I don't care if you call it a ride or a trip or a journey or an excursion or a train sampler or whatever you prefer.
I'm just curious whether anyone has been out there riding the rails in recent weeks and whether or not they have a report on their 'trip'!
Anyone?
Posted by palmland (Member # 4344) on :
No rail trips until end of Sept., but just returned from a 3 week tour of New England. Along the way checked out a few rail spots:
In Staunton, Va talked with the Buckingham Branch folks. Will take over dispatching from CSX Dec 21, and no plans to remove signals (saw this mentioned on another site). Business is good.
In Utica and Thenandra, NY saw Adirondack train (not running that day) but station looked good as did the train. You can rent their private car (ex B&O office car) for a day excursion from Utica. Looking at ways to leave it at Theandra for an overnight.
Saw a great railroad exhibit at the Shelburne museum near Burlington, Vt. The paper there had articles and editorial (positive) about Amtrak getting DMU cars for the Vermonter. According to the caretaker in White River Jct, the Vermonter traffic has increased significantly in past 3 months due to gas price. About 20 a day board there for points south.
According to agent in Portland, Me, the Downeaster contiues to do well and the station there is a good example of good intermodal service. Bus schedule and trains are fully coordinated. Almost made me want to take the bus to some of the coastal towns.
Conway Scenic RR in North Conway, NH had their CN 0-6-0 fired up. Still testing but under steam for only 3 times in past 5 years. Hope to put it back in regular service on the valley train if tests ok.
Sad news in Baltimore. My favorite hobby store, Kleins, is closing due to city 'progress'. May find another location.
Ready to sit still for a few days now.
Posted by notelvis (Member # 3071) on :
Keep us posted on Kleins. I dated a girl from Baltimore during my graduate school days. Best thing that came out of that relationship was my introduction to Kleins.
It would be a shame to lose it.
Posted by wayne72145 (Member # 4503) on :
I can give you a trip report on Wednesday. I'm taking the Cascades from Eugene to Tacoma tomorrow morning, going to the ball game and taking the Coast Starlight back on Tuesday. I'm trying to get a friend interested in train travel so I can have someone to ride the rails with.
Posted by CoastStarlight99 (Member # 2734) on :
I finished my Coast Starlight trip report from this Spring a few weeks ago and am in the process of uploading a few videos. I also cannot upload the trip report right now because Trainweb hosting is not working properly again. Hopefully it will be up soon.
Posted by Judy McFarland (Member # 4435) on :
I'll have a report the end of September. I'm probably an idiot, but I changed my itinerary to include the "Starlate" all the way from LAX to SEA (instead of getting off in EMY & heading home on the CZ). I did, however, extend the trip an extra night in Seattle in case the first night there starts 5-6 hours late. Whole trip will be MKE-CHI-LAX-SEA-MKE over 2 weeks starting 9/14. Sleepers all the way - everything but SEA-MKE courtesy of Guest Reward points.
Posted by graynt (Member # 17) on :
I m spending a week on the rails starting Labor Day. Sleeper on the Coast Star-late to LA. I m hoping for another very late arrival so I can spend the night in the sleeper. Then I m connecting with the Sunset to New Orleans and early the next morning picking up the Crescent to New York.
One full week on the train..no hotels. Im banking on a late #2 arrival in New Orleans so I can hang out until the Crescent leaves..otherwise if its close to on time I ll spend the evening on Bourbon Street. All sleepers.
Posted by I Missed the Ma&Pa (Member # 4300) on :
I hoping to have three trips in the next 6 weeks. Two are paid for, one is just a short hop...
Mid Late September will be the big one - From Baltimore to Chicago on the Cardinal, there for three days, and then returning on the Capitol Limited to Pittsburgh for a one day stay over, then finally back to Baltimore via the Pennsylvanian and Corridor Regional. May get a Hiawatha hop in there as well.
Early October, will be doing an extended daytrip out to Cleveland on Southwest, returning on the Capitol Limited to Regional.
Also hope to be taking a RT to DC on Regionals this Saturday.
Posted by notelvis (Member # 3071) on :
quote:Originally posted by graynt: I m spending a week on the rails starting Labor Day. Sleeper on the Coast Star-late to LA. I m hoping for another very late arrival so I can spend the night in the sleeper. Then I m connecting with the Sunset to New Orleans and early the next morning picking up the Crescent to New York.
