I'm literally the guy who you recorded washing the windows 23:50 and we actually do have a airport here in Albuquerque, it's called the ABQ sunport it was cool to see myself in the video this was on my news feed I've been washing those windows for three years so seeing this was awesome 😎 I'll definitely share with my coworkers I hope you read this comment .
In 1984 I graduated from college and tried to talk some friends to drive cross country. I had no takers. I took a train from Baltimore to San Diego. What a great trip it was.
Greetings again Jeb. I was fortunate that my Dad (RIP) worked on the train as a Sleeping Car Porter. From the time I was born until Dad retired in '72, I road with Dad two to four times a year across country out of Oakland, Ca to Houston, TX, Chicago , New Orleans, Los Angeles, Seattle, New York and one time from New York to Miami when Dad got assigned to work a Private Sleeping Car for Redd Foxx; whom he knew from back in the day. Thank you again for bringing back some fond memories .
Everyone should ride the train at least once. I've enjoyed numerous long trips, Christmas was special, stayed awake during the night to see little towns, farms all lite up. Thanks for taking me along this evening.
The trains are nice. But amtrak needs to keep the restrooms cleaner. And people (most) should stop being such pigs. I only travel by train, due to a medical condition. It's trying at times. Filth and no respect.
I appreciate those kind words of the Southwest Chief. Being a passenger rail advocate with my rail advocacy organization and my hobby which is railroad photography. It has been a long decade to ensure the Southwest Chief remained on her current route. Amtrak has tried to terminate the service and or re route the service out of Raton pass. I live along the route between ABQ & LMY and see the Southwest Chief passes behind my house daily which always brings a smile to my face. I frequently use Amtrak’s Southwest Chief and I never get bored with the route. But allot of your comments on the scenery of the Southwest Chief seems to never get old and I always learn something new.
Oh, how I'd love to be aboard the train, any one of 'em that serves REAL food. I"m 93, can't afford the trip, so travel vicariously with you, Jeb. Thanks for all the interesting facts you toss at us, and I enjoy your Suzanne, too. You guys are great together. Maybe in my next life I'll ride along!! ♥
I grew up on the Pueblo of Laguna (NM) reservation. We still wave to the Amtrak Southwest Chief when we see it passing through our tribal homelands. In 1999, my parents, brother and I journeyed by Amtrak from Albuquerque to Chicago via the Southwest Chief. Then we took the Lake Shore Limited from Chicago to NYC. We made stops with in Cleveland and NYC where we visited friends. From NYC, we took a combination of train and bus to Rhode Island and Maine. Again two stops to visit friends. We took a bus down to DC where we stayed with another friend. Then we got back on Amtrak via the Capitol Limited to Chicago. Then we went home to NM aback on the Southwest Chief. The entirely of this adventure was almost three weeks… but it has been a highlight of my family. My children want to do a train trip adventure before they begin their journeys into life. Your video is one I am sharing with them. Safe travels!
The Southwest Chief... every Boy Scout’s link to Philmont Scout Ranch, a 1/2 hour shuttle ride from the Raton, NM stop. Seeing that stop brought back memories.
The future of Amtrac? Sky's the limit! After MANY years of no passenger rail service in my area, Amtrac has used our city as an end/starting point! The guesstimated passenger traffic was passed 2.5 times! Now they are planning to extend service further down the line to an area that will probably require a second train per day with all the folks that will be lined up to use it! We now have a straight shot to D C., then on to NYC!!! Its so nice to see rail service returning, when this used to be the hometown of a major East Coast line. Mergers destroyed the railroad "business" about 25 years ago, but at least we have passenger service again!🙏🏻 (BTW- My father retired from the railroad after 42 years of service! He started in the 50's, frequently working on steam engines- like the J-611!)
Jeb, I don't remember how I first came across your channel. But I greatly enjoy it. Your calm demeanor and camera presence make us feel like we're traveling right along with you. Your honest opinions and feelings make your videos that much more authentic. Your love for what you do and your fans is very evident. Thank you for allowing us to ride along with you!
I love train travel. Our country really needs to support Amtrak, by investing in it’s rails and the culture of train travel. Europe is heads above the US in the quality and pricing of traveling by train. Thanks for sharing your travels. I hope to be on one of these routes soon!
Hopefully the food goes back to what it was before the plague, it was good when I had traveled in the past on Amtrak. Was nice to have a reservation in the dining car and the food looked nothing like what you showed, I hope to god it reverts back after the plague
@Juan Sanchez thank you for that happy news. This year's trip to Seattle got cancelled due to Covid and then I kept seeing videos about microwaved mess for meals. I can now begin to think about the possiblity that I will be able to do this nice trip next winter.
@@thatmukundbalaji .Oh God No. Not another contributing charge.. what would my Mother think....LOL. Put that thought on your bucket list then.. Please enjoy the trains when you can. You won't be disappointed
My parents were from Raton and my great-grandfather was a engineer for the AT&SF. Great to see the Raton sign again, climbed that hill many times as a kid.
By far the best You Tube Video of the many that have been done on the Chicago to Los Angeles Amtrak trip. Not surprised. Typical of the Travel Videos you and your wife do. The Peru Train Travel Video you did is in a class of its own. I took the trip in this Video many times back and forth as a kid in the 1950’s and 1960’s. The Santa Fe El Capitan in those days. When it went through Pomona and Pasadena on the way to and from Los Angeles. Then switched trains and train stations in Chicago. Went to and from our final destination of Cleveland via the New York Central each trip. A lot of fun.
I pretty much grew up on trains, since my dad worked on the railroad. I have made many trips on Amtrak including a cross country trip from Portland, OR to New York, as well as a complete rail trip around the entire country - Portland, OR to Chicago to Wash. DC to New Orleans to LA then up the coast back to Portland, OR. It's the best way to travel if you have the time.
How meta is this... I am watching this on the Southwest Chief. I watch every video and it just so happens that the timing of this was perfect. I am in a roomette and let me say I am glad you enjoyed it. I take five or so trips a year on Amtrak to do writing and the highlight, until now, has been the food. Still super relaxing but I do miss the steak, the burger, and the cooked to order omelets. I hope you can travel again when the food is better. One tip I have is that I always bring a power strip and an extension cord so everyone can have power during the day and you can send the cord up to the bunk to charge phones. In terms of the future of Amtrak, I am hopeful. New environmentally friendly Siemens Charger locomotives are being built and modified to handle long distances. New Acelas next year that have been called the most technologically advanced trains. Supposedly full dining is coming back May 2021. I am also hopeful for new Superliners in the near future. New Viewliner sleepers are slowly coming off the line... did I mention slowly.
