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I loved the BGM while traveling through Glacier NP. As someone who spent his high school and college years in western Montana, I always felt that Holst fit well with the Big Sky state. Congrats on 20K.
This video was outstanding. I don’t know what it is about watching people ride trains, but it is very entertaining. If you can, you should try Lehigh Valley’s Jim Thorpe tourist ride, with the very historic Reading Railroad, in 100 some year old coaches. It is truly awesome.
Yeah. I never order pasta anything on Amtrak. They Flat Iron Steak is usually very good. What a creative way to include the Planets in a train video. Definitely a first.
33:00 I must say, there is the notable exception of Grand Forks ND, that drains into the Arctic Ocean, and Devils Lake, ND, which is endoheric (does not drain into any ocean).
Of all restaurant jobs , the internship position was the best experience of all of them. I even introduced 7 new main courses and desserts,4 appetizers. My mom’s mother worked on the Seaboard system and what is now the City of New Orlleans and she Shared recipes with the other chefs in that time . I wanted to follow that tradition. I loved working on Amtrak.
I worked as a Coach Attendant on this route from April til Mid May of 2023. As a former employee it was quite the experience working such a historic route. Would've been cool to meet ya on your trip to Chicago.
@lonestar trip reports!!! YEASS YOU GOT TO SEE THE PUGET SOUND N LINE SOUNDER ROUTE!! this in my humble opinion: on a good day, is the most beautifull stretch of railway, anywhere in the world.
18:23 I loved how you conveyed the pain of having to sleep through a flat wheel… I have been fortunate to not experience that going from NY to Portland. The Empire Builder is so underrated. I know the California Zephyr is regarded as the best but for me it’s Empire Builder. Glacier National Park is awe-inspiring. The little time I had in Shelby, Montana had me staring in the sky lol I had my music and was just enjoying the views. Great vid as always and congrats to 20k subscribers! PS- The lawyers are still drafting documentation so don’t think I forgot about that… lol
Alcohol is NOT a paid extra for sleeper passengers. 1 is included at Lunch/Dinner :D prices are listed on routes that allow coach passengers to purchase drinks.
Excellent production values, great videography, perfect music choices! You really did a great job on this trip video and deserve all 20,000 subscribers! Glad I have been "along for the ride" with you and continue to look forward to you videos. Thanks! Did you call Amtrak customer service to see if they would give you some credit towards future travel for the flat wheel?
Thanks a ton for being along for the ride for so long! In hind sight I definitely should have called customer relations about it, but I was just so awestruck by the environment that it totally slipped my mind.
I have made this trip several times, east to west. I noticed that you were in one of the unrefurbished coaches. The refurbished ones have rose-colored upholstering with a couple other updates. Too bad that you first meal was so unremarkable. During all of my trips on Amtrak ,the vast majority from CHI west, I have yet to have a bad meal. And I have always-- almost--found the wait staff to be extremely accommodating. RE: Izaak Walton Inn is presently closed after being sold. How appropriate: Copeland as you trained through Glacier National Park! ! ! Thoroughly enjoyable. thanks.
Gorgeous. A favorite route, I fell in love with Montana the first time I went through there on the EB and try to go up there a couple of times a year. I take Amtrak to Whitefish and rent a car to explore for a few days and catch Amtrak back home although sometimes I fly to Great Falls. When I fly I like to take a local bus up to Shelby to catch Amtrak back home, very easy.
Very enjoyable, informative, and great scenic views. I took this train from Chicago to East Glacier, and back in the late 70s. It was Amazing in every way. ❤
First time watching your video's for Amtrak. Thank You for the pause to admire Natures Beauty in Glacier National Park! The choice of music for this spectacular scenery was outstanding! I Subscribed to all your entertainment. Your video was truly a breath of fresh air and delightful music compared to others. Thank you so much!!!
I've driven by car for most of the Empire Builder's route. It is gorgeous. We spent 3 days in East Glacier. Did you know you can get off at either Glacier stop and spend a few days? East Glacier is best. That lovely hotel was built by Great Northern for its train customers to stay at, and several tours into Glacier start at that hotel. And yes, Empire Builder is on my bucket list.
Nice video-your dining experiences are an Amtrak trademark-inconsistent. The GN-painted “locomotive” you noted, next to the Isaac Walton Inn, is actually a “shell” with a hotel room inside. On the opposite side of the train there are caboose-rooms for rent as well. The Isaac Walton Inn is a great lodging experience. I’m somewhat surprised that you didn’t mention traversing the Cascade Tunnel (longest in the US) or the Flathead Tunnel (second longest in US) although you might have still been asleep going though Flathead.
