Fall trip, cross country flights and California Rail, Sept. 2024

[Old MM]

Earlier this fall (late September) I had the opportunity to travel in California, and by rail at that. My son was presenting at 2 different conferences and he invited me along for some adventure. I jumped at the chance and we started trip planning late in the summer. He was going to be in LA and then San Francisco, and it seemed tailor made for a leisurely exploration on the San Joaquin to get from Point A to Point B, and experience the rail journey along the way. We thought it would work if I used my retiree flight bennies to join him the last day in LA, and take the train together North. From SFO the plan was for me to book a paid flight home to DTW, and his travel back to Raleigh was already arranged for him.
Well, as it turned out, this plan needed to be revised. Eric and Pat, among my favorite writers here, have taught me that it is a good idea to have a goal in mind when planning a trip. At this juncture, we had not really thought about the goals, just the fun idea of taking a new train. But as the conference planning got underway, and he learned more about the schedule and the venue, it became evident that having me show up in LA was perhaps not the best idea. So we had a Face Time meeting and talked everything through. We clarified our goals: successful meetings for him, hopefully some time for both of us to explore if possible, and an avoidance of unneeded stress. My goal was to assist in whatever direction this took, for his professional commitments, and I offered that I didn't need to be there at all, if that was best. He mentioned the chief concern that the 9 hour journey on the day in between. In fact he was worried. The first 2 hours were on a bus to Bakersfield to catch the train, and this incited the angst. It sounded fun when first discussed, but what if the bus was late? And even if everything was on time, that was a late arrival with so much to get done the next day. 4 days in LA meant he would need to get his clothes cleaned, and his presentation poster ironed, materials printed, and other tasks. We solved the issue by canceling our tickets on the San Joaquin, and booking him a one way flight from LAX to SFO. I abandoned the flying to LAX in favor of meeting him in SFO. Having changed the plan, I just assumed the cost rather than bother his travel desk again. This far ahead, there were numerous inexpensive options between the 2 airports. The flight would arrive in the early afternoon, and we would have a free night before the conference opened. The SFO venue was also housed in the gigantic Marriott downtown, which made it a little easier for a tagalong to blend in. So with goals clarified, travel arrangements made, the stress was gone and we both looked forward to the adventure. The only regret was daughter not being able to join us due to her work schedule. However, we will definitely plan a family trip, after how wonderful this turned out to be!

 

[Old MM]

Departure day was getting closer! Son flew to LAX from Raleigh-Durham on a nonstop. He's a tall guy and was very ready to stretch his legs on arrival after being cramped for almost 5 hours. Upon arrival he got busy with conference activities very quickly, and I started packing my bag while trying to figure out just how I was going to get myself to the San Francisco Bay area. (This part may give pause to many travelers, unless you have worked for an airline, and are used to the unpredictable nature of using flight benefits). As expected, son had almost no time to explore, and was going to be busy literally until the morning of checkout. I noticed that the flights were a little problematic out of DTW, for standbys, and that the best option was out of Chicago, but that the flight to Chicago didn't look open either. I really needed to be in Chicago early in the morning on the day of travel to California. Rather than get up at 3 in the morning, I wondered if it were possible to just get to the connection point the day before. Amtrak to the rescue, there were plenty of seats on the Wolverines, and with my suitcase ready to go, I booked a ticket on the next day morning train out of Ann Arbor and an airport hotel that night by ORD. Daughter picked me up and gave me a ride to the station on her way to work, and the California adventure was officially underway.

 

[OBS]

Great report so far…

 

[Old MM]

It was a cool, sunny and pleasant fall morning, with a decent crowd. The conductors were not concerned with directing traffic, we all more or less found seats wherever we could. I was close to the end of the line and ended up walking back to almost the last car, where there were still open seats. Though we got the announcement that all seats would be taken, and not to stow our bags on the seat next to us, there were still a few open seats here and there all the way to Chicago. My seatmate was quiet and mostly occupied with her phone, as I was. Having taken vacation time, I left the laptop at home and did not once access my email, in accordance with the Out of Office autoreply set up the night before. The trip was relaxing and uneventful, Michigan fall colors were just getting started then and it seemed that in no time at all, we were pulling into Chicago Union station, not only on time but actually a few minutes ahead of schedule.
The arrival into CUS never, ever gets old. You see the city come into view, the train glides into the mighty station and parks, the Amtrak staff are efficiently helping everyone detrain, hoisting bags as needed, as the Redcaps arrive for anyone in need. The sounds and smells of the locomotives are a timeless reminder of trips taken 20 years ago, as much as they are a welcome into the discovery of what awaits in the present day. Walking along the platform into the bright station ahead, even if you are not escaping the elements (like in Winter) you are crossing a threshold into your next new adventure.