So far, my wife and I have made 5 "overnight" trips from Philadelphia on Amtrak. They were 3 to Ft. Lauderdale, FL, 1 to New Orleans, and another from N.O. on to Phoenix. We are in our late 70s, so we book a roomette for each of us to avoid having to use the top bunk. This also gives you some private time as well as more room for your baggage. We are going to Florida again in 4 weeks. We do fly home each time. Some of our train travel is free, thanks to my Amtrak Master Card usage.
I took a 3.5 day ride from the east coast to the west coast, taking a total of 3 trains and a bus to get from NY to SF. It was one of the highlights of my first trip to the States and the view was amazing! We went through so many different sceneries as we were crossing the country, from snowy trees to open desert. It truly is an underrated way to travel.
Very cool. I drive a truck. It's about 4 days coast to coast solo. Would love to see high speed rail over flights in the States. Terminals in Europe are so cool.
Jeb, Great itinerary. This route is one of very few that stops in Colorado ( other than Denver). I like it because of that: Lamar,LaJunta,and Trinidad. There are promises to connect lines from Denver south to Colorado Springs, Pueblo,and the other southerly venues. This is important for those who want to change trains to go West to LA and beyond. It would be great to have proper stations for all of the stops due to weather and for accessibility to a manned ticket window. Holding good thoughts for the above!
My dad work for Santa Fa, as a kid my family took southwest chief 2x from Chicago to Lax. Still best vacation of my life and I’m 48yrs old now and I’ve been on dozens of vacations. I’ll never forget our train trip.
Congratulations on your engagement, I’m from Glasgow Scotland and I love your videos one day I will get back to America and would love to do the full amtrak experience just watching your video looks amazing especially going through all the little towns etc stay safe and thank you for sharing your journeys
I'll admit that I haven't necessarily watched all of your videos, but since this is the first time I've heard the creative director described as your fiancee, Congratulations!
Did this route in 1995 & loved it. got off at Lamy for Santa Fe & stayed there for a week before getting back on the train to finish the route to Los Angeles. I travelled coach and the most difficult element was the stops during the night and the very chatty passengers who just wanted to hear me talk with my British accent!
I always loved traveling on Amtrak. I used to take lots of short trips (NYC to Albany, NY 2 hrs), medium trips, (NY to Williamsburg, VA 8 hrs), and once I took an overnight trip from NY to Orlando, FL. I love traveling by train!
Departing Chicago10/22 at 2:50PM and arriving into Los Angeles Union Station on 10/24 at 7:55AM, I just completed a trip on the Southwest Chief in Car 331 Bedroom A. As a late 2021 update: Car purser and dining attendant (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) service has returned and is included for sleeping accommodations passengers. I brought snacks, water, and bourbon. In addition to seeing how spectacular the US's Great Plains, mountains, rivers, small farming towns, and big cities are, I truly enjoyed meeting my fellow Americans. In ages when we can get anywhere quickly, it was the experience of seeing America and meeting people that made this an unforgettable experience.
I grew up in a Santa Fe Railroad Family,I was born in 1951 ,since my dad and grandpa's were Santa Fe employees, we could ride anywhere Santa Fe traveled FREE,IT WAS GREAT 👍
Thank you for sharing this video. Last June, I took a cross country train ride from Flint, Mi. to Chicago ( Blue Water ), then switched to Empire Builder all the way to Seattle. 5 days later, took Coast Starlight from Tacoma to Sacramento, and on layover for 5 hours, took California Zephyr from Sacramento back to Chicago, and then back to Blue Water; it was a vacation of a lifetime. Lord willing, if I ever do something like this again, I want to ride on the Southwest Chief.
When you passed through San Bernardino, you passed right beside my train parked in one of the house tracks. I operate a very strange looking train. Only about 660ft long. It's called a rail grinder.
Las Vegas, NM, was the real town they used to film the 1984 classic "Red Dawn." The building with the arches was in one of the climactic scenes, as were the railroad tracks you rode on.
Hi Jeb, Amtrak has returned to full cooked meal service in the diner. My wife and have traveled from the east coast to west coast on all the long distance trains. I would guess at least 30 to 40 times. The family bedroom is our favorite accommodation. We always stock up on wine in Chicago and some snacks. The train is one of the best ways to travel.
Okay, one more and this one's positive. Albuquerque is my favorite place on earth, your video of the Rail Runner is my favorite that you've made. Thanks for highlighting ABQ again.
I’m scared of heights but I have to travel to California and New York one day. I literally am a person that had to know information before it happens. I needed to see this. Thank you so much
Yes, I have crossed the US by train several times. I found your comments echoed my own thoughts. I loved seeing the geography of the US come alive for me as I crossed the continent from east to west, eastern forests to Midwest prairie to Great Plains to mountains to desert. It really was a wonderful experience.
The only time I ever rode a train was from Houston to El Paso and never left the sightseer lounge. I took one look at my seat and judgy neighbor and decided there were indeed better places to enjoy my journey than in a darkened seated carriage
Thanks so much. This video brings back memories of a train trip my family took between Chicago and LA in December 1964 when I was seven. The route seems to be pretty much the same. I remember passing Pike’s Peak, and Albuquerque was a fresh air stop back then, too. I also remember seeing a few prairie dogs while going through New Mexico. Great memories!
In the mid 60's my parents took me and a sister on that train route from Kansas City to LA, just before Christmas to visit my other sister and her family. We returned on New Years... with drunken partiers! This was way before Amtrak. It was the last Santa Fe Super Chief and was very plush! The food was great, the scenery was greater, and the time table for the two trips was the opposite so what we slept through on the way out was daylighton the way back. Couldn't miss watching from the elevated scenic car! We had a connecting double so it was roomy. That was my second train trip but a highlight of my life and I've done several other trips since then.
This brought back a flood of memories, thank you! I was pregnant with my first child and we took a regular Amtrak from Boston to Chicago and then a roomette on the same line as you (except 27 years ago). It was my dream to do this, versus flying, and was not disappointed. After ALB, we were even seated that night at dinner with Tyne Daly (from Cagney and Lacy) because she made that trip often and was afraid of flying. I would only add to do this trip around Christmas because at night, when the scenery would otherwise be pitch black, we saw so many distant twinkling Christmas lights. You've kindled something in me to recreate this trip, maybe the other way around now!
Made this journey almost 10 years ago, DC to LA , and I must say it was a profound life experience. Not only the peace ,tranquility and relaxing fact of just allowing time to pass and watch the enormity of the US and it’s changing scenery, but meeting people and generally enhancing my life.