I’ve been on the Coast Starlight and the California Zephyr but dang, now you’ve really made me want to do this one! Haha! Congratulations on reaching 20k. 🙌
Thanks so much! Taking the EB is 100% worth it. The Cali Zephyr is the one I'm most looking forward to doing in the future. I'm taking the Southwest Chief in a couple weeks, but I've heard the Zephyr is one of, if not the most beautiful Amtrak routes.
My son and I will be riding the EB eastbound last week in March 2024. I can't wait for the date to come. I did the CA Zephyr on nov 2022..in coach..haha
@8:43 My housee is directly here | Just before the wharf | on the other side of the sound. so glad you got to see these stunning views, the views that make my daily commute, that much more special.
The views were spectacular, and I'm so glad the weather was good. I had been through Seattle a couple times earlier in the summer, and it was nothing but clouds and rain all day.
I kept my meals selections as simple as possible... eggs and bacon if possible, slab of well done meat and any green salad. the daughter did the same and we ate well. If we count not pronounce it we didn't want it. This was about 1990 and a sebatical type trip as payment for several years of loyal electronic services.
The Izaak Walton Inn was recently sold and it is my understanding that they removed and auctioned off a lot of the railroad decor. I hope someone will correct me if I'm wrong. I have chased SP 4449 across Marias Pass, but have yet to ride. One of my favorite things to do, however, is to do an overnight on the Portland section to Whitefish, spend the day, then return home to Oregon that night. I would love to do the entire route, or even the entire Amtrak network someday!
The hymn "O God, Beyond All Praising" was most appropriate at that point in Glacier National Park. A magnificent song for nature's magnificent beauty. Thank you this was my favorite video.
I took the Empire Builder from Chicago to West Glacier Park... it was a great trip in February hoping to see a blizzard which never came until the day i finally left. super food and the cabin was great. I brought my daughter with me and she had a great time... and drove our two-person snowmobile to the top of the mountain as we were told to avoid any moose.
Great video. I'm taking the Texas Eagle from Austin to LA and back in a few weeks. Just a couple questions: Do you ever bid up? And what camera did you shoot this on? Thanks!
Hey! I do try to bid up every now and then, but bidding from a roomette to a bedroom almost never goes through. Coach to roomette is slightly more common, but I often just book the roomette anyways. I almost always recommend putting in a bid for an upgrade as it costs nothing to bid, and the worst is you’re just left with the ticket you started with. Also I shot this on an IPhone 12 Pro Max, though I have since unleaded to a 15 pro max. Hope this helps and safe travels!
This is the first and best video that I've seen about the Empire Builder. Amtrak should be ashamed for not replacing the wheel on your sleeper car and for the shabby looking meals served. The Roomette amenities look similar to Motel 6 (no frills) quality. Perhaps, as you mentioned, the Super-Liner replacement cars will be a step up in quality and comfort? Very well spoken in your description of what you have seen and are showing in this video. Looking forward to seeing part 2. 👏👏👏
I have just discovered your channel. I liked and subscribed. The one thing you didn't mention was internet. I would assume there is internet but we "all" know what assuming will do. LOL So, is there internet, is radio available, I like to know so much more, so, as I view some of your other videos, I trust I will learn. I would love to take a trip like this but would also like someone along who is experienced and knows the ropes.
I'm going to be starting training for engineer certification with that of a new rail company soon, and traveling down to Indiana for it via Amtrak's Washington DC to Chicago Cardinal within the next 2 months. Watching this journey definitely has me even more excited for the route I'm about to embark for the very first time, and definitely would be equally a treat as well if you also have some experience in traveling that schedule the same. Thanks again for another awesome one.
Enjoyed this vid, I already play WOW so I don't get anything. Enjoyed the music during Glacier NP, great pick. Also if you want to a cruise, do Alaska on any line except Carnival, go mid March to late March.
Great video and narration. I took my first trip on the Empire Builder (however, I took the Portland leg) last Spring and enjoyed it every bit as much as you did. Keep up the good work!
I discovered you about 3 months ago. I love your trip reports. You have a fantastic speaking style and I love positive attitude. I'm biased because I do like passenger trains, but let's be honest Amtrak isn't the best in the world. But your attitude is so refreshing in this cynical world. Cheers!
