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I am new here. I have been lurking for quite awhile and am truly impressed with the train savvy of the regulars posting here. I feel slightly out of place in such elite company of frequent train travelers.
I am leaving or April 11 for my US Poor Boys Train Trip on just about every route Amtrak is still operating in the US, with the exception of the East Coast and Katrina related routes.
I will be "living" on the train in coach class most of the time, for 30 days. With only 5 stopovers.
I figure to post to the blog along the way giving my impressions of the trip, the trains, the stations, and amenities along the way. Interspersed with memories from my 3 years of running with the hobos in 1949, 1950, and 1951
If you are interested in giving input either constructive or destructive I would appreciate it.
I have already been told that I am crazy, eccentric and slightly daft for trying such an ambitious undertaking at my age.
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Your blog has been bookmarked and will be checked regularly. I'm jealous. How blessed you are. Can't wait to get the first entry! Have a blast!
Posts: 218 | Registered: Apr 2003
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sounds fun! good for you. Hope you are able to sleep ok in coach. im able to do it. (when i take coach i spend most of my time awake looking out the window and walking from car to car).
Posts: 416 | From: St. Albans, Vermont | Registered: Feb 2003
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johnhedge, how absolutely wonderful. Obviously this is something you have been thinking about for a while. The best of luck and keep us posted. You are leaving many envious people behind. I might suggest you take something in your carry on to wrap up in at night ,Some trais can get pretty cold. Also you might want to scan Terry Pindell's book MAKING TRACKS. He did the same thing you are planning.
Posts: 1577 | From: virginia | Registered: Jun 2005
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Good advice about the blanket. It's been awhile since I traveled coach but not so long that I don't remember how cold I got at night.
Posts: 149 | From: Joliet, IL USA | Registered: Aug 2004
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John, I envy you. You've certainly earned this. I'd love to do the same some day.
Your biography made me think of a song by Larry Groce called "Like Old Huckleberry Finn." I think the song is based on a true story about meeting an old man in a Greyhound station who just wandered from place to place. The man had spent a lifetime working odd jobs all over the country, from the railroads to peach orchards to a riverboat to a farm, and a cattle ranch. The chorus went something like this:
"He said my past ain't nothin' to speak of I'm waitin' for my future to begin, So I'm lightin' out for the territory Like old Huckleberry Finn."
God is with you. Posts: 2649 | From: California's Monterey Peninsula | Registered: Dec 2000
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john, you should be warm and comfortable. I hope you enjoy the book. I have it also and reread it periodically for pure enjoyment.
Posts: 1577 | From: virginia | Registered: Jun 2005
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Good for you, John. I look forward to reading your journal entries. You have quite an adventure ahead of you.
Remember that most of the bi-level trains you'll be traveling on will have a Sightseer Lounge car, where you might try stretching out overnight on the floor for more comfort, instead of sleeping sitting up in your coach seat.
And if you can, treat yourself to a meal in the dining car at least once during your trip. Breakfast and lunch are the least expensive.
Posts: 793 | Registered: Mar 2002
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I agree with these tips--bring a pillow; also a little eye mask is good; and don't miss having some meals in the dining car, because it's a fun place to meet people. When I'm traveling coach and paying cash for food, it's usually breakfast I have, and sometimes dinner when I'm hungry; but I bring food for other snacks (water, granola bars, bananas, dried fruit, and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches all keep very well), and I also try to get food at a long stop, if available; for instance, there was someone selling burritos right on the platform in Albuquerque on the SW Chief and someone else selling taco pie right outside (if your stomach can take it); and there was a stand with (a bit overpriced but delicious) local produce in Colorado on the Zephyr (I think it was in Grand Junction--you might check with a car attendant).
Posts: 2642 | From: upstate New York | Registered: Mar 2004
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It looks like you schould be cruising through my neck of the woods on April 12 around 4:15.
421 Texas Eagle Chicago, IL Union Station (CHI) 3:20 pm 12-APR-06 Joliet, IL (JOL) 4:15 pm 12-APR-06 0h 55m
If we can get off work in time we'll come down to the station to wave as you go past.
Posts: 149 | From: Joliet, IL USA | Registered: Aug 2004
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I am so envious - what an adventure! Travel with an extra written perscription of each of your medications. I know perscriptions can be phoned in, but sometimes it can become complicated.
Posts: 26 | From: New York | Registered: Aug 2003
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John--I just checked your itinerary and realized you'll miss my fair hometown of Santa Barbara and some of the most scenic parts of the Starlight route. I guess I'll have to wait for your next trip to shake your hand and wish you Godspeed.
You already probably know from this board that timekeeping on the Starlight can be a problem and you might end up being bussed to make that Empire Builder connection in PDX.
Again, Best to you on this great Adventure!
Frank in slowly drying out SBA
Posts: 2160 | From: Santa Barbara, CA, USA | Registered: Oct 2003
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When you're in Chicago (between the Capitol Limited and Texas Eagle) you might have time to ride the Hiawatha line to Milwaukee (or atleast Sturtevant or something). Another line to add that's not on your itinerary, but easily added if the CL is on-time.
Robert (Milwaukee, WI)
Posts: 100 | From: Milwaukee, WI | Registered: Feb 2006
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Well boys and girls, johnhedge rolled throught Joliet, Il about 4:20 PM this afternoon. My hubby and I were on the platform with a sign that said "johnhedge rocks! 4-12-06". He saw us and waved as he went by.
I explained to my husband what he's doing and now he wants a 30 day trip, too.
Posts: 149 | From: Joliet, IL USA | Registered: Aug 2004
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That is way cool. I hope everything worked out for John in Cleveland and everywhere else. I can't wait to hear the report!
Posts: 2642 | From: upstate New York | Registered: Mar 2004
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