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Reading some horror stories about the lateness of the Sunset Ltd. I am now worried. I grew up in Bellaire, TX where the SS Ltd passed 2 blocks from my house and have riden from Houston to NO, LA several times. I am planing October 2005 to travel Los Angeles to Orlando spend one night in Orlando and reverse directions again. This will take 6 nights rail 1 night land. I am going to get an Standard sleeper. Any hints, suggestions, ETC. My goal is to before I die some 50 years from now, travel on every amtrak route end to end round trip. Any takes on this? I am starting withthe obvious, route 1 and 2 then move the Southwest Chief route 3 and 4 and then move on to the next route.
Posts: 89 | From: Redondo Beach, CA | Registered: Jun 2004
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At this time, even though Amtrak still will "guarantee", I would not recommend making same day connection with any LD operated over the UP. The only possible exception to that blanket statement would be xxx-5-SAC-14-xxx, and note my insertion of the word possible.
For example, do not arrive LA on the Sunset and plan a connection to the Starlight, for you could well find yourself being "bustituted" from Palm Springs to Bakersfield, then again Stockton to Sacramento. Carrying the one step beyond, as I previously noted at another thread, if you were connecting to the Empire Builder at Portland i.e. xxx-14-PDX-28-xxx, you may well find yourself "bustituted" Kalamath Falls to Pasco.
Will have Amtrak completed the transportation contract into which they entered with you?, yes they have! But you will have been deprived the Coast Line scenery as well as the passage over the Cascades if bussed from Kalamath Falls.
Best advice: "overnight" in LA. If you were in any kind of rush, you wouldn't be on an Amtrak LD to begin with.
[This message has been edited by Gilbert B Norman (edited 06-25-2004).]
Posts: 9975 | From: Clarendon Hills, IL USA (BNSF Chicago Sub MP 18.71) | Registered: Apr 2002
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quote:Originally posted by Gilbert B Norman: Best advice: "overnight" in LA. If you were in any kind of rush, you wouldn't be on an Amtrak LD to begin with.
I thought he was overnighting in Orlando
Posts: 547 | From: St. Louis, MO, USA | Registered: Nov 2002
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I think this is an admirable goal! And you've certainly given yourself enough time to complete it. I WAS going to suggest that you start with a more reliable train than # 1/2, but on further reflection, if you are going to spread this project out over several years, you probably should start with the routes whose longevity might be questionnable.
Inasmuch as this is a multi-year major project, proper equipment is essential. I would suggest a detailed map, a gps, and a scanner would all give you the appropriate navigation tools. You might also want a subscription to the NY Times Book review, as I suspect you'll be doing a lot of reading!
If you're travelling single, the standard room should be adequate. Keep in mind the menu rotation in the dining car, 6 days with the same menu might prove a tad boring!
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I would try to get a railpass (North America one if you're a local, else USA Rail Pass if you're not a US/Canadian citizen). That way you can cover a large distance for less cost. It usually works out about 2.5 long distance journies pays for the pass - anything more is "free". Sleeping accomodation is not included.
I have done this (using the USA Rail Pass) and covered most of the Amtrak network - with hardly any back tracking or duplicate trackage.
The "biggie" would be something like LAX-(Sunset)-Orlando-(Silver service)-New York-(Lake Shore)-Chicago-(Empire Builder)-Seattle-(Coast Starlight)-LAX.
Then you could do LAX-(Starlight)-SFO-(Zephyr)-Chicago-(Chief)-LAX.
Doing the Texas Eagle would require some backtracking. But you could combine it with the City of New Orleans, the Crescent, and the Cardinal... somehow.
I've spent many a happy hour planning my travels! I may try to get over later this year but if anything it will "only" be the Empire Builder or the Coast Starlight for a short distance.
Geoff M.
Posts: 2426 | From: Apple Valley, CA | Registered: Sep 2000
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