I took the Southwest Chief 38 years ago when I was 18 as a solo traveller. I booked a one month Amtrak ticket and got off in Albuquerque and Flagstaff. It is a great journey but I think I enjoyed the trip from LA to SF more. Lots of senior citizens and everybody friendly and polite. Hopefully, I will do another trip again.
This is actually a trip that I have been thinking about for years. Hopefully when the travel restrictions and covid is over I can finally get to take this same trip.
Your Amtrak and other train videos have inspired me to book a cross country trip for my husband’s 60th birthday. He just turned 55 so I have some time but I know this will be a perfect birthday trip as he has always wanted to travel by train
I love train travel. When I was in college many, many, many years ago, I would take the very short train ride home on the weekends. Although I haven't been on the train lately because of the pandemic, I'm planning to take the Empire Builder from St Paul to visit my sister and her family in Washington state once we're back to more normal times. I've made that trip in a sleeper several times before and absolutely loved it. It's so much more relaxing than plane travel. And, being a natural hermit, I love being able to self-isolate from the other travelers. There was "real" food the last time I traveled and hopefully the current situation is just another result of the pandemic and will return to normal soon.
I’ve taken the Amtrak’s City of New Orleans from Chicago all the way to New Orleans! It was not as scenic as this! You passed near where I live in Naperville! Great video!
Jeb, nice video, and I appreciate the attempts at humor! I do love both trains and train travel to my core, so this is a welcome view into a route I’ve long wanted to do! I live in CA, and have taken the Pacific Surfliner a million times, and the Coast Starlight from Santa Barbara to Portland once, a long time ago on my only ‘romantic’ rail journey with my new wife at the time. Those are long-ago days for me - she died many years ago, and is now simply and happily referred to as the ‘mother-of-my-children.’ The years do fly by - almost faster than the landscapes on an epic train journey. Much though, to the point, that life is an epic journey, to be lived and savored - the journey is always the best part of any adventure. It defines the adventure, and your inference of slowing down and absorbing the experience, feeling the motion and rolling, hearing the patterns of sounds of the steel wheels pushing across the rails, the smells of the food, good or bad... they all define the experience, much as you will associate the feeling spent doing what you love with someone you love. My guess is that will always bring a warm feeling inside and a smile to your face. Thanks for sharing your trip! Stay safe and healthy!
Having been wanting to do this trip for years, I am watching this video in Munich, Germany. Videos like this help me a lot during whe Covid19 situation and all the travel restrictions. Thank you for all the work which you must have put into this project!
Thank you SO much for pointing out that the family car does not have a bathroom. We are moving back to our home state, and wanted to avoid our usual 17.5-hour drive. I'm currently pregnant, and we have a 6- and almost 2-year-old. I have a serious phobia of public restrooms, and I almost booked a family car until I saw this video. Thank you SOOOOOO much for just pointing out that one aspect of the room.
This video is the last push I need to do this. I've been wanting to do an Amtrak train ride from KC to LA so this video came at a perfect time. Great channel and content!!!
With all the nonsense coming out of Murica. It’s refreshing to have a video like this come across my feed. I wonder how many have taken the time to enjoy the beautiful country you have.
I have gone from Phoenix to DC 3 times. I had a great relaxing ride each time. I look at it as part of the vacation. You get to see the country instead of flying over it. The journey is part of the adventure and I don’t mind paying extra for the adventure. Plus I absolutely hate air travel.
I used to live in Mesa. Every few years of my younger ages I remember taking the train from Flagstaff to Chicago to visit family for the Holidays with my mom and sister. Loved the huge windows and watching the scenery.
Hi Jeb. I'm here in Ireland and have been watching your videos for some time. You see it's not that I am passionate about rail travel rather I am passionate about the US. I have never been but if I kick the bucket and have not visited then I feel I have not lived at all. Your videos give me a US fix in the meantime. I just love watching Amtrak leaving cities and travelling through your beautiful countryside. It's my best option to see the sights of the US in the meantime. Many thanks for giving me an insight to your fantastic country. Keep up the good work. Love travelling with you all. John
The observation deck is my favorite part of the train. I stayed there during all of my trips. Jackson, MS-New Orleans, LA, Jackson, MS-Chicago,IL. Amtrak has always been very enjoyable.
Congrats Jeb on your engagement. Hopefully things get better in the aviation industry and you can experience the residence on your honeymoon if etihad doesn’t retire it’s a380’s. BTW Dr Pepper is made with prunes
@@davidthaler7018 No one will ever know the complete ingredient list. But the company might skirt the issue by saying it doesn't contain prune juice (made from all varieties of dried plums) while not admitting that the possibility of the juice of fresh squeezed black plums is on the list. Prune juice is made from dried prunes while plum juice is made from fresh squeezed plums.
When I was 10, my Grandmother and I got on the Santa Fe El Capitan. We started at Pomona, Ca. and traveled to Chicago, Ill. My favorite car was the dining car. The food was much better than you described. I always tried to engage the conductor and the stewards in conversation. There was something present on that train that is no longer present. The smell of burnt tobacco. I loved the sunrise and sunset coming through the train windows. I have had a blessed life of traveling to more than 20 countries. I've been on trains, planes, ships and semi-trucks. Thank you for this video.
You had Fred Harvey food on a Santa Fe diner o the El Cap (a really good train) - definitely superior to Amtrak, but Amtrak has been good. Better than any airline food I've ever had, and that includes Pan Am in the "old days". I understand that after a period of rather ghastly food in the diner, Amtrak is improving, and i call that a good thing.
In 1964, I took the Super Chief on this route. My family did not get a sleeper, we sat in the coach seats the entire trip. I was 9 years old it was an exciting trip for me, perhaps not so much for my mother! I have many memories that have lasted all this time!
On this trip going west, obviously they would be going through Flagstaff at night, not really anything that can be seen at night from a train passing through any town to be honest. Maybe on the east bound trek you pass through Flagstaff during the day? Most of these videos about the Southwest Chief, they tend to start east heading west, vs west to east. So I've never seen that part of the trip. However, they all stop in Albuquerque for an hour, so everyone always shows that part of the trip; I happen to live in ABQ and often see the SW Chief as I pass over on the Lead Ave. bridge. Not as much these days since the only show up three times a week. I wonder if they will expand the service again once the pandemic lets up.
