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Amtrak - California Zephyr - anyone with experience ?



 
 
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  #1  
Old April 9th, 2006, 06:46 PM posted to rec.travel.usa-canada
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Default Amtrak - California Zephyr - anyone with experience ?

I'm trying to combine the train ride thru Glenwood Canyon area into a
vacation trip to the West coast . I'm debating taking a train ride from
~ Colorado to Oakland (end of the line) - has anyone done this ? If so,
from a sceniv viewpoint was it worthwhile ?
Where did you stop along the way ?
Could you read this and give me a general overview of how Amtrak works?
I've driven cross-country a few times but it's been years, so rather
than fly directly to Vegas or California, I thought I'd do a train ride
from Denver to see the parts of the Rockies that I couldn't see by
driving. I can't tell how long to allow for this trip. I went to their
vacation packages page and got even more confused - Vegas is listed as a
viable stop in their drop-down list, but when I entered DEN-SLC, SLC-LAS
, LAS-OAK as a trip , LAS isn't a valid stop. Huh ? They show 2 stops in
Vegas - but they are BUS stops ! I don't want a 200 mile bus ride ( I
might as well drive myself ), so how best to use Amtrak to see that part
of the country ?
No need for details, just - in general - would you bother with the train
?

I've never used Amtrak and wondering ... looking at the map at
http://www.amtrak.com/pdf/routeguidecazephyr.pdf

1. is each little square box a stop for ~10-20 minutes ?
2. As for planning / buying a ticket ...When you buy a ticket from DEN
to OAK does it assume you won't get off ? Or can you get off - stay in
town a day or two , then resume your trip ?

The more I look into it the more confused I get ( I'm sorry - I'm a
simple guy).
So I'll take a train from DEN to SLC (one day) - then what do you
recommend ?
I'm debating then forgetting the train and then just flying to Vegas or
San Jose - renting a car and (in no order here) driving to see Death
Valley, Kings Canyon, Sequoia NP, Yosemite, a drive down PCH to Hearst.
Or should I stay on the train to OAK, then backtrack by car to Vegas,
THEN fly home. Time is not a problem, although the longer we're on the
road the more expensive ( at $100+ night for a hotel). We're trying to
find that balance as we're not campers - need a hotel room.
I did ask here about the Parks a few months ago and now fine-tuning (
Postponed due to the recent snows in the mountains out there). Include
the train trip or not ?

Bobb




  #2  
Old April 10th, 2006, 04:15 AM posted to rec.travel.usa-canada
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Posts: n/a
Default Amtrak - California Zephyr - anyone with experience ?

I can't speak for the Zephyr since most my rides were from Texas to Arizona,
but I can fill you in on some things that might help with your decision.

If you are on a tight schedule...don't take Amtrak. Connections get missed
alot because of the freight train traffic prioritization.
If you have a bad back and go coach...don't. The seats are more spacious
than airline seats, but the lumbar support usually hits you right in the
kidney area.
If you are a smoker...don't take Amtrak. There are very few smoking stops,
and definitely no smoking on the train.
If you are on any special diet...the train's menu is out...and expensive for
dinners.
If you ride coach and want quietude...avoid the train.
If you enjoy a nice long ride with beautiful scenery...Amtrak is a wonderful
trip.
If you are going coach and like to meet new people...Amtrak. Most people
riding the train are on there for at least a couple days, and get bored.
If you decide to take the train, take the following if going coach;
A pillow, light blanket, cooler with munchies and refreshments, toiletries,
laptop computer or DVD player.
Also, look for a seat with a plug-in on the wall if you do take any
electronics aboard. These are the service plugins and you can use them.
Anyways...there are some cool things about Amtrak...and then there are some
non cool things.
Also, one of my favorite things to do is get up early to join others in the
dining car for 6:30 breakfast. It is really romantic to sit at your table
and have your breakfast while watching the sun break over the mountains.
Enjoy your trip...All aboard!

Beverly
www.snowbirdhouse.com

snip


  #3  
Old April 10th, 2006, 01:54 PM posted to rec.travel.usa-canada
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Posts: n/a
Default Amtrak - California Zephyr - anyone with experience ?

