I haven't ridden Amtrak since they stopped the Houston to Chicago line years ago. I loved it then, and I'm hoping that I will love this trip as well. Are people aboard the train as friendly as they always were when I was younger?

I get into L.A. at 6:40 a.m. and leave out of L.A. at 10:15. Am I going to have time to venture out to take pictures of historic L.A.?

Will you have time to take photos? To be honest, you'll be lucky to reach L.A. before the Coast Starlight departs.

If the Sunset Limited is running very late, and you won't make it to L.A. in time, you'll be transferred to an Amtrak bus somewhere along the route. The bus will take you (and your fellow connecting passengers) on an often-wild, non-stop ride to catch up with the Coast Starlight. Often, you'll end up boarding the train at Santa Barbara, rather than L.A.

Of course, you could get lucky. Just be sure you let both the Sunset Limited's car attendant and conductor know you have a connection to the Coast Starlight. And remind them, more than once, to keep you updated.

Yes, Amtrak will make sure you reach your destination. Don't worry about that. But due to a service disruption or simple lateness, it might be by bus or plane, and not necessarily by train.

For future reference, it's wise to avoid same-day connections if possible. Staying overnight in a hotel before catching your next train is less stressful.

There is plenty to see around Union Station if you do just have the short layover. Olvera Street where L.A. started is right across the street and the Gold Line will take you to China Town. Red Line will take you downtown or to Hollywood. And, my favorite quick lunch is two blocks away at Phillipe's. Supposedly where the French Dip sandwich originated. Lamb is my favorite. The back room has some great train models and memorabilia.

Have a great trip and wave when you pass through Santa Barbara.

Obviously, since I am taking the train, a good portion of the trip to Vancouver is the traveling to get there. And if I have a little adventure on the way, that's fine.
:-)

I do recall a lovely train car attendant "Mr. Ed" Lemmon I think is his name. The dining car people have been horrible every time I took the Sunset. From having chips on their shoulder to being unattentive, to running out of food, to having the diner half empty but still not being seated..ah! I am not fond of the Sunset.