One full week on the train..no hotels. Im banking on a late #2 arrival in New Orleans so I can hang out until the Crescent leaves..otherwise if its close to on time I ll spend the evening on Bourbon Street. All sleepers.
For an instant I took your post to mean that you anticipated spending a full week on the Star-Late alone!
Posted by PaulB (Member # 4258) on :
I rode the Amtrak Dome operating on a Surfliner this past Thursday. I rode from LA-Anaheim. Great trip! What made it great was the camaraderie inside, making it feel like a true lounge on a long-distance train. The train left at 4:05PM, so we had a lot of evening Metrolink commuters. I liked listening to their friendly chatter and offers to buy the other a drink.
Posted by JONATHON (Member # 2899) on :
My Trip Report is coming up soon
Posted by dilly (Member # 1427) on :
I appreciate reading other people's reports, so I trust this won't sound too anti-social. Although I travel on Amtrak a couple of dozen times each year (three overnight round trips during the past three weeks alone, two for business and one for pleasure), I never write trip reports.
To tell you the truth, I'm too busy looking out of the window. I find it way too distracting to scribble down the sort of details that many people on this forum seem to expect (whether the traveler had French Toast for breakfast, how late the train arrived, how many engines were up front, what kind of paint job adorned the side of the car, etc.).
So I tip my hat to those who love to write their reports. And I will remain a faithful reader.
--------------------------------------------
Posted by dmwnc1959 (Member # 2803) on :
quote:Originally posted by dilly: ...To tell you the truth, I'm too busy looking out of the window, and find it way too distracting to scribble down the sort of details that many people on this forum seem to expect (whether the traveler had French Toast for breakfast, how late the train arrived, how many engines were up front, what kind of paint job adorned the side of the car, etc.).
After 10-12,000 miles a year on Amtrak for the last seveal years, I'm the same way...
I'm plugged into some Michael Jones 'Narada' and zoned out to the world's problems, totally mesmerized by the passing scenery outside the window I am sitting at.
P.S. I too find reading other's trips reports quite fascinating so keep them coming!!! Posted by RRRICH (Member # 1418) on :
David (and others) - our trip report has been submitted to Train Web, and Steve Grande and the Staff are currently planning on posting it soon -- I'll let everyone know as soon as they get it posted!
--Rich K
Posted by I Missed the Ma&Pa (Member # 4300) on :
The Saturday mini-trip (BAL-WAS-BAL) is booked, and I decided to do something for the first time on the return trip - the Acela Express. Will be sure to take as many pix as I can and report back.
Posted by chrisg (Member # 2488) on :
I started a thread "The Coast Starlight - My Letter to Amtrak" about a trip I took on the Coast starlight from Tacoma to Emeryville and back, 8/14-15 and 8/29-21.
Posted by notelvis (Member # 3071) on :
quote:Originally posted by chrisg: On my web site there are` always` recent trip reports found at: http://www.trainweb.org/chris
Chris
I've read many of your reports Chris. They are a great resource when planning trips......especially when looking for decent but economical hotels between trains!
Having seen your reports from WV, PA, and MD this summer I hope that your travels someday bring you to the Tennessee Valley Railway for one of their all-day Autumn Leaf Special excursions.
Posted by notelvis (Member # 3071) on :
quote:Originally posted by jenyum: I started a thread "The Coast Starlight - My Letter to Amtrak" about a trip I took on the Coast starlight from Tacoma to Emeryville and back, 8/14-15 and 8/29-21.
I read your thread and agonized with you. I'm encouraging my daughter (11 months old and getting more wiggly every day) towards rail travel with short tourist train rides for now....nothing more than 90 minutes or so. While I'd love nothing more than a train ride to see the in-laws in Florida, timekeeping on the two Silver Service trains is nearly as bad as on the Coast Starlight. I'd take that risk myself but not with my wife and daughter just yet.
Posted by jenyum (Member # 4533) on :
quote:Originally posted by notelvis: I read your thread and agonized with you. I'm encouraging my daughter (11 months old and getting more wiggly every day) towards rail travel with short tourist train rides for now....nothing more than 90 minutes or so. While I'd love nothing more than a train ride to see the in-laws in Florida, timekeeping on the two Silver Service trains is nearly as bad as on the Coast Starlight. I'd take that risk myself but not with my wife and daughter just yet. [/QB]
I knew that it would be difficult, but it was less than a third the cost of flying, now that I have to buy three full-price air tickets. We moved to Tacoma from Oakland two years ago and I haven't been able to get back for a visit since. I prepared as best I could with snacks and games and books, but I wasn't prepared for some of the externally-supplied nastiness we encountered.