 

[Old MM]

With the late morning arrival into Chicago, I was getting hungry, although no coffee was needed, having properly caffeinated before leaving home. It was fun to just stroll around the station for a bit, pulling my rollaboard, in no particular hurry, taking note of the construction progress on the way. The main hall linking the boarding gates and the Great Hall was much more navigable. Eventually I took the escalator up to the food court level and went to my old standby, the Sbarro, for a breakfast stromboli. They were starting the transition from breakfast to lunch by then, and maybe that's why, but after I paid for the meal and returned to the Great Hall to eat, I discovered in the bag, not one but two Strombolis. Well that was interesting, but I could not eat two of them. I wrapped up the second and then double wrapped it in two plastic bags, and tucked inside my suitcase. In any case, it was time to head out - I had a couple of errands to accomplish and hopefully some time to walk all the way to the river before catching the Blue Line to my airport hotel. Light jacket weather, as we say in the Midwest, and the perfect day to spend in Chicago.
I stopped in the station bathroom first and then took the escalator out next to the river, walking first towards a Bank of America to get some cash, and then towards Lake Michigan on Monroe Street. Being familiar with the area meant that I could turn here or there, in a lackadaisical fashion, in whatever direction looked interesting. Eventually I found my way to up State Street, where I checked another item off the list of to-dos, and found a Five and Below where I bought an inexpensive backup charger for my older model iPhone. Errands completed, I then headed to the Chicago Riverwalk, and texted photos to the kids along the way. Daughter asked me to stop by the Magnolia Bakery and take a photo of the display case. In addition to the famous Banana Pudding they had a fall pumpkin variety. I wished she was there, not being a fan of either bananas or pumpkin anything, so I just didn't have the same appreciation. It was nice to have that connection though. After pressing onwards to Wacker Drive and the Riverwalk, I took in some time just appreciating the river views, however the air was starting to chill along with some spotty drizzle, and I didn't bring an umbrella. So it was time to get out of there and get inside. Luckily the Block 37 complex is very close by, very good to know about for any kind of weather event, and in addition to the aforementioned Magnolia Bakery, there are many other retail options, a movie theater, and CTA stops all enclosed inside. It was still early enough in the day that I didn't feel compelled to rush to the hotel, and I had a craving for an afternoon pick-me-up, so I stopped at a Bubble Tea shop near the Blue and Red line stops, and got one of those fabulous milk teas with black tea, ginger, sugar and boba bubbles. Phenomenal. Thus fortified, I bought my CTA ticket and headed down to the Blue Line platform.

 

[Old MM]

The CTA Blue Line, to me, is just as iconic and brimming with a sense of possibility, as are Union Station and O'Hare. The slow and hypnotic strains of a musician playing his saxophone filled the air as I descended onto the platform. This was during rush hour and the trains going in both directions were packed. You never have to wait that long for a Blue Line train, and soon I was on my way, and even lucky enough to have a seat. After a while the train empties out enough that no one is left standing even during the busy times. I rode the train all the way to the airport, so I could catch the hotel shuttle, rather than try and catch a bus or walk to the Holiday Inn. I like the CTA arrival into O'Hare, too, it's a similar but altogether different feeling than arriving into CUS. Exiting the train, there is an escalator and elevator up to the airport. Signs direct you to the Ground Transportation center. It was not immediately apparent where to wait for the shuttle, so I called the hotel front desk and they were explicit about which area to wait in, and I followed their directions to the correct spot. I was soon on my way to the hotel, and checked in to my room where I could regroup and finalize plans for the next day. I loved the hotel incidentally. Full service dining and onsite fitness center, did not use either but good note for future travels. Coffee bar in lobby.

