A heartfelt 'Thanks" from a 72 year old lady traveling alone from Portland Maine - Boston- Chicago, Seattle, Vancouver, Los Angeles, Denver and back to Portland Maine. The information I've gleaned from this discussion site helped me in all aspects of this planned trip. Now, if Amtrak does it's part, I will depart on Dec 3 - 15 on my trip of a lifetime. I was awarded this trip - deluxe bedrooms all the way. I look forward to posting a report when I return. Thanks again for all your help.