I just discovered your channel. I have traveled the train from Union Station to Dodge City, KS more times than I can remember. I first traveled with my parents in the 1960s. At that time, the route was owned by the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway. There were 3 trains on that route: the Chief, the El Capitan (a double decker) and the Super Chief. My family usually took the El Capitan, which did NOT have sleeper cars. The Amtrak Southwest Chief is basically the same as the El Capitan except that it has sleeper cars. It even goes along the same route. My daughters have traveled with me on the Southwest Chief, and we all love the train. Each time we take it, we are just as excited as the first time. Your three Ps advice was very good. Bringing gum is also good because going over the Raton Pass and the one near Fontana, CA can be a nightmare with plugged ears. Thank you for making these videos because traveling on the airlines to smaller cities, such as Dodge City, takes all day with multiple plane changes. Taking the train is infinitely more relaxing, especially if you are traveling with active children as I was doing in the 1990s and early 2000s.
I think it's interesting what you said during the top in Lamy. You may have been sitting in one spot, but the spot you were sitting was moving for you.
This reminded me of my own train ride although we took the northern route from Chicago to Portland. We had the family car as well. I spent most of my time with other early 20 somethings on the observation deck. I enjoyed watching the video. If you have the rooms, not only did they have the meals free, they also held a wine and cheese tasting and went with my grandmother. After 2 1/2 days on the train, I had trouble walking on solid ground, entirely unsteady. We had the actual dinner car and the cafe downstairs was an option. Food delivery was only really for those who were unable in the room cars. The steak really was good. Who doesn’t love free filet mignon? I also had learned the wine at the dinner car was not free. A tiny bottle for 14.00 😂
I love all your videos, but the train ones are the best. I remember taking a train ride from Chicago to Los Angeles in the early 60s. We were aboard the "El Capitan,' a coach-only train, but very nice. I loved that experience and think of it fondly. I think the Southwest Chief goes through many of the same cities as the El Capitan.
I also rode the Cardinal from Newark NJ Penn station and the Southwest Chief to LA. I too had a bedroom. I did however enjoy sitting in the Metropolitan lounge in Chicago. The entire ride was awesome. Although I traveled this route 5 years ago, I still share pictures of my rail journey to my students and others as well. This is definitely a trip that I will undergo again. Thank you for your post!
Thank you for your videos. I'm a Filipino who currently living here in the Philippines. I may not be able to step foot ever on US soil but watching your videos enables me to see the country side and rural areas of the US in a traveler's perspective since we usually think of cities and urban landmarks in talking about the US. I'm in agreement with you to this kind of travels/journey, though we usually travel here through bus and ships since we don't have railway system to have long travels. It makes the traveler and the citizen appreciate more the beauty of the country that don't usually seen through this perspective. Great vlog. More power to you.
I really like your Amtrak videos - I hope you do some more. I am thinking of getting a roomette on the Southwest Chief to go from Chicago to Fullerton, California. Last summer, I traveled from Jackson, Mississippi on the City of New Orleans train to Chieago, and then over to Boston, round trip. I really enjoyed that trip, which was for business. I had planned to go to Spain in January, but being sick with COVID cancelled that trip for me. Rather than try my chances of attempting Europe again, I feel safer trying to take the train. I really enjoyed the sense of gratitude you expressed in being able to take the train. Thank you for your videos - I really enjoy them.
Thank you Jeb, before i was born my dad worked on that bridge in Fortmadison. Turming it for the Santa Fa railroad, trains had the right of way over Barges on the mississippi !!!
I'm literally the guy who you recorded washing the windows 23:50 and we actually do have a airport here in Albuquerque, it's called the ABQ sunport it was cool to see myself in the video this was on my news feed I've been washing those windows for three years so seeing this was awesome 😎 I'll definitely share with my coworkers I hope you read this comment .
Thanks for watching and getting our windows clean!! They looked great!
Nice work sir
That's an awesome comment! Love that you follow the channel and spotted yourself in the video. Thanks for your hard work.
At 24:29 he did say that the 767 was on approach to the cities sunport.
@@AviationNut the Albuquerque airport is called The ABQ Sunport so he was teasing about ABQ not having an airport😊
The way you narrate these Amtrak journeys conveys well how the experience is, very relaxing.
In the past, I recall the creative director being referred to as "girlfriend".. congrats on the upgrade, Jeb!!
Scott Lyttle If he marries her, she'll get an upgrade to "Executive Director!" Ha Ha
Was that your old GF?
now its a boyfriend
Feb. 17, 2021 at this point in time not good thanks to the pandemic.
@@johnneves9580 , Amtrak Biden or Mr. President is going to make it better.
In 1984 I graduated from college and tried to talk some friends to drive cross country. I had no takers. I took a train from Baltimore to San Diego. What a great trip it was.
Wow, no takers? I would do either in a second.
Greetings again Jeb. I was fortunate that my Dad (RIP) worked on the train as a Sleeping Car Porter. From the time I was born until Dad retired in '72, I road with Dad two to four times a year across country out of Oakland, Ca to Houston, TX, Chicago , New Orleans, Los Angeles, Seattle, New York and one time from New York to Miami when Dad got assigned to work a Private Sleeping Car for Redd Foxx; whom he knew from back in the day. Thank you again for bringing back some fond memories .
Everyone should ride the train at least once. I've enjoyed numerous long trips, Christmas was special, stayed awake during the night to see little towns, farms all lite up. Thanks for taking me along this evening.
Christmas is the best time riding the rails..
''All lite up'' ........ Oh dear.
I’ve ridden the American train system which is quite embarrassing.
The trains are nice. But amtrak needs to keep the restrooms cleaner.
And people (most) should stop being such pigs. I only travel by train, due to a medical condition. It's trying at times. Filth and no respect.
My flying phobia finally got the best of me. I went cross country by train and loved it.
I appreciate those kind words of the Southwest Chief. Being a passenger rail advocate with my rail advocacy organization and my hobby which is railroad photography. It has been a long decade to ensure the Southwest Chief remained on her current route. Amtrak has tried to terminate the service and or re route the service out of Raton pass. I live along the route between ABQ & LMY and see the Southwest Chief passes behind my house daily which always brings a smile to my face. I frequently use Amtrak’s Southwest Chief and I never get bored with the route. But allot of your comments on the scenery of the Southwest Chief seems to never get old and I always learn something new.
@@smh95826 yes I know that, hence why I didn’t state the obvious. I’m stating past tense dude. No need to take it 100% literal.
Oh, how I'd love to be aboard the train, any one of 'em that serves REAL food. I"m 93, can't afford the trip, so travel vicariously with you, Jeb. Thanks for all the interesting facts you toss at us, and I enjoy your Suzanne, too. You guys are great together. Maybe in my next life I'll ride along!! ♥
I grew up on the Pueblo of Laguna (NM) reservation. We still wave to the Amtrak Southwest Chief when we see it passing through our tribal homelands.