 

[Old MM]

In room, unpacking some, time for dinner and what do you know, there was that uneaten stromboli in my suitcase I'm sure this goes against every food safety rule, but I ate the whole thing, with no ill effect, along with some celery, carrots and apple slices I had brought from home. I also had some cookies and pretzels for later, and a couple of pints of beer. My firm opinion is that this (beers) helps protect you against possible food poisoning. I went for another walk around the hotel grounds for fresh air and to stretch legs, and then returned to the room. By this time it was getting late, and I had to make decisions about what the heck I was going to do the next day. I don't normally wing it to this extent, even using benefits, but I was so undecided up until this point. There was a direct flight to SFO that looked feasible, but there was also a flight to Sacramento with seats open, and that opened up a possibility of taking Amtrak from there into the Bay area. There were seats available on the train, and I had so hoped to be able to ride one of these California trains, so that cemented the decision. Early wake up so jumped in the shower after doing some prepacking, setting my phone alarm after confirming the shuttle times with the hotel. Slept like a baby in that King bed.
Getting late and work tomorrow, so will continue this saga later!

 

[Eric in East County]

To paraphrase a famous quote, reading a trip report, particularly a well written trip report, gives us someplace to go when we have to stay where we are. We’d just finished Caravanman’s thoroughly delightful trip report and then, just when we thought things couldn’t get any better, we’re starting off the week with one of Michigan Mom’s trip reports! This will be another “keeper” that we plan to bookmark so that we can come back and re-read it several more times to fully take in all of trip’s many details. We’ll be eagerly looking forward to the additional installments as they are posted.

Eric & Pat

 

[Old MM]

Thanks as ALWAYS to Eric and Pat, my enduring inspirations for these reports!
On to Day 2 of travel!
The alarm went off at 5 am, and I groggily got out of the comfortable bed to look out the window. It was still dark and rather drizzly. Brewed a cup of coffee to sip on while getting everything together, and made my way down to the the lobby for the 6 am airport shuttle departure. I had reserved a seat for that time with the front desk on their recommendation, and good thing - every seat was taken. The sun was coming up but the skies were still gray and the slow drizzle trickled down the van windows as we approached O'Hare. Once inside, I got through security with no issue, and although the line was long, things moved along at a good pace. I had plenty of time before boarding, but didn't feel like eating or drinking anything, which is sort of an ingrained defense mechanism I have when flying. So I just found a place to sit with a charger for my phone, and passed the time texting and reading news before boarding. The Sacramento flight still had plenty of open seats, and I had committed earlier to going there instead of San Francisco, just for the opportunity to ride Amtrak to Emeryville. Another time will plan to see SFO airport, perhaps on a paid ticket so there is no gambling involved. This time, though, I was SMF bound. When the agents announced boarding, I was excited and looked forward to this cross country experience. The slow rain continued as I stowed my bag and buckled in at my window seat, we pushed back from the gate and taxiied through the wondrous collection of aircraft from all over the US and world that is Chicago O'Hare.
We took off and soon were flying above the clouds, in a world that was sunny and ethereal. I didn't get that much sleep the night before and the one cup of coffee wasn't keeping me awake, so I napped for a while, and woke up when the flight attendants began the drinks service. The landscape was beginning to change from the familiar Midwest. I saw mountain ranges in all their breathtaking beauty! I was in awe at that point and more sleep would have been out of the question. I had a cup of water to stave off dehydration, and the FAs actually had 2 cabin service trips, so I got another. They also offered Biscoff cookies which I put in my purse. There was a free trial of internet access, I think 20 minutes, which was nice for some family texting, and some packages for purchase, but the view was so entrancing there was no need for other distraction.
When the pilot announced we had begun our descent, the gentleman in the aisle seat (our middle was empty) became conversational and asked what I would be doing in the area. I told him I was going to the Amtrak station to ride the Cal train, which he seemed to find odd. I will admit many of my ideas strike people as odd. He was returning home after a 2 month stay in the Chicago area helping his brother out with his business, and was delighted to be leaving there after the cooler weather set in. He did caution me that the valley was much hotter than the Bay area, in case I wasn't used to the heat (his words came back to me full force later in the day). Once the airplane touched down, he called his son to pick him up and I called my son to let him I had arrived in SMF. It was, what, a 4 hour flight? But really didn't seem like it.
Our aircraft parked at the gate and I deplaned to an airport I had never seen before. I liked it, the layout was thoughtful and the views were decidedly unlike the Midwest. "I'm in California!" I said, out loud, to no one in particular. I said it out loud because it didn't seem real. Certainly DTW doesn't have mountains you can see from the windows! I didn't want people to think I was crazy so I kept walking to an empty gate area to FaceTime the kids and show them the views. There was no need to hurry, the train didn't leave for 2 hours, so I explored for a while before exiting the secured area. In the bathrooms, it was interesting that only a trickle of water came out of the faucets for hand washing, so a little patience was required. The concessions were spaced around a food court area and there were some good options but I wasn't hungry yet. I did buy a bottle of water and stowed in my bag just in case. Walking out of the airport, the weather was picture perfect, sun and blue skies!

