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

[Steve4031]

The genesis of this trip occurred when Rosalyn informed me that she would like to go back to Mt. Shasta for her birthday. We went last year and she really enjoyed it. I enjoyed taking her. This year I thought about how I could include a ride on the Coast Starlight and California Zephyr. Taking these train rides were not viable until I was pretty sure that traditional dining would return. Once I was pretty sure I booked it.

The trip started on June 24th. I picked Rosalyn up at her place and we drove out and had dinner with my father at a favored French restaurant. Then Rosalyn and I would spend the night at the Oakbrook Hills Hotel. Dad would have breakfast with us on the morning of June 25th, and drive us to the airport. So we are now sitting in the red carpet lounge courtesy of one passes that my father earned through his United credit card.

We are flying first class. I enjoy the extra space. Not worried about the food. The airport experience was definitely first class. I had purchased a large spinner bag for Rosalyn. I told her to put everything she needs in the one bag. This cuts down on the extra bags and makes it easier to move our luggage. I can wheel mine and hers with ease. Rosalyn had asked the weight limit on her bag. I told her 50 pounds and to not worry. It there was a extra weight fee I would just pay it. My bag made the weight. Hers topped out at 62 pounds. The agent labeled as heavy, and then placed it on the conveyor belt. No charge!!

Tonight we will check into the Beverly Hilton. This was the only hotel that was serving breakfast without the stupid COVID grab and go drama. The rate is higher than the downtown locations. We will spend two days here to adjust to California time and be well rested for our ride on the Coast Starlight to EMY. This will be my first time experiencing the new dining car menu. Details to follow.

 

[Bob Dylan]

First Class All the Way!,( except for the missing PPC on the Starlight)!

 

[pennyk]

Enjoy your trip Steve. Is this Rosalyn the same one that I met a few years back? If so, say hi for me. See you in a couple of weeks.

 

[Steve4031]

Enjoy your trip Steve. Is this Rosalyn the same one that I met a few years back? If so, say hi for me. See you in a couple of weeks.

Yes it is.

And we each have our own roomette on both trains. across from each other on both trains.

 

[Cal]

I hope you enjoy! Can't wait for those traditional dining reports.

 

[Steve4031]

The plane is now delayed 4 hours. The original aircraft had a mechanical problem. So they they switched us to one coming in from Denver. That one was subsequently delayed because the crew for that flight was delayed. So that is the status of flight 1925.

 

[jiml]

I enjoy your reports. Keep it coming.

 

[Asher]

I’m curious, how are you traveling from EMY to Mr. Shasta.

 

[Steve4031]

We will drive from EMY to Mt. Shasta.

The plane finally boarded at 6:15 p.m. We are seated in 3AB. I made the rookie mistake of sitting in 3ef. A minute later I discovered my error when the person is seat 3F notified me of the error. So we are on the left side rather than the right side. Railfan side. I should have known this but I forgot.

 

[Asher]

We will drive from EMY to Mt. Shasta.

The plane finally boarded at 6:15 p.m. We are seated in 3AB. I made the rookie mistake of sitting in 3ef. A minute later I discovered my error when the person is seat 3F notified me of the error. So we are on the left side rather than the right side. Railfan side. I should have known this but I forgot.

A lot to see driving that is missed on the Starlight. Everything North of Redding is scenery.

 

[Cal]

A lot to see driving that is missed on the Starlight. Everything North of Redding is scenery.

Yep, I've had the pleasure to see everything north of Chico in daylight.

 

[JontyMort]

We will drive from EMY to Mt. Shasta.

The plane finally boarded at 6:15 p.m. We are seated in 3AB. I made the rookie mistake of sitting in 3ef. A minute later I discovered my error when the person is seat 3F notified me of the error. So we are on the left side rather than the right side. Railfan side. I should have known this but I forgot.

Interesting. As to the railfan side, I suspect I’m in a minority - with right-hand running I would ideally be on the left side of the train, facing backwards. That way, on double track, you get to see all the signs and signals for the other track.

 

[Steve4031]

A five hour flight delay was not a great way to start a trip. We were exhausted when we arrived LAX. At least we were in FC. Luggage came quickly. Clouds were interesting scenery. See photo


We used black lane chauffeur service. Expensive but saved the day. I was calling from baggage claim to find out how to meet him. He was standing behind me with my last name on his iPad.
He helped with luggage and got us to his car.

Rosalyn wanted ginger ale. I texted the hotel and asked for some to be placed in the room. The response is in the photograph. Impressive.

The Beverly Hilton has me liking for movie stars. Lol.

We are eating breakfast by the pool. While waiting for the food I checked on 11 arriving today. It’s 7 hours late.

 

[Steve4031]

Photos of restaurant. Saw a guy casually walking his bulldog through the rest. Dog was well trained. Acted like he belonged.

 

[Steve4031]

Excellent service. Returned from breakfast. Room was made up. We are now resting. Will take a Lyft to Santa Monica pier for first view of ocean.

A few photos of the room.

 

[Asher]

Excellent service. Returned from breakfast. Room was made up. We are now resting. Will take a Lyft to Santa Monica pier for first view of ocean.

A few photos of the room.

Waiting for the Santa Monica pier report. Looks like it should be a nice day.

 

[jiml]

Excellent service. Returned from breakfast. Room was made up. We are now resting. Will take a Lyft to Santa Monica pier for first view of ocean.

A few photos of the room.

It's an excellent hotel with an interesting history. You get what you pay for. Stayed there once - on points fortunately.

 

[Bob Dylan]

It's an excellent hotel with an interesting history. You get what you pay for. Stayed there once - on points fortunately.

I've never been there,( way out of my Price Range) but snuck into the Beverly Hills Hotel one time for a Swim, and saw a couple of Minor Movie Stars @ the Pool and in the Polo Lounge.

 

[Steve4031]

I don’t think we saw any movie stars. Rosalyn knows many and would point them out. She saw Robert Denirio at his restaurant.
We had a relaxed day at the hotel.

 

[Steve4031]

We had a nice limo ride to union station. The Beverly Hilton is a Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hide experience. The room and service is on the hospitality side was great. The Mercato restaurant ended up being a disaster. The food was good. But the service was awful each time we ate there. Slow, rude and vindictive. Complaining made them move slower.
We arrived union Station at 8:50. Checked into the lounge and was immediately told that the train would be leaving at 11 to 11:30. This is tolerable considering the late arrival of 11.

 

[Steve4031]

A quick look shows that 11 arrived LAX at 5:20 am. The agent in the lounge explained to us that they have to turn, clean and restock the train. The X factor imho is when this process was started.

 

[Steve4031]

A second employee has arrived in the lounge. She informed everyone that 14 would only be 15 minutes late. She explained that they were putting a train together from extra equipment.

 

[Steve4031]

A mask update: 95 percent are following the rule, myself and Rosalyn included. A few have the mask under their chin. No aggressive announcements warning us about the protocol.
We received emails yesterday asking us to sign into the Amtrak website and acknowledge the policy by checking the box. Thus no one should be saying they did not know.

 

[Cal]

I’ve arrived into Seattle at 5 AM before, not fun!

 

[Steve4031]

Heard conductor saying 14 is ready. Boarding starts soon.