42itous | (no subject)

Sullivan Square?

red + yellow = orange.

Huh. That's on the set of tracks opposite the inbound platform? I've never seen anything there other than that string of MBTA ballast cars that was parked there for months.

No, no. I took this photo somewhere in Oregon or California. We took the Coast Starlight from Portland to San Francisco last week.

OK, that makes more sense. Was wondering what a UP loco was doing in Boston.

That's an awesome trip (as I'm sure you found out); we did Seattle to SF during our honeymoon.

Did you get a room? How was it? I have an insane amount of Amtrak credit due to a financial maneuver that seemed like a good idea at the time, but haven't spent it yet because you can't get anywhere in one day on Amtrak and the idea of blowing 90% of my credit on the room drives me slightly insane.

It was beautiful. My only regret is that we didn't see the giant redwoods this trip (we did see them when we drove from SF to Seattle for our honeymoon. :)

We got a room. We could have survived with a "roomette" but I would not under any circumstances recommend overnight train travel with a bed of some sort. Remember that all meals are included in the price out the room. Food (and service) is pretty good.

Without a bed, I assume you mean. :-) We had a roomette (which they were calling something else at the time), which was perfectly serviceable except that the beds were really narrow, and there's a lot of swaying in the upper bunk of an upper-level room.

Right. wireless has been spotty today, so I've been using my phone, resulting in saying things other than what I mean.

I've had a roomette just for myself before, and I liked it, but I couldn't imagine it being comfortable for more than one person.

Them again, this was after having traveled on German overnight trains, and Amtrak just doesn't compare. :)

Spanish overnight trains are also far superior to what Amtrak offers.

Lovely photo, too.

In the "Superliners", the double-deck passenger cars used on long-haul trains west and south of Chicago, there are "economy bedrooms" which have two bunks (or two seats during the day), a toilet and moderate luggage space. There are also "deluxe bedrooms", which have a toilet/shower compartment and actual floor space. There is also one "family room" on the lower level which can sleep 2 adults and 3 kids (maybe).

I like the Coast Starlight segment from LA through Santa Barbara to GIlroy. Other really scenic rides are La Junta - Albuquerque and Denver - Grand Junction.