Recent content by tubaia

The train may not have worked, but yes, they do reschedule Sunday races to Monday. The turnout is not as great on Mondays, which could make a difference. They do not, however, refund tickets for those who cannot attend on Monday. We've gone to the races in Joliet, IL, for the last 10 years...

Between my wife's claustrophobia, our preference to be able to see out both sides of the train, and us being on a budget (not sure if we're poor or cheap), we have always travelled coach on our trips, which have been 2-night trips to the west coast. Sleeping in coach isn't simple, but sitting...

I would recommend Omaha, Nebraska, though it is much nicer in warmer months. It isn't as big as Denver or Chicago, but it also isn't exactly small, either. However, there is much to do and see right in Omaha and across the river in Council Bluffs, Iowa. There are great museums, including the...

And if you think you're safe once you are within sight of the station, think again. Last fall on the CZ, we were about an hour late getting into Chicago. As we were pulling into downtown, I'm thinking "Great! We're late, but at least we're at the station now, and I can think about getting...

So far, my wife and I have made 4 long distance round trips (3 to the west coast, 1 to the east coast), and all of them have been in coach. We have not had any problems sleeping for the most part. I usually sleep better on the second night than the first, but that is often true in a hotel as...

As JB64 said, not all colleges have spring break the same week. However, spring break often is the same as Holy Week (week before Easter), when Easter falls in March. In the case of 2013, Easter falls on March 31st, and most (but probably not all) colleges will schedule spring break for the...

And it isn't just the mega airports that get government subsidies. Our small municipal airport that has no scheduled flights, only small private planes (mostly Cessna, etc.), gets huge subsidies. Any time that any upgrades or repairs are done, we receive federal grants of 75-90% of the cost...

I just hope they find some services for the new depot (i.e., FOOD) that are willing to stay open for the late night westbound EB departure. At least the current Midway station has vending machines, which the new station may not have in order to keep their tenants happy. Whether it be a...

That's my feeling too. It won't save very much time, and hurt the scenic aspect of the route. The new tracks are also being built for the local Sounder commuter trains, but many locals in Lakewood don't want the faster Amtrak trains running through their area. I say they should see about...

Going coach on the westbound EB, I love sitting near the back of the last SEA coach for that same reason. I have to put up with the high traffic going to the lounge up to Spokane, but on the final morning, the view is spectacular out the back window, both through the mountains and along the...

Okay. Going by the clues, I'll throw out a guess. Is it Nappanee, IN?

As they say: Every time you make something "idiot proof," they build a better idiot.

Also, if you haven't already done so, you may want to consider joining AAA. It could help if you do decide to drive this trip, with breakdown coverage, maps, and cheaper motels/dining/activities. And, when you do decide to take the train (I know you will), it can save you 10% on your tickets...

Yeah, I'd like to see that. However, maybe via Sioux Falls, Sioux City, and Omaha, instead of Des Moines. It could even extend further south from Kansas City, perhaps Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas. Of course, I also would love to see the return of the Desert Wind and Pioneer, or something...

The only way a private company will take over passenger rail in the US will be with heavy subsidies, probably even more so than Amtrak receives now. While it does not seem logical that this would be allowed by those who oppose the current subsidies, that seems to be the way it works for many...