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Well, I have made it to Montana to spend Christmas and New Years with my mother. A somewhat detailed trip report follows, sorry if I digress from train related issues a time or to, just giving some what I think are interesting parts of my trip:
MontanaJim Member # 2323
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My computer is suffering some glitches. I will post my report within the next few hours. Sorry to keep you all in suspense!
MontanaJim Member # 2323
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I arrived at Washington's Union Station at 11:10 am on December 14th, 20 minutes before my 11:30 A.M. Departure on Regional 184 to NYC. The QuickTrac machine had some quirk and I was forced to go to the ticket counter, where I impatiently waited in line for 10 minutes to reach the desk. Then I had to sign each of my tickets for my trip, rushed off to my gate just in time to join the line for my train. 184 departed about 5 minutes late.
I thought about sitting in the quiet car because of my intense dislike for cell phones and the people who incessantly chat on them. I decided on sitting in a car toward the head of the train, however, because I would have two seats to myself. That lasted until Philadelphia, when a great number of passengers boarded from a broken down train (162?) to points north. We made some extra stops, like in Newark, to accomodate these extra passengers. We arrived in NYC about 20 minutes late, at 3:05 P.M.
After arrival in Penn Station, I waited in the main hall for my next train, the Lake Shore Limited to Chicago. Penn Station is a terrible place for long distance trains, there is hardly anywhere to sit down and most passengers wait out in the main hall and stare at the arrival/departure boards. NYC deserves a better long distance station. Why not return to Grand Central?
The Lake Shore Limited lived up to its nickname, the Late Shore Limited, as its departure was delayed almost three hours due to mechanical problems of its equipment. The PA announcer said that cars for the Lake Shore and Silver Star were suffering problems due to the weather and where being worked on in sunnyside yard. Finally the train left about 6:30 pm. (someone also told me they were about an hour or two from canceling the train altogether, not sure if that is true or not).
I noticed on the ride that we stopped at a couple of towns north NYC that were not listed on the timetable, but names I cannot remember. Wonder why? Riding on the amfleet cars also made me wonder what was the difference between them and the mertroliners, as from the outside, they look the same.
Once we arrived in Ohio, we were delayed significantly due to a great number of freight trains. At one stop, I chatted with the conductor, who said that quote "norfolk southern is dicking us around". So I guess NS is becoming the UP of the east.
We arrived in Chicago 10 and a half hours late, a lateness record for my travels on Amtrak. Since I obviously too late to make my connection to the Southwest Chief, I and many other passengers were put up in the Best Western Hotel in downtown Chicago for the night, and given $46.00 (16.00 for cab, 30.00 for food, etc). I walked from my hotel to the station, however, so i pocketed most of the money. No wonder Amtrak is losing money when it has to pay for hotels for passengers.
On Friday, December 16th, I got up and had a nice continental breakfast at the hotel, took a brief walk down to the lake, and then walked to Union Station to catch the Southwest Chief. At 3:00 pm they announced that the train "would be significantly delayed" as we waited for a late train. Thats all the pa announcer said. Many people said as the minutes and hours went by that it would be nice if someone could give everyone an idea on when this train would arrive, or an approximate departure time. No one knew that the capitol limited had already arrived or when we would leave.
At about 6 or so they announced the boarding, and we finally left around 6:30 or so. I lucked out and got a seat in the last row in the last car on the train. On the ride to LA, i discovered that the view out of the window of the back of the train was pretty cool, like being in the engine, only in reverse. I spent a lot of time on the ride enjoying that view.
Because of the trains lateness, we went through the most scenic part of the trip, through apache canyon, in the dark. However, it also gave passengers the opportunity to seat El Cajon pass in California in the daylight. I thought crossing the pass was interesting, but nothing extra extra special.
Just east of LA, they announced on the PA that passengers connecting to the Coast Starlight would be able to make the connection. However, about 30 minutes later they announced that the connection would not be made, and passengers would be bussed to Bakersfield.
