Love the X-mas lights. I remember my car attendant Quamay had these in his cabin for the holiday this yr...2020 on the Cardinal to Chicago. Flowers are beautiful, and add a nice touch to the room.
Once while I was on the CZ riding in a sleeping car, I observed a live birth take place on the train, I’m not joking. Back in late March 2019, I was on the California Zephyr going from Davis to Glenwood Springs and on the train, there was pregnant 19 year old girl from SFSU traveling from Emeryville to Denver with her boyfriend. They normally fly home from college for holidays/breaks but because their due date was close (due date was April 5th and they departed on March 29th), they had to use the train since airlines do not allow women to fly in the last 6 weeks of pregnancy. During the ride at 1 AM, the girl’s water broke and the attendant for our sleeping car (Justin Woods, a young guy in his early 20s) volunteered to deliver the baby since he had seen how it was done online. The girl agreed and Justin did so in which he went into the first aid kit, got his gloves on, then squeezed himself into the roomette to have the girl push while he caught the baby when she was born. The baby ended up being born on the train - a healthy baby girl in a ROOMETTE!!! It was a fabulous story and the girl, her newborn and boyfriend were taken off the train by paramedics at the next railroad crossing (train was in a remote location between Elko and Salt Lake City at the moment which required a helicopter ambulance to meet the train). As it is, I observed the whole thing as I was holding the girl’s left leg as well as recording this with her boyfriend’s phone. I’ve wondered - if you are female, suppose this happened to you where you (or your wife/girlfriend) suddenly went into labor on an Amtrak train and the train was going across a remote location at the moment. Would you at all be able to tolerate giving birth unmediated, while crammed into a Roomette, on a bed that was not flexible (unlike in the hospital), on a train that speeding up to 90 MPH, the baby’s umbilical cord having to stay attached to you until you got to a hospital (no scissors/clamps on the train), and the person delivering your baby is an Amtrak conductor/attendant with no medical training or license of any kind??? Seriously, this girl was incredibly brave and was lucky that there were no complications, PLUS it only took 20 minutes for her to push the baby out (water broke at 1 AM, and the baby was born at 1:22 AM) What do you think of all this!!!???
@@amantastic what do you think you would do in that situation - if you were pregnant, on the train and then you suddenly went into labor during the ride
You can tell you have done this lap before. You highlighted many things that you do not see on a lot of Zephyr videos,ex. The Denver station, inside and out, the Grand Junction stop and its little store. Like the stills.
Thank you! Yes, battery operated, I also bring a few battery candles for ambiance. Such a beautiful way to travel! Bedroom E is my favourite, A is a bit smaller than the others. The California Zephyr is one of the most beautiful train trips in the country. Enjoy every second. Happy Rails!
I've been watching a ton of vids in preparation for using my rail pass this fall and I love this vid! Great music selection and overall calming. I love your personal touches. Thank you
@@amantastic exactly!!! I have reviews on my channel from 2018 on the California Zephyr and from 2019 on the Southwest Chief. Course I had to skip 2020. 😢 The train to me is life changing, which is why I LOVE bingewatching Amtrak vlogs!😁 My next cross country from Ohio to California is in June. Can't WAIT!! Enjoy your next trip!!!
@@thesoftlifeadventurer Going to go check it out now. I agree that it is life changing. I encourage everyone I know to give it a try, and for almost certain, they are hooked like me! I have not yet ridden the SW Chief, but it is on my list!
I make this trip every year usually as part of a longer one but not last year and possibly not this year as my ship isn't sailing yet so there's no point. Anyway just wanted to say that you made a great video!
Loved this video. When is this from? We did this same trip in August and I’m super happy to see that Conductor J survived layoffs if this is recent. Awesome guy.
I paid with points, but got a heck of a deal due to Covid. So much fun! I get the bedroom if it’s in my budget. I’m traveling now and the bedrooms were sold out on my train both ways.
