



Have you ever considered taking a long distance Amtrak? From what I gather talking to people about traveling, lots of folks have thought about it, while it seems some don't know it's possible. I can assure you it's not only possible, it's a wonderful way to experience the country. Forget flyovers; America is full of stunning scenery and the rails is an excellent way to see a lot of it up close.

And even when the scenery isn't so stunning, the trip can still be a really good time.









Highways are much the same in many parts of the country, with not much difference unless the changes are dramatic. It can render places boring easily. But the train provides a totally different experience. Not only can you relax and soak up the views, there are a lot of chances to meet some really unique and interesting people. As a natural introvert, the idea of being so up close and personal with so many people - groups of less than four are seated together during meal service in the dining car - was less than appealing when I learned of it. Truth of the matter is that it was a fabulous time, and a lot of fun. In fact, I spent so much time doing things on the train, I spent very little time with things I'd brought to pass the time.













We few in to San Francisco and spent the night with family. The next day we were graciously taken to the train station in Emeryville; not in San Francisco proper, but very easy to reach. Our train departed about fifteen minutes late, so I was already a little anxious about the connection we were making in Chicago (spoiler alert: there was no need to worry).





Finally on the way, we snaked through California.





Not only do the trains have cafe and dining cars, there is a lounge car where you can do some ciewing. Sometimes there is narration of the trip as well, which can be really interesting. It seemed to usually be done by local groups affiliated with historical or rail societies, on the trip I was on. These lounge cars had comfortable seats facing the windows as well as booths.









Above, the dining car. Below, the lounge car. In the lunge, I met a 74 year old man and his young twin sons. The guy had lived a long time in Africa and done a lot of work with the Peace Corps.

He was an interesting fellow.





While we never had a problem getting a seat in there, I did once hear an Amtrak employee asking people to give others a chance to enjoy the area, so it seems they try not to let people monopolize these areas.









There are cool windows up top, obviously you can see them in the image above. Unfortunately we did not have those windows, or really any upper windows at all in our room, although the room has a great window for both seats when the beds are tucked away.





The West has the best scenery.









When I started uploading these photos, I thought it might be best to break it up into a few parts.

I took so many photos that I won't continue to Denver until the next post.

For now, enjoy the views I got on the first day.









Above, the view as we selected our meal, which was delicious by the way. I hope Amtrak will continue to feature freshly prepared food on their trains! I had a veggie burger.





Above, you can see the highway, complete with billboard. We had no such advertising to deal with.

Just nature.





Back in our room, it was relaxing and comfortable.





Above, the view inside the hallway of one of the sleeper cars.





A gorgeous sunset signaled the end to our first day.





We had a last chance to stretch our legs before settling in.