It was! I rode it in September too but chose to ride #7 instead of #8. No flat wheel (not that I remember), but we were very early into Seattle and the views were great the entire ride. I also liked the food more than I thought I would.
9:47 I freely admit it! I laughed here at the mental picture of the train running on a flat CAR wheel here :P :P That being said. The Empire Builder is perhaps THE Amtrack route I would love to experience the most. But being a dirt poor dane I will never have that kind of cash so I just have to enjoy these videos of it :P
@@LonestarTrips It's one of my dreams to with Amtrack start in like New York then go down to Florida then across to Californian before going up to Seattle before heading back across to New York. With stops for a few days here and there along the way to see the sites BUUUT it would be hecking Expensive so yeah properly won't ever happen :P But one can dream :P
I think it's worth it for that far western portion because outside that, it's just flat which is why i think the Southwest Chief, California Zephyr, Coast Starlight and Sunset Limited are better with scenery when you take in the whole route.
The Mississippi River is between the Rockies and the Atlantic. Water on the eastern side of the Rockies will more than likely end up in the Gulf of Mexico.
thinking of taking SEA to CHI this month....your video is dated a month earlier is that to say that there's no snow in Glacier National Park....i was hoping to see snow on the Glacier now or do i need to wait for March to take my Amtrak ride
I have taken this train in the opposite direction back in 2004 on my first Amtrak trip from New York to Seattle in sleeper class. I really enjoyed it and have taken many trips since mostly in coach partially due to cost and partially as it easier to meet fellow travellers. I do think the food quality has fallen over the years even in traditional dining and it’s a shame coach passengers are not normally able to use the diner, the scenery is as good as ever of course. I saw a video where the Brightline train that had a flat wheel, it would really annoy me I have to be honest. I plan to take a sleeper trip right across Canada in a couple of years and your videos help to not only fill the gap but inspire for future trips and to take smaller trips in the interim. Keep up the great work.
Something I have done when staying in a roomette is to take a power strip with me. Then, I can plug in multiple items at once. Since I'm usually just charging devices, it won't pop any circuit breaker/fuse.
New subbie here🙋🏽♀️ The UA-cam alorithms sent your video, but your story and optimism in starting over are why I stayed. Thank you for inspiring so many of us. Believe it or not, watching Japanese television -- from rail programs (my initial reason for tuning in) and lifestyle programs to film documentaries on Japan's history and art -- transformed my life. I've long loved and respected Japanese art, so I feel and know that all of the above (including your channel being recommended) has been part of my path to finding joy. Late 50s here, mateless for more than a decade, divorced for more than 30 years, and hoping someday that someone will love me for who I am now that I've relearned (from within and through journaling) how to love myself. Thank you, sister!❤
Thank you for your content, it truly makes me feel like I'm there at some points. I only dream of making a cross country Amtrak trip before I go to the big bailey yard in the sky. Just out of my price range. Thanks again for sharing!
I was actually coming from Battle Creek Michigan and doing west to Chicago to meet up with the Empire Builder and we had a great two person cabin. We had a nice lunch with the Engineer and driver of the train which was super nice.
If you are going to try a cruise, I recommend Viking Cruises highly. They do have river, lakes and coast cruises in the US, as well as marvelous European River Cruises.
I know it can be a challenge to decide what to include or not to include in trip reports like this, yet I was a bit surprised you skipped past any mention of going through the longest train tunnel in the US as you cross the Cascade Range.
You have never thought of bringing a power strip, mine has 12 plugs on it more than enough to power anything you might have brought along. One other thing with this power strip is that it has a circuit breaker built-in. It is flat enough to pack.
Actually, it ends up in either the Great Lakes or the Missouri, and Mississippi Rivers which dumps out into the Gulf of Mexico. In the Great Lakes that water would have to flow upwards through the rest of the lakes, then go upwards through the locks out to the St. Laurance River before making it to the Atlantic Ocean.
Why have the King Street Station authorities not addressed your criticism of no internal restaurant, nor Metropolitan Lounge for business and first class passengers?.
I personally didn’t, however I am very accustomed to pressure changes from years of flying. That being said, the climbs are very gradual on this route, so pressure changes very slowly.
It is what it is. In hindsight I should have contacted Amtrak customer service about getting compensation for the unpleasant ride, but I was too awestruck by the scenery to remember in the moment.
