Let me start by saying that Wyoming misses AMTRAK. The Pioneer was one of the most enjoyable routes that AMTRAK ever ran.
My first rail memories were with my Grand-father. He was a Union Pacific Special Agent in Cheyenne, as such we had free reign throughout one of UP's best yards, working roundhouse and all. (The Cheyenne Depot has been restored and is now a tranportation museum, all should visit). The summer before AMTRAK, my Grandpa took me on a UP excursion from Laramie WY to Walden CO. in a Vista Dome. I was hooked for life.
Fast forward through 22 years in the Army and many AMTRAK adventures.
Coast Starlight with and without the Pacific Parlor Car. Anyone remember the PPC with the star scene painted on the ceiling?
Empire Builder. IMHO the second best route behind the Pioneer. I've been bussed around de-railments and colded out in North Dakota for hours. Love that Route.
California Zephir, Never rode it all the way to the Bay, but will someday.
Desert Wind, What could possibly be better than a train to Vegas?
Pere Marquette, The only route I've taken east of Chicago.
Pioneer, I've said enough.
Now here I am back in southern Wyoming with the closest station in Glenwwod Springs CO. do you think I'm going to let that stop me? NEVER!! 1 through 11 Feb. 10, I'm doing another winter AMTRAK vacation---Glenwood Springs to Chicago on the Zephir--Chicago to Seattle on the Southwest Chief (My first) and the Coast Starlight--Seattle to Chicago an the Empire Builder--Then back to Glenwood Springs on the Zephir.
I've had good trips and not so good trips, had good crews and not so good crews, been in good equipment and not so good equipment. But at the end of the day when I close my eyes to the rocking of the rails and the sound of the whistle at the head of the train, I'm in travel heaven..
Thanks for having me.
Mark Davis
"What good is the law without the TIN MEN enforcing it"
My first rail memories were with my Grand-father. He was a Union Pacific Special Agent in Cheyenne, as such we had free reign throughout one of UP's best yards, working roundhouse and all. (The Cheyenne Depot has been restored and is now a tranportation museum, all should visit). The summer before AMTRAK, my Grandpa took me on a UP excursion from Laramie WY to Walden CO. in a Vista Dome. I was hooked for life.
Fast forward through 22 years in the Army and many AMTRAK adventures.
Coast Starlight with and without the Pacific Parlor Car. Anyone remember the PPC with the star scene painted on the ceiling?
Empire Builder. IMHO the second best route behind the Pioneer. I've been bussed around de-railments and colded out in North Dakota for hours. Love that Route.
California Zephir, Never rode it all the way to the Bay, but will someday.
Desert Wind, What could possibly be better than a train to Vegas?
Pere Marquette, The only route I've taken east of Chicago.
Pioneer, I've said enough.
Now here I am back in southern Wyoming with the closest station in Glenwwod Springs CO. do you think I'm going to let that stop me? NEVER!! 1 through 11 Feb. 10, I'm doing another winter AMTRAK vacation---Glenwood Springs to Chicago on the Zephir--Chicago to Seattle on the Southwest Chief (My first) and the Coast Starlight--Seattle to Chicago an the Empire Builder--Then back to Glenwood Springs on the Zephir.
I've had good trips and not so good trips, had good crews and not so good crews, been in good equipment and not so good equipment. But at the end of the day when I close my eyes to the rocking of the rails and the sound of the whistle at the head of the train, I'm in travel heaven..
Thanks for having me.
Mark Davis
"What good is the law without the TIN MEN enforcing it"
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