RAILforum: Today! Harrisburg to Sacramento!!

This is topic Today! Harrisburg to Sacramento!! in forum Amtrak at RAILforum.

To visit this topic, use this URL:
http://www.railforum.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi/topic/11/2277.html

Posted by Yellowstonetim (Member # 3113) on :

Today is the day. I am so psyched!! So is my son. We leave this afternoon on the Three Rivers from Harrisburg to Chicago. Tomorrow we board the California Zephyr for a once in a lifetime trip across the West to Sacramento. Just 44 year old me and my 18 year old son. My wonderful wife and daughter are staying home while we have this adventure.

I have never ridden a passenger train before (Other than lightrail, subway and metrorail.) I have been a train fan and sometime model railroader for years.

I want to thank everyone on this and the other main railroad forums for their posts, advice and help. I learned dozens of important facts and at least 5 or 6 key pieces of information that have helped me plan my trip and will make it more enjoyable, safe and less expensive. Thanks.

I look forward to writing an extensive trip report. As a first time passenger who is 44 and a long term "mild" train buff, I will try to give a thorough review. I am used to small spaces (my son and I are backpackers) and I am an easy-going person who likes adventure. BUT! I also tend to demand my money's worth and expect good service.

Any last minute advice?

Anything you would like me to report on?

Posted by Gilbert B Norman (Member # 1541) on :

When you pass Clarendon Hills (MP 18.34) tomorrow (3rd) about 20 mins after leaving CUS on the Zephyr, look off to the engineer's side (North) and likely you will see yours truly taking his afternoon walk (deceased Newfouldland will be with me in memory). I'll make it my business to wear my cap marked "Air Force".

As I recall, I believe you are traveling Sleeper; Standard Room. With two persons, it will be cramped, but when considering the alternative, i.e. Coach, it was a wise choice.

Lastly, if not previously done sol, be sure to check my profile at the "Who" tab.

[This message has been edited by Gilbert B Norman (edited 06-02-2004).]

Posted by UncleBuck44 (Member # 2049) on :

quote:
Originally posted by Gilbert B Norman:

As I recall, I believe you are traveling Sleeper; Standard Room. With two persons, it will be cramped, but when considering the alternative, i.e. Coach, it was a wise choice.

I have to disagree. My family was able to fit into two of the standard with great ease.

I was 14 and with my mom southbound then with dad northbound. My 18 year old brother was able to get good sleep in the upper berth, hes a little more than 5'10.

Posted by V/line (Member # 2199) on :

Hey, Yellowstonetim & son, from an Aussie who has at least travelled from Chicago to Sacramento on the Zephyr, as your'e approaching the Rockies about 30 to 40 minutes out of Denver, look at a sweeping left turn & how the loco's power up at the start of the mountains proper, with the Rockies as a backdrop, it's one of the best train pictures I've ever seen. I hope you enjoy your journey...Mike in Melbourne, Australia.

Posted by Mr. Toy (Member # 311) on :

quote:
Originally posted by V/line:
...as your'e approaching the Rockies about 30 to 40 minutes out of Denver, look at a sweeping left turn....

I believe this is the location V/Line refers to:

There's a sweep to the left where the coal train sits in this photo, then a loop to the right (out of the picture) that begins the climb into the mountains.