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Last week we took the Empire Builder from Seattle to Chicago and connected to the City of New Orleans.
It's always a pleasure to leave from a 'real' station rather than an AmBox. The restored Seattle station is magnificent if lacking in traveler amenities (2 vending machines). The EB left exactly OT with 3 sleepers including the transition car, diner and 2 coaches. Added to the rear at Spokane were the lounge, 2 coaches, and sleeper. Following Puget Sound was a great way to start the trip.
We had not taken this train eastbound and it was certainly more scenic, especially with long summer days as it was daylight well past Cascade tunnel. I had not realized how rugged the snow capped Cascades were until this trip. The clouds, sunlight, many rushing streams and waterfalls made this our favorite part of our three day trip.
Since we did not yet have the Portland cars, dinner was particularly pleasant especially with the outstanding service. Hard to believe. But, according to the LSA, they had recently staffed up for the season and had three servers, plus the LSA, plus a fifth person who acted as a cashier and helped with the tables. Even the flat iron steak was cooked perfectly and tasted better than usual. We had brought some wine on board that no doubt helped.
For breakfast the next day we met our friends we had seen in California who were going to east Glacier and were on the Portland section. We ate quickly to spend time in the lounge listening to excellent narration as we went through the park. It was provided by two NP volunteers that had been on board since Seattle. They did a great job.
After the morning excitement, we enjoyed a leisurely day across the great plains. It was somewhat more exciting than I like as there had been a washout the previous day and trains were backed up. As a result we had many meets - sometimes the freights were in the siding but many times we were sitting. As a result by the end of the day we were about 2 1/2 hrs late.
Everything worked in our sleeper and the attendant, Tashi, was pleasant and efficient. The next morning I got a quick look at the restored St. Paul station. Well done, and looks like there was planning so additional trains could be handled - two tracks in place with a lead for a third and room on the south side for some stub tracks.
We enjoyed lunch and some lounge time with a couple who were familiar with the area and shared many interests. But that did not include politics, a subject we avoided. Thanks to some good dispatching and padding we made up time and had time for a quick beer and fast food in Chicago before boarding the CONO. Too bad Amtrak can't provide the level of service on the EB consistently. Our trip to New Orleans was best forgotten with bad food, service, and track. A dinner at the wonderful Galatoire restaurant helped us quickly forget it.
Posts: 2397 | From: Camden, SC | Registered: Mar 2006
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I always enjoy the trip from Everett to Wenatchee. The journey along Puget Sound is very pretty, but the Cascade crossing shows some serious railroading. After departing from Everett the jagged Cascades peaks appear and as the train gains elevation I always feel a sense of awe at just how difficult it was to build the railroad through those mountains. And even today, it's still a marvelous trip, winding through the forest and along the rivers. Glad to hear that the EB is running well and that you had a great trip!
Posts: 831 | From: Seattle | Registered: Jan 2011
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