Now I know from reading this forum that food is included with a sleeper car and that Amtrak is cutting deals with some coast starlight passengers if they call about a sleeper. If I ever had to do it again I would not do coach, or I just wouldn't go.
Posted by ehbowen (Member # 4317) on :
In May, my extended family (mom, dad, sis, BIL, and six nieces/nephews age 1-13) got back from a round trip to LA and Disneyland on the Sunset Limited. By booking early, we got four roomettes and the family bedroom for just about the same price as nonrefundable air travel ($3500 for five adults/six children). The sleeping accommodations (and the prepaid meals) made the difference between an enjoyable trip and what would have been a two-day nightmare. We were late, both ways, but even so my sister is ready to do it again.
Posted by CHI_Amtrak_Fan (Member # 4004) on :
Cheers, David Z Chicago, IL
Posted by train lady (Member # 3920) on :
david, have you read the reports on On Track On Line? If not there are some very interesting ones.
Posted by notelvis (Member # 3071) on :
quote:Originally posted by train lady: david, have you read the reports on On Track On Line? If not there are some very interesting ones.
I have not - Thanks for the lead. I may have time to take a look at those soon.....once we get past the blur of beginning a new school year.
Posted by MontanaJim (Member # 2323) on :
Just a short note on my recent trip. I just got back to DC from Atlanta. Took the Crescent down there from nyc penn station on the 20th-21st.
Well I guess the trip was exciting because the train not only arrived in Atlanta on time, but was 15 minutes early! we were pretty much on time the whole way, once in a while falling behind 15-20 minutes.
I didnt get a chance to eat in the dining car because I like to spend most of my time looking out the window, but I did get a cheeseburger, oatmeal cookie, and an oj from the lounge car. Ill have to say that food was darn good. Ive had the oatmeal raisin cookies on the train before (I think the name on the package is mrs goodcookie or something) and its the best oatmeal raisin cookie ive ever had (ive never eaten a fresh baked one before, but these sure taste almost like it I guess). And the cheeseburger, surprisingly, was darn good too. Of course, for $5.25, I guess it had better be. It was about the size of two mcdonalds doublecheeseburgers, and the beef seemed better quality.
I enjoyed looking out at the virginia countryside. (I live in DC and dont have a car, so I relish seeing the farms and small towns when I travel). Early morning going through Georgia was nice too.
I did see that the diner was a heritage diner. Looked like only half the car had windows. I guess thats because the other half is the kitchen. I wonder if everyone eating in the diner gets a seat next to a window? Does anyone know how old these heritage cars are? Next time I take a train with a heritage, ill have a meal in the diner. maybe it will feel like eating in the train diners of the 1950's?
I enjoyed my Braves games in Atlanta too (Im a Braves fan, too bad this year isnt their year). All in all a good trip.
Posted by MontanaJim (Member # 2323) on :
Anyone who hasnt taken a trip recently or even ones who have can check out some videos of amtrak trains at youtube.com. Just type in "amtrak" in the search box. Pretty cool!
Posted by I Missed the Ma&Pa (Member # 4300) on :
David's trip report is AWESOME! Check it out. I'm looking forward to the next parts already. Anybody who brings along their own pre-chilled champers is my kind of traveler!
Frank in, of course, Sunny SBA
Posted by HopefulRailUser (Member # 4513) on :
I agree Frank. I sent him an email complimenting him and asked when the Coast Starlight portion is coming. As you all know, that is the first LD trip I have planned, coming up in only a month. He said he would have it out in the next week or so. He also has beautiful photos of his trips on his web site. By the way, my friends plan to take us to Union Station for our trip and take the CS to SBA for a one night stay and then return home. Any suggestions for them - hotel in walking distance for lady who uses a cane, dining, etc.?
Posted by sbalax (Member # 2801) on :
Vicki--
Lots of good suggestions are on the website www.carfreesantabarbara.org . I believe they currently have a special code for a two for one railfare deal.
