How to catch a west coast train with other 43Ters and be part of a railway party meetup by mahinui

"This was amazing fun - much more than anticipated"

How I did it: It started with the idea, and sending our invitations.  It seemed like it would be natural and easy and fun, hopping on and off the train, meeting each other as we went along. 

When it turned out the Coast Starlight got into the Bay Area at night, that put a sort of different spin on things, because it meant people in this area would be staying up late and getting into somewhere transportation and lodging would then be issues, or catching the train on the return could be uncomfortable.  Tiisme planned on a short ride, but ate bad yoghurt, or she would have been along for a stop or two.  

But what it all came down to was contacting people on 43T, buying tickets, and setting up the meet.  Pretty simple.  

Lessons & tips: Tips:  If you're doing this as a meet up, and that's the goal, go a couple of stops, with a regular ticket, and then take another train back.  It's easy, and the cost is about $40 R/T.

If you're going to make a trip out of it, sleeping on the train and all, get a family room.  It costs a bit more than the roomette, but is much larger.  

FYI, the cost of the sleeper includes all your meals.  And the food is OK.  the desserts really good, and there is wine tasting for a meager $5.  

Resources: Amtrak web site.

The photo here is from the Portland station.  


 

Sep 13, 2008, 02:32PM PDT | 0 comments | 5 cheers


Comments:


mahinui has gotten 5 cheers on this entry.

 

43 Things Login