By mentioning it to the conductor the flat spot would have been written up on the MAP 21 for repair in Chicago...but It is never too late to complain because that would ensure the flat wheel will be removed and fixed so other passengers won't have to endure such an unpleasant ride. Besides, the flat spot only gets bigger and the ride so bumpy the train has to slow down to a crawl or set the car out en route. During my 30 years at Amtrak I've dealt with a lot of flat spots which are an integral part of the annual crew training.@@LonestarTrips
Great video as always. This is the trip I hope to do in the opposite direction next Fall with my family! A hop and a skip over to the Victoria Clipper ferry in Seattle and we will be home!
@@LonestarTrips The opposite. A natural conversational tone. Don't push words or phrases with volume or up-inflection. You do have a good voice and diction but the delivery sounds like a canned info tone hired you might hear in any transport terminal for traveler instructions. Just speak as you would to friends or family. Sorry to be picky but I am an experienced train rider and a 40+ year VO actor. Great video presentation BTW.
Great video, the ave speed if around 47mph, just like a commuter train in Europe 🙂 Same distance can be covered in Eu between Germany and Spain in 12h by train. Vivre les Etats-Unis!
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I will!
@@thyagarajannatarajan6234Why can:t you give dinner a 10?
I stared in awe at National Glacier Park... The music is super fitting. Absolutely amazing job on 20k, highly deserved.
I loved the BGM while traveling through Glacier NP. As someone who spent his high school and college years in western Montana, I always felt that Holst fit well with the Big Sky state. Congrats on 20K.
Congrats on the 20 thousand. You have earned it. Your posts have been really interesting, and your comments are spot on. Keep it up!!!!
He's a great host he's clear and concise and don't talk to fast
Thank you so much! Always glad to have great fans such as yourself to help push me to make better content!
This video was outstanding. I don’t know what it is about watching people ride trains, but it is very entertaining.
If you can, you should try Lehigh Valley’s Jim Thorpe tourist ride, with the very historic Reading Railroad, in 100 some year old coaches. It is truly awesome.
31:29 Not to be a pronunciation corrector, but that isn't how Marias Pass is pronounced. It's pronounced "ma-RYH-uhs".
Ah gotcha, I knew I was messing it up. I was going exclusively off of how it was written, so definitely a swing and a miss
Yeah. I never order pasta anything on Amtrak. They Flat Iron Steak is usually very good.
What a creative way to include the Planets in a train video. Definitely a first.
Yeah I def won’t be ordering the pasta again. And Jupiter seemed fitting for such a beautiful ride.
33:00 I must say, there is the notable exception of Grand Forks ND, that drains into the Arctic Ocean, and Devils Lake, ND, which is endoheric (does not drain into any ocean).
Of all restaurant jobs , the internship position was the best experience of all of them. I even introduced 7 new main courses and desserts,4 appetizers. My mom’s mother worked on the Seaboard system and what is now the City of New Orlleans and she Shared recipes with the other chefs in that time . I wanted to follow that tradition. I loved working on Amtrak.
I worked as a Coach Attendant on this route from April til Mid May of 2023. As a former employee it was quite the experience working such a historic route. Would've been cool to meet ya on your trip to Chicago.
I haven’t been on Amtrak in while . I did do my culinary internship on Amtrak that was awhile back ,don’t know what they have now
Hello and welcome to 20k!
No shoes on seats please.😃✌
Only had them on in this one brief shot! I always make sure to take them off when chilling out.
@lonestar trip reports!!! YEASS YOU GOT TO SEE THE PUGET SOUND N LINE SOUNDER ROUTE!! this in my humble opinion: on a good day, is the most beautifull stretch of railway, anywhere in the world.
That Puget sound line is incredible, especially with the Olympic Mountains as a backdrop.
21:47 apparently for 328, 304 acts as a shield so 328 wouldn’t get debris, and I guess that paid off
18:23 I loved how you conveyed the pain of having to sleep through a flat wheel… I have been fortunate to not experience that going from NY to Portland. The Empire Builder is so underrated. I know the California Zephyr is regarded as the best but for me it’s Empire Builder. Glacier National Park is awe-inspiring. The little time I had in Shelby, Montana had me staring in the sky lol I had my music and was just enjoying the views. Great vid as always and congrats to 20k subscribers!
PS- The lawyers are still drafting documentation so don’t think I forgot about that… lol
The Empire Builder is on my bucket list. I’ll likely split it in half, spending a few days in East Glacier and exploring the park.
Splitting it is a great idea. Glacier is such a beautiful national park. I visited a long time ago and it was amazing.
Alcohol is NOT a paid extra for sleeper passengers. 1 is included at Lunch/Dinner :D prices are listed on routes that allow coach passengers to purchase drinks.