Here is a trip we took several years ago. We flew to Denver, and took
the California Zephyr to Reno. We stayed in Reno for two nights, then
continued on to San Francisco. You schedule your stops as part of your
overall Amtrak trip. Amtrak can also arrange lodging and sightseeing at
each stop, if you want them to. The trip from Denver to Reno is an
overnight trip, so we got a deluxe sleeper for that part of the trip
(expensive, but we enjoyed it). From Reno to San Fransisco, we traveled
coach. As someone else mentioned, Amtrak quite often is not on time, and
our experience is they can run really, really late. We were only about
two or three hours late leaving Denver, but were over six hours late
leaving Reno.

Even if the train is on schedule, it leaves Denver at 7:15 AM, and gets
to SLC 11:33 PM, so some of the trip will be after dark. Not sure when
the sun sets when you are planning to travel, but keep in mind that
after the sun goes down, there isn't really much to see from the train -
it will be just plain dark outside! Since the train originates in
Chicago, I'd guess chances would be slim to none that it will be on
time, so it will be getting dark even sooner after you get on the train.
You might want to think about what scenery you REALLY want to see, and
think about the odds of being able to see it, based on when the train
might actually get there! That said, we have taken a couple of Amtrak
trips, and really enjoyed both of them.

With respect to you thought about driving from Las Vegas to Death
Valley, the PCH and Hearst Castle, we did that trip a couple of years
ago, and it was great! The drive was pretty easy and scenic. We stayed
in a little town called Cambria, just south of Hearst, and it was great.
And the drive up the PCH was spectacular. If you go in the spring,
the seals come on shore just north of Hearst, and it is a sight worth
seeing, hearing, and even smelling. Given enough time, it would be easy
and feasible to drive up to Carmel and even San Jose (be sure to see the
Winchester House, if you get to San Jose).

Either trip will be great - enjoy!

Chuck

..
So I'll take a train from DEN to SLC (one day) - then what do you
recommend ?
I'm debating then forgetting the train and then just flying to Vegas or
San Jose - renting a car and (in no order here) driving to see Death
Valley, Kings Canyon, Sequoia NP, Yosemite, a drive down PCH to Hearst.
Or should I stay on the train to OAK, then backtrack by car to Vegas,
THEN fly home. Time is not a problem, although the longer we're on the
road the more expensive ( at $100+ night for a hotel). We're trying to
find that balance as we're not campers - need a hotel room.
I did ask here about the Parks a few months ago and now fine-tuning (
Postponed due to the recent snows in the mountains out there). Include
the train trip or not ?

  #4  
Old April 11th, 2006, 03:17 AM posted to rec.travel.usa-canada
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default Amtrak - California Zephyr - anyone with experience ?

Thanks for the feedback, Beverly.
Seems like more non-cool things than cool things.


"Beverly" wrote in message
news:K5k_f.1238$3s4.259@fed1read11...
I can't speak for the Zephyr since most my rides were from Texas to
Arizona, but I can fill you in on some things that might help with your
decision.

If you are on a tight schedule...don't take Amtrak. Connections get
missed alot because of the freight train traffic prioritization.
If you have a bad back and go coach...don't. The seats are more
spacious than airline seats, but the lumbar support usually hits you
right in the kidney area.
If you are a smoker...don't take Amtrak. There are very few smoking
stops, and definitely no smoking on the train.
If you are on any special diet...the train's menu is out...and
expensive for dinners.
If you ride coach and want quietude...avoid the train.
If you enjoy a nice long ride with beautiful scenery...Amtrak is a
wonderful trip.
If you are going coach and like to meet new people...Amtrak. Most
people riding the train are on there for at least a couple days, and
get bored.
If you decide to take the train, take the following if going coach;
A pillow, light blanket, cooler with munchies and refreshments,
toiletries, laptop computer or DVD player.
Also, look for a seat with a plug-in on the wall if you do take any
electronics aboard. These are the service plugins and you can use
them.
Anyways...there are some cool things about Amtrak...and then there are
some non cool things.
Also, one of my favorite things to do is get up early to join others
in the dining car for 6:30 breakfast. It is really romantic to sit at
your table and have your breakfast while watching the sun break over
the mountains.
Enjoy your trip...All aboard!

Beverly
www.snowbirdhouse.com

snip


  #5  
Old April 11th, 2006, 03:42 AM posted to rec.travel.usa-canada
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default Amtrak - California Zephyr - anyone with experience ?