We always send folks to the El Prado Motor Inn at State and Arrellaga. The 25 cent shuttle will almost get you there but with mobility issues a cab would be a better bet. Cantwell's Market across the street has a good deli and there is an IHOP a block up State Street.
The Hotel Santa Barbara is closer to the station but the area can get noisy at night especially on weekends.
Lots of expensive hotels on Cabrillo Blvd and the original Motel 6 nearby.
There are great, non-touristy places to eat. Current favorites are Savoy Truffle, Moby Dick on the wharf but only for the "2-2-2" breakfast special weekdays between 7 and 9AM, the Chinese place at Chapala and Anapamu. Also Spice Avenue on State Street for Indian food.
The only remaining "Sambo's" is on Cabrillo owned by a grandson of one of the founders of the chain. He also has Chad's on Chapala.
A long time favorite, Fresco, has opened a second restaurant at the Santa Barbara Inn where Citronelle was. It's called Fresco at the Beach. More expensive than the original but I'd bet it's good.
And remember that the Egg McMuffin was invented here and is served at all the local McDonald's. I just heard a radio interview with Herb Petersen who came up with the idea and who, at 86, still is an active part of running all the local outlets. His license plate used to be EggMc1.
I hope that this helps.
Frank in Sunny SBA
Posted by sbalax (Member # 2801) on :
I got the url wrong. It's www.santabarbaracarfree.org and the deal is 20% off, not two for one. Sorry. I typed in haste.
Frank in still Sunny SBA
Posted by HopefulRailUser (Member # 4513) on :
Thanks for all the good info Frank. I will forward to my friend. She is as crazy as I am about preparing ahead, etc. She will appreciate the info. They are indeed using the 20% off plan, at least one way. But they wanted to ride north on the CS with us. We will have a sleeper - do you know if they will be able to just come and check our roomette out? They are traveling with us in January on the Sunset Limited so this will be the orientation to LD trains.
Posted by ehbowen (Member # 4317) on :
quote:Originally posted by HopefulRailUser: Thanks for all the good info Frank. I will forward to my friend. She is as crazy as I am about preparing ahead, etc. She will appreciate the info. They are indeed using the 20% off plan, at least one way. But they wanted to ride north on the CS with us. We will have a sleeper - do you know if they will be able to just come and check our roomette out? They are traveling with us in January on the Sunset Limited so this will be the orientation to LD trains.
My understanding is that Amtrak is clamping down on last-minute impromptu "sharing" of sleeping accommodations by passengers who are not on the sleeping car manifest (i.e., were not ticketed as sleeper passengers). If you just want to invite them up to check out your room and maybe sit and converse for a half hour or so, nobody will mind--although you should let your car attendant know in advance that you are expecting a guest. But don't try to finagle a free meal for them in the diner if they're not ticketed in the sleeper--Amtrak most definitely frowns upon that.
Posted by HopefulRailUser (Member # 4513) on :
Eric - they are only going to Santa Barbara from LA, they won't need a meal. I just wanted to show them the roomette. I already warned them that, if there is a parlour car, we would probably head there and it would not be available to them. Thanks for your input, appreciate anything we can learn.
Posted by ehbowen (Member # 4317) on :
quote:Originally posted by HopefulRailUser: Eric - they are only going to Santa Barbara from LA, they won't need a meal. I just wanted to show them the roomette. I already warned them that, if there is a parlour car, we would probably head there and it would not be available to them. Thanks for your input, appreciate anything we can learn.
Sure, sounds like you'll be fine. I understand that the reason for the restrictions is partly post 9/11 security considerations, but mostly because large groups--say 5 or 6 travelers--were booking one roomette between them with all of them saying that they were entitled to free meals. Got real expensive for Amtrak real quick.
Posted by CHI_Amtrak_Fan (Member # 4004) on :
quote:Originally posted by sbalax: David's trip report is AWESOME! Check it out. I'm looking forward to the next parts already. Anybody who brings along their own pre-chilled champers is my kind of traveler!
Frank in, of course, Sunny SBA
And that's not all Frank! Think about the other 4 bottle of wine we consumed from Chicago to San Francisco. I totally forgot to mention it in my Part 1.
