Appropriately enough, I started my adventure on Bilbo's Birthday, September 22. I did remember to take a pocket handkerchief.
Leg 1: SEA-SAC on the Coast Starlight
The Starlight was, as always, a very pleasant trip, although we left Seattle late, and we got later due to some equipment changes in Portland. But we made up the time and arrived in SAC about 25 minutes early. I could have gone to Martinez, but didn't want to hassle with changing the reservations.
Neither the SCA nor the dining car staff was quite as solicitous as I'm used to, but maybe I've just been spoiled by the EB crew. This bunch made everything work, but they just weren't quite up to the friendliness and helpfulness I've come to expect. I also skipped the wine and cheese, but we did have a PPC, where I spent several pleasant hours. If only Amtrak could have one of those on every train!
The new hike between the trains and the station is significant, and I was huffing and puffing by the time I got up the ramps. If you are at all unsure as to your ability to take the walk, use the redcap service and their larger-than-usual carts. I didn't see any elevators, so that doesn't seem to be an option.
I didn't bother trying to check luggage; instead, some folks I'd made friends with on the CS who were also transferring to the CZ took turns with me watching out bags while we went down to the Starbucks next door to the station. We then spent our time people-watching the crowd getting on the trains to Oakland for the football game.
Leg 2: SAC-CHI on the California Zephyr
What can I say about the Zephyr that Henry Kisor hasn't already said more eloquently? The scenery was spectactular, as always -- leaves were just beginning to turn in the mountains, although the drought-ruined corn in Iowa was pretty shocking.
Unfortunately, I again had an SCA who was not that good. She announced over the PA when she was going to dinner, and said that when she returned, she would put all the beds down. No choice if you wanted that service earlier or later. In her defense, she did have to deal with a passenger who was very unhappy with everything, and who the conductor almost kicked off the train at one point.
I was a little bit nervous about making the connection in CHI, but we actually arrived a few minutes early. The Metropolitan Lounge was surprisingly empty, and the wi-fi even worked. I found out later, though, that the emptiness was due to a several-hour-late EB. I sure am glad that I'll be going home to Seattle that way, and won't have to worry about a connection.
Leg 3: CHI-BAL on the Cardinal
We left CHI only a few minutes late, but the train had several PV cars on it (deadleading to Beech Grove, apparently) which caused more delays at IND, which thamkfully I slept through. I did wake up in CIN, and enjoyed the scenery at the New River Gorge and in other parts of West Virginia.
The limited food options in the cafe were not as bad as some people have reported, although my my tablemates and I were amused to discover that every single entree on the menu includes cheese (including the "Cardinal Cheeseburger -- available with or without cheese." Huh?)
I arrived in BAL about an hour and a half late..
*****
This is the first time that I've done four consecutive nights on Amtrak, and I doubt I'll repeat it. I've been weaving rather than walking most of today, and am just now feeling steady again, just in time for my next leg that starts tomorrow afternoon.
By the way, I attempted to use the check-in feature of the Amtrak app with my portable hotspot and my iPad. Results were spotty at best. C'mon, Amtrak, get the Android app done, okay?
I have posted a few pictures. More to come.
https://www.facebook...=3&l=0caee64d61
Leg 1: SEA-SAC on the Coast Starlight
The Starlight was, as always, a very pleasant trip, although we left Seattle late, and we got later due to some equipment changes in Portland. But we made up the time and arrived in SAC about 25 minutes early. I could have gone to Martinez, but didn't want to hassle with changing the reservations.
Neither the SCA nor the dining car staff was quite as solicitous as I'm used to, but maybe I've just been spoiled by the EB crew. This bunch made everything work, but they just weren't quite up to the friendliness and helpfulness I've come to expect. I also skipped the wine and cheese, but we did have a PPC, where I spent several pleasant hours. If only Amtrak could have one of those on every train!
The new hike between the trains and the station is significant, and I was huffing and puffing by the time I got up the ramps. If you are at all unsure as to your ability to take the walk, use the redcap service and their larger-than-usual carts. I didn't see any elevators, so that doesn't seem to be an option.
I didn't bother trying to check luggage; instead, some folks I'd made friends with on the CS who were also transferring to the CZ took turns with me watching out bags while we went down to the Starbucks next door to the station. We then spent our time people-watching the crowd getting on the trains to Oakland for the football game.
Leg 2: SAC-CHI on the California Zephyr
What can I say about the Zephyr that Henry Kisor hasn't already said more eloquently? The scenery was spectactular, as always -- leaves were just beginning to turn in the mountains, although the drought-ruined corn in Iowa was pretty shocking.
Unfortunately, I again had an SCA who was not that good. She announced over the PA when she was going to dinner, and said that when she returned, she would put all the beds down. No choice if you wanted that service earlier or later. In her defense, she did have to deal with a passenger who was very unhappy with everything, and who the conductor almost kicked off the train at one point.
I was a little bit nervous about making the connection in CHI, but we actually arrived a few minutes early. The Metropolitan Lounge was surprisingly empty, and the wi-fi even worked. I found out later, though, that the emptiness was due to a several-hour-late EB. I sure am glad that I'll be going home to Seattle that way, and won't have to worry about a connection.
Leg 3: CHI-BAL on the Cardinal
We left CHI only a few minutes late, but the train had several PV cars on it (deadleading to Beech Grove, apparently) which caused more delays at IND, which thamkfully I slept through. I did wake up in CIN, and enjoyed the scenery at the New River Gorge and in other parts of West Virginia.
The limited food options in the cafe were not as bad as some people have reported, although my my tablemates and I were amused to discover that every single entree on the menu includes cheese (including the "Cardinal Cheeseburger -- available with or without cheese." Huh?)
I arrived in BAL about an hour and a half late..
*****
This is the first time that I've done four consecutive nights on Amtrak, and I doubt I'll repeat it. I've been weaving rather than walking most of today, and am just now feeling steady again, just in time for my next leg that starts tomorrow afternoon.
By the way, I attempted to use the check-in feature of the Amtrak app with my portable hotspot and my iPad. Results were spotty at best. C'mon, Amtrak, get the Android app done, okay?
I have posted a few pictures. More to come.
https://www.facebook...=3&l=0caee64d61