0:21 That’s Chicago union station? Doesn’t look like it at all from what I remember. I wouldn’t mind if more of your clips had the original audio. I love the sound of the train! What a great ride! I would absolutely love to take a trip on the CZ. What would you say the best long distance route is?
That was my first CZ trip, and it was spectacular! Would love to take it Eastbound. I have to say I am partial to the Empire Builder as it is my hometown train and I've ridden it most often.
Some of Union Stations platforms in the south concourse have skylights. Those tracks (2-16) are mainly used by Metra trains, but since there are fewer midday commuter trains, sometimes Amtrak uses them.
One leg of my circle trip was joining many friends on the Pride Ride. This group rides each year, and it was my second time joining them. This year they are riding the Empire Builder in June, which, sadly, I am unable to attend. There is a Facebook page, Amtrak's Pride for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, & Allies Members, for more info on this annual event. We had a blast!!
While planning this circle trip, I researched longer stops for potential food delivery. I joined local Facebook pages for restaurants and reached out there. Chef Travis form the Riviera Supper Club and Piano bar responded and agreed to deliver. I guaranteed payment and a generous gratuity, even if it didn't work out. He downloaded the app and kept track of the train status. It worked out perfectly!! We dined on Devils on Horseback, an amazing stuffed mushroom, corn and black bean salad, hand cut ribeye, garlic shrimp, and Pluot pie. It was amazing!!! Worth every single penny!!! Also had food delivered in Columbus, Wisconsin on the Empire Builder, and Klamath Falls on the Coast Starlight.
As per Federal law and Amtrak policy, face coverings are required at all times while on the train for both customers and employees unless one is actively eating or drinking. We saw people put off the train for not being compliant as this policy is strictly enforced. We wore ours at all times, however at night when we closed the door and curtains, we took them off. In coach, you are required to wear a face covering even while sleeping.
@@tracypeterson7787 This trip was last fall, so maybe the policy has changed. I’m riding the City of New Orleans in a few weeks in a roomette, so I guess I’ll find out! How was the SW Chief? Never been on it and it’s on my bucket list for fall.
@@amantastic I love everything about train travel....I live in Southern California so the chief leaves and arrives here. My next is to do the California Zephyr. The scenery on that train is one I really want to see. I’d like to ride and experience all of them! I will also do the New Orleans. I’ve watched a few videos. Have a great adventure!!!!!
Love the X-mas lights. I remember my car attendant Quamay had these in his cabin for the holiday this yr...2020 on the Cardinal to Chicago. Flowers are beautiful, and add a nice touch to the room.
Thank you! It adds a bit of ambiance!
I definitely love this Amtrak experience, very breathtaking!
Thank you! It was a beautiful ride! I hope to do it again someday!
The piano music is pretty good!
Once while I was on the CZ riding in a sleeping car, I observed a live birth take place on the train, I’m not joking. Back in late March 2019, I was on the California Zephyr going from Davis to Glenwood Springs and on the train, there was pregnant 19 year old girl from SFSU traveling from Emeryville to Denver with her boyfriend. They normally fly home from college for holidays/breaks but because their due date was close (due date was April 5th and they departed on March 29th), they had to use the train since airlines do not allow women to fly in the last 6 weeks of pregnancy. During the ride at 1 AM, the girl’s water broke and the attendant for our sleeping car (Justin Woods, a young guy in his early 20s) volunteered to deliver the baby since he had seen how it was done online. The girl agreed and Justin did so in which he went into the first aid kit, got his gloves on, then squeezed himself into the roomette to have the girl push while he caught the baby when she was born. The baby ended up being born on the train - a healthy baby girl in a ROOMETTE!!! It was a fabulous story and the girl, her newborn and boyfriend were taken off the train by paramedics at the next railroad crossing (train was in a remote location between Elko and Salt Lake City at the moment which required a helicopter ambulance to meet the train). As it is, I observed the whole thing as I was holding the girl’s left leg as well as recording this with her boyfriend’s phone. I’ve wondered - if you are female, suppose this happened to you where you (or your wife/girlfriend) suddenly went into labor on an Amtrak train and the train was going across a remote location at the moment. Would you at all be able to tolerate giving birth unmediated, while crammed into a Roomette, on a bed that was not flexible (unlike in the hospital), on a train that speeding up to 90 MPH, the baby’s umbilical cord having to stay attached to you until you got to a hospital (no scissors/clamps on the train), and the person delivering your baby is an Amtrak conductor/attendant with no medical training or license of any kind??? Seriously, this girl was incredibly brave and was lucky that there were no complications, PLUS it only took 20 minutes for her to push the baby out (water broke at 1 AM, and the baby was born at 1:22 AM) What do you think of all this!!!???
