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My time off came sooner than expected, and of shorter duration than expected, and I couldn't work it for the Kansas City trip (hotels too high, many booked) so I decided, Oh, I'll book the Indianapolis/Charlottesville part of my Cardinal trip now and go to Kansas City in the early spring. I got really good rates at the hotels (much better in Indy than I would next year) and decided to go both ways on the Cardinal, to catch more views. I'm going coach but that's OK, I'll just bring a pillow. So I was all excited (still am) but then I realized . . . I had forgotten your good advice here, and have gone and booked this trip when the leaves are still gonna be on the trees!!! And you all told me not to do that, that I would miss the best views.
I don't really have the time or energy to change it now, it's all booked with Amtrak etc . . . and I do want to see Indianapolis too. So, what do you think? Will I miss too much doing this in October? Any advice about where to sit in coach!?!?!
Gilbert B Norman Member # 1541
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I can't think of a better time than now to make a trip through West and Western Virginia as this is "leafpeep" season.
Needless to say, Ms. Sojourner, you are too experienced a rail traveler for me to let loose with my usual litany of "don't even think about Coach". I respect your conviction that you have the inner sense to know financial limitations, as we both know that some of our Senior Citizen colleagues out there do not, and I further respect your willingness, even if I do not share same (I'm admittedly of the "no dough? no go" persuasion), to get out there and travel making compromises regarding accomodations (rail and hotel) when necessary.
Nevertheless, the New River Gorge is the scenic highlight of a very scenic journey. Traveling Westward, the Gorge is on the Fireman's side (EW is Engineer). I've only viewed it once in this life but remember it well; that was during September 1962 from an immaculately clean C&O 10-6 "City of--' Sleeper.
Regarding Indianapolis, if you have heard the phrase "Indianoplace"?, forget it. It is an extremely attractive city (it is usually "pretty well up there" in the Money Magazine surveys) and friends from the Chicago area that have been relocated there have had many kind words and are not really looking to "come back". The Indianapolis Symphony resembles "world class' and the musician profiled here has been their Guest Conductor - he also is a railfan (it is elsewhere at the web; I "out" nobody). It is always a pleasure for myself when I have opportunity to go down that way, however, I must confess, my mode is 'behind the wheel".
train lady Member # 3920
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going East I would suggest the right side (facing forward) That is the gorge side. I think you will probably see quite a bit. We have ridden it in May, Sept and Oct and the views were excellent. If there is any kind of lounge car (or if not go to the diner) that way you can see both sides. I find the little towns interesting too
notelvis Member # 3071
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When riding coach I like to sit about two thirds of the way back. It just seems that I catch more glimpses of things in the windows ahead of me. This works better on the Piedmont and superliners where the windows are bigger.
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