[This message has been edited by PTGCP (edited 01-05-2003).]
[This message has been edited by Eric (edited 01-05-2003).]
Therefore, you will have to drive down to Lorton from Hartford UNLESSS (and it has been done) you wish to arrange for a rental car in Washington and take it with you aboard AT.
I'm aware of a case of someone who rented an auto in Wash to make a one-way trip on the AT as well as a OW rental of the auto. Imagine the questions asked when the receiving auto rental station saw an auto 900 some miles away from where rented and only 50 some miles on the OD. Ticket receipts of course saved the day on that one.
However, as an AT "veteran" with some 12 trips to date, AT is Amtrak's "best foor forward" for long distance trains.
For accomadations I suggest 2 Viewliner Standard rooms. All meals and non-alcoholic beverages are included.
[This message has been edited by Superliner (edited 01-06-2003).]
While you may not have any choice in the matter owing either to availability or financial constraints, the Standard Room is only passably adequate for two adults - it is simply too small.
For your comfort and enjoyment, get a Deluze for Mama and Papa Bear. Baby Bears will be OK in the Standard, but for adults it is really only a one person room (it does have two beds, I will acknowledge).
I realize, I just raised the transportation cost of your trip by some 50%, but you are having this family travel experience for enjoyment, and not some kind of "low level assault course". The phrase "endurance contest" is reserved for coach travel, which I'm glad to learn that you are not comtemplating.
But I've seen even "plus-size" couples stuff themselves into a standard room. Most seemed perfectly content (although how they maneuvered themselves in and out of their beds with the door shut is something I'd rather not know).
The considerable extra cost of a deluxe can really break the bank for many potential travelers. If you can only afford standard rooms, go for them. It's far preferable to not taking the trip at all. Apart from less elbow room, the rest of your train adventure will be exactly the same.
Mark
We took coach CHS-FTL on the Silver Meteor (12/29/02)and it was not an enjoyable trip. We had to walk through the Cafe car that also doubled as the smoking area of the train. The smoke was so thick we had to hold our breath walking to/from the diner. We skipped lunch in the Diner because of the smoke in the Cafe car.
The coach seats were torn, my wife's leg reast was broken and the few minutes I was in the Cafe car ordering a beverage I returned smelling of smoke.
Now the good news. I purchased a standard sleeper on the return (Meteor 1/3/03) and it was great. I really wanted my wife to enjoy it so we could have more rail travel trips.
The service was great, the attendant and conducter were very pleasant and it was the saving grace for me. The salmon dinner was as good as I have ever eaten.
This time the Cafe car has a plexiglass area defined for smokers that worked fine. My wife loved the sleeper and the whole trip back. We read, talked and had a wonderful time. There was a stark difference in the condition of the coach and sleeper cars.
Enjoy your trip. Our return trip made it worthwhile.
Russell McBride
Bottom line: If you are reasonably agile, the Standard, while tight, is fine for most people, and much easier on the personal bank account. (The upper bunk is best used by the smaller of two individuals.) If you need wiggle room and cost isn't a problem, go Deluxe.
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Trust God, love your neighbor, and never mistake opinion for truth.
-Mr. Toy