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Since the beginning of the year, my family and I (wife and two girls age 12 and 10) decided to go to Colorado for a summer vacation. Since, I visited Vail before, I was familar with Glenwoood Springs and the Hot Springs Lodge (which is where we are staying - they have a shuttle that runs between the train station and their lodge).
I looked at driving the distance, which is doable in two looong days, but with my girls, I was realistically looking at three days one way. I reviewed flying to Denver and driving the three hours to Glenwood with cost being about $1600 ($400 round trip per person).
Then, I checked into the Amtrak. For a little more money, I thought we can take the train and I can relax!
So, I booked a roundtrip between Cleveland and Glenwood Springs. We travel coach on the Lakeshore Limited from Cleveland to Chicago. Then, we take the California Zephyr to Glenwoood. The trip is reversed on the way back home except we take the Capital Limited from Chicago to Cleveland. We have two standard sleepers on the California Zephyr (both ways)
But, with the recent cutbacks, I'm a little nervous. Did I do the right thing (vs air travel)? Will my girls be safe (Amtrak safety issues)? I was looking forward to the specialty meals the Zephyr was famous for. Now, this is gone. Will my luggage make it with me - I want to bring my fishing gear.
My concerns go on and on and on. Are these concerns valid or am I getting cold feet?
BTW, I wrote a letter to my congressman, Sherrod Brown regarding my support of Amtrak. He is supporter of Amtrak and believes that Amtrak should get the same subsidies as the federal highway system.
Thank you for reading this long message.
reggierail Member # 26
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I think you are definitely doing the right thing. The 2 girls should have a blast & will probably, since you're traveling in the summer, meet some kids their age & make some new friends. I wouldn't be concerned about the safety on the train, I've never seen cause to worry about that. The food is still very good & you definitely won't go hungry. The new national menu isn't that bad with the exception of string beans & baby carrots the only vegetable available with dinner. You still have a full breakfast menu with eggs, bacon, sausage, french toast, pancakes, fruit & cold cereal. You can have coffee, milk, juice or tea with your meals. Soda & bottled water is also available. I really enjoyed the reuben sandwich on the lunch menu. Hambugers with or without cheese or bacon, sliced chicked breast on a salad are also available. I'd avoid the stirfry whatever. Steak, fish or chicken for dinner & a vegetarian entree also. Desserts are apple pie, chocolate truffle or cheese cake, add ice cream if you like. The chocolate truffle is about the size of a hockey puck. It has a creamy chocolate center surrounded by cake with a chocolate covering. It comes heated & if you like chocolate you will love it. I have traveled over 200,000 miles on Amtrak & also operated several group tours & have never had a problem with my luggage. Check as much as you can & take only what you will need for the train trip with you. The rooms are rather small, have you thought about getting the family bedroom? You could save some money.
Reggie
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[This message has been edited by reggierail (edited 05-31-2002).]
dilly Member # 1427
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Relax. You'll be fine. Most importantly, your kids will absolutely love the trip. Some of the most magical childhood memories I share with my brothers and sisters are of the overnight train trips we took with my parents.
The only drawback is that the Lake Shore Limited (#49) departs from Cleveland at 4:40am -- if it isn't running late.
If you haven't deliberately chosen that train, you might want to consider the other two Cleveland-Chicago options. Their departure times are slightly more civilized, especially if you're traveling with kids.
The Capitol Limited (#29) leaves Cleveland at 2:05 a.m. (arriving in Chicago at 8:40 a.m.)
The Pennsylvanian (#43) departs Cleveland at 7:35 p.m. (arriving in Chicago at 1:44 a.m.)
Just have fun. And don't forget to look out the window, because that's the best part, especially in the early morning. In addition to great scenery, you'll see real "Sunrise Over America" stuff -- farmers climbing onto tractors. . . kids waving at the train from back porches. . . old guys with brooms opening up small town hardware stores in the golden light. . . ladies in weird hats gathered outside of rural churches . . . county fairs. . . good ol' boys in pickups. . . and maybe even a rainbow or a spectacular lightning display or two.
It's like a gigantic, big-budget TV coffee commercial come to life. And if you bring a Walkman or a Discman? You can choose your own soundtrack. Or better yet, just listen to the sounds of the train.
[This message has been edited by dilly (edited 05-31-2002).]
Gilbert B Norman Member # 1541
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My only suggestion beyond heeding the advice of the experienced travelers whom have responded to your inquiry is to consider a Deluxe (if available) for you and Mrs. The Standard will be fine for the adolescent girls, but I think you would enjoy the extra space; which would also serve as "family Headquarters" for the journey.
reggierail Member # 26
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An option you might also consider is the Family bedroom. The family bedroom has 4 beds, 1 large lower about the size of a double bed; 1 twin size upper, above the large lower; 2 small beds, upper and lower, about 4 feet long. The room spans the full width of the train on the lower level, a short distance to the shower & bathrooms and being on the lower level, a lot less pass through traffic. Standard bedrooms 13 & 14 are right next to the Family bedroom if you choose to have a separate bedroom for the Kids.
Reggie
[This message has been edited by reggierail (edited 06-01-2002).]
dilly Member # 1427
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Everybody's right. The larger rooms are. . . well. . . "roomier." But the total cost can also be higher than what you've already booked, which might not work for you.
Don't be scared off by the idea of a standard room, though. True, they're extremely compact -- hilariously so. But you'll only be in the compartment for one night going, and one night coming back. You'll have the whole train to wander through, too, including the Dining Car and the Sightseer Lounge.
A lot of people on this site have compared a journey in a sleeper to a camping trip on rails. Actually, it's a lot more comfortable than sleeping in a tent. Plus you can take a shower in Iowa, dry yourself off in Nebraska, and head into the Rockies in your underwear!
Gilbert B Norman Member # 1541
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A humorous "aside" to Mr. Dilly's post is that I once, aboard Amtrak, walked from Massachuetts to New York for a shower.
Tell you what, this stands as a "riddle"? (or a radio/TV station's "teaser") What do I mean by this?
Answer will be posted tomorrow.
reggierail Member # 26
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You were on train #449 from Boston to Chicago, left your room & walked to the shower as the train crossed the border from Massachusetts to New York. I hope you dressed properly for the trip. LOL
Reggie
[This message has been edited by reggierail (edited 06-02-2002).]
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