An interesting travel story will appear in Sunday's New York Times about taking the Cardinal and the Zephyr west. The writer is honest about the trains' shortcomings but is also delighted in the sense of community he found aboard -- a sense that most (but not all) of us on this forum share.
As a deaf person, however, I wonder what makes the "choo-k-choo-k" sound that he speaks of. That can't be jointed rail -- is it perhaps flat spots on some of the wheels? Or just rattling from movable parts?
LATER: That piece, as of Saturday afternoon, is the paper's most e-mailed article -- indicating that rail travel appeals to a LOT of people these days. The many comments appended to the article also suggest that.
Posted by Mr. Toy (Member # 311) on :
I've noticed a lot more positive Amtrak stories in the press these days, and I think it has something to do with people realizing that many things in the modern world aren't working out as expected.
As for Choo-k I guess that's the best phonetics the writer could come up with to imitate the sound of being on a train. "Clickety-Clack" is too much of a cliche, and isn't quite accurate.
Interesting that Denver's Oxford Hotel offers a discount to Amtrak passengers. Being right across the street you wouldn't think they would need a discount to attract train travelers.
Posted by Railroad Bill (Member # 5097) on :
Henry, Thanks for the heads up on the very interesting article on Amtrak travel. As we are leaving for Salt Lake City next weekend on the Capitol and Zephyr, it was a pleasure to read about this reporter's experiences. I sent a copy of this to the other 10 friends who are riding with us on our trip. They have never ridden Amtrak before and I have tried to tell them stories about our previous trips. I am afraid I do not have the eloquence of language that this gentleman possesses. Can hardly wait to leave. Railroad Bill
Posted by sojourner (Member # 3134) on :
Thanks for posting the article link, Henry; and have a wonderful trip, Railroad Bill. I think the Capital is a nicer train than the Cardinal and less likely to have the heating failure the article writer's Cardinal sleeperette had (though you never know). Of course, the Cardinal does go through lovely terrain, but it's nicer eastbound, isn't it?
I wonder if Denver's Oxford Hotel Amtrak discount applies all year round or only now, which is basically off season. It's certainly a convenient location.
Posted by Gilbert B Norman (Member # 1541) on :
Author of comment #3 is a neighbor of mine (a WGN 720 on-air personality):
Okay, Forget my post, titled NY Times; it's all here. I should have realized that I can't get ahead of messieurs Kisor and Norman. The lead picture of the Zephyr was obviously taken by opening the window of the entryway door, which I'm sure a lot of us have done. But maybe not so publically?
The writer was clearly taken by the people he met, which has always been one of the chief attractions for me, as well.
I'll still add the invitation to Travelplus to read the last part of the article.
Posted by Henry Kisor (Member # 4776) on :
It's possible that the reporter was traveling with an Amtrak Media Relations introduction letter, which, literally, opens doors. Or windows in doors. If this was so, probably a conductor or car attendant opened a window for him.
Posted by Gilbert B Norman (Member # 1541) on :
quote:Originally posted by sojourner: I wonder if Denver's Oxford Hotel Amtrak discount applies all year round or only now, which is basically off season. It's certainly a convenient location.
On my joyride last July, I had Lunch at the Oxford Hotel. Although the restaurant's fare is primarily seafood (which I simply do not eat), they did offer a most flavorful and excellently prepared Rib Eye steak.
Their 'by the glass or carafe' selection was "quite acceptable".
Posted by notelvis (Member # 3071) on :
Thanks for posting this link Henry. I found it to be an interesting, balanced, and surprisingly well-written article.
Maybe my normal reading diet isn't hefty enough?
Posted by TBlack (Member # 181) on :
GBN says:
quote:On my joyride last July, I had Lunch at the Oxford Hotel. Although the restaurant's fare is primarily seafood (which I simply do not eat)
.
2 thoughts: the link to the joyride thread is worth pursuing; a classic thread with many entertaining, instructive, and poetic thoughts. GBN's trip brought out the best in this forum. Gilbert, you really have a responsibility to us to take another joyride!
GBN, do you not eat all seafood or just shellfish?
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