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.