Cheers, David Z
Posted by TBlack (Member # 181) on :
David, It sounds like you're desperate. I did take a trip on several trains from Toronto to Halifax 2 weeks ago. I didn't post a report because: a. it's Via Rail not Amtrak b. I'm a lousy writer
If a short report will get you to smiling, I'll give it a try?
Tom Black
Posted by wayne72145 (Member # 4503) on :
Last week I took a trip from Eugene to Tacoma on the Cascades, went to a ball game and took the Coast Starlight back to Eugene the next day.
I am trying to get my friend interested in train travel because I've worn out my wife traveling all over the country for no reason other than traveling on the train. The Cascades was uneventful but I think I have my friend interested now. He loved the Coast Starlight. It was packed and we were in coach but he didnt seem to mind. Everything he didnt like about the trip ( rude passengers ) is cured by traveling sleeper.
I was surprised at how many people were on the train. I do most of my traveling during the winter and early spring when there arent so many people on the train. Except for the usual delays (2hours late getting to Eugene) it was wonderful.
Posted by HopefulRailUser (Member # 4513) on :
Read Part 2 of David's trip report. Fantastic!
Posted by notelvis (Member # 3071) on :
quote:Originally posted by TBlack: David, It sounds like you're desperate. I did take a trip on several trains from Toronto to Halifax 2 weeks ago. I didn't post a report because: a. it's Via Rail not Amtrak b. I'm a lousy writer
If a short report will get you to smiling, I'll give it a try?
Tom Black
VIA works for me too. I'm in the throes of beginning a new school year and I won't be getting out much for train riding for a few months now......just a little weekend foaming is all!
Posted by HopefulRailUser (Member # 4513) on :
From an innocent - What's foaming?
Posted by Gilbert B Norman (Member # 1541) on :
That's rail hobbyist, or railfan, talk, Miss Vicki
Posted by RRCHINA (Member # 1514) on :
Like "foaming at the mouth" or "rabid"
Posted by zephyr (Member # 1651) on :
Analogous to the reaction Homer Simpson has when he spots a Duff or doughnut.
Posted by train lady (Member # 3920) on :
your report is terrific, David. You have the ability and talent to bring the reader right along with you and the humor is super. Maybe you are in the wrong job or do you write?
Posted by HopefulRailUser (Member # 4513) on :
Don't know Homer Simpson. But I have seen both rail fanning and rail foaming used. I guess foaming is just more intense? I have learned a lot you know. I now discuss consists and train sets with my friend and soon to be fellow traveler, Sue. I sent her a copy of the analysis of why the Sunset Limited has timeliness problems which I believe one of you provided to me and she said she "found it interesting and was oddly disturbed that she found it interesting." I'm afraid we are both becoming fans (but not yet foamers). I have even been to the Tehachapi loop, how's that for fanning? And we dropped into Union Station on Saturday to check out the parking, etc. and just loved the atmosphere. Our husbands think we have lost our minds. Sue asked me if I had put my monitoring of the CS and the SL times on a spreadsheet yet so I could send it to her. I guess we all need hobbies, right?
Posted by zephyr (Member # 1651) on :
quote:Originally posted by HopefulRailUser: Don't know Homer Simpson....
D'oh! And I thought only people from BNSF Chicago Sub MP 18.34 would have trouble with that one.
But let me try to explain. Last year a survey ranked Homer Simpson #5 of the 100 all-time greatest TV characters (Vicki, maybe your problem is you have a life and don't watch enough TV). And like so many celebraties, he's also become quite active in politics (getting thousands of write-in votes every year, especially where I live).
See, he's this cartoon character. Some people say he's just make-believe, but they're just so wrong. One of his characteristics is that he tends to foam at the mouth whenever he sees a doughnut (Vicki, you're a nurse, right?: so you probably recognize the doughnut as one of your basic food groups). Homer also often foams when he sights a Duff (his favorite brand of beer, which you know is generally recognized as the pinnacle of the nutrition pyramid).
(You know, as my fingers strike the keyboard pounding this out, I'm thinking maybe I should get a life).
Anyway, you see, some think a railfan spotting a train causes this same reaction as Homer gets spotting a doughnut. (It may cause the involuntary discharge of other bodily fluids, but we'll stick to foam and drool discharge for now). Ergo, "foamer" became the nickname for avid rail fans. And at least one book I've read claims that's how the nickname came about. "Foamer" came from Homer.