In 1999, my parents, brother and I journeyed by Amtrak from Albuquerque to Chicago via the Southwest Chief. Then we took the Lake Shore Limited from Chicago to NYC. We made stops with in Cleveland and NYC where we visited friends. From NYC, we took a combination of train and bus to Rhode Island and Maine. Again two stops to visit friends. We took a bus down to DC where we stayed with another friend. Then we got back on Amtrak via the Capitol Limited to Chicago. Then we went home to NM aback on the Southwest Chief. The entirely of this adventure was almost three weeks… but it has been a highlight of my family.
My children want to do a train trip adventure before they begin their journeys into life. Your video is one I am sharing with them. Safe travels!
Nice!
I would so miss the freshly cooked food. That was about as much fun as the ride, eating in the diner and meeting new people.
I was thinking the same thing!
The Southwest Chief... every Boy Scout’s link to Philmont Scout Ranch, a 1/2 hour shuttle ride from the Raton, NM stop. Seeing that stop brought back memories.
I believe some congratulations are in order- All the best to you both! The good news we needed to round out 2020.
Yeah congratulations Jeb!
I noticed that as well.
Congratulations, Mr. Brooks!!!
Congratulations Jeb and the creative director!
Congrats Mr Brooks
The future of Amtrac? Sky's the limit! After MANY years of no passenger rail service in my area, Amtrac has used our city as an end/starting point! The guesstimated passenger traffic was passed 2.5 times! Now they are planning to extend service further down the line to an area that will probably require a second train per day with all the folks that will be lined up to use it! We now have a straight shot to D C., then on to NYC!!! Its so nice to see rail service returning, when this used to be the hometown of a major East Coast line. Mergers destroyed the railroad "business" about 25 years ago, but at least we have passenger service again!🙏🏻
(BTW- My father retired from the railroad after 42 years of service! He started in the 50's, frequently working on steam engines- like the J-611!)
Jeb, I don't remember how I first came across your channel. But I greatly enjoy it. Your calm demeanor and camera presence make us feel like we're traveling right along with you. Your honest opinions and feelings make your videos that much more authentic. Your love for what you do and your fans is very evident. Thank you for allowing us to ride along with you!
Agreeing with you on all counts here.
👍🏽👍🏽
I love train travel. Our country really needs to support Amtrak, by investing in it’s rails and the culture of train travel. Europe is heads above the US in the quality and pricing of traveling by train. Thanks for sharing your travels. I hope to be on one of these routes soon!
Train travel makes more sense in smaller places where things are closer together...
@@videofan1010 it makes perfect sense in the US, but nincompoops who think otherwise deny it the opportunity to really shine
Hopefully the food goes back to what it was before the plague, it was good when I had traveled in the past on Amtrak. Was nice to have a reservation in the dining car and the food looked nothing like what you showed, I hope to god it reverts back after the plague
@Juan Sanchez it return deez nuts
@Juan Sanchez thank you for that happy news. This year's trip to Seattle got cancelled due to Covid and then I kept seeing videos about microwaved mess for meals. I can now begin to think about the possiblity that I will be able to do this nice trip next winter.
these train trip videos are extremely relaxing.
Couldn’t agree more. I found his videos 4 days ago and have been watching the last 4 nights preparing for bed
You should try enjoying some cocktails on one
@@acgillespie lol I'm under 21
@@thatmukundbalaji .Oh God No. Not another contributing charge.. what would my Mother think....LOL. Put that thought on your bucket list then.. Please enjoy the trains when you can. You won't be disappointed
My parents were from Raton and my great-grandfather was a engineer for the AT&SF. Great to see the Raton sign again, climbed that hill many times as a kid.
By far the best You Tube Video of the many that have been done on the Chicago to Los Angeles Amtrak trip.
Not surprised. Typical of the Travel Videos you and your wife do. The Peru Train Travel Video you did is in a class of its own.
I took the trip in this Video many times back and forth as a kid in the 1950’s and 1960’s. The Santa Fe El Capitan in those days. When it went through Pomona and Pasadena on the way to and from Los Angeles. Then switched trains and train stations in Chicago. Went to and from our final destination of Cleveland via the New York Central each trip. A lot of fun.
Being a disabled person, I can’t afford to travel, so thank you very much for the wonderful videos.
God Bless ❤❤❤
I pretty much grew up on trains, since my dad worked on the railroad. I have made many trips on Amtrak including a cross country trip from Portland, OR to New York, as well as a complete rail trip around the entire country - Portland, OR to Chicago to Wash. DC to New Orleans to LA then up the coast back to Portland, OR. It's the best way to travel if you have the time.
How meta is this... I am watching this on the Southwest Chief. I watch every video and it just so happens that the timing of this was perfect. I am in a roomette and let me say I am glad you enjoyed it. I take five or so trips a year on Amtrak to do writing and the highlight, until now, has been the food. Still super relaxing but I do miss the steak, the burger, and the cooked to order omelets. I hope you can travel again when the food is better.
One tip I have is that I always bring a power strip and an extension cord so everyone can have power during the day and you can send the cord up to the bunk to charge phones.
In terms of the future of Amtrak, I am hopeful. New environmentally friendly Siemens Charger locomotives are being built and modified to handle long distances. New Acelas next year that have been called the most technologically advanced trains. Supposedly full dining is coming back May 2021.
I am also hopeful for new Superliners in the near future. New Viewliner sleepers are slowly coming off the line... did I mention slowly.
The food isn’t back yet 😢
I took the empire builder from HFK to VAN last summer, and I gotta say, I have never had better conversations than that, Midwestern trips are amazing
I was on the Super Chief in 1957. I was 7 years old. I went from Albuquerque to Los Angeles. Fond memory. I also am an Amtrak rider when I can.
So far, my wife and I have made 5 "overnight" trips from Philadelphia on Amtrak. They were 3 to Ft. Lauderdale, FL, 1 to New Orleans, and another from N.O. on to Phoenix. We are in our late 70s, so we book a roomette for each of us to avoid having to use the top bunk. This also gives you some private time as well as more room for your baggage. We are going to Florida again in 4 weeks. We do fly home each time. Some of our train travel is free, thanks to my Amtrak Master Card usage.
I took a 3.5 day ride from the east coast to the west coast, taking a total of 3 trains and a bus to get from NY to SF. It was one of the highlights of my first trip to the States and the view was amazing! We went through so many different sceneries as we were crossing the country, from snowy trees to open desert. It truly is an underrated way to travel.
