Trip Report. Steve introduces Rosalyn to the Coast Starlight and California Zephyr

[Steve4031]

We are onboard. I got an Amlecture about our bags. I was managing my big bag and Rosalyn’s big bag. Plus a couple of small ones. Moments after I complimented the lounge lady for doing a great job she told me, “I can’t let you take that bag if it’s too heavy.” I told her I could manage it and that you don’t even need to touch it. She said she never intended to lift the bag. I told her “then you don’t have to worry about how heavy it is.

The Red cap was outstanding. The sca was too. A manager assisted me with my large bags. There was a unified effort to get 14 out as quickly as possible.

 

[Cal]

We are onboard. I got an Amlecture about our bags. I was managing my big bag and Rosalyn’s big bag. Plus a couple of small ones. Moments after I complimented the lounge lady for doing a great job she told me, “I can’t let you take that bag if it’s too heavy.” I told her I could manage it and that you don’t even need to touch it. She said she never intended to lift the bag. I told her “then you don’t have to worry about how heavy it is.

The Red cap was outstanding. The sca was too. A manager assisted me with my large bags. There was a unified effort to get 14 out as quickly as possible.

Good. I hope you're trip is uneventful! Enjoy lunch and dinner, hopefully you get a seaside table (if lunch is being served at that time, I realize it may not)

 

[Steve4031]

We are in the diner. No table cloths. There was confusion and passengers entered the diner and seated themselves before the call. The LSA adjusted admirably.
I think the lack of table cloths is due to late departure.

 

[Cal]

We are in the diner. No table cloths. There was confusion and passengers entered the diner and seated themselves before the call. The LSA adjusted admirably.
I think the lack of table cloths is due to late departure.

I am starting to think that table cloths are only for dinner, as in multiple images I've seen tables without the tablecloth.

 

[Steve4031]

Here it is. Artisan grilled cheese and the chili.

 

[Steve4031]

Here it is. Artisan grilled cheese and the chili.

And flowers.

 

[Steve4031]

The artisan grilled cheese and chips were awesome.

 

[pennyk]

Here it is. Artisan grilled cheese and the chili.

Grilled cheese looks great. How was it? I guess we were posting at the same time.

 

[Bob Dylan]

Here it is. Artisan grilled cheese and the chili.

How was the Chili???

 

[Asher]

What happened to the Santa Monica pier excursion?

 

[coalman]

We are onboard. I got an Amlecture about our bags. I was managing my big bag and Rosalyn’s big bag. Plus a couple of small ones. Moments after I complimented the lounge lady for doing a great job she told me, “I can’t let you take that bag if it’s too heavy.” I told her I could manage it and that you don’t even need to touch it. She said she never intended to lift the bag. I told her “then you don’t have to worry about how heavy it is.

The Red cap was outstanding. The sca was too. A manager assisted me with my large bags. There was a unified effort to get 14 out as quickly as possible.

Was it more than 50 lbs., and if so, how did she know? I plan on no more than 45 lb bags. I don't want to throw out some muscle and be in pain for the trip. I hope stored through baggage come back.

 

[Steve4031]

Rosalyn gave a 6 on a scale one to 10. The Santa Monica pier excursion was a skipped because We were both tired. Lyft was too busy to ensure an expeditious trip.
One piece was 62 lbs according to United. They tagged it and sent it along without extra charge. There’s a heavy tag on it and I caution any employee before they touch it. I can manage it if they prefer not to. The red cap was fine as well as an Amtrak manager.

 

[Steve4031]

The AC was out in the 1130 car. It was somehow fixed in Santa Barbara. I overheard on the scanner something about the emergency blowers be shut off. Shortly thereafter the AC came on.

 

[Steve4031]

A relaxing ride down the up the Coast. Rosalyn is enjoying the view and is getting into the flow of train life.

 

[Steve4031]

Dinner is timed perfectly. We had 5:30 reservation. 2 hour delay means we are in San Luis Obispo. Cuesta pass and a steak.

Table cloths are on the tables.

 

[Cal]

A relaxing ride down the up the Coast. Rosalyn is enjoying the view and is getting into the flow of train life.

You are lucky, Amtraks brand new heritage unit 161 is leading!

 

[Steve4031]

Dinner is timed perfectly. We had 5:30 reservation. 2 hour delay means we are in San Luis Obispo. Cuesta pass and a steak.

Table cloths are on the tables.
Steak was delicious. The polenta, which is cornmeal was actually good. Tried the carrot cake. It’s a nice change up from the cheese cake. Rosalyn had the chicken. It was a 7 on 1-10 scale for her. As was the green beans which she described as plain.

 

[Steve4031]

I noticed the heritage unit. Enjoying it each time we go around a curve.

 

[Steve4031]

Arrived okj at 12:15. Was in a Lyft by 12:30 and in the room at Hilton Oakland airport. They have not adjusted to the new reality. The one thing that irritates me the most about COVID is the words grab and go. Any hotel that uses that statement at this point is getting 1 on its rating if the have the gall to ask for my opinion.

 

[Cal]

Get some sleep!

 

[Barb Stout]

Here it is. Artisan grilled cheese and the chili.

I noticed the chili was listed as vegan on the menu, but that one could add various toppings to it. I'm looking at the picture to see if I can determine what was in the vegan chili besides beans. I see something that might be tomatoes and some kind of pepper. Were those things in there and was anything else? And was it spicy? If so, how spicy?

 

[Dustyroad]

Here it is. Artisan grilled cheese and the chili.

That sandwich looks yummy. And the chocolate cake. Thanks for posting.

 

[Steve4031]

I didn’t eat the chili. It was not spicy. Rosalyn is careful to avoid eating spicy food.

 

[Steve4031]

The room at the Oakland airport Hilton was marketed as a contemporary design. It was not contemporary nor was it recently refurbished. It was functional and the heat worked.
I selected this hotel because it was close to the Oakland airport car rental place. I had an 8 am pick up. I wanted to get there early to ensure getting a decent car. There has been a rental car shortage according to the news. I did not want to have any issues.
I arrived at 7:30 via Lyft. There was no one at the National fest but the lady at Alamo said she would help me. The people in front of me tried to use a corporate rate they were not entitled too. There was a 10 minute discussion and the issue was resolved. My transaction was quick, efficient and I walked away with a Lincoln.

 

[Steve4031]

Breakfast was at a black Bear Diner. I discovered these last year when Rosalyn and I went to Mt. Shasta. There is a great selection for all meals. Breakfast is there strength. There is one close to the emeryville station.