I completely forgot! Yes it absolutely is!
@@LonestarTrips and I had that pasta EVR-SPK on the EB8 last year and it looked SO much better! Sorry to hear it wasn't as good as you hoped ;(
Excellent production values, great videography, perfect music choices! You really did a great job on this trip video and deserve all 20,000 subscribers! Glad I have been "along for the ride" with you and continue to look forward to you videos. Thanks! Did you call Amtrak customer service to see if they would give you some credit towards future travel for the flat wheel?
Thanks a ton for being along for the ride for so long! In hind sight I definitely should have called customer relations about it, but I was just so awestruck by the environment that it totally slipped my mind.
I think you can still call within a year of the trip.
I have made this trip several times, east to west. I noticed that you were in one of the unrefurbished coaches. The refurbished ones have rose-colored upholstering with a couple other updates. Too bad that you first meal was so unremarkable. During all of my trips on Amtrak ,the vast majority from CHI west, I have yet to have a bad meal. And I have always-- almost--found the wait staff to be extremely accommodating. RE: Izaak Walton Inn is presently closed after being sold. How appropriate: Copeland as you trained through Glacier National Park! ! ! Thoroughly enjoyable. thanks.
Gorgeous. A favorite route, I fell in love with Montana the first time I went through there on the EB and try to go up there a couple of times a year. I take Amtrak to Whitefish and rent a car to explore for a few days and catch Amtrak back home although sometimes I fly to Great Falls. When I fly I like to take a local bus up to Shelby to catch Amtrak back home, very easy.
Very enjoyable, informative, and great scenic views. I took this train from Chicago to East Glacier, and back in the late 70s. It was Amazing in every way. ❤
First time watching your video's for Amtrak.
Thank You for the pause to admire Natures Beauty in Glacier National Park! The choice of music for this spectacular scenery was outstanding!
I Subscribed to all your entertainment.
Your video was truly a breath of fresh air and delightful music compared to others.
Thank you so much!!!
Which side of the train has the best views on the Empire Builder?
I've driven by car for most of the Empire Builder's route. It is gorgeous. We spent 3 days in East Glacier. Did you know you can get off at either Glacier stop and spend a few days? East Glacier is best. That lovely hotel was built by Great Northern for its train customers to stay at, and several tours into Glacier start at that hotel.
And yes, Empire Builder is on my bucket list.
Nice video-your dining experiences are an Amtrak trademark-inconsistent. The GN-painted “locomotive” you noted, next to the Isaac Walton Inn, is actually a “shell” with a hotel room inside. On the opposite side of the train there are caboose-rooms for rent as well. The Isaac Walton Inn is a great lodging experience. I’m somewhat surprised that you didn’t mention traversing the Cascade Tunnel (longest in the US) or the Flathead Tunnel (second longest in US) although you might have still been asleep going though Flathead.
I’ve been on the Coast Starlight and the California Zephyr but dang, now you’ve really made me want to do this one! Haha! Congratulations on reaching 20k. 🙌
Thanks so much! Taking the EB is 100% worth it. The Cali Zephyr is the one I'm most looking forward to doing in the future. I'm taking the Southwest Chief in a couple weeks, but I've heard the Zephyr is one of, if not the most beautiful Amtrak routes.
My son and I will be riding the EB eastbound last week in March 2024. I can't wait for the date to come. I did the CA Zephyr on nov 2022..in coach..haha
Amazing video! You are always my go to when it comes to train reviews. You always deliver.
Glad to hear I'm up there among the first picks for train content.
@8:43 My housee is directly here | Just before the wharf | on the other side of the sound. so glad you got to see these stunning views, the views that make my daily commute, that much more special.
The views were spectacular, and I'm so glad the weather was good. I had been through Seattle a couple times earlier in the summer, and it was nothing but clouds and rain all day.
Nice video and nice music 🎶
Thanks! I'm glad you enjoyed the music.
I kept my meals selections as simple as possible... eggs and bacon if possible, slab of well done meat and any green salad. the daughter did the same and we ate well. If we count not pronounce it we didn't want it. This was about 1990 and a sebatical type trip as payment for several years of loyal electronic services.
The Izaak Walton Inn was recently sold and it is my understanding that they removed and auctioned off a lot of the railroad decor. I hope someone will correct me if I'm wrong.
I have chased SP 4449 across Marias Pass, but have yet to ride. One of my favorite things to do, however, is to do an overnight on the Portland section to Whitefish, spend the day, then return home to Oregon that night. I would love to do the entire route, or even the entire Amtrak network someday!