Wow!! I think I remember reading about that on Facebook. Amazing story! I hope the baby got a railroad related name!!!
@@amantastic they named the baby “Emma Amtrak Burns” with Amtrak being the middle name!
@@coleallen3895 wow! Beautiful name and story! Glad all went well for mamma, baby, and crew!!
@@amantastic what do you think you would do in that situation - if you were pregnant, on the train and then you suddenly went into labor during the ride
I didn’t hear but I can’t imagine that, crazy story!
I wanted to thank you for a heart stirringly beautiful video. Just simply stunning.
Gosh, Thank you! This was my first time on this train and what a spectacular ride it was!
You can tell you have done this lap before. You highlighted many things that you do not see on a lot of Zephyr videos,ex. The Denver station, inside and out, the Grand Junction stop and its little store. Like the stills.
Thank you! It was my first time on this route, and it was absolutely gorgeous! Can't wait to ride the Zephyr again!
Love that Christmas lights decor ❤️❤️❤️
Thank you! Me too! Love to create a little ambiance....
What a well thought out trip report ! I love the lights were they battery operated? Taking this trip in August in bedroom 😀
Thank you! Yes, battery operated, I also bring a few battery candles for ambiance. Such a beautiful way to travel! Bedroom E is my favourite, A is a bit smaller than the others. The California Zephyr is one of the most beautiful train trips in the country. Enjoy every second. Happy Rails!
I've been watching a ton of vids in preparation for using my rail pass this fall and I love this vid! Great music selection and overall calming. I love your personal touches. Thank you
Thank you so much! I have not done a rail pass yet, but it may be in my future! Happy Rails!
Love the decor; great idea!
Thank you! It sure makes it more fun, and it gorgeous at night!
Beautiful!! Love your clips! :)
Thank you so much!
My favorite cross country means of travel! I do it every year!
This was my first time on the California Zephyr, and it was spectacular! Planning a circle trip again this fall. The best way to travel!!
@@amantastic exactly!!! I have reviews on my channel from 2018 on the California Zephyr and from 2019 on the Southwest Chief. Course I had to skip 2020. 😢 The train to me is life changing, which is why I LOVE bingewatching Amtrak vlogs!😁 My next cross country from Ohio to California is in June. Can't WAIT!! Enjoy your next trip!!!
@@thesoftlifeadventurer Going to go check it out now. I agree that it is life changing. I encourage everyone I know to give it a try, and for almost certain, they are hooked like me! I have not yet ridden the SW Chief, but it is on my list!
@@amantastic yaaayyy!! You will love it. Thanks for the conversation. Subscribing now! Can't wait to see your next vlog. Blessings... 🙏🏽
Did this trek in 2013, from CA to Chi..would do it again for sure.
My first time on this train and it was spectacular! Definitely would do it again!
I make this trip every year usually as part of a longer one but not last year and possibly not this year as my ship isn't sailing yet so there's no point. Anyway just wanted to say that you made a great video!
Thank you! This was my first time on this train. The views were spectacular!