Very cool. I drive a truck. It's about 4 days coast to coast solo.
Would love to see high speed rail over flights in the States. Terminals in Europe are so cool.
Jeb,
Great itinerary. This route is one of very few that stops in Colorado ( other than Denver). I like it because of that: Lamar,LaJunta,and Trinidad.
There are promises to connect lines from Denver south to Colorado Springs, Pueblo,and the other southerly venues. This is important for those who want to change trains to go West to LA and beyond.
It would be great to have proper stations for all of the stops due to weather and for accessibility to a manned ticket window. Holding good thoughts for the above!
“My fiancée”...
Congratulations to you both! :)
In June 1977 I took the Sunset Limited from Houston to L.A. and it has remained one of the most wonderful memories I will cherish.
Hello Mr. Jacob Brooks Sir I'm such a fan of your channel I just stumbled across it and love the rail road travel
My dad work for Santa Fa, as a kid my family took southwest chief 2x from Chicago to Lax. Still best vacation of my life and I’m 48yrs old now and I’ve been on dozens of vacations. I’ll never forget our train trip.
Congratulations on your engagement, I’m from Glasgow Scotland and I love your videos one day I will get back to America and would love to do the full amtrak experience just watching your video looks amazing especially going through all the little towns etc stay safe and thank you for sharing your journeys
I'll admit that I haven't necessarily watched all of your videos, but since this is the first time I've heard the creative director described as your fiancee, Congratulations!
Thanks!
You are absolutely correct about Amtrak being a National Treasure,
Did this route in 1995 & loved it. got off at Lamy for Santa Fe & stayed there for a week before getting back on the train to finish the route to Los Angeles. I travelled coach and the most difficult element was the stops during the night and the very chatty passengers who just wanted to hear me talk with my British accent!
I always loved traveling on Amtrak. I used to take lots of short trips (NYC to Albany, NY 2 hrs), medium trips, (NY to Williamsburg, VA 8 hrs), and once I took an overnight trip from NY to Orlando, FL. I love traveling by train!
20:18 - Absolutely amazing to see those old Santa Fe SD40's!
Departing Chicago10/22 at 2:50PM and arriving into Los Angeles Union Station on 10/24 at 7:55AM, I just completed a trip on the Southwest Chief in Car 331 Bedroom A. As a late 2021 update: Car purser and dining attendant (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) service has returned and is included for sleeping accommodations passengers. I brought snacks, water, and bourbon. In addition to seeing how spectacular the US's Great Plains, mountains, rivers, small farming towns, and big cities are, I truly enjoyed meeting my fellow Americans. In ages when we can get anywhere quickly, it was the experience of seeing America and meeting people that made this an unforgettable experience.
I grew up in a Santa Fe Railroad Family,I was born in 1951 ,since my dad and grandpa's were Santa Fe employees, we could ride anywhere Santa Fe traveled FREE,IT WAS GREAT 👍
Thank you for sharing this video. Last June, I took a cross country train ride from Flint, Mi. to Chicago ( Blue Water ), then switched to Empire Builder all the way to Seattle. 5 days later, took Coast Starlight from Tacoma to Sacramento, and on layover for 5 hours, took California Zephyr from Sacramento back to Chicago, and then back to Blue Water; it was a vacation of a lifetime. Lord willing, if I ever do something like this again, I want to ride on the Southwest Chief.
Epic.
When you passed through San Bernardino, you passed right beside my train parked in one of the house tracks. I operate a very strange looking train. Only about 660ft long. It's called a rail grinder.
Prunes are great Jeb. They are just dried plums like raisins are dried grapes.
Prunes are great they're also natural laxative.
@@danmclaughlin1180 not for the everyone. They don't affect me any differently than any other fried fruit.
How did we get here?
Prunes blow 🌬️
Made this trip half a dozen times. Loved it every time. Counting my other trips on Amtrak, I've traveled nearly 100,000 mile by train.
These are some of the most interesting and enjoyable videos on UA-cam.
Amazing train travel video's I have ever seen.....your banter is so refreshing and contagious. God Bless...I hope I travel this way some day. 👍
An Amtrak travel adventure is on my "bucket list" Thank you for this segment.
Love that your making the best out of domestic travel during the pandemic!
Las Vegas, NM, was the real town they used to film the 1984 classic "Red Dawn." The building with the arches was in one of the climactic scenes, as were the railroad tracks you rode on.
I love the Sightseeing Lounge on the Southwest Chief, i love when you're in the Lounge you can see the front and the rear of the train.
Hi Jeb, Amtrak has returned to full cooked meal service in the diner. My wife and have traveled from the east coast to west coast on all the long distance trains. I would guess at least 30 to 40 times. The family bedroom is our favorite accommodation. We always stock up on wine in Chicago and some snacks. The train is one of the best ways to travel.
People in coach aren’t allowed to eat in the dining car.
Okay, one more and this one's positive. Albuquerque is my favorite place on earth, your video of the Rail Runner is my favorite that you've made. Thanks for highlighting ABQ again.
My husband and i gotmarried in vegas and took thi train from cincinnati on two week cross country train trip for honeymoon. Best trip. Ever
This is my first time commenting on any of your videos. Your videos have lead me to others and their work. Your work is what allows people to dream.
You're so perfect for this. You definitely have the voice, energy, and presence for it. Happy and safe travels.
I’m scared of heights but I have to travel to California and New York one day. I literally am a person that had to know information before it happens. I needed to see this. Thank you so much
Yes, I have crossed the US by train several times. I found your comments echoed my own thoughts. I loved seeing the geography of the US come alive for me as I crossed the continent from east to west, eastern forests to Midwest prairie to Great Plains to mountains to desert. It really was a wonderful experience.
The only time I ever rode a train was from Houston to El Paso and never left the sightseer lounge. I took one look at my seat and judgy neighbor and decided there were indeed better places to enjoy my journey than in a darkened seated carriage
Thanks so much. This video brings back memories of a train trip my family took between Chicago and LA in December 1964 when I was seven. The route seems to be pretty much the same. I remember passing Pike’s Peak, and Albuquerque was a fresh air stop back then, too. I also remember seeing a few prairie dogs while going through New Mexico. Great memories!
I can't help believe that rail travel will grow, all through this country.
In the mid 60's my parents took me and a sister on that train route from Kansas City to LA, just before Christmas to visit my other sister and her family. We returned on New Years... with drunken partiers! This was way before Amtrak. It was the last Santa Fe Super Chief and was very plush! The food was great, the scenery was greater, and the time table for the two trips was the opposite so what we slept through on the way out was daylighton the way back. Couldn't miss watching from the elevated scenic car! We had a connecting double so it was roomy. That was my second train trip but a highlight of my life and I've done several other trips since then.