The hymn "O God, Beyond All Praising" was most appropriate at that point in Glacier National Park. A magnificent song for nature's magnificent beauty. Thank you this was my favorite video.
Great video! Will bring up on. the meal in the Portland Section, you don't get flex meal. THey have cold lunch tray, it's pretty good.
I ate so much beef on my cruise I said no way to steak for a month! I proceeded to order amtralk steak x 3 days.
I took the Empire Builder from Chicago to West Glacier Park... it was a great trip in February hoping to see a blizzard which never came until the day i finally left. super food and the cabin was great.
I brought my daughter with me and she had a great time... and drove our two-person snowmobile to the top of the mountain as we were told to avoid any moose.
Great video. I'm taking the Texas Eagle from Austin to LA and back in a few weeks. Just a couple questions: Do you ever bid up? And what camera did you shoot this on? Thanks!
Hey! I do try to bid up every now and then, but bidding from a roomette to a bedroom almost never goes through. Coach to roomette is slightly more common, but I often just book the roomette anyways. I almost always recommend putting in a bid for an upgrade as it costs nothing to bid, and the worst is you’re just left with the ticket you started with. Also I shot this on an IPhone 12 Pro Max, though I have since unleaded to a 15 pro max. Hope this helps and safe travels!
Yeah, that rigatoni looked pretty beat up
I see amtrak silver service trains and sunrail out my window. Can you do a sunrail review?
Idk about sunrail, but I'm taking the Silver Star in two weeks!
Congratulations for 20K subscribers
Thank you so much 😀
I will be on this from Portland in January. I cant wait to see it in winter.
A winter ride on the EB sounds amazing. I definitely want to revisit it heading east in the future.
This is the first and best video that I've seen about the Empire Builder. Amtrak should be ashamed for not replacing the wheel on your sleeper car and for the shabby looking meals served. The Roomette amenities look similar to Motel 6 (no frills) quality.
Perhaps, as you mentioned, the Super-Liner replacement cars will be a step up in quality and comfort?
Very well spoken in your description of what you have seen and are showing in this video. Looking forward to seeing part 2. 👏👏👏
Nice video! Maybe you should try the Canadian!
Thanks! The Canadian is on the to do list for sure. I’m thinking maybe for 50K 😉
@@LonestarTrips yeah
Truly an excellent use of Holst during the mountain footage. Very epic. Kudos to you.
Thank you for your great videos. I watched these again as I prepare to ride the Empire Builder (SEA to CHI) for the first time next week.
Bro if you’re going to put your feet up on the seats, remove your sneakers. Omg.
I do usually, I left them on in the shot cause it was only for a split second.
From 28:30 onwards, it's hard not to think of my days driving trains here in Microsoft Train Simulator.
Please ride on Amtrak southwest chief from Los Angeles to Las Vegas
That flat wheel would drive me nuts, haha!
Do sleeping car numbers go backwards from forward to back? I couldn’t confirm but it looked like the Transition car was car number 832, not 830.
Superb picture quality.
Thank you as always. I'm glad you enjoyed, and thanks for being one of my fans for so long.
I have just discovered your channel. I liked and subscribed. The one thing you didn't mention was internet. I would assume there is internet but we "all" know what assuming will do. LOL So, is there internet, is radio available, I like to know so much more, so, as I view some of your other videos, I trust I will learn. I would love to take a trip like this but would also like someone along who is experienced and knows the ropes.
beautiful. thank you.
I admire your ability to suffer that flat. Intolerable to me
If you keep an open mind and just go with the flow, it’s a lot of fun. Though I totally understand it’s not for everyone.
To me, it is another great demonstration of the sheer vastness of the USA. Just like the desert southwest, only… flat.
I'm going to be starting training for engineer certification with that of a new rail company soon, and traveling down to Indiana for it via Amtrak's Washington DC to Chicago Cardinal within the next 2 months. Watching this journey definitely has me even more excited for the route I'm about to embark for the very first time, and definitely would be equally a treat as well if you also have some experience in traveling that schedule the same. Thanks again for another awesome one.
What day did you go? I just got off on Sunday morning.
Congratulations on your 20k+ subbies..love your narrative..
Thanks a lot! It's been a long journey, but absolutely worth it.
Enjoyed this vid, I already play WOW so I don't get anything. Enjoyed the music during Glacier NP, great pick. Also if you want to a cruise, do Alaska on any line except Carnival, go mid March to late March.
