Long Amtrak Train Trip Starting 26 August!

[Meengla]

That's all from me. I think I have shared all I could have. I am glad I took this trip. It was exhausting mostly due to being a rushed / compressed experience and due to my peculiar nature to not adequately eat and rest. By my second afternoon in downtown Vancouver, I felt if I didn't either fly back home immediately or rest for at least 2-days in Canada, I would literally tip over walking. But resting at a new place is hard for me; when wife and I go on cruises, I don't rest there either and am constantly walking/swimming/etc etc. It annoys her a lot.

It was good to get out of the house. It was after decades that I ventured into something like this trip. No regrets having some nice conversations, beautiful scenery (especially on Zephyr and the Coast Starlight). The costs overran and I have yet to fully calculate but they are at least $2600 and up to $3000 but they include some supplies like a new pair of Sketchers shoes etc.

PS. Mods may close this thread if they see that fit.

 

[AZ_HighCountry]

Definitely a great journey you shared with us. Outstanding photos.

Sometimes, you just have to do it. Same as with my trip to Camp Perry and back this years. A time for reflection.

And, sometimes the cost of breaking the budget are well worth the memories in return. Those are priceless.

 

[Watandar]

[Some of the following pics maybe from day 1 or day 2 of stay in downtown Vancouver. Doesn't really matter though]

The famous Steam Clock in the Gastown area of Vancouver.
GPS: https://maps.app.goo.gl/wNprSzYWQTSb9ekP8

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I have never been to Vancouver. I have heard so much about it.

 

[Watandar]

Forgot to mention, before friend and I did our long walk after arriving to downtown Vancouver, I checked into the hostel (Cambie St. Hostel, Gastown) and dropped off my main backpack in the room. The entrance to the hostel had a putrid smell--and not from pee--and so I was dreading what was inside. I had never stayed at any hostel before in my life--and probably never will again. I don't think the overall experience was too bad but just not for me. Maybe I will change my mind later.

The bottom right is my bed. Across from me was a grouchy sounding middle aged man who had a blanket drawn all the time. When I asked if the hostel provides towels, he had a big laugh and said maybe you could rent from them; which I did for $3 CND. Anyway, I probably spent no more than 4-5 hours total in the hostel room despite booking for two days. This was a 'Mixed Use' room where females too could stay and in my last few hours, I took a good shower, packed up and left, a big lady climbed up to the bed across from me. I told her she can have mine as I was leaving early morning hours and don't want to awake anyone. I spent the last night past midnight at the restaurant (The Cambie) below the hostel and the hostel's lounge.

GPS: https://maps.app.goo.gl/EMYpHZbjWE2ukvGK7

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Yuck. Why did you decide to stay at this dump ? Lots of cheaper cleaner motels.

 

[AZ_HighCountry]

I have never been to Vancouver. I have heard so much about it.

Go. Definitely go. It is worth it.

 

[Meengla]

Yuck. Why did you decide to stay at this dump ? Lots of cheaper cleaner motels.

It was the cheapest in downtown Vancouver area.

 

[Yousafzai_M]

I took Amtrek from New York to Montreal and regretted it because it took ages, too slow for my taste but your trip sounds like an adventure so enjoy!

Make pictures and share!