Recent content by JackGraham

I'm actually on train 11 right now. We're on a siding outside if Hayward at 1030a. We are still about 90 minutes late I think. Was about an hour forty late getting into Redding where I got on at 4am. Rumor is we'll be bussed from SBA to LAX. I have no idea how I'll get to OSD. HOpe they'll...

I carry a lockblade knife all the time that is visible. I've never had even a second glance from anyone on Amtrak. That's one of the great things about training is that at least for now, we don't have the ludicrous security theater that airports do.

Noted on Top Possibilities to Research List, thanks!

Thanks, Glacier sounds intriguing. I've been to the Grand Canyon several times so not really interested in that again. Also looking into the periphery of Yosemite. Toluomne (sp?) Meadows is probably a book-months-in-advance thing but might be something along the periphery. I'm very early in...

Ah, a possibility! Thanks, I'll do some research.

I dunno, Big Bend in August/September? Probably too hot. Might be a good March trip though.

Wow, that totally quoted the wrong post. Sorry. Meant to quote the person talking about Mexico to Canada hike.

Yeah, uh, I'm hoping for something a few clicks below "wildest", and near a train stop. And Mexico to Canuckistan is more vacation than I can spare.

I've long had a fantasy of taking the train to a remote stop, getting off, backpacking for a few days, then catching the train back. I think I must have read a book as a youth that got that image stuck in my head and am wondering if it is possible. So question: Anyone have ideas for a...

You get bonus points for using QT machine? I only ever see my normal 100 miles for my LA jaunts no matter how I buy them.

Well, at least it isn't just to me, I guess! Sheesh, they are some mean so-and-sos. I book online and use the machines whenever I can now.

I've booked tickets or made inquiries in several stations from San Diego to Santa Barbara for Surfliner trips, and was rather surprised at the vast difference in attitudes of the ticket agents. By far the surliest were in Los Angeles. I buy a ticket every week, and those are some of the...

Great report, thanks! And I really appreciate the format, I'm printing it out to show my SO before we go on our first trip, also on the Coast Starlight. Bummer about the campers in the PPC. Isn't it only open to sleeper car people? I would think they'd go back to their rooms occasionally...

Okay, thanks for the info, I'll give them a call. How do you guys know this stuff? I can't even get it to route me that way, it keeps sending me to Bakersfield. And I definitely cannot find anything on the website about the fact that the bus will wait for the train, which is amazing to me...

Thanks! I had no idea there was a dedicated bus related to the CS. I was afraid of depending on public transport connection in case the train is late, because the entire point of us taking the train is to not be stressed out by the travel, and worrying about connections. I am *so* looking...