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I've been reading lots of info regarding the California Zeypher including travelouges. This route is on my top 10 to take before the crazy people tries to cut long distance trains. They haven't experienced Amtrak on this route. I tell you if President Bush took this route he would reconsider and support Amtrak and keep them running.
So here is my projected itinerary:
Depart EMY on Aug 19th at 9:15 AM and arrive Denver the next evening at 6:58 PM. Then return on August 28th at 8:05 AM and arrive EMY at 4:48 PM. I am definitely ready for a 32 hour trip since I did the Southwest Chief from LAX-LMY-LAX and another long trip from SJC-Stockston-Bakersfield-LA-Lamy round trip.
I like the fact that this trip will be on one train involving no connections. I found a coach fare of $168.00(AAA). I want to here your opinions.Should I go for it despite the threats of cutting long distance trains? I need to be in Denver on these dates. If it's too risky I have to take the dreaded option of flying(darn darn darn).
As you can see I'm a real train buff and I love the views. Since the trip is in the summer I guess it will be ligut most of the way in each direction as opposed to the Southwest CHief to LMY from LAX.
Another reason that I want to take the CZ is because I want to go throught the Moffat Tunnel in the Rockies. You can't do it by car so this is the best way to cross the Continetal Divide.
Do you go by the Dianosaur National Monument around Vernal UT? I flew over this on my way home and saw this monument on the Airshow map and saw it from the plane it looked like spectacular scenery.
Also how late should I expect the train in Denver and in Emeryville? I have Verizon Cell service how does it work through the mountains and route? At what parts in my trip will I get a good signal as I need to contact the people picking me up on both ends?
Thanks for your help. Anymore info that you can give me would be greatly appreciated.
notelvis Member # 3071
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If you have not been on the California Zephyr before then you absolutely must do it this time.....just in case.
I'll be doing a coach trip July 6 Grand Junction to Denver (after having driven a rental car from the Nevada Northern Railway Museum the day before) and I'll be keeping an eye on my own Verizon cell service......I can give you an answer on that after I get home July 8.
I was on the California Zephyr Sacramento to Denver last summer and a roundtrip Salt Lake City to Sacramento in 2002. In every case we were anywhere from one to three hours late. Never on time......never so late as to cause a major problem.
HOWEVER, my trip last summer was during the Wyoming detour due to Moffat Tunnel construction. On that one we were about three hours late eastbound out of Salt Lake City and an hour late upon arrival in Denver. Sounds good until you realize that the travel time through Wyoming, while less scenic, is three to four hours faster than the trip through Colorado.
David Pressley
travelplus Member # 3679
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David,
Thanks for your offer to give me more info. You have helped me to make the decision so now I am definetly going to book it. I hope the cell service works? Another question how do I get wireless internet for my Apple IBook? I want to be able to listen to online radio stations from the US and abroad to help me pass the time how can I do it? Is the speed good? If you can't answer the question then maybe another fellow TrainWeb poster could.
I think the trip would go much faster with wireless internet. What adaptor do I need for the Apple Ibook 1999 series.(Blueberry). I may buy anotehr laptop(PC). Thanks
CoastStarlight99 Member # 2734
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You wont be able to get online radio from onboard the train, I dont understand what you are asking.
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