greatcats
Engineer
I arrived back in Flagstaff early this morning after four weeks of travel across the U.S., all by Amtrak, with the exception of the previously mentioned Megabus segment Chicago to Cincinnati, because the limited train schedule obviously did not fit my needs, and my decision to fly San Francsico-San Diego, wishing to avoid a thirteen hour tedious ride changing from trains to buses. That would have been a long, not terribly interesting day. Once I was past the wonderful, glorious security at San Francisco Airport, I enjoyed a sushi plate and a Sapporo before my United flight, which delivered me just fine to San Diego, although with a rather strange approach right over the city, for which that airport was well known. My trip was about attending symphonies and cultural events. The Mozart " Requiem " with the San Francisco Symphony and then the Evensong service at Grace Cathedral with a visiting British choir were the highlights of my trip. Saturday I attended the Harold Lloyd silent movie, " Safety Last " accompanied by pipe organ.
Yesterday afternoon I boarded Surfliner #583 at 3 pm at San Diego to Los Angeles, Business Class. THe rest of the train was crowded, but we had peace and quiet in Business. It was a beautiful afternoon, not the first time I have ridden this route. It was a smooth operation and we arrived LAX a few minutes early and then I went to board the SOuthwest Chief for the final portion of my trip. My sleeper appeared to be newly renovated, the George M. Pullman. Brian was the attendant, who was professional. No problems with this car that I could tell. My final Amtrak dinner for awhile was with three seniors and we had a great discussion about classical music. One man had even been employed at one time by Erie Lackawanna Railway, my original railroad employer. We all had crabcakes and the service was good. I made use of the shower and went to bed. I seemed to have slept fairly well, as have no recollection of stopping at Barstow, Needles, or Kingman. I was aware of the high rate of speed crossing the Mojave Desert( a place that I dislike driving across ) and woke up well in advance of the arrival in Flagstaff, where it was 2 degrees this morning.
Nothing too unusual on the return trip. I would give Amtrak a B+ regarding the nearly 7,000 miles of travel by rail. There were a few delays, ( the major one into Chicago early in February was forgiveable. ) some equipment problems which did not affect me too directly, some really wonderful employees ( none rating a complaint ) and comfortable accomodations. I am not new to travel around the country, having been in all 50 states, working in Alaska, and having been in a number of foreign countries. The varied and spectacular views enjoyed on these trains rival anything in the world. This itinerary was strictly my creation and it was worth it in all respects! THE END
Yesterday afternoon I boarded Surfliner #583 at 3 pm at San Diego to Los Angeles, Business Class. THe rest of the train was crowded, but we had peace and quiet in Business. It was a beautiful afternoon, not the first time I have ridden this route. It was a smooth operation and we arrived LAX a few minutes early and then I went to board the SOuthwest Chief for the final portion of my trip. My sleeper appeared to be newly renovated, the George M. Pullman. Brian was the attendant, who was professional. No problems with this car that I could tell. My final Amtrak dinner for awhile was with three seniors and we had a great discussion about classical music. One man had even been employed at one time by Erie Lackawanna Railway, my original railroad employer. We all had crabcakes and the service was good. I made use of the shower and went to bed. I seemed to have slept fairly well, as have no recollection of stopping at Barstow, Needles, or Kingman. I was aware of the high rate of speed crossing the Mojave Desert( a place that I dislike driving across ) and woke up well in advance of the arrival in Flagstaff, where it was 2 degrees this morning.
Nothing too unusual on the return trip. I would give Amtrak a B+ regarding the nearly 7,000 miles of travel by rail. There were a few delays, ( the major one into Chicago early in February was forgiveable. ) some equipment problems which did not affect me too directly, some really wonderful employees ( none rating a complaint ) and comfortable accomodations. I am not new to travel around the country, having been in all 50 states, working in Alaska, and having been in a number of foreign countries. The varied and spectacular views enjoyed on these trains rival anything in the world. This itinerary was strictly my creation and it was worth it in all respects! THE END