I just love the look of those huge, shiny, stainless steel Superliners. They're awesome. I can't wait to ride the Empire Builder
Great video and narration. I took my first trip on the Empire Builder (however, I took the Portland leg) last Spring and enjoyed it every bit as much as you did. Keep up the good work!
I discovered you about 3 months ago. I love your trip reports. You have a fantastic speaking style and I love positive attitude. I'm biased because I do like passenger trains, but let's be honest Amtrak isn't the best in the world. But your attitude is so refreshing in this cynical world. Cheers!
Another great video. Keep up the good work.
Thanks a ton!
I’m assuming you use a dash cam for recording out the window. Which one do you use?
I use a GoPro hero 9 black with a suction mount for my window recording.
Holy cow!!! That’s the exact room I stayed in!
Awesome! I hope your ride was as wonderful as mine!
It was! I rode it in September too but chose to ride #7 instead of #8. No flat wheel (not that I remember), but we were very early into Seattle and the views were great the entire ride.
I also liked the food more than I thought I would.
Too many commercials. I quit watching.
Ok.
9:47 I freely admit it! I laughed here at the mental picture of the train running on a flat CAR wheel here :P :P
That being said. The Empire Builder is perhaps THE Amtrack route I would love to experience the most. But being a dirt poor dane I will never have that kind of cash so I just have to enjoy these videos of it :P
Haha a Flat wheel would certainly be interesting. I hope someday you'll have the opportunity to experience the EB in person.
@@LonestarTrips It's one of my dreams to with Amtrack start in like New York then go down to Florida then across to Californian before going up to Seattle before heading back across to New York. With stops for a few days here and there along the way to see the sites BUUUT it would be hecking Expensive so yeah properly won't ever happen :P But one can dream :P
very nice this train is on my bucket list
It's totally worth it.
I think it's worth it for that far western portion because outside that, it's just flat which is why i think the Southwest Chief, California Zephyr, Coast Starlight and Sunset Limited are better with scenery when you take in the whole route.
The Mississippi River is between the Rockies and the Atlantic. Water on the eastern side of the Rockies will more than likely end up in the Gulf of Mexico.
But where does the Gulf of Mexico go?
thinking of taking SEA to CHI this month....your video is dated a month earlier is that to say that there's no snow in Glacier National Park....i was hoping to see snow on the Glacier now or do i need to wait for March to take my Amtrak ride
This video was filmed in July of 2023, so it’s safe to say there’ll be snow in glacier.
@@LonestarTrips thank you....i'll booking for SEA to CHI next week....i think the Glacier looks much better with snow accumulation
I have taken this train in the opposite direction back in 2004 on my first Amtrak trip from New York to Seattle in sleeper class. I really enjoyed it and have taken many trips since mostly in coach partially due to cost and partially as it easier to meet fellow travellers. I do think the food quality has fallen over the years even in traditional dining and it’s a shame coach passengers are not normally able to use the diner, the scenery is as good as ever of course. I saw a video where the Brightline train that had a flat wheel, it would really annoy me I have to be honest. I plan to take a sleeper trip right across Canada in a couple of years and your videos help to not only fill the gap but inspire for future trips and to take smaller trips in the interim. Keep up the great work.
Something I have done when staying in a roomette is to take a power strip with me. Then, I can plug in multiple items at once. Since I'm usually just charging devices, it won't pop any circuit breaker/fuse.
I actually did bring a power strip, but I just didn’t mention it.
New subbie here🙋🏽♀️ The UA-cam alorithms sent your video, but your story and optimism in starting over are why I stayed. Thank you for inspiring so many of us. Believe it or not, watching Japanese television -- from rail programs (my initial reason for tuning in) and lifestyle programs to film documentaries on Japan's history and art -- transformed my life. I've long loved and respected Japanese art, so I feel and know that all of the above (including your channel being recommended) has been part of my path to finding joy. Late 50s here, mateless for more than a decade, divorced for more than 30 years, and hoping someday that someone will love me for who I am now that I've relearned (from within and through journaling) how to love myself. Thank you, sister!❤
Thank you for your content, it truly makes me feel like I'm there at some points. I only dream of making a cross country Amtrak trip before I go to the big bailey yard in the sky. Just out of my price range. Thanks again for sharing!
You got some Really good content
I was actually coming from Battle Creek Michigan and doing west to Chicago to meet up with the Empire Builder and we had a great two person cabin. We had a nice lunch with the Engineer and driver of the train which was super nice.