This brought back a flood of memories, thank you! I was pregnant with my first child and we took a regular Amtrak from Boston to Chicago and then a roomette on the same line as you (except 27 years ago). It was my dream to do this, versus flying, and was not disappointed. After ALB, we were even seated that night at dinner with Tyne Daly (from Cagney and Lacy) because she made that trip often and was afraid of flying. I would only add to do this trip around Christmas because at night, when the scenery would otherwise be pitch black, we saw so many distant twinkling Christmas lights. You've kindled something in me to recreate this trip, maybe the other way around now!
Made this journey almost 10 years ago, DC to LA , and I must say it was a profound life experience. Not only the peace ,tranquility and relaxing fact of just allowing time to pass and watch the enormity of the US and it’s changing scenery, but meeting people and generally enhancing my life.
I took the Southwest Chief 38 years ago when I was 18 as a solo traveller. I booked a one month Amtrak ticket and got off in Albuquerque and Flagstaff. It is a great journey but I think I enjoyed the trip from LA to SF more. Lots of senior citizens and everybody friendly and polite. Hopefully, I will do another trip again.
This is actually a trip that I have been thinking about for years. Hopefully when the travel restrictions and covid is over I can finally get to take this same trip.
Your Amtrak and other train videos have inspired me to book a cross country trip for my husband’s 60th birthday. He just turned 55 so I have some time but I know this will be a perfect birthday trip as he has always wanted to travel by train
I love train travel. When I was in college many, many, many years ago, I would take the very short train ride home on the weekends. Although I haven't been on the train lately because of the pandemic, I'm planning to take the Empire Builder from St Paul to visit my sister and her family in Washington state once we're back to more normal times. I've made that trip in a sleeper several times before and absolutely loved it. It's so much more relaxing than plane travel. And, being a natural hermit, I love being able to self-isolate from the other travelers. There was "real" food the last time I traveled and hopefully the current situation is just another result of the pandemic and will return to normal soon.
I’ve taken the Amtrak’s City of New Orleans from Chicago all the way to New Orleans! It was not as scenic as this! You passed near where I live in Naperville! Great video!
Chicago gang!
Jeb, nice video, and I appreciate the attempts at humor! I do love both trains and train travel to my core, so this is a welcome view into a route I’ve long wanted to do! I live in CA, and have taken the Pacific Surfliner a million times, and the Coast Starlight from Santa Barbara to Portland once, a long time ago on my only ‘romantic’ rail journey with my new wife at the time. Those are long-ago days for me - she died many years ago, and is now simply and happily referred to as the ‘mother-of-my-children.’ The years do fly by - almost faster than the landscapes on an epic train journey. Much though, to the point, that life is an epic journey, to be lived and savored - the journey is always the best part of any adventure. It defines the adventure, and your inference of slowing down and absorbing the experience, feeling the motion and rolling, hearing the patterns of sounds of the steel wheels pushing across the rails, the smells of the food, good or bad... they all define the experience, much as you will associate the feeling spent doing what you love with someone you love. My guess is that will always bring a warm feeling inside and a smile to your face. Thanks for sharing your trip! Stay safe and healthy!
Beautifully written ❤
Having been wanting to do this trip for years, I am watching this video in Munich, Germany. Videos like this help me a lot during whe Covid19 situation and all the travel restrictions. Thank you for all the work which you must have put into this project!
Does anyone else get extremely high and then hate watch a marathon of this stuff? 🤔 Or is it just me?
One of my bucket lists coming from London travelling on a train across the USA is freaking awesome.
When you mentioned the time zones going from Kansas to Colorado, you didn't lose an hour, you actually gained an hour.
No, the sun rises in the east and sets in the west. You can look at sunrise by GMT by location to see how that works.
@@mattwarner9954WILD!
That's how I would have put it.
I remember I struggled with this when I went to Kansas City, to Galesbrug, to Glenwood Springs
Thanks for your input it helps a lot- how about the fare - just guesstimate for us to include in our budget--
Thank you SO much for pointing out that the family car does not have a bathroom. We are moving back to our home state, and wanted to avoid our usual 17.5-hour drive. I'm currently pregnant, and we have a 6- and almost 2-year-old. I have a serious phobia of public restrooms, and I almost booked a family car until I saw this video. Thank you SOOOOOO much for just pointing out that one aspect of the room.
Where do you go to piss in public?
@@GookSquadGaming rest stops?? 😂 lol
@@VictoriaVaden oh nah I thought you just refused to use public toilets
@@GookSquadGaming LOL! I would prefer to never use them, but for that drive, I don't have a choice.
I’d confirm, it _did_ take Jeb several hours to realize he was literally sitting beside a toilet on the last train.
This video is the last push I need to do this. I've been wanting to do an Amtrak train ride from KC to LA so this video came at a perfect time. Great channel and content!!!
Good luck , I found a train ride with a sleeper car was like taking a dry cruise , it is not cheap at all …….!
I didn’t expect to hear about the prunes here. What a practical and important piece of advice!
With all the nonsense coming out of Murica. It’s refreshing to have a video like this come across my feed. I wonder how many have taken the time to enjoy the beautiful country you have.
I have gone from Phoenix to DC 3 times. I had a great relaxing ride each time. I look at it as part of the vacation. You get to see the country instead of flying over it. The journey is part of the adventure and I don’t mind paying extra for the adventure. Plus I absolutely hate air travel.
What an amazing experience! Now I want to experience a long distance multi-night journey by train. Maybe soon, maybe next year.
Your reaction when you took that prune out of the bag. Priceless! 😂 Thanks Jeb, another brilliant vlog! 👍
I used to live in Mesa. Every few years of my younger ages I remember taking the train from Flagstaff to Chicago to visit family for the Holidays with my mom and sister. Loved the huge windows and watching the scenery.
Hi Jeb. I'm here in Ireland and have been watching your videos for some time. You see it's not that I am passionate about rail travel rather I am passionate about the US. I have never been but if I kick the bucket and have not visited then I feel I have not lived at all. Your videos give me a US fix in the meantime. I just love watching Amtrak leaving cities and travelling through your beautiful countryside. It's my best option to see the sights of the US in the meantime.
Many thanks for giving me an insight to your fantastic country.
Keep up the good work. Love travelling with you all.
John
The observation deck is my favorite part of the train. I stayed there during all of my trips. Jackson, MS-New Orleans, LA, Jackson, MS-Chicago,IL. Amtrak has always been very enjoyable.
