Coast Starlight

Fred Jul 4, 2004

  1. Fred

    Fred TrainBoard Member

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    Family & I flew from Detroit to Oakland, played tourist for 3 days then took #11 out of Oakland for LA. Got lucky, train only 4 1/2 hours late (8 the day before). Although we had purchased our tickets before leaving Detroit, we upgraded to 1st class the day of riding #11 figuring a 1 or 2 am arrival in LA might be a little more enjoyable in a sleeper rather than coach - plus we got the use of the Pacific Parlour Car as well as meals in the diner. (with my pass, the 2 rooms only cost me $76 more, meals alone paid for the upgrade)Wife & I had ridden #12 25 yrs ago, 1st trip for our 2 sons - all enjoyed the ride so much more than flying. Only downer was that by the time we rode along the coast, it was really too dark to enjoy it. In August, my 15 yr son & I will be riding The Calif Zephyr to Denver. We are looking forward to that trip as well - the 1st for him, I've ridden it a few times all the way to Emeryville & back.
     
  2. BoxcabE50

    BoxcabE50 HOn30 & N Scales Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    Will you have a camera? It would be fun to see a few views. Any points or events you find interesting along the way!

    :D

    Boxcab E50
     
  3. Fred

    Fred TrainBoard Member

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    Actually, back in 1979, 4 of my railfans & I rode the Zephyr from Chicago to Denver and "dutch-doored it" most of the way getting a lot of "slides", but really the best & most scenic part of the ride is West of Denver>
     
  4. sillystringtheory

    sillystringtheory TrainBoard Member

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    We just reserved tickets from Cleveland, Ohio to Klamath Falls, Oregon and back.
    Reserved a family bedroom on the Empire Builder both ways. Will be riding the Coast Starlight from portland to Klamath falls and back.
    Going in October when the Fall colors are the best. Really looking forward to this trip. I was born in Klamath Falls but have never really seen it as I was taken back to Ohio right after I was born.
    Killing 2 birds with one stone here.
    Always wanted to see my birthplace and always wanted to ride cross country on the train.
    Any advice from veteran amtrak riders?
     

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