Now, have you ever heard of Rocky and Bullwinkle? (Vicki, don't answer; stay still; keep quiet; avoid eye contact--and maybe I'll stop with Homer and go away).
Posted by notelvis (Member # 3071) on :
Hi Vicki,
Foamer is railroader slang for a railfan who is so rabid he (or she perhaps) foams at the mouth every time they see a locomotive or anything railroad related.
I'm definately an enthusiast but I try not to annoy professional railroaders in the process!
When I referred to 'weekend foaming' that means that for the next several months any rail travel for me will mostly be of the weekend tourist railroad variety. It's not the California Zephyr but it will do!
Posted by Gilbert B Norman (Member # 1541) on :
Believe it or not Mr. Zephyr, I have heard of Homer Simpson, but I have yet to watch the show.
I think it is carried by Fox broadcast network, but conflicts with the schedule for '60 Minutes' and/or Dateline NBC.
Posted by HopefulRailUser (Member # 4513) on :
I thank you David and Zephyr for those definitions. Zephyr: the food groups are sugar, fat, starch, diet Coke and ice cream I believe. At least that's what I learned in nursing school. As for Rocky and Bullwinkle, I'm sure that must be before my time. Zephyr - yes, you need to get a life. I also see who is connected with MP 18.34. Don't you pick on my friend Gilbert. Besides, I think The Simpsons conflicts with the 4400 for me - you do understand that the aliens placed me back on earth for a reason, don't you?
Posted by train lady (Member # 3920) on :
Vicki, You left out the most important food group.......CHOCOLATE!!!!! Speaking of which Amtrak used to have the most wonderful selection of chocolate desserts. Now I gather there is only one per menu.
Posted by Ira Slotkin (Member # 81) on :
Zepher: I must of needs request that you amend your name each time you post and include a number in parenthesis and a date (e.g. Zepher 9(28), lest we mis-identify who, what, and where you are and where you are coming from (either literally or metaphorically).
Otherwise I take great delight in your posts.
Riding welded rails Eyes closed, I wander backward, Hear the clickety clack
I was on a lengthy road trip a week or so ago and as I cruised interstate 70 for almost 900 miles, I recalled the way Route 40 sounded: a rythmic ka-thump, kathump, ka-thump as we passes over sections of pavement many years ago. Nicer ride now. Fond memory of both sets of roads of my childhood.
Posted by HopefulRailUser (Member # 4513) on :
That was a good one Ira. It is clear where you are coming from. Posted by zephyr (Member # 1651) on :
quote:Originally posted by Ira Slotkin: Zepher: I must of needs request that you amend your name each time you post and include a number in parenthesis and a date (e.g. Zepher 9(28), lest we mis-identify who, what, and where you are and where you are coming from (either literally or metaphorically).
Yeh,yeh--I know what Mr. Norman and you are trying to do. You're trying to make my head explode.
But I have three serious (yes, I know it sounds crazy) questions for you Ira (our Denver correspondent).
First, I saw the Ski Train two weeks ago CZ'ing (you know, 6(whatever blah-blah)) through Denver. Wow, what a beautiful train. Have you (or jump-ball for anyone else for that matter) taken this train. What's it like?
Second, do you have any recommendations for reasonably priced (you know, NTE $25/night with complimentary breakfast, in-room sauna, and 1 hour full-body massage) lodging near the Denver Union Station? I want to "Do Denver" next summer, so I'd appreciate any insights you can provide.
Third, do you realize October is approaching? You know what that means (though "Vickie with a Life" and others may not). Shall we behave this year, or just let 'er go? For me, I'm going to delay my decision until it's determined how twerpy the stadium names are.
Speaking of which, my goal was to attend five minor league games this year. To date, one short. I've caught the Sacramento River Cats, Chico Outlaws, St. Joseph Blacksnakes, and Kansas City Royals (I know, I know Mr. Norman, but it's just an itty-bitty technicality). My hope is to catch #5 in SoCal this weekend. But speaking of minor league games, if Zephyr Does Denver (available on VHS or DVD) next summer, is it walkable from Denver Union (or that reasonably priced lodging) to the ballpark?
And by the way newby members of this forum, let me introduce Ira Slotkin. He's an innie-outie (comes and goes) member of this forum. He dabbles in poetry (note the trainku 2 posts north). One I came across on the internet, about a dad playing catch with his son, knocked my socks off. Maybe your socks would remain a-feet, but then that's art. But, for me, that was an excellent piece of writing.