I can't wait to do this
Me neither! I booked a ride on the City of New Orleans on May 1, Amtrak's birthday! Love to ride!
Beautiful. Still photos are perfect. The piano accompaniment is just right (what is that piano piece?)
Thank you so much! Music is something by Kevin MacLeod downloaded off UA-cam studio.
Great video!!
Thank you!
Loved this video. When is this from? We did this same trip in August and I’m super happy to see that Conductor J survived layoffs if this is recent. Awesome guy.
This was late September, train 2 of our circle trip, and my first time ever on this train. Amazing crew, and my gosh, it was spectacularly beautiful!
It looks like fun how much did you pay for that room?
I paid with points, but got a heck of a deal due to Covid. So much fun! I get the bedroom if it’s in my budget. I’m traveling now and the bedrooms were sold out on my train both ways.
0:21 That’s Chicago union station? Doesn’t look like it at all from what I remember.
I wouldn’t mind if more of your clips had the original audio. I love the sound of the train!
What a great ride! I would absolutely love to take a trip on the CZ. What would you say the best long distance route is?
Yes, were were in the Metropolitan lounge before being led out to the train.
That was my first CZ trip, and it was spectacular! Would love to take it Eastbound. I have to say I am partial to the Empire Builder as it is my hometown train and I've ridden it most often.
@@amantastic Yea.
Some of Union Stations platforms in the south concourse have skylights. Those tracks (2-16) are mainly used by Metra trains, but since there are fewer midday commuter trains, sometimes Amtrak uses them.
@@ajo5602 I got it now. Thanks for the clarifying
Pity it;s not captioned, but the visuals are great.
That's so awesome! I like the moment where the camera focuses on the Pride and Transgender flags.
One leg of my circle trip was joining many friends on the Pride Ride. This group rides each year, and it was my second time joining them. This year they are riding the Empire Builder in June, which, sadly, I am unable to attend. There is a Facebook page, Amtrak's Pride for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, & Allies Members, for more info on this annual event. We had a blast!!
@@amantastic I did not know that. Thank you for sharing that info. Good to know!
こんにちは､今年もよろしく､
今期から､バイデンさん､ですねっ､
How did you order food at Glenwood Springs? Did they deliver? Or, is it a longer stop?
While planning this circle trip, I researched longer stops for potential food delivery. I joined local Facebook pages for restaurants and reached out there. Chef Travis form the Riviera Supper Club and Piano bar responded and agreed to deliver. I guaranteed payment and a generous gratuity, even if it didn't work out. He downloaded the app and kept track of the train status. It worked out perfectly!! We dined on Devils on Horseback, an amazing stuffed mushroom, corn and black bean salad, hand cut ribeye, garlic shrimp, and Pluot pie. It was amazing!!! Worth every single penny!!! Also had food delivered in Columbus, Wisconsin on the Empire Builder, and Klamath Falls on the Coast Starlight.
Why are you wearing a face mask in the roomette?
As per Federal law and Amtrak policy, face coverings are required at all times while on the train for both customers and employees unless one is actively eating or drinking. We saw people put off the train for not being compliant as this policy is strictly enforced. We wore ours at all times, however at night when we closed the door and curtains, we took them off. In coach, you are required to wear a face covering even while sleeping.
I road the southwest chief 2 months ago. Had a roomette. We were NOT required to wear a mask while in our space. Only when we left.
@@tracypeterson7787 This trip was last fall, so maybe the policy has changed. I’m riding the City of New Orleans in a few weeks in a roomette, so I guess I’ll find out! How was the SW Chief? Never been on it and it’s on my bucket list for fall.
@@amantastic I love everything about train travel....I live in Southern California so the chief leaves and arrives here. My next is to do the California Zephyr. The scenery on that train is one I really want to see. I’d like to ride and experience all of them! I will also do the New Orleans. I’ve watched a few videos. Have a great adventure!!!!!