Before I get to story lemme give a little bachground. Im from Texas but work requires alot of travel and Im currently working in Montana. Winter in suppose to show its ugly little head this weekend. On Monday I had to Snow mobile 30 miles each way and over a 50ft snow drift to get to my site. Since its going to be in the teens with highs in low 30s and Snow I was looking for something to do this weekend. Well flights were like $1200 home and with the weather I didnt want to risk not getting out or trouble getting back in. Ive never been on anything besides those dinner train thingies. I got online and checked pricing from Shelby,MT(Closest train station, Im in Great falls) to St Paul,MN(Have freinds there) and to my suprise it was only $90 each way. The trip for me to drive would cost like $300 in gas and prolly be 16 hours with good roads. I was pumped so I bought my tickets and figured it would be neat. Well this afternoon I boarded the train and to my suprise was amazed at the comforts the train had. When I dont drive, I fly 1st class(Company pays) and the airlines have nothing on these seats. The seats are soft and cozy, recline back at least 60 degrees and have support under your calves. Then the seat in front of you has a footrest for added comfort. I went to dinner this evening and while the food was spendy, it was better than a Applebees or Chili's. I had the evening special, it was a grilled trout with fresh cut green beans and baked tater for $21, it also included a salad and non alcholic beverage. I had a early dinner so I came back to my seat and watched a movie on my laptop. After the movie I went to the barcar and had a few drinks and filled up on bar mix. The drinks were cheap, $2.50 beer and wine and I had a Chivas/Coke for $6, Chex mix was free. So far Ive really enjoyed this trek and would do this over driving anyday. Hell considering all the hassle and time you spend in airports now days, if time isnt a issue I might take the train.(assuming they service the place I need to go) The trip is like 18 hours each way but the sights are awesome and Im just going thru flatland Montana and North Dakota, I cant imagine what it might be like treking thru the Rockies or the southwest desert. I leave Minneapolis/St Paul at 1130PM on the way back and depending on how I sleep in this recliner chair, I might shell out the extra $150 for a sleeper room. I was lucky and have a seat next to a 120volt outlet, I might feel different without my laptop,Ipod and Cell phone all plugged in for unlimited juice. Either way, Im doing something Ive never done before and enjoying making the best of being away from home. If any of you have the chance I suggest you try this, I can see how the rich use to get spoiled on these things. John
The train is a great way to travel and also to meet people and they have always been very comfirtable. I rode the train a few times from Memphi, TN to New Orleans or Chicago (lots of college kids going to/from Chicago on break). I once rode the train across country.... now that was a true experience, even though i was a 13 yer old kid, I still remember it well.
The Rockies is awesome as is the train that runs down the coast of California. Crap, I used to know all the names of the trains. Getting a stateroom is worthwhile. My dad used to be a huge train buff. Somehow he made some connections and got me a ride in the cab from Lansing Mich to Chicago and back when I was a kid. Train went right behind our back yard so they stopped there, I got in, that engineer passed me off to the one coming back in Chicago. It was an all day affair. We weren't rich but Dad managed to realize one of his dreams when he picked up an observation car for scrap value when they were selling them off to Mexico many years ago. Blind auction. That was before Amtrac picked up the railroads. Something like $15K and everything worked. Solid stainless. It was one of those rounded end cars that went on the end of the train. Back half was lounge and the front half was 5 staterooms. Furnished, linens and silverware and the 30 or so giant batteries. About $5K more got a short extension at the local grain elevator to park it and free electric, water, and sewer. He'd get 20 or so people together about once a year for a 1 or 2 day trip to a ball game or something. Railroad would charge 20 coach fares and switching charges at each end (about $150). You could put as many people in there as you wanted and do whatever you wanted. Service was first rate when the railroads had it. Then it went down hill badly with Amtrac and the last few years I think they've been making a big effort to pick it back up again. There are a very few places where they have a "shuttle". That means the train doesn't go through there and picks up somewhere else. They put you on a greyhound. Not too bad if you're traveling alone and not carrying much. Can be a bummer if you're traveling with a family.
I had a hell of a ride on Amtrak once. She was a pastry chef. Cute as can be. Its tough but you can find a private spot on a train if you try hard enough. But you'll need a chiropracter afterwards. p.s. bring the beer in a backpack. They charge a fortune in the bar car.
John I have taken the AMTRAK from McGregor,TX up to Round Rock before and was amazed at parts of the state that I would have never seen otherwise. I have wanted to for years to take a cross county trip on a train as we are cheating ourselves out of some of the best scenery that God put on earth and most of it is untouched, congrats on the decision give me a call when you have some time.
All that. And it's a huge part of American history/legacy/heritage. Traveling by train is a completely unique experience and, for most, totally relaxing and enjoyable. Passenger service could (almost did) disappear and you won't have the opportunity.
