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

[Old MM]

The approach into SLC was nothing like I had ever seen, mountains, more mountains, the pilots taking us past yet more mountains, and then, pink and purple lakes!? I am from Michigan, lakes are not lavender! I don't know how to describe how otherwordly this looked to me. It was so far from my lived experience it might as well have been science fiction. Anyway, we landed, I deplaned and went off to find a meal and something to drink, it was mid afternoon in that time zone and with the time zone change, would not be arriving in DTW until 11 pm. The SLC terminal is basically a long straight line, near as I could tell, instead of an airport terminal designed around "fingers" extending from a main concourse. I strolled along, exploring for a while, to take in the mountain views from different gates. Not the same as California, interestingly, a completely different landscape. I might try to add some pictures to the end of this report. Eventually decided on getting a burrito for the day's meal, and some ice water which really hit the spot. The flight to DTW boarded on time, the plane was packed, and it was bloody hot on the ground until we got in the air and the cabin cooled off. It really made me wish there was a train, still it was a nice smooth flight and we got to DTW right on time. I walked through the McNamara terminal on the way to the rideshare area, reflecting on the sense of discovery that marked each day of this adventure. Kids and I are in agreement. We need to return to the SF Bay area, and make this a family adventure, for all of us, taking the train one way and flying the other. Thanks for reading and again, thanks to those of you who provide the inspiration for these reports, whether here, on Youtube, or both!

 

[Bob Dylan]

As always, really enjoyed your trip reports, thanks for sharing!

Your observation about the area around the Oakland Airport and Stadium and Arena is spot on, it's basically a dead Zone.

The three Pro teams that used to play there have all left, the NBA Warriors to San Francisco, the NFL Raiders to Las Vegas, and the MLB As to Sacramento on the way to Vegas in couple of years.

As for Salt Lake City, the Amtrak Station ( Am Shack) is nothing to write Home about, with terrible calling times for the Zephyr.

And your take on San Francisco is like most peoples, as many times as you go, you still do the Touristy things and enjoy this Gem of a City.

 

[caravanman]

Thanks again for a great report, very interesting indeed!

 

[jiml]

Happy Thanksgiving all, and thank you for the comments. In terms of the grocery roundup, my absolute favorite is a Michigan based chain, Meijer's, which has been in business continuously for a long time and offers variety, quality, and mostly decent pricing, in my opinion. Kroger is a close-ish second place. My comment on TJoe's, stems from eventually getting less enamored of the brand, years after having shopped there quite often in the early 2000s. Back then they had some unique offerings, more affordable, still do for some items. Over the years I have found some degradation in quality for certain offerings but if I'm in a strange city and TJ's is the closest grocer, I will go there. Definitely not as expensive as the Whole Paycheck, another brand we shop only when on the road. It's dependable and offers a consistent quality level, sure a bit pricey but not as much as going to a restaurant for a meal. Last year when in San Antonio, we shopped at the local HEB and found it to very comparable to Kroger or Harris Teeter (same parent company?) for value, freshness and variety. In Chicago we like Jewel Osco, similar to the other Kroger family stores, with certain local variations such as baked goods. Big fan of Publix in South Florida, when on vacation there we have been very happy with the fresh produce and especially the deli and prepared sandwiches, in my opinion, second to none in quality and value. And on with the trip report.

We need a new thread for Favorite US Grocery Stores. Meijer is our go-to in Michigan and Ohio as well. Found Kroger has really dropped off in recent years. Also big fans of Publix in Florida - helped by the fact that there is one within the complex we winter in and, although a smaller store, they have everything and amazing deals. Also, like Wegman's in NY State and along the Eastern Seaboard. Fortunate to have a really top-notch one where we frequently stay in Virginia.

 

[jiml]

Another of your usual top trip reports MM! Always a good read.

 

[MARC Rider]

Here in Austin, and all across Texas and Northern Mexico, family owned and operated HEB is the dominant Grocer!

Best prices, excellent Customer Service,and they treat their employees really well!

Well, if we're going to be rating regional grocery chains, I'll put in a vote for Wegman's, a chain from upstate New York that's moving into the Mid-Atlantic. Prices are reasonable, selection is comparable to Whole Foods, except they also have regular brand foods, and check out clerks are pretty friendly, too. We've pretty much switched to them, except for using the kosher market for kosher meat and certain Jewish delicacies, and I do go to Whole Foods to get their brand of Omega-3 capsules that has a reasonably decent price.

And, yeah, when I was spending tie in Texas, HEB is where I shopped for food. The question I always had was, who was buying the Manischewitz wine, Sabra Hummus, and pickled herring on sale at the stores in Uvalde and Del Rio?

 

[Bob Dylan]

Well, if we're going to be rating regional grocery chains, I'll put in a vote for Wegman's, a chain from upstate New York that's moving into the Mid-Atlantic. Prices are reasonable, selection is comparable to Whole Foods, except they also have regular brand foods, and check out clerks are pretty friendly, too. We've pretty much switched to them, except for using the kosher market for kosher meat and certain Jewish delicacies, and I do go to Whole Foods to get their brand of Omega-3 capsules that has a reasonably decent price.