We arrived in LA at about 10:45 am on Sunday, December 18th. I decided that I did not want to be bussed to Bakersfield. I planned this trip to see the Ocean, and thats what I wanted to do. So I went to the ticket counter in the station and asked them if i could change my ticket for the next day (while paying for my own accomdation). The representative said all of the trains for the week were sold out, and his supervisor concurred. However, he said "let me make one more phone call" and called some station upline to ask for some help. After a couple of minutes, I had my ticket. I was so thankful. I thought about tipping the guy, but didnt know if that was appropriate. I will send him a thank you card in the mail for sure.
I then decided I wanted to stay in Santa Barbara for the night, and knew about a cheap hostel there. I phoned them and made a reservation. Then I bought a ticket for the 7 PM Pacific Surfliner.
With my plans made, I decided to check walk around downtown LA for the afternoon. I am a big sports fan and so I wanted to walk up to Dodger Stadium, although i didnt know if it was safe to walk that way or what road to take. The volunteer staffing the info booth at the station directed me how to get there and suggested i take a city bus. I like to walk, however, and set out on foot. Turns out the stadium is actually quite close, although i wasnt able to get onto the stadium property due to "its renovation". The man just inside of parking lot gate treated me like some sort of terrorist, asking me what I was up to. I then walked around the hills north of dodger stadium to get some views of the stadium and the downtown skyline. I got some great photos.
At about 5 pm i had a meal at jack in the box (first time i ate there, we dont have them back east or in montana). i thought it was pretty good. I then headed over through the mexican cultural center to the train station, and left on the 7 pm surfliner, arrving in santa barbara at 9:45 pm.
The hostel I stayed at is right across the tracks from the train station. Not bad for 21 bucks!
I stayed the night, then the next morning i walked along the beach and saw the pier. Not one who gets to the ocean or sees palm trees very often, I enjoyed it immensely. I discovered one of the best views of the ocean was from the santa barbara cemetary on top of one of the hills. Not a bad resting place. (no pun intended).
After eating at subway near the train station, I waited for the starlight. It arrived about 30 minutes late, at about 1:20 pm. I boarded, and departed Santa Barbara. Too bad, i enjoyed the place. Unfortunately I didnt see Frank, he must have been on vacation! (Hey Frank, do you know what they are building on the beach, they have one area south of the pier all torn up with bulldozers).
The ride north was spectacular. Got some great pics of some deer along the coastline, who just happened to be where the train stopped for a brief moment, and those of us in the sightseer lounge got a great treat.
I have taken the starlight before, but i didnt notice that the area just north of Redding was so beautiful. Because we were running about 2-3 hours late, a lot of it was in the daylight. Although Mt Shasta couldnt be seen very well due to low lying clouds, we passed waterfalls, rivers, and bridges. And I thought the only beautiful mountainous part of the trip was from Chemult to Eugene!
At Dunsmuir I noticed an engine turntable. One of the passengers said there are very few of these left in the country. We arrived in Klamath Falls about 4 hours late. The trip through the Oregon Cascades was great as usual, with a little bit of snow. We arrived in Portland about 6 hours late. Just north of Portland we suffered a little bit of engine trouble. One passenger said he saw a big flash. We sat near the columbia river for 30 minutes with no power. Passengers in the last car said that even the lights on the back of the train were out. As we waited, we saw an approaching train coming up behind us, and for a brief moment got a little scare, thinking maybe it would crash into us!! Luckily it went around us.
Finally they were able to get the engine running again and we were off. We arrived in Seattle at 3:15 A.M. , 6 hours and 45 minutes late, on Wednesday, December 21st. I then left in the morning by bus to my mothers home in Montana.
The trip was absoultely wonderful. I am happy for the nights i spent in Chicago and Santa Barbara. I now realize its not very smart to spend more than 3-4 days without taking a proper shower! Most of the employees on the trip were wonderful. Like I said before, I am going to send a thank you card to Edgar, (cant remember his last name) at the LA station who got me on the starlight for the next day so I wouldnt miss seeing the ocean. I am also going to send a thank you card to Carlos (cant remember his last name) who was my coach car attendant from LA to Seattle. I guess the best way to get it to him would be to send it to Amtrak's LA station. Anyone know what particular department I should send it to?