Thanks for the feedback, Chuck. So you did the same trip Denver -
Oakland too ...
I've done day train trips in Europe, but in US I'm going by movies and
PBS shows with Amtrak/Orient Express trains ... could you tell me: Did
you have to know up front (when you buy the ticket) that you want
sleeper ?
If you get a sleeper then that's your " day seat " too ?
How was the sleeper ? Noisy? , train rocking ? Could you hear others
talking /snoring etc ?
The compartment with the sleeper - is it an open area/ hallway or a
compartment ( w/door) with a "fold down seat".
How was Reno ? - other than casinos, anything special to see/do there ?
Not that I mind gambling, but I usually go to Vegas a few times a year
so sitting at a table/machine isn't a goal of mine - maybe play a few
hours ( to pay for the trip ) and one day to see the town. Do I need
more time than that ?

I thought I might spend a day or 2 in Denver before boarding , then SLC
to see the Tabernacle. I figure - I'm in town - why not ? So might get a
hotel for the night, then board the next day, then for the planning, you
mention "You schedule your stops as part of your overall Amtrak trip" -
is that something I can do with the help of an Amtrak Employee over the
phone from home ? Or it's up to me to plan it , then figure my schedule
and buy appropriate tickets ?

But you're both right - if the schedule is as unreliable as you say,
then planning for more than one day in a row might be 'dreaming' rather
than planning. I have no set agenda and open to ideas for stops.
Normally I go to SF/ Yosemite this week or next, but I just figured
rather than flying, I'd try the train trip out. Currently with all the
rain I see in California on TV, I'm hesitant to commit to any time
frame. With mudslides in the valleys and snowstorms in the Mts I guess
I'll be on the sidelines until the weather clears and the mud
"stabilizes". Hopefully not too long a wait as the reason is just to get
some " good, warm weather" after being in Boston all winter. If it's
more than another month or so , then I'll skip it this year as it will
be warm here by then.

But I'll do it - in the fall or next spring.
Any ideas for stops between Denver and Oakland are welcomed.

Thank you.
Bobb


"Chuck" wrote in message
...
Here is a trip we took several years ago. We flew to Denver, and took
the California Zephyr to Reno. We stayed in Reno for two nights, then
continued on to San Francisco. You schedule your stops as part of
your overall Amtrak trip. Amtrak can also arrange lodging and
sightseeing at each stop, if you want them to. The trip from Denver to
Reno is an overnight trip, so we got a deluxe sleeper for that part of
the trip (expensive, but we enjoyed it). From Reno to San Fransisco,
we traveled coach. As someone else mentioned, Amtrak quite often is
not on time, and our experience is they can run really, really late.
We were only about two or three hours late leaving Denver, but were
over six hours late leaving Reno.

Even if the train is on schedule, it leaves Denver at 7:15 AM, and
gets to SLC 11:33 PM, so some of the trip will be after dark. Not
sure when the sun sets when you are planning to travel, but keep in
mind that after the sun goes down, there isn't really much to see from
the train - it will be just plain dark outside! Since the train
originates in Chicago, I'd guess chances would be slim to none that it
will be on time, so it will be getting dark even sooner after you get
on the train. You might want to think about what scenery you REALLY
want to see, and think about the odds of being able to see it, based
on when the train might actually get there! That said, we have taken a
couple of Amtrak trips, and really enjoyed both of them.

With respect to you thought about driving from Las Vegas to Death
Valley, the PCH and Hearst Castle, we did that trip a couple of years
ago, and it was great! The drive was pretty easy and scenic. We
stayed in a little town called Cambria, just south of Hearst, and it
was great. And the drive up the PCH was spectacular. If you go in the
spring, the seals come on shore just north of Hearst, and it is a
sight worth seeing, hearing, and even smelling. Given enough time, it
would be easy and feasible to drive up to Carmel and even San Jose (be
sure to see the Winchester House, if you get to San Jose).

Either trip will be great - enjoy!

Chuck

.
So I'll take a train from DEN to SLC (one day) - then what do you
recommend ?
I'm debating then forgetting the train and then just flying to Vegas
or San Jose - renting a car and (in no order here) driving to see
Death Valley, Kings Canyon, Sequoia NP, Yosemite, a drive down PCH to
Hearst. Or should I stay on the train to OAK, then backtrack by car
to Vegas, THEN fly home. Time is not a problem, although the longer
we're on the road the more expensive ( at $100+ night for a hotel).
We're trying to find that balance as we're not campers - need a hotel
room.
I did ask here about the Parks a few months ago and now fine-tuning
( Postponed due to the recent snows in the mountains out there).
Include the train trip or not ?


