of a let down for me. The crust area was tough to cut through like it may have been cooked a hair too long or something. We got what I think is the revamped menu because the tamale was no longer an appetizer option. Had the choice of coconut shrimp I think, and kind of Mexican Soufflé with street corn or a Raspberry Brie Empanada. The first two are nogos for me due to ingredients I don’t like. The Empanada isn‘t bad per se, it is something that I don’t like or hate but can eat if presented. They did run out of the Mexican Soufflé on day three. The steak was good but not as flavorful as I may have expected but cooked perfectly and was still delicious. Tried the Panko Chicken Breast and its good. Comes with Lemon Risotto which I had never tried before and turns out I actually like. I was also disappointed to find out that the carrot cake is gone and replaced with lemon cake. The lemon cake is super good but damnit I wanted some carrot cake!! Did the burger (really good) and Monte Christo for the lunches. The Monte Christo should really be named Grilled Ham, Turkey and Cheese sandwich. It’s absolutely great as that but it isn’t really a true Monte Christo.
Room was still freakin hot like on the Eagle but not as bad since I had that little fan to help. I use a CPAP machine and decided to bring replacement air filters just in case and man am I ever glad I did. The first filter was nearly solid black after two days. A little scary to breathe during the day knowing it isn’t filtered like when I sleep lol. The pillows are too soft for my liking and I understand why some people bring their own. And the sheets are so thin they are nearly translucent but get the job done.
Overall I’d give it an 8/10. With this being their most popular scenic train I would think that at the very least they would have some kind of automated auto wash tunnel for the trains to go through on its way out. If they ever put AC on these trains and run them through a washer every so often I would give it more.
Next leg is the Coast Starlight on Wednesday 11/2/2022:
Started off properly by departure being delayed from 340 to 505. Entirely expected lol. Dallas Eddie Bernice Johnson Union Station is nothing to write home about. Too many shady characters to attempt pics or vids Though security did do a good job of keeping people from hanging out in their usual hangouts. It tries to be historic and grand looking but just doesn't quite do either one very well. At least they put the benches back inside it. The Amtrak employee at the counter was very friendly and easy going. He even helped some passengers get their bags checked 15 minutes before departure assuring them the bags would be safe and be at their destination when they arrive. Our attendant was Denise and she did a fantastic job.
Stopped for freight an hour into the trip and apparently delayed a bit overnight from a broken down freight train as well. The second day delayed twice by freight and once by another Amtrak Midwest train.
I now know the corridors and stairwells are exactly one 6 foot 2 330 lb. human male wide. The room was rather hot and made getting to sleep a bit difficult. The rocking and jostling of the train actually helped me get to sleep. Using the bathroom was not an issue for me and I didn’t bother taking a shower so can’t talk to that experience. Seats are more than wide enough and comfortable enough. The sheets are almost non existent though they are so thin lol. For what they are the flex meals are actually really good. Had the salmon for dinner and was really good even though the rice was a bit mushy which for convention cooked was expected. For breakfast had the three cheese omelet and some pancakes and sausage. Omelet was shockingly good and the potatoes that came with it were a bit dry but really flavorful though. Lunch was the cheeseburger that was a bit overheated so the cheese disappeared but the patty is a good thickness and seasoned well. Brownie was so good as well, not too dense, not too cake like either. Overall id give the flex meals I got a 7 or 8/10.
Arrived in Chicago at around 3:45 or so I think. As is well know Chicago Union Station is every bit as majestic as I was hoping it would be. It is a bit confusing to navigate for those who are there for the first time. Stayed overnight and while going to Target to get a fan for the next leg of the circle trip on the Zephyr, State Street was completely shut down for some kind of parade. So I just watched it for a couple of hours. Art in the Dark I think? Haven’t looked it up to verify it. Chicago is definitely on my list of cities to check out in the future.