Thanks!
If you are going to try a cruise, I recommend Viking Cruises highly. They do have river, lakes and coast cruises in the US, as well as marvelous European River Cruises.
The flat wheel is playing “Wipeout”! 😊
Greetings from Belfast, Northern Ireland. I would absolutely love to take that train ride someday.
I know it can be a challenge to decide what to include or not to include in trip reports like this, yet I was a bit surprised you skipped past any mention of going through the longest train tunnel in the US as you cross the Cascade Range.
Sounds like the flat iron steak would fit your journey perfectly this time!😂 (because of the flat wheel)
Congratulations on reaching 20K! Great video! I can hardly wait to see Part 2!
Thank you so much! Part 2 is going to be just as good!
If you’re going Eastbound, seems that the trundling oil train was going West….
Mississippi river comes before the Atlantic!!!!!!!!
28:11 That locomotive is a former ATSF F45, and is now a living space with a living room, kitchen, master bedroom and bath.
I definitely have to look into returning to the Inn for a stay in that gutted loco.
You have never thought of bringing a power strip, mine has 12 plugs on it more than enough to power anything you might have brought along. One other thing with this power strip is that it has a circuit breaker built-in. It is flat enough to pack.
I literally brought one, I just didn’t mention it.
Actually, it ends up in either the Great Lakes or the Missouri, and Mississippi Rivers which dumps out into the Gulf of Mexico. In the Great Lakes that water would have to flow upwards through the rest of the lakes, then go upwards through the locks out to the St. Laurance River before making it to the Atlantic Ocean.
@@hughgautier3894 So what you’re saying is that someday somewhere it’ll end up in the Atlantic?
@@LonestarTripsOnly if you got into the Great Lakes, but most of the water will end up in theMississippi
Why have the King Street Station authorities not addressed your criticism of no internal restaurant, nor Metropolitan Lounge for business and first class passengers?.
Because they know he has no other options.
Did you have any altitude change earpopping during the trip? I'm asking for a friend with ear problems.
I personally didn’t, however I am very accustomed to pressure changes from years of flying. That being said, the climbs are very gradual on this route, so pressure changes very slowly.
I'm sorry about the flat spot. I know that can be very annoying. Sometimes it can feel like a square wheel.
It is what it is. In hindsight I should have contacted Amtrak customer service about getting compensation for the unpleasant ride, but I was too awestruck by the scenery to remember in the moment.
By mentioning it to the conductor the flat spot would have been written up on the MAP 21 for repair in Chicago...but It is never too late to complain because that would ensure the flat wheel will be removed and fixed so other passengers won't have to endure such an unpleasant ride. Besides, the flat spot only gets bigger and the ride so bumpy the train has to slow down to a crawl or set the car out en route. During my 30 years at Amtrak I've dealt with a lot of flat spots which are an integral part of the annual crew training.@@LonestarTrips
Great video as always. This is the trip I hope to do in the opposite direction next Fall with my family! A hop and a skip over to the Victoria Clipper ferry in Seattle and we will be home!
Sounds like a wonderful journey! And if you're traveling with your family, I have tour of a certain room for you in part two...
I was on it once it was 20 hours delayed
I've heard horror stories from this route about trains being delayed that long, but fortunately the most we saw was about an hour and a half.
Any part 2 tomorrow?
Part 2 will be next week. Sorry for the wait but my degree has to come first.
VO was way too presentational.
How would you recommend I improve it?
@@LonestarTrips The opposite. A natural conversational tone. Don't push words or phrases with volume or up-inflection. You do have a good voice and diction but the delivery sounds like a canned info tone hired you might hear in any transport terminal for traveler instructions. Just speak as you would to friends or family. Sorry to be picky but I am an experienced train rider and a 40+ year VO actor. Great video presentation BTW.
Gotcha, thanks for the tips. I’ll do my best to adjust moving forward.
@@LonestarTrips You are very kind. I subscribed. 👍
Well thank you for the input! I’m always trying to improve my content, so anything helps.
Try a 7 day cruise and you will give up train travel.
Great video, the ave speed if around 47mph, just like a commuter train in Europe 🙂
Same distance can be covered in Eu between Germany and Spain in 12h by train.
Vivre les Etats-Unis!
Sorry but I don’t t like the new looks of Amtrak
And still no entertainment systems yet on any trains?
Please lose the AI voice.
What are you on about? That’s literally me speaking.
You could be having the flexible dining instead
True. But I’ll be honest, it felt like I had it anyways.