Heading to the Platform

[SCbogey]

I have been looking and lurking on AU for a long time. It time for me to head to the platform and get aboard.

About me: we retired to rural SC, after living and working in a major metro area. We enjoy the quiet, unhurried life here. I play golf 3-4 times a week and usually say BOGEY after my putt drops. So my screen name is SCbogey.

I don't have railroading in the family, and don't live near any Amtrak tracks. I have few train miles, mostly East Coast pre-Amtrak metroliners. Family Auto Train vacation soon after Amtrak restarted the route (mid 80s). Last month, we watched a BNSF freight cross the double diamond at the Rochelle Railroad Park. My first foaming in decades. Very interesting. I like to travel but my DW does not travel except to visit grandchildren.

Having found AU and compulsively reading every post for months and months, I am heading to the platform. The advice from the AU world has given me the confidence, and patience, to travel by Amtrak. The trip reports and photos here are first class, very entertaining.

Amtrak, here I come. I am ticketed for a solo round trip Amtrak run this fall from rural SC to Seattle to visit family. My first transcon! (Routes SM-LSL-EB-CS-CZ-CL-SM. 8012 miles on Amtrak). Can hardly wait!

BOARD!!!

 

[TinCan782]

Wow! That's quite a "starter" trip. You'll enjoy it!

I hope you are an AGR member and will be earning points for the trip. Speaking of AGR, they typically run a double points program in the fall. If so, register for the program so you can maximize your earnings if your trip (or any part) falls within the time period.

 

[the_traveler]

Welcome! :hi:

As said, be sure to join Amtrak Guest Rewards (AGR) before your trip. (A referral can be made by another agr member, and both of you will earn bonus points. You will earn bonus points anyway when you register, but if you register via the referral link in the email. sent by AGR, both of you earn points! You can request a referral here in the AGR sub-forum, and I'm sure somebody will be glad to refer you.)

Most every year, there is a double point promotion in the fall. You do not have to purchase your tickets during that time, you only have to travel during that promotion period!

 

[TinCan782]

But, you have to register for the promotion to receive the benefits. That registration can take place when the program is announced and pretty much any time during the promo period. AGR typically does a Spring Double Points promo as well.

 

[Bob Dylan]

Welcome aboard! A fantastic " Starter" trip, we're envious!

My late dad was from the Greenville Area of SC and we used to ride the Southern RR to visit! I see you are riding the Meteor so ya'll must live somewhere in Central or Eastern Carolina!

Have a ball, looking forward to sharing yourvAmtrak Adventures and your contributions to this great forum!

 

[oregon pioneer]

Wonderful trip you have planned there! I hope you will post a trip report, and I am looking forward to reading it!

 

[shelzp]

Great screen name! Welcome and what a wonderful trip you have planned. Like others have mentioned you will probably want to join the guest rewards program. It's even more fun to plan trips using points instead of money.

 

[SCbogey]

Thanks for the welcome comments. I learned about AGR on AU. Also, I used Amsnag today for a nice price cut, which will end up in the lounge bar anyway. So much great info here on AU. My trip reports will not be of the same gauge as Oregon Pioneer, caravans, SarahZ, or jis world of railroading. I will try to have something interesting to report.

 

[Shanghai]

Welcome. I hope all goes well on your trip.