Grand Train Adventure

 

  We got a late start on Thursday due to a late arrival of another feeder train. We ended up leaving three hours later than planned, which didn’t matter to us because we had no time constraints once we were on the train and in our roomette, but by 6am that morning, we were already running six hours behind schedule.  BTW, roomettes on a train are nice and comfy… if you’re a sardine. Truly, anyone taller than 4’6” and no wider than a fence post will have a difficult time even breathing, let alone changing into pajamas. Even turning in place was difficult without lifting up our arms and twirling in place like a belly dancer. Fortunately we had taken the Darling Mermaid Synchronized Swim classes at the Tualatin Valley Rec. Center earlier this month and found they were an asset for the trip and we should look at how to write them off on next year’s taxes. However cramped we were, the accommodations were so much more comfortable and luxurious compared to the coach seats of our previ...

We started out Wednesday with one and only one goal: Thank You cards. Why Thank You cards you ask? Every Emily Post fan knows, to tip porters and stewards on a train, you have to put the cash in a beautifully embossed, pastel colored envelope with a hand caligraphed written message thanking the recipient for a wonderful trip and how much their service enriched your life. Obviously Emily Post had stock in stationary supply companies. In reality, we w ould be lucky to find a packet of blank note cards and envelopes. So, out into the wide world of Los Angeles we ventures. Being in the downtown area of Los Angeles, we were surrounded by giant skyscrapers (one of which was our hotel) each, with beautiful large succulent gardens greeting visitors. We saw sedums, agave, snake plant, and so many more that we recognized but couldn’t name. So beautiful and creative and so very different from Northwest landscaping. On our way back to the hotel, we stopped by the Los Angeles Public Library and gar...

  Train travel is an amazing experience.  Ok.  Let’s talk about the elephant in the room. It is not a speedy service. It’s not even a glamerous service. But that’s not the purpose of traveling by train. It’s travel where you experience relaxation at its best. Experience the moments of the journey, but do so from a sleeping car, not coach, especially for us old geezers. Overnight in coach is a challenge, not only physically but mentally. It’s difficult to sleep while sitting, especially in the morning when your body has been contorted into a pretzel the night before. Sarah and I both recommend a bedroom or roomette for any journey that is more than 24 hours. ToDo’s: Pack a lunch or two. Amtrak cafe food is just fine, but limited. Its not meant to be five star cuisine. Twix and cheetos were the staple for David. “Together, they hit all the major food groups… chocolate, caramel, and cheese powder.” Sarah brough keto scones and leftover Easter ham that actually sustained us t...