Ridin' the rails...

[thoreau]

I had a friend mention that in all my posts about David and I's train trip - I didn't really talk about the accommodations. In my busy-ness since returning - I hadn't talked about how truly wonderful the train was.

Believe me - it was the most splendid idea we could have come up with. We splurged on "bedroom" accommodations. Our original plan was to do the "roomette" and I'm so glad we upgraded. While the roomettes are cozy - we wouldn't have been able to sleep together at night - which for both of us was a big plus. As members of the velcro-sleepers-club^tm - - it would have been less than optimal to have slept in single bunk-beds. The bedroom also afforded us a degree of privacy so that we could be as affectionate and playful as we wanted to be - without worrying about bothering neighbors. The bedroom also had a nice couch on one wall (that folded down into the bed - so we could cuddle and read and watch the country go by outside our window. Sleeper accommodations also came with meals - so it made traveling the train very easy; besides having to worry about tipping our waiter/ress... there were no hassles. The train would stop every two hours or so for a smoke break/fresh air break. We stopped in Winter Park Colorado, Glenwood Springs Colorado, Reno Nevada and Roseville, CA. I am so glad we made the trip by train - it allowed us to just STOP (no internet, no cell phones... just reading our books, losing to David at board games, and snuggling) - and enjoy each other's company. it was marvelous.

the bedroom on the Californa Zephyr


Dr. Dave in the "Sightseeing Car" with windows floor to ceiling


Dr. Dave getting ready to kick my ass at Go


naptime


The bedroom car in nighttime configuration


Serious Train Cuddleage

Comments

[jwg.livejournal.com]

We always choose the bedroom when we go by Amtrak.

Another advantage of the bedroom over the roomette is that you can see out of both sides of the train since there is only a corridor separating your room from the other side instead of another roomette. The upper berth in the roomette has very little space above it and it is somewhat awkward getting in and out as a result. Plus the toilet in your own room is another feature.

On the East coast trains (not double decker but higher than coaches) the roomette is much roomier and has a toilet in it.

[low-fat-muffin.livejournal.com]

yeah - your own bathroom/shower is a huge plus. :) it's true.

[squalidbear.livejournal.com]

Narrrrr! That's so cute yes it is! the little snuggley-wugglies!

[low-fat-muffin.livejournal.com]

it was so cute - it even made us vomit a little. but it was just so romantic. seriously.

[tonethbone.livejournal.com]

nice..I too had wanted to see the accommodation pictures..Its something I have considered doing many times

[low-fat-muffin.livejournal.com]

you just have to be of the mindset to not be in a hurry to get anywhere. You can drive to Reno in 3.5-4 hours depending on Sacramento traffic - the train took 7 hours. Particularly mountain trips - the train just takes it's sweet time. But we got caught up on reading, played games, snuggled.. I just loved having morning coffee and watching the world go by. it was very restful.

[beastbriskett.livejournal.com]

I rode the Zephyr years ago to Denver. My favorite part was crossing the Rockies with all those tunnels and trestles and sheer cliffs.
Glad you got to share a great trip with your honey!

[low-fat-muffin.livejournal.com]

the denver to emeryville leg was wonderful - the chicago to denver leg was pretty boring.

[jwg.livejournal.com]

That's why the last time we took it we flew to Denver (and saw a Red Sox Rockies game) and went west from there. We're considering an east bound trip in April.

[cuboz.livejournal.com]

I'm gonna have to do some trips like this when I come to the States! Yaaaay! :-)