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After completing the cross country portion of our trip, we relaxed for a day in beautiful Santa Barbara. Thanks to Frank for recommending the wonderful drive we had. For those interested, Avis now has a rental car office a short walk from the station. Our drive took us over the Santa Ynes mountains (part of the Pacific Coast Range). We stopped for a cool beverage at the Cold Spring Tavern, an 1865 stage coach stop and little changed since then. A quick view of Lake Cachuma and the European styled town of Solvang, had us back to the coast. It doesn’t get more interesting for the ocean and railroad views than the State parks that dot the coast back to Santa Barbara. Our favorite (well, mine) was Gaviota State Park with a high railroad trestle that crosses the entrance to the beach. Dinner was at the excellent Trattoria Vittoria. The next day we were off on the Surfliner to visit friends up the coast. After that visit we boarded the Starlight in San Luis Obisbpo, headed for Emeryville.
The Starlight is Amtrak’s finest train, if no other reason than the PPC. It was an oasis of calm when we boarded as wine tasting had just been completed. Our extra board PPC attendant was excellent. Merrill was hoping to get a permanent job on the PPC and he certainly earned it. Always hard at work, he was distressed that we missed the wine tasting and consoled us with a complimentary Mimosa and cheese (which was outstanding – check out Tllamook cheese). Dinner reservations had already been made (we were assigned a time in the diner), but Merrill found a way to fit us in the PPC. After so many communal meals, it was nice just to sit with my wife. The trip over the mountain and up the valley was fascinating. That really is America’s salad bowl. Reluctant crossing gates near Salinas and a 30min late arrival in SLO had us into EMY about an hour late at 11pm – the only late train on our trip.
We stayed at the Hyatt House, recommend by others on the forum, and it was excellent for our short night. The elevators in the walkway across the tracks made it relatively easy with our two small pieces of luggage and a carry on. The only downside was the walk across the parking lot to the back door entrance to the hotel – which was locked. So we trudged around the building to the front door. I grumbled to the front desk manager and maybe because of that, or because it was just a slow night, we wound up with a top floor suite overlooking SF Bay. Breakfast was better than the usual complimentary ones hotels serve.
The next day we were off on the California Zephyr for Denver. We had never taken the CZ eastbound and had only ridden a portion eastbound near Denver on the Yampa Valley mail. So we were looking forward to the ride. While sleepers were on the rear (where I think they belong), my rear window view was blocked by a Private Car. It was the last car in the train and had a rider who allowed me to take a look. It was a rare breed – one of the few dome sleepers ever built. This one was for Northern Pacific’s (later BN) North Coast Limited. It was in excellent shape on the exterior, but needed work inside. It was headed for complete restoration in the Chicago area then slated for service on Iowa Pacific’s Pullman Rail Journeys endeavor later this year.
The ride over the Sierras and Rockies were spectacular as always. While the annoying P.A. announcements were incessant and the attendant was maybe ok, this trip is second only to the CS, in our opinion. The highlight was the ride through Gore canyon and its Class V whitewater. I found this segment more interesting than the descent into Denver. We were 30 min early into Denver. It was early enough to pick up our rental before they closed and then off to see relatives and friends for the next week or so.
Overall, our trips on Amtrak seem to be consistently good. Mechanically everything worked, the food was pretty good (lemon-coconut cake was the best), trains were mostly on time, and the scenery was unequaled. Amtrak employees did their job, some better than others - and nothing that a week our two of hospitality training in dealing with the public wouldn’t fix. But of course that would be only as good as the trainers.
And yes, Mike Smith, Toni's last name (our excellent SCA on the TE) was something like Westerfield. I've tried to talk with Amtrak Customer Relations about him twice and gave up twice after 30 minutes on hold.
Posts: 2397 | From: Camden, SC | Registered: Mar 2006
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I only wish I'd been able to join you on that trip up across the Mountains. And Cold Spring Tavern is a favorite that goes back to college days when we were young and foolish and didn't worry about DUI's.
Hopefully if you find yourselves out here again I'll be able to do a little hosting.
Frank in sunny and warm SBA
Posts: 2160 | From: Santa Barbara, CA, USA | Registered: Oct 2003
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Sounds like you had a very nice trip. My favorite train is also the CS, followed closely by the CZ. I have been riding the CS to/from Seattle since I was in 7th grade. Even though I've got the entire route memorized and even recognize some trees now, I never grow tired of it. One thing that cracks me up as you pass through the farm fields of Oregon is that there is a Muni Metro (San Francisco) Boeing LRV parked out in the middle of weeds. I've always wondered how a Muni Metro car got to that location? It is so incredibly out of place.
Glad you had a nice trip.
-Regarding the Avis office in SBA, how far away is it from the Amtrak station? Nice to know there is a new option there.
-The PPC: YES! It is such a treat to have that car on the train. Thank goodness they stopped the ridiculous practice of opening it up to Coach passengers for the wine tasting.
-Hyatt House in EMY: Good to know about the locked rear door. I have recommended this hotel to many people over the years, but this is the first time I've heard about the locked door. It's a normal practice with many hotels after dark (key card required), but I did not know that they did that at this property.