And Vicki. Oh, Vicki. Vick-eee. (Begin Twilight Zone theme). You made eye contact. Prepare yourself for meeting....(mid-Twilight Zone theme)....Rocky and Bullwinkle (fade to Vicki frantically pulling her hair out, rising camera shot to stars in the galaxy blinking in a dark, dark night).
Posted by Ira Slotkin (Member # 81) on :
Exploding Zephyr:
Thanks for the poetry plug. I hope to have a book out w a CD of me reading my own work (and perhaps some others works) in the spring. I'll have a version of the "More Than A Game" poem in it. I've resisted self publishing, but it has an honorable tradition, so...
I haven't ridden the Ski Train but know folks who have and they've enjoyed it. Not likely to get delayed either.
There is a hostel in downtown that is about the range you are talking as I recall. Shared facilities. And there are a couple of hotels close but outside of downtown - I go by them often but the names escape me at the moment. I'll check and send the names along. I'm a 25 minute walk to either.
The stadium is a long fly ball (center field, upper deck, home run) from the station. The hotels in the price range you are seeking are a bit far to walk with your luggage but a less than $10 cab ride.
Pentametrically
Ira
Posted by zephyr (Member # 1651) on :
Ira, maybe we can work out a deal here. How about your book for my "Zephyr Does Denver" VHS (or DVD if you prefer)?
Now this Denver "hostel" you mention. Does it meet my "reasonably priced" criteria per hour, or per day? Enquiring minds want to know (most notably my wife's). And what about the breakfast and the massage-thing?
And that "pentametrically" sign-off? What's that mean? Is that really a word? Can normal lips actually pronounce it? You trying to make my head explode? You teaming up with Mr. Norman?
Posted by HopefulRailUser (Member # 4513) on :
Zephyr has a wife????
Posted by zephyr (Member # 1651) on :
quote:Originally posted by HopefulRailUser: Zephyr has a wife????
Yes I do. And LOL. I've met my match. I shall spare you from Rocky and Bullwinkle.
Posted by HopefulRailUser (Member # 4513) on :
quote:Originally posted by zephyr:
quote:Originally posted by HopefulRailUser: Zephyr has a wife????
Yes I do. And LOL. I've met my match. I will spare you from Rocky and Bullwinkle.
This is getting spooky, the quoted message differed from the published one for at least five minutes. Twilight Zone indeed. Wife of Zephyr actually is pretty lucky. Finding someone with such a sense of humor is not easy. But Ira is at the next level of wit, with poetry to boot. Maybe I like this train stuff because the train "foamers" are so interesting.
Posted by Ira Slotkin (Member # 81) on :
Oh ye of busted cranium:
Google "Hostel Denver". There are two andf they are close to your price. What hostels lack in amenities they make up for in community. They have mostly dorm sapce, but a few "private rooms". Hostels woprked for me when I traveled Europe back in the sixties, but I'm a bit more creature comfort conscious nowadays.
One is in downtown and the other is not realistically walkable from the station.
Meanwhile, keeping this train related: A lot of additional light rail should be operating by the time y'all are visiting next summer. And thger is a lotm of dveelopment along the new lines so there might be a cheap hotel not in downtown but readily accessible by train.
Don't fret the exploding brain thing. Vicki is a Nurse.
I'll give you a discount on the book. You could even come heer me read at a local downtown venue. Inexpensive, smoke free, vegetarian and vegan as well. Near light rail.
Innie/Outie/Lurking.
Ira
Posted by RRRICH (Member # 1418) on :
You guys are getting WEIRD!!!!!!!!!!! But that's OK -- we're all railfans, and by definition, that means we're nuts anyway, doesn't it? And now Vicki wants to be a "foamer!" Actually, Ms. Vicki -- welcome to the WEIRD nation of railfans!! I took my wife on her first long train trip this summer, and she too loved it!! She wants to take another trip soon!!
And David -- back to the "trip report" topic -- Train Web stil hasn't posted my trip report, but Steve G says he'll be doing that soon "in the next couple weeks." Steve says Train Web is moving from Fullerton to La Plata, MO!!! (Why????????.........)
Posted by MontanaJim (Member # 2323) on :
Ira Slotkin:
I stayed at the Atlanta hostel on my trip to Atlanta recently (see my trip report in this thread). It centrally located in midtown atlanta. I always stay at hostels on my trips. Ive stayed at hostels all around the world, and throughout the US. I havent stayed at the Denver hostel, however. If you have any questions about them just let me know.
Posted by zephyr (Member # 1651) on :
quote:Originally posted by Ira Slotkin: You could even come heer me read at a local downtown venue. Inexpensive, smoke free, vegetarian and vegan as well. Near light rail.
Got Duff on tap?
See, here's what I have in mind. My wife (yes, yes--there is a Mrs. Zephyr, and she has become quite experienced in rolling her eyes) and I will likely attend the Oregon-California Trail Association (OCTA) convention in Gering/Scottsbluff NB next August. The general plan is to rail to Denver a few days early and then head up to the convention.
We kind of did that earlier this month when we attended the OCTA convention in St.Jo MO. We lollygagged (technical travel term for not direct) by rail to Kansas City a few days before the convention. We stayed at the Westin, which is an easy walk (enclosed all the way) from the station. We really enjoyed exploring Union Station in KC. I can't imagine anyone who wouldn't find something of interest there. This huge relic of the hey-day of rail has been beautifully restored and now hosts museums, theaters, restaurants (opening soon is a restored Harvey House), a chocolate shop (got your attention, train lady?) and on and on. And it offers plenty for foamers. Check out www.unionstation.org for more information.
Our room on the 16th floor of the Westin provided a great view of the station and track. You could grab a Duff and watch a constant parade of trains. A docent at Union Station told me more tonnage goes through KC than any other city (even Chicago, which may have more trains because of more pax rail, according to Mr. Docent, but not the tonnage). It was foamer heaven.
Shopping and baseball were easily accessable. Besides Union Station, opportunities to stimulate the local economy can be readily found at the Crowne Center mall. It's adjacent to the Westin, and is all linked (they call it "The Link"-clever, eh?) by an elevated, glassed-in, air-conditioned walkway.
A bus (Royals Express) stops in front of the hotel for transportation to the ballpark ($5 per head, but you get a $5 discount on your ticket; correct me if I'm wrong, Mr. Norman, but that's like free, isn't it?). The fans we met on the bus ride were great and a lot of fun. Ah, it was zephyr heaven.
And that's what I have in mind for next year in Denver. Lolligag (by rail, of course) into Denver a few days before heading to the convention. Catch a game. Ride the Ski Train to Fraser-Winter Park. Get a day pass and ride the light rail system (I've done all of Portland's and Salt Lake City's). Explore downtown Denver. Get a room with a view of the rail action. Ah, hurry up 8(07). So, Ira, I may be asking you for some of your local expertise closer to the date of travel (like 6(07) or 7(07)).
As a side note, I'm surprised not many on this forum attend rr conventions. We went to the Great Northern Railway Historical Society convention in Kalispell MT in July, and had a great time. You can check out convention activities by clicking the "conventions" botton atwww.gnrhs.org. Note train lady this convention even included a tour of Montana Tom's, one of the best chocolate makers on planet earth (according to my wife, which you can take as expert testimony). It was a great time with a lot of really great people. Though not on the website yet, next year's convention is scheduled for Minot ND ("Why not Minot" is the visitors bureau's slogan). I highly recommend attending this, or any other historical society (or modeling or advocacy) convention that may interest you, to any "foamer."
So, there. Unlike Ira, you can see I can keep to the topic of the thread (we're talking trip reports here, Mr. Slotkin, not trainku). You gotta keep a close eye on him. He's a big trouble-maker (as evidenced by his attempts to make my head explode). But that's just between you and me.
Posted by train lady (Member # 3920) on :
Mrs. Zepher is a woman after my own heart. Tell her in Boise we found the visitors center had delicious chocolate potato chips and Potatos made from chocolate. You will like Scotts Bluff. We were there when we were following the Oregon Trail ( I know Mr. Norman, the trail no longer exists but one can follow pretty closely where it was). We took the train to Denver and after visiting family rented a car and followed the trail. Over the past years we have done that a number of times going to different places out west and in Canada. I have often thought Amtrak should put forth that idea. Take the train to .......and drive to different places. BTW how did I ever miss Montana Tom's in Kallispell?
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