Hey guys,
I just introduced myself to the forum
I'm Arvind, and I'm from Southern California. I moved to the USA last year - I'm graduating this month and visiting my folks in Pittsburgh. I'm taking the Southwest Chief on the 10th of this month, and then the Capitol Limited to Pittsburgh on the 12th. I was a train buff back in India and I'm really excited about the trip here I'm on a student budget, so I'm going coach on this trip! Hopefully I'll see some great snowscapes and vistas.
Looking at the forums I've prepared a list of things to pack :
Power strip for connecting appliances, Extra phone batteries, Extra camera battery, Tethering service - for internet on laptop whenever a cell phone service is available, coffee warmer, light fleece blanket, travel pillow & gloves in case I feel too cold.
Will be wearing a pair of jeans, a cotton shirt and a jacket.
I had a few questions:
1. Just how cold can the train get? I'm not that used to cold (seeing as I'm from India and have stayed in sunny SoCal all this while), and the route shows most location are well below sub-zero temperatures © which Ive never before experienced. If I wish to get off at stations to do some scouting/photography nearby, will it be too cold to stand in the outfit I'll be wearing? I'm also planning to roam a bit in Chicago before my connection.
2. How do I ensure I get near a power outlet? I'll bring a power strip so I can share the outlet with nearby people
3. Any tips on adjusting to sleep in coach? Hopefully a couple of nearby seats go empty so I can spread out. I might upgrade to sleeper if I can afford it and there's spaces. Alternatively Can I camp in the lounge observation car overnight? I'm planning to spend most of my time there anyways.
4. I'll have just a single carry-on baggage which I'll leave in the luggage rack or near my seat when I roam around. I'll also probably leave my laptop or other stuff on the tray when I visit the cafe/restroom etc. How safe is the coach car when it comes to these things? Are there any other safety issues?
5. Any specific sights I HAVE to see? I know about Raton pass, Albuquerque Indian stores, and I'm planning to rush to the Sears tower in Chicago during my 3 hour stop before rushing back to make my connection.
Maybe I'm asking too many questions - sorry about that Thanks in advance for the help!
Best Regards,
Arvind
I just introduced myself to the forum
I'm Arvind, and I'm from Southern California. I moved to the USA last year - I'm graduating this month and visiting my folks in Pittsburgh. I'm taking the Southwest Chief on the 10th of this month, and then the Capitol Limited to Pittsburgh on the 12th. I was a train buff back in India and I'm really excited about the trip here I'm on a student budget, so I'm going coach on this trip! Hopefully I'll see some great snowscapes and vistas.
Looking at the forums I've prepared a list of things to pack :
Power strip for connecting appliances, Extra phone batteries, Extra camera battery, Tethering service - for internet on laptop whenever a cell phone service is available, coffee warmer, light fleece blanket, travel pillow & gloves in case I feel too cold.
Will be wearing a pair of jeans, a cotton shirt and a jacket.
I had a few questions:
1. Just how cold can the train get? I'm not that used to cold (seeing as I'm from India and have stayed in sunny SoCal all this while), and the route shows most location are well below sub-zero temperatures © which Ive never before experienced. If I wish to get off at stations to do some scouting/photography nearby, will it be too cold to stand in the outfit I'll be wearing? I'm also planning to roam a bit in Chicago before my connection.
2. How do I ensure I get near a power outlet? I'll bring a power strip so I can share the outlet with nearby people
3. Any tips on adjusting to sleep in coach? Hopefully a couple of nearby seats go empty so I can spread out. I might upgrade to sleeper if I can afford it and there's spaces. Alternatively Can I camp in the lounge observation car overnight? I'm planning to spend most of my time there anyways.
4. I'll have just a single carry-on baggage which I'll leave in the luggage rack or near my seat when I roam around. I'll also probably leave my laptop or other stuff on the tray when I visit the cafe/restroom etc. How safe is the coach car when it comes to these things? Are there any other safety issues?
5. Any specific sights I HAVE to see? I know about Raton pass, Albuquerque Indian stores, and I'm planning to rush to the Sears tower in Chicago during my 3 hour stop before rushing back to make my connection.
Maybe I'm asking too many questions - sorry about that Thanks in advance for the help!
Best Regards,
Arvind