Following the tragic events of September 11th, I was, needless to say, nervous about flying - particularly on internal flights in the USA. We were on holiday in California and had already decided to take a week up in Oregon to visit friends when the tragedy struck. Neither of us were too keen on driving there - after all, it would be a two day drive and we were both in need of some rlaxation.
For some reason or other (maybe it was all those old Hollywood films I had seen) - it had always been an ambition of mine to see America by train, though ideally, I would have preferred to do the 'East to West Coast' trail. Beggars can't be choosers however and so we made our way to Los Angeles' Union Station to begin our 30 hour journey to Portland in Oregon. The station itself actually sets the scene for the rest of the journey - it is an architectural oasis in a concrete desert - and I would certainly not recommend anybody walking the area surrounding the station by night.
So to AMTRAK itself, the subject matter in question. Until recently, few people would have considered the journey we were about to take by train. After all, if we were to fly, it would have taken a mere 3 hours or so to reach our destination. The train slowly took us through downtown LA and it would be a good hour or so before we left the confines of this ugly, sprawling city.
Once out of the city, we were able to watch the Californian scenery pass us by - to our left the coast and to our right, the mountains, we could even make out the snow capped peaks - all from the comfort of the viewing lounge. As the journey progressed, we made our way (slowly) through mountain passes and it was amazing to imagine the work that must have gone in, to create this railroad. Admittedly, after a while, the scenery became somewhat tedious - so I would suggest anyone considering this trip, to take along a good book.
Facilities on the train were excellent - comfortable seating which converted into a 'sleeper'. The food in the restaurant was good - though somewhat pricey and there was entertainment for children in a specially adapted coach.
30 hours after leaving LA, we arrived at our destination (on time) - unlike rail travel over here in the UK.
In short, it was a wonderful way to see the country and along the way, we met so many friendly people, who, like ourselves, had opted for the 'slow way' Highly recommended and at an affordable price.
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Glad you enjoyed your visit to our country--and it was great that you ended up traveling in style and getting a more leisurely look at things.
Next time you return, maybe, you'll get to go from one coast to the other! :o)
Chris_Padden 29.10.2001 09:14
Great op, very interesting to read. I would like to do Europe by train, they dont exactly make it easy with high prices. As a student maybe I'll wait, but your op has inspired me. Chris
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Oct 25th, 2001
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