  #6  
Old April 11th, 2006, 04:04 AM posted to rec.travel.usa-canada
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default Amtrak - California Zephyr - anyone with experience ?

In article ,
- Bobb - wrote:
So you did the same trip Denver - Oakland too ...


I've been through there several times. The canyons are really
something, and well worth seeing. There's a whole series of canyons,
some with only train access. Also the ascent (or descent) out of
Denver is pretty cool. If you go as far as Reno, I'd say go down
to Auburn and take the section through the Sierras. That's also
very nice, but not as "special" as the Colorado ride.

There's also the various things about Amtrak that have been discussed.
Amtrak can be quite frustrating. I'm kind of fed up with them,
personally, but that's also because I've gone across the country
by train about 15 times, and pretty much seen it. I'll say this
about Amtrak: Frustrating as they can be, they do eventually get
you there.

OK....

Did you have to know up front (when you buy the ticket) that you
want sleeper ?


Sometimes they will have some sleepers still available, and you can
even switch while you are on the train already. Sometimes they
will not.

If you get a sleeper then that's your " day seat " too ?


There is also a lounge.

How was the sleeper ? Noisy? , train rocking ? Could you hear
others talking /snoring etc ?


It's OK. The rocking is actually pretty restful. Here's a tip,
though: The economy bedrooms (they might have switched the names
for these things recently), which are most of the sleepers, have
the bunks parallel to the tracks, and the rocking can be a little
more disconcerting that way, because it sort of feels like you might
roll out. (You won't, of course, because there is a guard that you
strap up, but it can kinda feel that way at first.) The deluxe
bedrooms have the beds crosswise, and then it doesn't bother you
at all. They're pretty much always reserved already, though.

The compartment with the sleeper - is it an open area/ hallway or
a compartment ( w/door) with a "fold down seat".


There are doors. It seals up pretty good. The deluxe rooms even
have their own bathroom with shower.

How was Reno ? - other than casinos, anything special to see/do there ?


Not really anything else to do there, no, although the train will
drop you off right in the middle of it all.

then SLC to see the Tabernacle. I figure - I'm in town - why not ?


Well, if you do that, I hope you're a "night person" because with
a scheduled arrival around midnight, expect to be getting off the
train around 2am.

"You schedule your stops as part of your overall Amtrak trip" -
is that something I can do with the help of an Amtrak Employee
over the phone from home ?


You can do it with them, but it'll go a lot smoother if you know
what you want to do when you call. You have to talk to their silly
automated voice, "Julie" but after "Julie" figures out that you are
trying to book something more complicated, you'll get a human.

Any ideas for stops between Denver and Oakland are welcomed.


Someone mentioned Glenwood Springs. That's nice.

  #7  
Old April 11th, 2006, 10:36 PM posted to rec.travel.usa-canada
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default Amtrak - California Zephyr - anyone with experience ?

"Bobb":
So you did the same trip Denver - Oakland too ...


Did you have to know up front (when you buy the ticket) that you
want sleeper ?


Todd McComb:
Sometimes they will have some sleepers still available, and you can
even switch while you are on the train already. Sometimes they
will not.


In other words, if you know you want a sleeper, you need to reserve it.

If you get a sleeper then that's your " day seat " too ?


There is also a lounge.


In other words, you have the choice of spending time in either place.
In your sleeping-car compartment you have seats, but can pretty much
see out of only one side of the train, and one of the seats faces
backwards. On the other hand, you can close the door if you want to
be alone. The lounge car is open space with high windows.

How was the sleeper ? Noisy? , train rocking ? Could you hear
others talking /snoring etc ?


It's OK. The rocking is actually pretty restful. Here's a tip,
though: The economy bedrooms (they might have switched the names
for these things recently),


Yes, they're called roomettes now.

which are most of the sleepers, have the bunks parallel to the
tracks, and the rocking can be a little more disconcerting that way
... The deluxe bedrooms have the beds crosswise...


Interesting point.

The deluxe bedrooms are now just called bedrooms, by the way. Both
types of room have an upper and lower bunk in their night configuration;
in the bedroom the lower is just wide enough that two people who are
thin and *very* friendly can squeeze into it. Each bedrooms has its
own washroom (with a shower, such as it is); roomettes don't.

