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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!
smitty195 Member # 5102
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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?
notelvis Member # 3071
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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.
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Okay, that makes sense stopping in SBA. Plus, you'll hopefully get to say hi to Frank!
RRRICH Member # 1418
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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."
Geoff Mayo Member # 153
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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.
HopefulRailUser Member # 4513
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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.
sbalax Member # 2801
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Rich--
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
smitty195 Member # 5102
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Nice to hear from you, Frank! I'm glad the surgery went well and you are continuing healing.
RRRICH Member # 1418
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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............
MargaretSPfan Member # 3632
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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!
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