The wi fi signal seems good and there is no question that I will be able to sleep, as I have two seats.

Checking luggage was a bit odd and the station itself rather unsettling, but the train is very comfortable and I look forward to 10 hours of hearing the sound of the train.

That aside, I find travelling on Amtrak one of the most relaxing things that I do.

Now that I am actually on the train, I feel a tremendous sense of peace and comfort…

even though the conductor seems a bit frazzled.

Some of the major trips:

Southwest Chief
Sunset Limited
Crescent
Capitol Limited
Coast Starlight
Surfliner
Empire Builder
California Zephyr
Floridian (discontinued in 1979)
Gulf Breeze (also gone)
City of New Orleans
... And trains that have no name

and have a sleeper on the zephyr later this month.

So far, so good. There is something very, very soothing about it.

may do it in next month or so to see daughter + grandson. Been a while so not familiar with any new security stuff, and the wifi was sketchy, continually losing and searching for signals between cities.

I hope you've enjoyed it, cbayer.

You are absolutely right about the wifi.

I've got it right this mine, but didn't have it at all for the last 45.

I'm loving it, elleng. I hope you get to make this trip this year.

I'll go from DC to Phila. Where are you going? C'mon over!

You'll be here/there for how long???

I am staying with friends in Alexandria for a few days, then off to Atlanta.

Where are you exactly.

Will pm you.

It was slowed down by flooding in North Dakota, but it was an enjoyable trip except for the fact that the sleeping cars were old and had bathrooms that felt more cramped than an airplane bathroom.

I took the first out of three legs and thoroughly enjoyed it.

The sleeping car will be the last leg and we shall see.

In years past I've gone across the USA several times on the train and enjoyed it very much, except for the long layovers in Chicago. (But I found a McDonald's in the station which was much cheaper than the high priced eateries)

Two years ago I did a round trip Albuquerque, NM to San Diego, CA via L.A. (That's how it connects)
The only time I encountered security was in the Albuquerque station when they checked everyone to see who had a ticket and who might be there to get in from the cold. (It was winter).

I had reserved ground level seats going and coming (being a senior with walking problems), and enjoyed everything about the trip. I was especially surprised at how clean the rest rooms were.

It went well, but I had a seat mate all the way, which was a drag. Very nice young woman, but i just can't sleep sitting up.

I think there are some things that Amtrak could do on this trips.

A small cart with water, juice, sodas and a few snacks would be nice. The Cafe Car was way, far away and, to be perfectly honest, inhabited overnight with people that were a little sketchy/

And only the largest of stations often any food your could take on board.

They also sell a "comfort kit" in the cafe car, but could probably do very well selling them to seated passenger. They include a small blanket, pillow, eyeshades and ear plugs.

I would have gotten a sleeper but the cost becomes prohibitive when traveling alone. It would be great if there were a way to get one with the understanding that you will probably be assigned a roommate.

But I agree with you about the restrooms!

Hope you have the opportunity to take another trip in the future.

I'm a BIG man, 6' 2" and 280, so having a "seat mate" crowds me due to no fault of that person. And the price of a sleeping room is prohibitive on my S/S. It would be nice if one could plan ahead and find someone with whom to share a sleeper. But then I watch enough Judge Judy to see even the best of friends have problems sharing trips together.

Oh, plus I SNORE.

Because I will be traveling with my mother, the cost is very reasonable. And it includes 5 meals during the trip.

Your snoring would have to be disclosed in any application for sharing a sleeper!