Those on this forum know that you need to be flexible if you travel on Amtrak, especially if there is trackwork on the route, or it's too hot, too cold, too wet, or too much freight traffic. In spite of all this, it's still a good way to travel and see our country. And, with a little planning you can improve the odds.
The uninitiated find out the hard way as this traveler did.
Posted by yukon11 (Member # 2997) on :
Yes, it is a great way to travel. I think most passengers are not in a great hurry and expect some delays along the way. Still, great scenery, meeting other passengers, and the fun of train travel tend to make it all worthwhile.
However, the one problem I will never accept is a bus bridge to make up for lost Amtrak connections. Does Amtrak still have an occasional or more than occasional problem with the Coast Starlight not making it on time into Portland, for the connection with the Empire Builder?
Richard
Posted by Vincent206 (Member # 15447) on :
In the days just before the writer started her trip there was a storm that dumped a significant amount of snow and brought cold temperatures to New England and the midwest. Had she originally planned to fly instead of take the train, she may have had to deal with flight delays or cancellations due to planes and crews being out of rotation and her story might have been a chronicle of how difficult it is to travel by air when severe winter weather hits.
I'm glad she enjoyed her time in the balmy Pacific Northwest (daytime temperatures have been in the high 40s and low 50s). But even without weather challenges, rail travel can still be impacted by mechanical problems, as can air travel.
Nice shots of the Talgos and King Street Station in her travelogue.