So, I'm dreaming of my next big Amtrak trip, and this will be a solo jaunt since Hubby swears he's not going east of the Mississippi again (been there, done that). If Hubby's not going, I'll get to take some routes he won't do for various reasons. Here's my tentative plan:
:wub:
- Segment one: BND to CIN via ALY, SAC and CHI. I've never done the CS section over Willamette Pass, only north from ALY and south from CMO. Maybe I can do it coming up on a full moon, and have a hope of seeing more of the scenery, since it gets dark early in winter . I've been on the CZ several times, but over Donner Pass only once. I've never been on the Card. This will be a two-zone AGR award, 20,000 points.
- Segment two: I'll switch to coach at CIN, and continue to NWK on the Card. I will purchase this ticket, since it seems that if I book at low-bucket, it's not worth the points. It will be coach to save money, and because I figure on being awake at first light anyway to take in the New River Gorge. Looks to me like you get more of the Gorge in daylight eastbound. I'll stay overnight in NWK with a friend, so I can do segment three in daylight too.
- Segment three: NWK to RTE via a midday NE Regional. I'll purchase a coach ticket again. If my last experience on the NE Regional is a guide, I'll spend most of my time in the cafe, drinking tea and watching the view, anyway. Then I'll spend a couple weeks visitng family before I get back on the train again.
- Segment four: BOS to ELP via the LSL and TE. I've never taken the TE. This will be a two-zone AGR award, 20,000 points.
- Segment 5: I'll just stay on the TE for the last leg home, ELP to BND via the CS. This will be a one-zone AGR award, 15,000 points.
:wub: