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The second part of my recent trip. Boarded the Talgo Cascade in the early morning in Seattle bound for Vancouver. Pretty foggy. The tracks were very smooth, no lurching at all. The snack bar car had good stuff, sweets, lunch things. All pre-made and microwaved but very tasty. In the evening they have Ivar's Clam Chowder. There was also a full dining car getting good use. Clean attractive cars, very enjoyable ride. Scenic to say the least. We went to Whistler via bus. The highway is being widened for the 2010 Winter Olympics so there were slow areas. After two nights in Whistler (bring money!) we boarded the Whistler Mountaineer in the early afternoon. This specialty train is the only passenger train on these tracks. We were in the special domed cars and had a three course high tea. Finger sandwiches, scones cooked right there in the car and assorted delicious sweets. Tea or coffee. All was served at your seat. In addition to our own car we had access to an older, partly open car, wonderful for taking pictures. The train slows at several scenic sites for your photos. The tracks follow the river most of the way and then comes into north Vancouver. The staff provides narrative. A truly wonderful journey, takes about 2 hours for about 65 miles. And finally I will describe the end of our trip just so you will all be jealous. We boarded Holland America's Oosterdam in Vancouver and set sail for San Diego. One day was spent in port at Victoria, three days sailing. This is a repositioning cruise ending the Alaska trips and beginning the Mexico cruises. What an elegant ship, fabulous food, great entertainment. The CEO of Train Holidays, who put our total trip together, was with us most of our trip. His background is in specialty trains. His opinion of a good way to make Amtrak better - let Carnivale run it. It might be a good idea. Carnivale owns Holland America, Princess, Cunard and more. Once we docked in San Diego we shuttled one block to the San Diego train station, charming place, older that LAUPT. Took the Surfliner home to LA passing great beach scenery in the south and ugly industrial scenery in the north. But it is still all interesting. Loved the whole trip and there are more train trips in our future. (And maybe even a bus to Bakersfield).
RRRICH Member # 1418
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Vicki - sounds like you had a wonderful trip!!! I'm glad you enjoyed it. Many years ago (1983 I believe), when the British Columbia Railway was still running passenger trains, I rode their train (which was a couple RDC cars only) from Prince George, BC to North Vancouver -- the route of the Whistler Mountaineer follows that same route, in part. It's a shame there are no longer passenger trains north of Whistler on BC Rail -- that was a very beautiful trip when I took it!!
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Great reports and pictures, Vickie. I am so glad you had a good trip
Gilbert B Norman Member # 1541
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Well, got to meet Mr. Art, but alas, Miss Vicki is camera shy!!
train lady Member # 3920
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My thought too, Mr. Norman. But then I decided that maybe MR. Art is like my husband who can paint beautifully but has yet to take a really good picture. On trips I do all the picture taking.
HopefulRailUser Member # 4513
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Art would not know which end of the camera to point at the scene. By the way, I have booked my trip to Sacramento on the bus/train/bus system. This should be interesting. At least the return trip is only train/bus. Will see the railroad museum and tour old town. Have to say I have never seen a picture of Mr. Norman or Train Lady either.
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"Now you see him" - Well, just barely. I was asked if it was my reflection in the train window on the picture from the Mountaineer. Alas, it is not. I guess I will just have to remain a mystery person. Since there is such a clamor I may teach Mr. Art how to take a picture on our Sacramento trip. That will happen on 10/29. I am sure the anticipation will be excruciating for you all.
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