As someone who has been on the full length multiple times (although both directions leaving from and terminating in Atlanta), I say don't expect anything particularly good. Going through DC was fun and crossing Lake Pontchartrain kinda eerie (it looks like the train is riding on the water from inside), nothing much else was memorable. A lot of trees close to the train hid the countryside.
Don't forget Big Foot in the swamps north of Slidell...
There are always Big Foot sightings in Oregon, if fact, every year there is a Big Foot "Happening" along a river with BBQ, massive amounts of beer and tall tales of Big Foot sightings and bonfire chat telling of real life encounters. Somewhere in the early AM, Big Foot makes a guest appearance or we think its Big Foot! We always shake his hand and get a Big hug from THE MAN (or whatever)?! It takes a couple of days to recover from the event! So much BBQ ya know????!!!!!!!!!!
Back on topic, I always heard the train was crowded to ATL and empties out there, I am looking forward to the trip as I have traveled little along the route.
They must change engines in Washington, and go from there. Also, always read the service was one of the betters trips on Amtrak. From the old dayz I suppose. I am excited and up about the trip!