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I have made my reservations for my 2014 AMTRAK trip in June. I'll be starting in East Lansing again, with the followiwng itinerary: LNS-CHI-PDX-SBA-LAX-CHI-NOL-WAS-CHI-LNS
I'll be staying overnight in New Orleans one night (probably at Holiday Inn-downtown/Superdome, where I've stayed before), and will be overnight in Santa Barbara one night (to allow a connection from 774 to 4 the day after my Coast Starlight leg). Anyone have any recommendations (Frank?) for hotels in Santa Barbara?
I'll be taking the Cardinal from WAS to CHI, since I have not ridden on the Cardinal for a few years, and I am getting tired of taking the Capitol Ltd every time!
Posts: 2428 | From: Grayling, MI | Registered: Mar 2002
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I'm trying to figure out one portion of your trip. PDX-SBA is on #11/Coast Starlight, correct? And then SBA-LAX must be on a Surfliner? Why the stop at SBA when you are almost to LA?
Posts: 2355 | From: Pleasanton, CA | Registered: Apr 2007
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Having spent four or five nights in LAX on my rail trips now, I would love to cool my heels overnight in Santa Barbara or Ventura on a long trip just for a change of pace.
-------------------- 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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Okay, that makes sense stopping in SBA. Plus, you'll hopefully get to say hi to Frank!
Posts: 2355 | From: Pleasanton, CA | Registered: Apr 2007
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Smitty -- as Palmland alluded to, the reason for the stop in SBA is that the Coast Starlight does not connect with the Southwest Chief in L.A., and I wanted to ride the SWC, therefore the overnight stop in SBA, and on down to L.A. on the Surfliner the next day, when I can connect with #4.
I was originally considering taking the Starlight all the way to L.A., then a late night Surfliner to San Diego, overnight in SAN, then a morning Surfliner back to L.A. to catch #4, but decided against that option since the Surfliner from L.A. which connects with #11 doesn't arrive in SAN until "0 dark 30."
Posts: 2428 | From: Grayling, MI | Registered: Mar 2002
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SBA stop also makes sense for making the most of the daylight - I realize you're traveling in June, and the coast scenery ends just before Oxnard at about 7pm if the train is on time.
Incidentally we stayed at a camp site just north of there, at El Capitan State Beach. The rail line was just 50yds from our tent, and the highway just a few more. Fun watching the Starlight and a few Surfliners pass, but could have done without the overnight freight blasting its way through the grade crossing.
-------------------- Geoff M. Posts: 2426 | From: Apple Valley, CA | Registered: Sep 2000
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Rich, Frank is recovering from surgery and taking a holiday from the boards. I will send him a note though, I am sure he would be glad to chime in on current SBA accommodations.
You will also be able to use the new Metropolitan Lounge at LAX. I will be using it in a month and will report back here. So far there are great reviews, formal opening is next week but it is in use already.
-------------------- Vicki in usually sunny Southern California Posts: 951 | From: Redondo Beach, CA | Registered: Aug 2006
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I think your plan makes great sense -- especially if you can manage to have your Santa Barbara stop during the week instead of a weekend. Hotel rates are often a bit lower then and the whole experience is much nicer without the crowds.
There are a number of good places to stay in the area near the Amtrak Station. I believe a couple of people of here have used some of the smaller properties. Of course, there is always Motel 6 #1 which is still in operation near East Beach!
My recovery is coming along nicely. I had an aortic valve replacement done on 30 September. It was something we'd been watching for six or seven years so I was well prepared. I see both my cardiologist and cardiac surgeon next week and expect I'll be on a program of cardio rehab for a couple of months and then back and ready to go!
I still owe everyone here a Trip Report SBA-TAC from early September.
Frank in dark and cool SBA
Posts: 2160 | From: Santa Barbara, CA, USA | Registered: Oct 2003
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Nice to hear from you, Frank! I'm glad the surgery went well and you are continuing healing.
Posts: 2355 | From: Pleasanton, CA | Registered: Apr 2007
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Thanks for the info, Frank!! I am glad you are recovering well from your recent surgery. I will be arriving in SBA on a Monday night on my trip, so it will be during the week.
Now, let's see if AMTRAK will still be operating after the next "government shutdown" in January............
Posts: 2428 | From: Grayling, MI | Registered: Mar 2002
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Frank: I am quite relieved that your surgery went well, and that you are recovering well. Please keep us posted about what I hope is your continued progress in healing!
Posts: 211 | From: California | Registered: Dec 2004
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