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I am curious, too. I leave on the Empire Builder day after tomorrow, going from Wisconsin all the way to Vancouver in a family bedroom. My questions include: is there soap provided in the shower, and how is water usage regulated? Will I be able to wash my hair? Do we stop anywhere long enought that we might be able to get off the train and stroll around a bit, just to stretch our legs and get some fresh air? If we miss our very tight connection in Seattle for the Thru-way bus (something like 20 minutes) will our tickets be honored for the next one? I'm travelling with an 85 year-old woman who does not move quickly.
[This message has been edited by Tigger (edited 06-22-2003).]
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I tend to get too cold rather than too hot (aircon). If you're in coach at night, bring a pillow and a blanket (not needed for 1st class / sleeper). One change of clothes is probably okay. Look on www.amtrak.com and the downloadable schedules for details of where the train is scheduled to stop (you'll stop in more places...).
There are small hotel-sized bars of soap in the shower, usually just a small pile provided which can therefore run out. Small towels are also provided, again these can run out.
The shower is a bit feeble and some have push buttons that pump water for a minute or so before you have to press it again - others have regular taps. Some people recommend getting wet, turn off the shower, soap, turn the shower back on, and rinse. There's enough water to do hair. But, yes the water can run out but most people are sensible and will conserve it.
There are 1 or 2 service stops per day (sometimes during the night) where you can get off and stretch your legs for 15 minutes or more. Look in the schedules for a stop that has seperate arrival and departure times. Stay close to an open door on the train though. Passengers *will* and *have been* left behind! On the EB, there is a service stop in Havre, MT and one or two others but I can't remember where. On the Sunset there's one in Tucson, El Paso, a long stop in San Antonio (early morning and not really a service stop), and New Orleans (maybe more).
If it's a connecting bus, it will be held if the train is late. If it is not, Amtrak will know you are connecting and will provide alternate transport or put you on the next bus.
Hope that answers your questions!
Geoff M.
Posts: 2426 | From: Apple Valley, CA | Registered: Sep 2000
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Only one point i wish to add to Mr. Goeff's comprehensive "primer", and that is if you alight the train at a service stop, try to reboard, through the same vestibule (door). This is because, the attendant, will invariably be taking a "mental note" of your absence, as well as again that you are "accounted for".
Yes, officially Amtrak is not responsible, if you are left behind, but the on-board employees are responsible, of sorts.
I think I learned this during 1963 (age 22), riding Eastward on the Empire Builder. At Havre, I stepped off my Pullman sleeper, walked to the head end (I took photos way back then) then reboarded the head coach. Only later did I learn the Porter was quite concerned that I had been left behind. I was admonished by a "Diplomat of the Rails", namely the Pullman Conductor and be assured in a most tactful and diplomatic manner, to return to the train from wherever you left it.
Posts: 9975 | From: Clarendon Hills, IL USA (BNSF Chicago Sub MP 18.71) | Registered: Apr 2002
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Our family of five travelled on the Empire Builder during the latter part of June 2001 from Portland, OR to Whitefish, MT. Be prepared for a train that tends to run on time pretty consistantly. As such, it may arrive at scheduled stops early (our particular train arrived in Whitefish 20 minutes early), permitting a brief stroll on the platform for passengers continuing eastward. As others have noted, it's a good idea to stay close to your sleeping car door during such stops so that you can quickly reboard the train when the signal is given or train crew request you to do so. I would bring at least one change of clothes per person. Also, be prepared -- bring clothes to keep you and your party comfortable when the train cars or sleeping car accommodations are too hot or too cold. I've only ridden the Empire Builder from Wisconsin Dells to Chicago and back on a number of occasions and once between Portland, OR and Whitefish, MT. I've found that most of the onboard crew are generally proud to be aboard the Empire Builder and are aware of its significance historically. Service from personnel that I've encountered has generally been very good on the Empire Builder. You'll enjoy the scenery, especially around Glacier Nat'l Park.
Posts: 13 | From: Dubuque,IA,USA | Registered: Jun 2003
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