And, yeah, when I was spending tie in Texas, HEB is where I shopped for food. The question I always had was, who was buying the Manischewitz wine, Sabra Hummus, and pickled herring on sale at the stores in Uvalde and Del Rio?

Most people don't realize that Texas has a sizeable Jewish population, but also the huge amount of people who have moved to Texas in the past 30 years have included lots of folks from the Northeast who were used to eating Kosher foods.

As you no doubt know, Delis are also popular in Texas for the same reasons.

 

[tomfuller]

I just opened your trip report this morning. Good job!
FYI: The bus connection from Los Angeles to Bakersfield is an Amtrak contracted bus. The northbound San Joaquin train does not leave until all of the buses have arrived and passengers have picked up their luggage from bus side and boarded the empty train. I do remember waiting for the bus from Barstow to arrive.
Going southbound from Sacramento I take the Amtrak bus to Stockton and wait about an hour for the SJ to Bakersfield. The trip on I-5 on the bus up and down "the Grapevine" is interesting.
As for the grocery stores I shop in Bend Oregon, Safeway, Albertsons and Fred Meyer which is owned by Kroger. We do have a Trader Joe's which is right next to Grocery Outlet which I prefer. I only go into Trader Joe's if they have something I can't find elsewhere.
The Grocery Outlet store now has the new name of Local Acres.

 

[Eric in East County]

Kids and I are in agreement. We need to return to the SF Bay area, and make this a family adventure, for all of us, taking the train one way and flying the other.

We're already looking forward to your trip report from this family adventure!

Eric & Pat

 

[PVD]

Well, if we're going to be rating regional grocery chains, I'll put in a vote for Wegman's, a chain from upstate New York that's moving into the Mid-Atlantic. Prices are reasonable, selection is comparable to Whole Foods, except they also have regular brand foods, and check out clerks are pretty friendly, too. We've pretty much switched to them, except for using the kosher market for kosher meat and certain Jewish delicacies, and I do go to Whole Foods to get their brand of Omega-3 capsules that has a reasonably decent price.

And, yeah, when I was spending tie in Texas, HEB is where I shopped for food. The question I always had was, who was buying the Manischewitz wine, Sabra Hummus, and pickled herring on sale at the stores in Uvalde and Del Rio?

might be my niece, she was buying for a Cental Market (upscale HEB chain) and moved to an HEB regional position (still in Austin)

 

[Northwestern]

I guess grocery stores is a departure from the title of this thread.

But, I wonder if there are any fans of Piggly Wiggly supermarkets? Back in my teens, my family drove back to Rochester, MN to visit my sister who was living there at the time. We once drove by a supermarket called, "Piggly Wiggly". I had to laugh at the name. Piggly Wiggly markets were a stop for Daisy in the movie, "Driving Miss Daisy". We don't have any Piggly Wigglys out here in Calif. Maybe just the south and midwest?

 

[Bob Dylan]

I guess grocery stores is a departure from the title of this thread.

But, I wonder if there are any fans of Piggly Wiggly supermarkets? Back in my teens, my family drove back to Rochester, MN to visit my sister who was living there at the time. We once drove by a supermarket called, "Piggly Wiggly". I had to laugh at the name. Piggly Wiggly markets were a stop for Daisy in the movie, "Driving Miss Daisy". We don't have any Piggly Wigglys out here in Calif. Maybe just the south and midwest?

When I was a kid in the 50s, Piggly Wigglys and Winn-Dixies were the Souths biggest Grocery Chains, with most located in Small towns.( the way Wal-Mart started out)

 

[MARC Rider]

Most people don't realize that Texas has a sizeable Jewish population, but also the huge amount of people who have moved to Texas in the past 30 years have included lots of folks from the Northeast who were used to eating Kosher foods.

True, but I don't think Jewish folks are moving to places like Uvalde or Del Rio.

 

[Asher]

I certainly am going to get into MM’s entire trip. A lot of interesting bases are touched upon. Speaking of markets, I traveled back to Indiana quite frequently for a number of years visiting relatives that lived in a small rural town. The closest town of any size is Anderson and Meijers store/ market was always a must go to. Traveling on the road weeks at a time, my sons try to hit a Whole Foods as much as possible for somewhat healthy food.
Trader Joe’s had an advertising paper that would lead me into trying an item they found that usually never passed the taste test for me. Otherwise a few frozen items “ Black Bean Enchiladas” are good.

 

[Asher]

True, but I don't think Jewish folks are moving to places like Uvalde or Del Rio.

I think Texas has always had a number of Jewish residents. Del Rio and other city’s along the border have a declining population and are not a destination for any religious denomination other than Catholicism.

 

[Bob Dylan]

I think Texas has always had a number of Jewish residents. Del Rio and other city’s along the border have a declining population and are not a destination for any religious denomination other than Catholicism.

Lots of Amish ride Amtrak to the border to visit relatives in Mexico, and to get Medical and Dental treatment since it's more affordable there.

Also the fastest growing Religions are the Fundamentalist Christian Sects, and Mormonism, which are growing on both sides of the border.

 

[trainman74]

In Chicago we like Jewel Osco, similar to the other Kroger family stores, with certain local variations such as baked goods.

Jewel-Osco is owned by Albertsons/Safeway. In the Chicago area, Kroger owns the Mariano's chain.