Booked a train trip LA - Chicago
 

Buddy and I are taking a train from LA to Chicago. Ever traveled that far by train? Was it an enjoyable experience? Kind of looking forward to it.

Love train trips, especially, if you have a sleeper compartment. Me and my bud travelled from Barcelona to Naples one year with many stop overs. Another trip, we went from Hong Kong to Beijing. I have also done bullet trains in Japan, Tranz-Alp ride in New Zealand, and express train from Frankfurt to Paris.

I'd never pass up a train ride.

How much was it? How long will it take to get there? I'm assuming you have to switch trains a couple times?

...This +1

my aunt and uncle who are in their 60's love traveling by train. They say it is relaxing and you see some amazing things.

Buddy as in your dog? What will he do for bathroom? ;x

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Have fun, and don't forget to take a few pictures...

ADG

When I was in the Army I once traveled by train from California to Ft. Bragg North Carolina. At least on a train you can get up and walk around...go to the club car and have a drink etc...but all and all it was a long ride and one that I never repeated.

It's what you make of it, probably. I took a train for Raleigh, NC to New Haven, CT, thinking it'd be traveling through awesome areas with lots of history, sights, etc. Guess what? They build train tracks next to dumps, construction yards, etc. LOL! I didn't think about that aspect.

But there were a lot of interesting people on the train (I made it a point to go to the dining car, etc), and I got a sleeper car, so the ride was very comfortable. I was able to go back to my room when I got bored of talking, and catch up on some laptoppin', etc.

Bring a charger for your cell phone, as you can sometimes find an outlet, and I recommend you find out if you're uncomfortable riding backwards BEFORE you try it on a long trip.

Have fun, Lloyd! Looking forward to the pics.

For years my Mother in Florida would take the Auto-Train and pretend she drove up to my Sister's outside of D.C.

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About $125, less than 48 hours, and no switching of trains . . . . or if there is they never mentioned it. :helpme

Yeah, my dog. The train stops fairly frequently. We will get off at stops for doing his thing. Just have to notify the conductor.

I have driven along most of the way that the tracks go. Not a whole lot of dumps in the middle of nowhere. ;) All the seats have electrical outlets now (I guess). Did not bother with a sleeper but they gave Buddy his own seat, so he will be happy.

48 hours eek,does the train have wifi or internet of some kind?

yes, from LA to Houston and back... had a private car...

I have my own wireless with me at all times.

I sent my wife and kids on a round trip LA to Houston many years ago. Their trip got so fucked up I ended up having them get off in San Antonio and catching a plane home. Hopefully we will not experience the same kind of delays. I have something I want to do in IN.

Wow that is cheap!

Yeah, my thoughts exactly. And it is an easier trip for Buddy than making him stay in a cage in the belly of a plane.

I'm suddenly having visions of Planes, Trains, and Automobiles:



To help you prepare for your journey:



It's all about attitude... :winkwink:

ADG

my expereince wasn't all that far from that

I sent them out there back in the late 80's, I guess. Amtrak was getting ready to go on strike, so we did not know if the train was even going to leave. At the last minute they got a contract. It caused a delay though. When the crew's shirt is over, it is over, no matter where it is. A new crew had to be sent out to the middle of nowhere to relieve them. That was a delay of several hours.

When they were on the way home a train in front of them caught on fire around Van Horn, TX. They ended up having to put the train in reverse and go all the way back to San Antonio (400+ miles). That was when I decided to call on some connections and get them off the train.

Looking forward to the pics... Diana and I have wanted to do this for the experience too... But then a trai... I will just shut up now... Have a good trip and blog about it.

The last cross country trip I did in July, I did not drive one foot. It was an interesting perspective. This ride will completely eliminate any interstates, so I am all for that.

I know this could turn out poorly, but I am going into it with a positive attitude. Besides, I need to get Buddy to Indiana and my options all kind of sucked. The train just happened to suck the least. Besides, Buddy is a great conversation piece (and chick magnet) so I have a feeling we are going to do just fine.

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and yeah, if I had goodgirl with me, I would do it entirely different . . . like I would get a sleeper and we would probably do layovers in the middle of nowhere.

few years ago, went on a train ride from yalta to kiev, about 17 hours at 40mph, only time i remember being on a train

pretty boring, esp considering i had a 17 hour flight after that...countryside was interesting for a bit, we (myself and another guy, webmaster from czech rep) had a 4 bunk car to ourselves, while others had their 4 bunk cars full and other cars had bus-style seats (looks like it really sucks for a long trip)

I've always wanted to do a rail trip around Europe...

Have a blast man, can't wait to see the pics!

:thumbsup:thumbsup:thumbsup:thumbsup

You saying buddy don't like layovers?

aww he's so cute. I will be honest, never taken the train. But everyone I know that ever has totally would never do it again and said it sucked. lol.. I see you are aware of this possibility.

I think you're definitely in for an adventure, the two of you! Will look forward to seeing how it goes! Might actually be cool. If my dog wasn't an asshole it would be fun to travel with him. lol

Well i love it.. and more if some girl is sitting at the front of me.. Eye games and may be a chance lol !! Just kidding.. I just love it.. :)

I tend to find train rides to be more enjoyable than driving in a car. I dunno about a 48 hour drive, though.

My Wife was on that same train(The Southwest Chief) a couple weeks ago and some dipshit called in a bomb threat. They stopped the train and powered everything off(including the AC) then kept everyone on board while they checked out the train. After 4 hours or so, they decided the train was clear and went on their way. Wife was most annoyed with the lack of AC in the 96F heat.
She rides that train every few months and this is the first real problem beside the train having to stop for a grass fire.

Wow, sounds awesome. Have a good time. Safe travels!

Sleeper cabins rule, great way to travel.

Sometimes you can find deals where you can get sleeper cabins for as low as the normal seats, in Canada at least: http://www.viarail.ca/en/deals

i took a train from Philly from NC... sucked and wouldnt do it again.

Euro trains are pretty amazing tho, to bad US cant catch on

I have ridden a train from Amsterdam to Groningen a few times. I am hoping this is different. Actually, I am sure it will be. I think that was more of a commuter line.

I am sure he would, but I have a hot air balloon festival I want to shoot in IN, so don't have time for layovers.

That is good to hear. To be honest, as long as I can get off the train with my dog and my camera, I would be okay with a stop in the middle of nowhere. Being stuck on the train may not be an issue for me since I have the dog. Keeping fingers crossed.

I imagine the eastern seaboard would not be as interesting as the southwest. There will be some flatland too, but is is not like I have not traveled over it numerous times. I need to see if I can bring a couple of bottles of good wine with me.

I will reserve my judgment between US and Euro rails though. Pretty sure this is going to be a better experience. Why did you like the Euro rails?

the train that goes up the coast of california is awesome, really enjoyed it

Does the dog not have to travel in the guards van at the back of the train?

No, he has his own seat right next to me.