Posts: 2355 | From: Pleasanton, CA | Registered: Apr 2007
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PS: Those PA announcements on the Zephyr. AHHHHHH!!!!!!! They have the volunteer docents on-board from the Sacramento Railroad Museum in both directions between SAC and RNO. I hate it---absolutely hate it. I wish they would change the policy and have them broadcast just to a single car (the lounge) instead of train-wide. It is SO LOUD in the sleepers!!! Right after I doze off, it's, "In 1936 a rabbit crossed the tracks in this location and scared a deer". Whoopie!!
Posts: 2355 | From: Pleasanton, CA | Registered: Apr 2007
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Palmland -- was the private car on the end of the CZ the Northern Sky? I believe that is a red dome sleeper with maybe a stripe of yellow or gold on the car, but I don't remember exactly. I've seen Northern Sky at many places over the last several years.
Posts: 2428 | From: Grayling, MI | Registered: Mar 2002
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Smitty - I didn't mind the volunteer comments - were rather soft, almost hard to hear them, and informative - at least for those of us who aren't frequent travelers on the route like yourself. It's the harsh, loud, repetitive Amtrak announcements I object to: 'PASSENGERS MUST NOT WALK BETWEEN THE CARS WITHOUT SHOES (good for several minutes of further explanation) or 'I'M GOING ON BREAK NOW or I'M REQUIRED TO HAVE A DOWN TIME NOW also with abundant useless explanation of why. Once wouldn't have been so bad, but was repeated after major stops and then by the lounge and coach attendants as well. The SCA should take care of this with face to face explanations at the time you board or as required and turn off the speaker in the sleepers.
The Avis is located less than a 5 minute walk from the station. The Avis agent there said they have been getting a lot of Amtrak business since they opened. The ticket agent can give you directions (or your Iphone).
Sbalax, sorry we missed you too, we'll return again although the next trip may be by auto to see more of the interior of the state (and have our dog too).
RRRich - no, this car had been idle in private ownership in Redwood City, CA. The owner had stripped it down inside with seats/tables piled in the rooms. The trucks have been refurbished and the stainless steel siding is bare. The dome portion had contained the 'Lounge in the Sky' that BN installed around 1967, I believe when they eliminated the observation on the NC Ltd. Before the interior is restored it'll be painted in IC colors that IP is using.
Posts: 2397 | From: Camden, SC | Registered: Mar 2006
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That Avis location has been there for quite some time. Perhaps new owners? It's certainly convenient for Amtrak passengers.
Smitty--
From the station cross State Street, turn left and walk one block towards the freeway. Turn right at Montecito Street and walk two blocks (crossing Helena Avenue and averting your eyes as you pass the Spearmint Rhino) and there you are at the corner of Montecito and Anacapa.
Frank in sunny and going to be warm again SBA
Posts: 2160 | From: Santa Barbara, CA, USA | Registered: Oct 2003
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quote:Originally posted by palmland: PASSENGERS MUST NOT WALK BETWEEN THE CARS WITHOUT SHOES
Mr. Palmland, we've both been in the industry and we both know the liability those dunderheads can potentially expose Amtrak to.
I've noted it at other topics, but I'm astounded the places I see flip flops worn - I think it is unsafe to drive wearing those things, yet I know people such as my upscale McMansionite neighbors and their teenage kids that think nothing of it.
But the one that "really gets me" is when I see passengers boarding flights wearing them. Yes, I know that laced shoes will slow down the security screening process, and post 9/11 I have relented to tightly fitting slip on shoes (once known as loafers - anyone else roundly my age put their lucky pennies in the tongue of such?). But what if the aircraft is involved in a survivable incident where the hull is intact and there is not yet any fire? You can be sure the Flight Attendants will be yelling "RUN RUN RUN" as you evacuate. Wouldn't you rather run across a debris field with secure footwear rather than the flip flops that would be torn off your feet on impact?
But to return to the rails, Amtrak ought to consider carpeting placed over the buffer plate just as did both the NP and UP?
Posts: 9976 | From: Clarendon Hills, IL USA (BNSF Chicago Sub MP 18.71) | Registered: Apr 2002
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I am surprised Amtrak doesn't have a guard posted at the entrance to the PPC as there is a noticeable height difference between cars.
My first thought when hearing this warning - for about the 5th time - was someone must have sued Amtrak for a scraped toe they got moving between cars.
I guess I understand why the P.A. announcements are necessary in the full coaches with hundreds of riders. But those in sleeper get their own room and pay handsomely for it. With that goes the SCA who is supposed to brief passengers when they first board and are available for assistance or information throughout the trip. Shouldn't that be how we hear about the 'rules'. Face to face is always more effective than some remote communication. Let's enjoy the journey in peace and quiet.
Posts: 2397 | From: Camden, SC | Registered: Mar 2006
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Ahhhhhhh - The Yampa Valley Mail is a train I would have liked to have ridden!
-------------------- David Pressley
Advocating for passenger trains since 1973!
Climbing toward 5,000 posts like the Southwest Chief ascending Raton Pass. Cautiously, not nearly as fast as in the old days, and hoping to avoid premature reroutes. Posts: 4203 | From: Western North Carolina | Registered: Feb 2004
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A long time ago, when walking between Superliner cars, an Amtrak employee called the two metal pieces of floor that bounce differently "toe chompers". Since then I have never needed a PA announcement to remember my shoes.
Posts: 1572 | From: St. Paul, MN | Registered: Dec 2002
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