Hi from Detroit-ish

[Flyaway]

Hi guys! I’ve taken a couple little weekend trips to Chicago on Amtrak with my 11 year old daughter in the past six months, and we both find it a really relaxing and fun way to travel. So for spring break we are taking the California Zephyr. She doesn’t know yet because it will be her birthday present. But I’m so excited! We have two roomettes across from each other, so we are guaranteed great views out of both sides and leg room.

 

[jis]

Welcome aboard!

Here is wishing you a wonderful trip...

 

[flitcraft]

Let us know how your trip was once you're back. I have more than a passing interest, since Mr. Flitcraft and I are taking our 10 year old granddaughter on a cross-country trip via New York, Chicago, Los Angeles and San Diego this June. All three of us are already super excited and maybe just a tad apprehensive, so hearing about your experiences will help with both emotions!

One thing to plan for is that there is no Wifi onboard, and very limited cell coverage for a significant part of the CZ's route, so you may want to download some entertainment for the evenings.

 

[Flyaway]

Let us know how your trip was once you're back. I have more than a passing interest, since Mr. Flitcraft and I are taking our 10 year old granddaughter on a cross-country trip via New York, Chicago, Los Angeles and San Diego this June. All three of us are already super excited and maybe just a tad apprehensive, so hearing about your experiences will help with both emotions!

One thing to plan for is that there is no Wifi onboard, and very limited cell coverage for a significant part of the CZ's route, so you may want to download some entertainment for the evenings.

Amazing! I’ll be sure to report back. I’m definitely going to prepare her because she plays a lot of games that use Wi-Fi, so she will need to download other things. I also was planning to take the opportunity to play some of my favorite audiobooks for her. And I was going to look into some travel games, like I hear that the dice version of Catan is pretty good.

Your trip sounds amazing! We are just doing 5 nights. Two on train and 3 in San Francisco. Still very excited. And she hasn’t been out west since she was less than a year old.

 

[Tlcooper44]

Welcome!
My wife and I absolutely loved our Zephyr trip back in November 2020. One of the most memorable journeys I've ever taken (of any type). Its an amazing way to see the country.

 

[chadamfleetrailfan]

Hi @Flyaway ! I know that you've been talking about the CZ, but with you being in Michigan, have you taken any of the Michigan services? (e.g. Pere Marquette, Blue Water, Wolverine)

 

[Flyaway]

Hi @Flyaway ! I know that you've been talking about the CZ, but with you being in Michigan, have you taken any of the Michigan services? (e.g. Pere Marquette, Blue Water, Wolverine)

Hi there— I’ve taken the Wolverine Express from either Royal Oak (twice recently) or Ann Arbor (more than a decade ago). Are you from Michigan?

For the CZ, we will be taking the WE connecting to it.

 

[DetroitDave]

Hi @Flyaway and welcome!

I'm a Detroiter too - my name gives it away - and I've enjoyed the jaunts back and forth to Chicago too! I also booked my first ride on the CZ for this summer (coupled with San Joaquins and time in the Bay Area). Looking forward to what you think of the trip!

 

[Flyaway]

Hi @Flyaway and welcome!

I'm a Detroiter too - my name gives it away - and I've enjoyed the jaunts back and forth to Chicago too! I also booked my first ride on the CZ for this summer (coupled with San Joaquins and time in the Bay Area). Looking forward to what you think of the trip!

Awesome! Great to “meet” another local.

 

[chadamfleetrailfan]

Hi there— I’ve taken the Wolverine Express from either Royal Oak (twice recently) or Ann Arbor (more than a decade ago). Are you from Michigan?

For the CZ, we will be taking the WE connecting to it.

I am not from Michigan; however, I am familiar with the Michigan routes that leave from Chicago.