The train on this route is a double-decker (called a Superliner). The
lower deck of each car is a relatively short section just between the
front and rear wheels; you board on the lower deck, but go upstairs
to walk between cars. Bedrooms are on the upper deck only; about
1/3 of the roomettes are are on the lower deck, 2/3 on the upper. The
lower deck may have more noise, the upper more motion. Most of the
washrooms shared by roomette users are on the lower deck. Personally
I prefer to be on the upper. You should be able to ask for a particular
deck when reserving a roomette.

They're pretty much always reserved already, though.


And a good deal more expensive. I'd still opt for one if possible, though.

To complete the list, there are also "family bedrooms" meant for 2 adults
and 2 children, and "accessible bedrooms" designed for disabled users.
These both are on the lower deck, and the accessible bedroom includes a
washroom (with a curtain instead of a door).

"You schedule your stops as part of your overall Amtrak trip" -
is that something I can do with the help of an Amtrak Employee
over the phone from home ?


You can do it with them, but it'll go a lot smoother if you know
what you want to do when you call. You have to talk to their silly
automated voice, "Julie" but after "Julie" figures out that you are
trying to book something more complicated, you'll get a human.


As voice-activated automated systems go, the Amtrak one is first-rate
-- and by the way, the voice you hear really does belong to a woman
named Julie. But, yeah, for something like this you need to speak
to a human -- I think you just say "agent" to do that.
--
Mark Brader "After all, it is necessary to get behind
Toronto someone before you can stab them in the back."
-- Lynn & Jay, "Yes, Prime Minister"

My text in this article is in the public domain.
  #8  
Old April 12th, 2006, 04:19 AM posted to rec.travel.usa-canada
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Posts: n/a
Default Amtrak - California Zephyr - anyone with experience ?

In article ,
Mark Brader wrote:
In your sleeping-car compartment you have seats, but can pretty
much see out of only one side of the train, and one of the seats
faces backwards.


I've generally had decent luck with being able to see out the other
side too. It depends on what the people across from you, if any,
do with their curtains. No guarantees, of course.

Socializing on the train is fun, though. Sharing a table in the
dining room is something I enjoy.

In the bedroom, the lower is just wide enough that two people who
are thin and *very* friendly can squeeze into it.


Mark understates this just a tad. We put my 105lb wife and 40lb
daughter into this bed, and I don't think they felt like they had
a lot of space (and I'm understating). It's a real comfortable
space for one, though, if you can afford it.

The train on this route is a double-decker (called a Superliner).


I wonder when they'll get something newer? These cars are very
worn at this point.

To complete the list, there are also "family bedrooms" meant for
2 adults and 2 children,


Yes, I've spent the majority of time in the family bedroom, and
they say it's for 4/5. The "5" is the one who gets to join whoever
is in the big bed. There is one regular bed, and two shorter (but
separate) ones also. It feels a bit like a dungeon down there, so
I'd definitely suggest being upstairs.

As voice-activated automated systems go, the Amtrak one is first-rate


Well, I'll take your word for it, but personally, I prefer the
"press 1 to whatever" systems to that, and I really disliked
those.

  #9  
Old April 12th, 2006, 03:16 PM posted to rec.travel.usa-canada
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default Amtrak - California Zephyr - anyone with experience ?

The weather in central California has been awful - I just saw (on
FoxNews) water washing down the streets in Oakland picking up branches
/cars etc , so I think I'll skip my west coast trip this year and head
to South Carolina instead ( considering relocating there - was gonna do
the Denver - Oakland train trip first).

Anyone live between the central coast and Yosemite - how bad is it in
the area ?
Streets flooding ?

Bobb



"- Bobb -" wrote in message
...
Thanks for the feedback, Chuck. So you did the same trip Denver -
Oakland too ...
I've done day train trips in Europe, but in US I'm going by movies and
PBS shows with Amtrak/Orient Express trains ... could you tell me: Did
you have to know up front (when you buy the ticket) that you want
sleeper ?
If you get a sleeper then that's your " day seat " too ?
How was the sleeper ? Noisy? , train rocking ? Could you hear others
talking /snoring etc ?
The compartment with the sleeper - is it an open area/ hallway or a
compartment ( w/door) with a "fold down seat".
How was Reno ? - other than casinos, anything special to see/do there
? Not that I mind gambling, but I usually go to Vegas a few times a
year so sitting at a table/machine isn't a goal of mine - maybe play a
few hours ( to pay for the trip ) and one day to see the town. Do I
need more time than that ?