Just started the second leg of my trip, the Zephyr to Emeryville. Excited for the true long distance experience. And of course 15 minutes in delayed by the Southwest Chief arriving on time apparently. Also passed a stopped BNSF freight train that I am assuming yielded to Amtrak so anything is possible I suppose.
Oh and for those using a CPAP be aware that the train may lose power upon entering a station. It happened to us almost every time we entered one and the power outlet and air would shut off then come back on a moment later. My CPAP will auto start when it detects breathing so not a big issue for me but I don’t know if all machines have that feature.
To be edited upon arrival in Emeryville: EDITED 11/1/2022
Arrived about 30 minutes EARLY if you can believe that. Time from freight stoppages was made up apparently. I had a south side roomette, room 5 on car 531 even though the lit up car sign number shows 631 lol. On the Eagle I had a Superliner 1 sleeping car. On this consist we had a Superliner 2 sleeping car and the one I was in was a Superliner 1 refurbished/rehabbed. Our car had the wood paneling, a floor to ceiling closet and the controls in the room were touch controls. Other people I was seated with at dinner mentioned they had no closet in the other car and only had the hook. I took the opportunity to check out the trucks to verify they had a Superliner 2. At one stretch one of the bedrooms was actually empty so I took the opportunity to size up the shower in it. I’m 6’2” 330lbs. I would be able to get the job done, maybe 6 inches or so on each side, but it wouldnt be ideal for those wondering.
The first part was as expected, lots and lots and lots and lots of farmland. The scenery after Denver was phenomenal and I couldn’t pick which side I was more interested in. I did make sure I was on the right hand side (North side) as we passed Donner Lake and my God is that area beautiful. The problem with the South side is that the sky was clear for the first two and a half days. It rained shortly after we passed Donner Lake. The sun absolutely BAKED our side of the car. Thank God I picked up that little fan in Chicago. It doesn’t blow a whole lot but at least move air over some parts of me. And the sun beaming down on the windows highlighted just how dusty and filthy they were. It was almost impossible to get good pictures or videos out of them and anytime we tried to look up we were met with the sun staring back at us. Despite the challenges the scenery I could enjoy was worth it. May have video of a small fox running up a hill and got a quick video of what I think was a pack of wild horses. And in Ruby Canyon we did receive the proper Zephyr salute.
The French Toast was a bit of a let down for me. The crust area was tough to cut through like it may have been cooked a hair too long or something. We got what I think is the revamped menu because the tamale was no longer an appetizer option. Had the choice of coconut shrimp I think, and kind of Mexican Soufflé with street corn or a Raspberry Brie Empanada. The first two are nogos for me due to ingredients I don’t like. The Empanada isn‘t bad per se, it is something that I don’t like or hate but can eat if presented. They did run out of the Mexican Soufflé on day three. The steak was good but not as flavorful as I may have expected but cooked perfectly and was still delicious. Tried the Panko Chicken Breast and its good. Comes with Lemon Risotto which I had never tried before and turns out I actually like. I was also disappointed to find out that the carrot cake is gone and replaced with lemon cake. The lemon cake is super good but damnit I wanted some carrot cake!! Did the burger (really good) and Monte Christo for the lunches. The Monte Christo should really be named Grilled Ham, Turkey and Cheese sandwich. It’s absolutely great as that but it isn’t really a true Monte Christo.
Room was still freakin hot like on the Eagle but not as bad since I had that little fan to help. I use a CPAP machine and decided to bring replacement air filters just in case and man am I ever glad I did. The first filter was nearly solid black after two days. A little scary to breathe during the day knowing it isn’t filtered like when I sleep lol. The pillows are too soft for my liking and I understand why some people bring their own. And the sheets are so thin they are nearly translucent but get the job done.
Overall I’d give it an 8/10. With this being their most popular scenic train I would think that at the very least they would have some kind of automated auto wash tunnel for the trains to go through on its way out. If they ever put AC on these trains and run them through a washer every so often I would give it more.
Next leg is the Coast Starlight on Wednesday 11/2/2022:
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