This is how it all began: a trip to Seattle from St. Paul!
Because DH and I had not been on a train for several decades, we decided to take the Empire Builder. The staff on the train were remarkably friendly, effiicient and they worked incredibly hard for long hours. Our compartment looked great in the brochure, but in reality it is very teeny-tiny. The couch makes up into a bed and a bunk comes down from the ceiling. Pretty cramped quarters. It was "a fun" experience because of the passing scenery and the friendly passengers you meet on the train, but once was enough!
PS. On the last day in Seattle, I lost the journal you see on the table in the compartment. Sad!
Wondered where you were. We are doing the Canadain Rockies tour next Fall. The train part is only Vancouver to Jasper...but we do spend that night on the train. I figured we could watch an old Murder on the Orient Express before we go.Sorry about your journal.
ReplyDeleteHi Kate,
ReplyDeleteLove the train. US trains have been debased compared to the trains with which I am most familiar--Japan. The compartments are small, though you can pay big and get big on some trains. I still want to take a train to Seattle, then to Denver. It goes through some of the most beautiful countryside.
David
I'm so glad you got to experience this even if it was a one time deal. At least you know what it's like. I've never taken a long train ride like this. I'd love to do it once too.
ReplyDeleteOh no! Sorry you lost your journal. I would love to ride the train. A few years back Stanwood built a train stop platform so I could catch one from there. Once is enough as you say but then again you can say you did it. LOL
ReplyDeleteMB
I have often thought it would be fun to take the train somewhere. I just can't bring myself to leave my little dog. He has such strong separation anxiety. Maybe someday.
ReplyDeleteYears a go I took the train from Vancouver to Toronto and it was fabulous but I wouldn't do it again either.
ReplyDeleteYou went right through the small town where I was born and raised: Stanley, North Dakota. I have ridden the Empire Builder many times but never that long a trip.
ReplyDeleteUh oh on the journal! We've got the passenger trains that do big journeys out west through the mountains, as well as to the east coast, but I've only done trips of a few hours within the province by train. Which I think I prefer to air travel if I'd have to go to the same destination these days- you spend so much time and hassle in an airport that it's the same amount of time spent on the train as with a flight.
ReplyDeleteIn August we took the California Zephyr from Omaha to San Francisco. It was a great trip and a gentle way to travel. I think the Empire Builder is next on our list.
ReplyDeleteWhat adventurers you are. I have ridden long distance trains in Europe and the USA, but have not ridden one with sleeping compartments. Good for you.
ReplyDeleteI have always wanted to ride the Empire Builder, but I think we are both too stiff and achy to enjoy the cramped quarters now.
ReplyDeleteMy one and only train trip - decades ago - was a trip from California to Seattle. We had a tiny compartment with seats for two, facing each other, with a pull down bunk. We loved the scenery but both got stiff necks because it didn't occur to us to trade seats from time to time. What a shame to lose your journal!
ReplyDeleteMust admit I quite fancy a train ride Kate, not too long, maybe just a night or two. What a shame about your journal, so easy to leave things behind.
ReplyDeleteI enjoy train rides but never been on one overnight. Use to go to Boston at Christmas time with my grandmother who always rode trains. It's too bad about the journal, somebody will enjoy reading it. :)
ReplyDelete