 

[Old MM]

Once you exit the airport, the city bus stop is across the street from the terminal entrance/exit. Apple Maps was right on the money as to its location and the bus times. I had singles ready for the fare which was only, one of those! The signage at a covered shelter there was impressive, with bus number arrival times being updated on a lighted sign in real time. A woman around my age was pacing around the area, talking to herself, and to me, and told me she didn't want me to think she was crazy. This was interesting, and who am I to judge?
Anyway, my bus soon pulled up. The driver was friendly and advised he would let me know of the correct stop, which he said would be right across from the Amtrak station. We left the airport area in the bright sunshine, mostly along a freeway, and presently were pulling into the urban area. Thanking the driver, I got off the bus and looked around the city street. For the first time, I noticed that unlike Detroit or Chicago, it was, yes indeed, rather hot outside. I took off my jacket and put in inside the suitcase. The long sleeved T shirt that was inadequate in the Midwest was also a bit too much here, so getting to the station was a high priority. Apple Maps was convinced I was right across from Amtrak, and the bus driver also said the station was there, yet, there was nothing around that remotely resembled a train station. After some confusion and indecision, I followed the phone's directions and crossed the street. There was a set of steps going down into a courtyard, flanked by apartment or condo buildings, a few residents sitting outside on benches, and from there, a driveway heading upwards in the same direction. Nothing else to do but follow it (and the directions). I got to the top of the driveway and found another city street, but more importantly, the Amtrak station!
What a discovery! I eagerly crossed the street and approached the building.

 

[Old MM]

The Sacramento Amtrak station is an impressively large building, with an imposing exterior and an expansive waiting room inside. You enter from the street side, and just opposite, exit to the track side. Outside the back doors, you will find another outdoor area where you can sit in the shade and watch some sort of city transit come and go. But the Amtrak tracks are farther away, a bit of a hike that takes you underground and downhill briefly before going back uphill to the train tracks. Having verified the boarding location, and with plenty of time still, I went back inside to the main hall. Amtrak has a staffed ticketing area on one side of the large room, and on the other side, a sandwich shop and restrooms. It was now a long time since I had eaten anything, and lunch seemed like a good idea, especially after factoring in the time change. So I went into the sandwich shop to look at the menu. They were doing a brisk trade in carryout orders, no one was sitting at the few tables available. I elected to eat there, and ordered a small size brisket sandwich, on fresh baked sourdough bread, which was recommended as being really good by the person working. Let me tell you, the small size was huge! And delicious! Highly recommend. I ate half of it, which was quite filling, and wrapped up the other half, and you guessed it, stowed in my bag. I also bought another water bottle which fit easily inside the suitcase, as drinking water appeared to be on a different level in California. After a trip to the restroom, it was close enough to boarding time to make my way back to the tracks. There were a few other passengers waiting, and security officers, one with a K9. The officers were relaxed and friendly, one came over to chat with me briefly before moving on, and as it got closer to departure time more passengers arrived on the track from the underground walkway. The heat was really starting to get to me by now. I remembered the man on the plane cautioning me that it was going to be 100 degrees and that I probably wouldn't be used to it. He was correct on both. I drained the water bottle slowly, it was the only salvation I had to offset the sweat that was starting to pour. A train had been parked on the tracks since I had first arrived and I didn't know if it was the correct corridor train, until the crew showed up and the doors opened. The air conditioning was like a gift from the gods, and I made my way up to the upper level coach seating, as the conductors announced the lower level was reserved for passengers who needed them. I found an empty window seat with a working outlet and kept my bag with me, as the car appeared to be mostly half full. Announcements were made that we would be pulling out soon from Sacramento, and eventually into the Bay area, and I was bolstered by the air conditioning as well as the announcements! We were on our way!