I thought I might spend a day or 2 in Denver before boarding , then
SLC to see the Tabernacle. I figure - I'm in town - why not ? So might
get a hotel for the night, then board the next day, then for the
planning, you mention "You schedule your stops as part of your overall
Amtrak trip" - is that something I can do with the help of an Amtrak
Employee over the phone from home ? Or it's up to me to plan it , then
figure my schedule and buy appropriate tickets ?

But you're both right - if the schedule is as unreliable as you say,
then planning for more than one day in a row might be 'dreaming'
rather than planning. I have no set agenda and open to ideas for
stops. Normally I go to SF/ Yosemite this week or next, but I just
figured rather than flying, I'd try the train trip out. Currently with
all the rain I see in California on TV, I'm hesitant to commit to any
time frame. With mudslides in the valleys and snowstorms in the Mts I
guess I'll be on the sidelines until the weather clears and the mud
"stabilizes". Hopefully not too long a wait as the reason is just to
get some " good, warm weather" after being in Boston all winter. If
it's more than another month or so , then I'll skip it this year as it
will be warm here by then.

But I'll do it - in the fall or next spring.
Any ideas for stops between Denver and Oakland are welcomed.

Thank you.
Bobb


"Chuck" wrote in message
...
Here is a trip we took several years ago. We flew to Denver, and
took the California Zephyr to Reno. We stayed in Reno for two
nights, then continued on to San Francisco. You schedule your stops
as part of your overall Amtrak trip. Amtrak can also arrange lodging
and sightseeing at each stop, if you want them to. The trip from
Denver to Reno is an overnight trip, so we got a deluxe sleeper for
that part of the trip (expensive, but we enjoyed it). From Reno to
San Fransisco, we traveled coach. As someone else mentioned, Amtrak
quite often is not on time, and our experience is they can run
really, really late. We were only about two or three hours late
leaving Denver, but were over six hours late leaving Reno.

Even if the train is on schedule, it leaves Denver at 7:15 AM, and
gets to SLC 11:33 PM, so some of the trip will be after dark. Not
sure when the sun sets when you are planning to travel, but keep in
mind that after the sun goes down, there isn't really much to see
from the train - it will be just plain dark outside! Since the train
originates in Chicago, I'd guess chances would be slim to none that
it will be on time, so it will be getting dark even sooner after you
get on the train. You might want to think about what scenery you
REALLY want to see, and think about the odds of being able to see it,
based on when the train might actually get there! That said, we have
taken a couple of Amtrak trips, and really enjoyed both of them.

With respect to you thought about driving from Las Vegas to Death
Valley, the PCH and Hearst Castle, we did that trip a couple of years
ago, and it was great! The drive was pretty easy and scenic. We
stayed in a little town called Cambria, just south of Hearst, and it
was great. And the drive up the PCH was spectacular. If you go in
the spring, the seals come on shore just north of Hearst, and it is a
sight worth seeing, hearing, and even smelling. Given enough time, it
would be easy and feasible to drive up to Carmel and even San Jose
(be sure to see the Winchester House, if you get to San Jose).

Either trip will be great - enjoy!

Chuck

.
So I'll take a train from DEN to SLC (one day) - then what do you
recommend ?
I'm debating then forgetting the train and then just flying to Vegas
or San Jose - renting a car and (in no order here) driving to see
Death Valley, Kings Canyon, Sequoia NP, Yosemite, a drive down PCH
to Hearst. Or should I stay on the train to OAK, then backtrack by
car to Vegas, THEN fly home. Time is not a problem, although the
longer we're on the road the more expensive ( at $100+ night for a
hotel). We're trying to find that balance as we're not campers -
need a hotel room.
I did ask here about the Parks a few months ago and now fine-tuning
( Postponed due to the recent snows in the mountains out there).
Include the train trip or not ?



  #10  
Old April 12th, 2006, 04:56 PM posted to rec.travel.usa-canada
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Default Amtrak - California Zephyr - anyone with experience ?

In article ,
- Bobb - wrote:
Anyone live between the central coast and Yosemite - how bad is
it in the area ? Streets flooding ?


Oh, you know TV news, they like to show you the worst of it. It's no
big deal for most people, but the rain is definitely getting tiresome.

 




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