Thats about all I have to say about the trip for now. I am sure I will add more in the days ahead when i think of some other tidbits. I am anxiously awaiting my trip back to DC. I will leave from Whitefish on January 5th, and travel via portland, sacramento, slc, denver, chicago, pittsburgh, philly, and then on to DC. I cant wait to experience the zephyr. Im sure it will be great. It had better be to compete with the Coast Starlight and Southwest Chief! Thanks for reading my report, sorry for any non-train digressions I have made.
sbalax Member # 2801
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Hey, Jim--
Thanks for the great trip report! I'm glad you liked "Jack in the Box", but you missed a great little bit of old time LA by not having a French Dip sandwich at Phillipe's at Ord and Alvarado. There are a couple of pretty good places for Mexican food on Olvera Street, too.
The sand and construction equipment on the beach south of the Wharf (It's not a pier, I suppose there is some distinction to be made!) is most likely sand that has been dredged from the harbor to the north of the wharf. The entrance to the harbor clogs up all the time. The wharf was a gift to the city from Max Fleischmann, the "Yeast King", so he would have a safe anchorage for his yacht. The Santa Barbara tradition of philanthropy is continued with the new Ty Warner (Beanie Babies) Sea Center at the wharf.
I sounds like you had a great time in Santa Barbara and saw some really neat sights. The scene from the Cemetery back towards the city is great as is the view from the end of the Wharf towards the city and mountains.
I'm glad the hostel suited you. I've heard some pretty scary things about it but I think much has to do with who is on duty at the front desk.
Again, thanks for the great report and come back soon. I've got lots more suggestions for things to see and do here in Santa Barbara. (The $2.22 breakfast, M-F, 7-9 AM ONLY at Moby Dick on the Wharf is a great deal. two eggs, two hot cakes, two bacon and that great view and all the Sinatra you can handle!) It's not on the menu, by the way.
Frank in dark, cool, soon to be wet SBA
P.S. It's great to be back on this board after a minor stroke slowed me down abit on 11/08. I'll be back riding the rails soon but until then will have to settle for this vicarious travel.
MontanaJim Member # 2323
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Sorry to hear about your stroke, Frank. I hope you are on a quick road to recovery.
I might do another trip through Santa Barbara next year. If i do, ill try to get the 222 special!
Tanner929 Member # 3720
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You long distance travelers should not only track your miles you should track your delay hours, perhaps Amtrak could add points to your guest rewards for each hour achieved.
When sitting through delays either at the train station or the airport I just wish you could check the proggress of the deley so you could go out and sight see or hit a pub instead of having to stay near the message boards.
And Yes New York City's busiest Train Station is a abominasion, you now understand the architech Vincent Scully's (not the broadcasters) famous comment about the replacement station comparing it to the origional masterpiece. "We had entered as Kings, we now scurry through a basement like rats."
I recall there was a debate on a previous post about you upgrading to a sleeper. Well looking at your deleys you where upgraded by amtrak.
Uhm $46 plus the room ? I'm figuring downtown Chicago we are talking at least $90 a night? Perhaps Amtrak could build a Amtrak hotel just like the old railroad barons did.
notelvis Member # 3071
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quote:Originally posted by Tanner929: Perhaps Amtrak could build a Amtrak hotel just like the old railroad barons did.
Tanner, I don't always agree with your point of view but I always read your posts because you often have real nuggets of wisdom embedded.
I have often thought that Amtrak could really save money in the long run if they had some sort of overnight accomodations available for misconnects at Chicago Union Station. Doesn't have to be fancy at all. The pity is that they couldn't earn money by renting rooms in advance because they really don't know from one day to the next how many misconnects there are going to be.
RRRICH Member # 1418
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Jim - great report!! Thanks a lot for posting it! Sorry about your delays -- hopefully your trip back east will be more on-time.......
