Long Amtrak Train Trip Starting 26 August!

[AZ_HighCountry]

Yes I've heard about the drought in England. BTW correction to my post above: that was in Ohio. Now the train is in South Bend Indiana.
Very green so far everywhere on my trip. But I think that will change a lot tomorrow as I enter the West!

That whole upper part of Ohio south of the lake has seen lots of rain.

 

[AZ_HighCountry]

Passed through the Tunnels region where 26 tunnels in just 10 miles.. then the long Moffet Tunnel. Then the town of Winter Park. Along this route is Amtrak highest track: 9200 ft elevation. More scenic points to come including the infamous Donner route!

View attachment 213187

Just don't get the urge to eat someone.

 

[AZ_HighCountry]

Near Denver train station pic. Love the Amish boys haircut! Reminds me of the Pathan boys of Pakistan! View attachment 213167

HAH!!! I've been to that train station.

 

[AZ_HighCountry]

Boarding in Chicago was stressful and chaotic and not only for me.At Ottumwa, Iowa station. Beautiful sun setting out west before getting here. I've a seat mate who looks like a techie too pumped up about his work and gives hostile vibes. Unfortunately he's going to be sitting next to me for almost next 48 hours. The Zephyr is beautiful and more comfortable. I'm on second floor. Pics to follow.

Ottumwa?

Did you say hi to Radar?

 

[Meengla]

Ottumwa?

Did you say hi to Radar?

Yes it eOttumwa

 

[Meengla]

Some more pics of the majestic Rockies. You could almost touch the high granite cliffs ... And hope no rock slides in many places..now at Glenwood springs and Aspen stop. Aspen! I'm too full so will skip the dinner at the Donner Pass coming up!

 

[Watandar]

Some more pics of the majestic Rockies. You could almost touch the high granite cliffs ... And hope no rock slides in many places..now at Glenwood springs and Aspen stop. Aspen! I'm too full so will skip the dinner at the Donner Pass coming up! View attachment 213221

Where did you eat the last that you are so full ? I was not impressed with the Cafe menu you had shown on the previous trains to Chicago. Seemed Amtrak was weak in the food and drink department.

Btw can you bring your own food on Amtrak ?

 

[Meengla]

Where did you eat the last that you are so full ? I was not impressed with the Cafe menu you had shown on the previous trains to Chicago. Seemed Amtrak was weak in the food and drink department.

Btw can you bring your own food on Amtrak ?

I've very low appetite. Ate chocolates and beef jerkies and juices.
You can bring food! And consume here. This is a total opposite of air travel! Relaxed!

 

[Meengla]

Rough night. Near Elko, NV . 450 am Pacific Time. Reno , NV next major. Like several others, I slept on multiple seats combined in the Observation Car, but after only 90 minutes sleep, a loud gen z on phone for two hours kept us awake. He realized loud and tried to lower sound but not enough and I barely slept after that. Some bad planning and lacking some supplies impacting me on such a long trip. Still about 29 more hours to go before Seattle but the break at friends starting 9 hours later should help.

 

[Ali_Baba]

Rough night. Near Elko, NV . 450 am Pacific Time. Reno , NV next major. Like several others, I slept on multiple seats combined in the Observation Car, but after only 90 minutes sleep, a loud gen z on phone for two hours kept us awake. He realized loud and tried to lower sound but not enough and I barely slept after that. Some bad planning and lacking some supplies impacting me on such a long trip. Still about 29 more hours to go before Seattle but the break at friends starting 9 hours later should help.

I am kind of surprised that there are no "sleeper" AMTRAK trains ? ( maybe you have mentioned before and decided it is too expensive ? )

 

[Master Chief]

Rough night. Near Elko, NV . 450 am Pacific Time. Reno , NV next major. Like several others, I slept on multiple seats combined in the Observation Car, but after only 90 minutes sleep, a loud gen z on phone for two hours kept us awake. He realized loud and tried to lower sound but not enough and I barely slept after that. Some bad planning and lacking some supplies impacting me on such a long trip. Still about 29 more hours to go before Seattle but the break at friends starting 9 hours later should help.

Preserve good neck, back posture at all times. It's a tough voyage by the sound of it. Will be well worth it though.

 

[Meengla]

I am kind of surprised that there are no "sleeper" AMTRAK trains ? ( maybe you have mentioned before and decided it is too expensive ? )

Plenty of sleeper cars but very expensive. Met a couple of ladies traveling from Maine taking the same route of Zephyr: just for their two nights in a sleeper room is $2500+ then add flight to Chicago and flight back from California. I could feel some regret talking with them. In contrast my total trip so far including some supplies is currently around $1500. If I would be really cheap then could have wrapped it all up $1000-1200 including a long train trip back to South Carolina from Seattle. But I also have extra discretionary expenses which are very considerable

 

[Davey Crockett]

Preserve good neck, back posture at all times. It's a tough voyage by the sound of it. Will be well worth it though.

Very important, stretching. Touch your toes. Find a high bar you can lightly hang from. (Helps to stretch back)

 

[Davey Crockett]

Plenty of sleeper cars but very expensive. Met a couple of ladies traveling from Maine taking the same route of Zephyr: just for their two nights in a sleeper room is $2500+ then add flight to Chicago and flight back from California. I could feel some regret talking with them. In contrast my total trip so far including some supplies is currently around $1500. If I would be really cheap then could have wrapped it all up $1000-1200 including a long train trip back to South Carolina from Seattle. But I also have extra discretionary expenses which are very considerable

Then make this trip a memorable one.

Jump off at the next stop and find yourself a real hobo. He will tell you how to get up to Seattle for free if you tip him $10.00.

 

[Meengla]

Train is to the west of Winnemucca and Reno NV. Cold night but beautiful sunny morning. Top to bottom: Last night in the Sightseeing Car (Observation Car). Cafe Car attendant Spiro. Lives in Chicago and so thick accent people think he's Italian. He says Greek origin. Bottom: This old man is bitter about not enough smoke break in this route and is non stop talking with this Latino lady who barely speaks English. I'm keeping away. Haha.