Congrats Jeb on your engagement. Hopefully things get better in the aviation industry and you can experience the residence on your honeymoon if etihad doesn’t retire it’s a380’s. BTW Dr Pepper is made with prunes
There are no prunes, juiced or otherwise, in Dr Pepper. That rumor’s been around for nearly a century and has been repeatedly debunked.
@@davidthaler7018 No one will ever know the complete ingredient list. But the company might skirt the issue by saying it doesn't contain prune juice (made from all varieties of dried plums) while not admitting that the possibility of the juice of fresh squeezed black plums is on the list. Prune juice is made from dried prunes while plum juice is made from fresh squeezed plums.
No prunes in Dr. Pepper.
His fiance looks pretty hot.
When I was 10, my Grandmother and I got on the Santa Fe El Capitan. We started at Pomona, Ca. and traveled to Chicago, Ill. My favorite car was the dining car. The food was much better than you described. I always tried to engage the conductor and the stewards in conversation. There was something present on that train that is no longer present. The smell of burnt tobacco. I loved the sunrise and sunset coming through the train windows. I have had a blessed life of traveling to more than 20 countries. I've been on trains, planes, ships and semi-trucks. Thank you for this video.
You had Fred Harvey food on a Santa Fe diner o the El Cap (a really good train) - definitely superior to Amtrak, but Amtrak has been good. Better than any airline food I've ever had, and that includes Pan Am in the "old days". I understand that after a period of rather ghastly food in the diner, Amtrak is improving, and i call that a good thing.
In 1964, I took the Super Chief on this route. My family did not get a sleeper, we sat in the coach seats the entire trip. I was 9 years old it was an exciting trip for me, perhaps not so much for my mother! I have many memories that have lasted all this time!
I used to live in the building at 7:18. 3rd floor, facing the tracks. Enjoyed watching all the rail activities.
Train travel is just so fun and relaxing.
Me: waiting for jeb to go through my hometown of flagstaff
Jeb: we slept through all of arizona
On this trip going west, obviously they would be going through Flagstaff at night, not really anything that can be seen at night from a train passing through any town to be honest. Maybe on the east bound trek you pass through Flagstaff during the day? Most of these videos about the Southwest Chief, they tend to start east heading west, vs west to east. So I've never seen that part of the trip. However, they all stop in Albuquerque for an hour, so everyone always shows that part of the trip; I happen to live in ABQ and often see the SW Chief as I pass over on the Lead Ave. bridge. Not as much these days since the only show up three times a week. I wonder if they will expand the service again once the pandemic lets up.
> 24:49
Sad Flagstaff has train service and Phoenix doesn’t.
im here at NAU and got so excited when I saw flagstaff on his map lol
Love the Grand Seiko. You’ve got great taste in quality haut horology.
I was about to comment the same :)
I just discovered your channel. I have traveled the train from Union Station to Dodge City, KS more times than I can remember. I first traveled with my parents in the 1960s. At that time, the route was owned by the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway. There were 3 trains on that route: the Chief, the El Capitan (a double decker) and the Super Chief. My family usually took the El Capitan, which did NOT have sleeper cars. The Amtrak Southwest Chief is basically the same as the El Capitan except that it has sleeper cars. It even goes along the same route. My daughters have traveled with me on the Southwest Chief, and we all love the train. Each time we take it, we are just as excited as the first time. Your three Ps advice was very good. Bringing gum is also good because going over the Raton Pass and the one near Fontana, CA can be a nightmare with plugged ears. Thank you for making these videos because traveling on the airlines to smaller cities, such as Dodge City, takes all day with multiple plane changes. Taking the train is infinitely more relaxing, especially if you are traveling with active children as I was doing in the 1990s and early 2000s.
I think it's interesting what you said during the top in Lamy. You may have been sitting in one spot, but the spot you were sitting was moving for you.
One of my memorable travel was an Amtrak ride with my son throughout several states
Congrats to the future Mr & Mrs Creative Director...
This reminded me of my own train ride although we took the northern route from Chicago to Portland. We had the family car as well. I spent most of my time with other early 20 somethings on the observation deck. I enjoyed watching the video. If you have the rooms, not only did they have the meals free, they also held a wine and cheese tasting and went with my grandmother. After 2 1/2 days on the train, I had trouble walking on solid ground, entirely unsteady. We had the actual dinner car and the cafe downstairs was an option. Food delivery was only really for those who were unable in the room cars. The steak really was good. Who doesn’t love free filet mignon? I also had learned the wine at the dinner car was not free. A tiny bottle for 14.00 😂
I love all your videos, but the train ones are the best. I remember taking a train ride from Chicago to Los Angeles in the early 60s. We were aboard the "El Capitan,' a coach-only train, but very nice. I loved that experience and think of it fondly. I think the Southwest Chief goes through many of the same cities as the El Capitan.
I also rode the Cardinal from Newark NJ Penn station and the Southwest Chief to LA. I too had a bedroom. I did however enjoy sitting in the Metropolitan lounge in Chicago. The entire ride was awesome. Although I traveled this route 5 years ago, I still share pictures of my rail journey to my students and others as well. This is definitely a trip that I will undergo again. Thank you for your post!
I love how you started at Union Station and ended at Union Station! Amazing Video Jeb
Thank you for your videos. I'm a Filipino who currently living here in the Philippines. I may not be able to step foot ever on US soil but watching your videos enables me to see the country side and rural areas of the US in a traveler's perspective since we usually think of cities and urban landmarks in talking about the US. I'm in agreement with you to this kind of travels/journey, though we usually travel here through bus and ships since we don't have railway system to have long travels. It makes the traveler and the citizen appreciate more the beauty of the country that don't usually seen through this perspective. Great vlog. More power to you.
Absolutely the sightseer lounge is my favourite place especially on the California Zehyr.
I really like your Amtrak videos - I hope you do some more. I am thinking of getting a roomette on the Southwest Chief to go from Chicago to Fullerton, California. Last summer, I traveled from Jackson, Mississippi on the City of New Orleans train to Chieago, and then over to Boston, round trip. I really enjoyed that trip, which was for business. I had planned to go to Spain in January, but being sick with COVID cancelled that trip for me. Rather than try my chances of attempting Europe again, I feel safer trying to take the train. I really enjoyed the sense of gratitude you expressed in being able to take the train. Thank you for your videos - I really enjoy them.
Thank you Jeb, before i was born my dad worked on that bridge in Fortmadison. Turming it for the Santa Fa railroad, trains had the right of way over Barges on the mississippi !!!