Have a Happy New Year!!!!
--Rich
D. David Member # 4055
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Thanks for the report on your trip.
But why oh why did you go to NYC to use the Lateshore Ltd? It's a terrible train. Here I am planning something to go from NYC to DC to catch the Capitol to Chicago in the spring... From all points it looks like the favorable alternative.
DeeCT Member # 3241
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Why spend extra $$$ taking the Capitol plus the extra time. While the LSL has a rep for being late eastbound, the last two trips on it that I took it was within an hour of schedule arriving in Springfield, MA. (July 2005 and November 2005).We all have to take note that many Amtrak routes have delays and plan accordingly. It is not solely LSL that has problems. The other complaint often made is less than friendly crews that some encounter on this train. Based on my recent trips it would appear that they have recently attended Customer Care 101. Both the Sleeper car attendent and the Dining car staff were excellent.
Train travel is most enjoyed by those with: A sense of humor. A sense of adventure. Patience and grace. (I am sure you all can add to that list.)
Dee 119 days until my next train adventure.
jgart56 Member # 3968
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I agree DeeCT,
When I took the Lakeshore Limited in September, both our Sleeper Attendant and the Dining Car Staff were excellent!
It may well depend, as with everything in life, on the luck of the draw...as to what crew you get!
MontanaJim Member # 2323
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"But why oh why did you go to NYC to use the Lateshore Ltd? It's a terrible train. Here I am planning something to go from NYC to DC to catch the Capitol to Chicago in the spring... From all points it looks like the favorable alternative."
I took the lateshore because i was able to take the regional plus the lateshore for the same price as the capitol (more train riding for the dollar!) and because i had never taken it before.
Tanner929 Member # 3720
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I am going to think our adventurer Montana Jim took the Lake Shore because perhaps he wanted to see the scenery, and travel the route of the legendary 20th century limited and enjoy the views of upstate New York and travel along the Great Lakes. I mean did Jim really think he was making those connections? He knows its all part of the LD experience.
Hey Heres an idea the Bush Admin might like being that it could fall under that faith based initiative concept as well as bring an old Rail Road legacy.
Back in the day, The rail road would build a YMCA near the train station this would be for the railroads train crews giving them a place to stay overnight, and keep them out of the taverns. Here in New Haven there is a structure still standing and is a office and proffesional building with the chizeled stone marquee reading. NEW HAVEN RAILROAD YMCA New Haven, there is a YMCA still standing next to the Richmond VA Main Street Station. So perhaps Amtrak could get the YMCA to open a facility near Union Station Chicago , so am I nuts?
notelvis Member # 3071
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quote:Originally posted by Tanner929: perhaps Amtrak could get the YMCA to open a facility near Union Station Chicago , so am I nuts?
No.......you're not nuts......but the idea of budget hostels for misconnecting Amtrak passengers probably makes too much sense to really get much action.
vline Member # 1132
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Thanks Jim for your travelogue, I always enjoy our comrades reports of their journeys. I also concur with Frank. Every time I visit LA I never fail to have a meal at Philippes (home of the french dip sandwich)about 2 blocks from Union Station. http://www.philippes.com/ Mike in Australia
MontanaJim Member # 2323
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"Uhm $46 plus the room ? I'm figuring downtown Chicago we are talking at least $90 a night? Perhaps Amtrak could build a Amtrak hotel just like the old railroad barons did."
i looked at the hotel directory to see the price of the room. in summer it is 118.00 but in december, its only 59.00, so amtrak got a great deal! only about 3-4,000 dollars total for the 30 or so passengers it had to put up!
jp1822 Member # 2596
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It's official name in my book: The Late for Sure.
Good reading and hope you have a great trip back. If the CA Zephyr isn't too late you should be able to see the Sierra Nevada mountains and most of the Rocky Mountains.
On my trips to Chicago - and even further West - I've typically preferred the Late for Sure Westbound and Capitol Limited Eastbound. I live in the NYC metro area.
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