Just found this video and couldn't love it more. I'm a Gen X and my dad was assigned to Germany in the early 80s and took the train on several. In the 70s, while returning from Iran, we took the train a ski resort in Bavaria and your winter scenes remind me of thst trip si long ago. Was 6'2" as a teen, but shrank due to Ankylosing Spondylitis, so I'd probably fit an Amtrak showe just fine. Loved this video and subscribing.
Well like I said below somewhere I must have joined you on the Empire builder on December 16th. I have never seen any of your travels before the but the title and date caught my eye and I watched it and saw my Merry Christmas sign. I wish I would have run into you; you would have been a hoot to hang around with and I missed you in Whitefish as I got out and walked around. I live in southern Wisconsin and I started my Journey in Harvard Illinois aboard the Metra to Chicago where I had lunch with a friend and then on to Union Station to begin my journey to Denver and Colorado Springs for a couple of days on the California Zephyr. Now I must tell you I have been in the communications industry for years and carry a radio that covers all the American Association of Railroads frequencies and listen to all goings on aboard the train, and it is comforting to know while you’re moving 80 MPH that the train has all its axles. Reboarded the Zephyr and continued to San Francisco with a stop in Helper Utah to remove a smoker from the train. My car attendant on the Zephyr trained the car attendant on the Empire builder that we were on and I talked to her about him. Both were really great car attendants. A couple of days in San Francisco and rain and I was ready for the Coast Starlight to Seattle for a couple of days visit. Had such a great time there I lost track of time and almost missed the train, I thought I had another day there but I had an hour to pack and get to the station and the East bound Empire Builder to Essex Montana. You kind of glazed over this, cutest little train stop ever, as far as I am concerned this was the best stop I made on this trip, you should try the Izaak Walton Inn! I loved it! Stayed for a couple of days and then rejoined the Empire Builder to Minneapolis. Loved the food meeting people on the whole trip. I knew we put someone off for being rowdy but it was cold and I stayed in and soon called it a night until Fargo where I was awakened by conductors beating our sleeper coach door open as it had frozen shut in the night with drifting snow. I have traveled west on the Empire Builder many times and preferred the old Twin Cities station to the new one. At the old station it was like an hour and 15-minute stop you could order a pizza or wander around the many private varnish coaches that were usually parked there. When they moved the station to St Paul, I never had enough time to get to go up and see the station until now. I was kind of disappointed with it. I was just a big empty room and nothing like Chicago’s or Seattle’s. Well, here is where I end my trip this time. I would do it all again tomorrow. Why did I choose winter to do it? There was enough time built in for a delay due to a blizzard and getting stuck but no such luck. Someday I’ll run it in the summer and sit on the porch swing of the Izaak Walton Inn and have a beer and watch the trains go by, cheers! I have ridden high speed European trains before but the pace of the Empire Builder is nice and it lets you see all the wonders there are to see. Also, when in Chicago I prefer Gino’s East on Superior for pizza.
Great video! I've done 60k miles with Amtrak, and still enjoy it! We never tape the door shut, and never had issues with stuff being stolen from the room. Just close the curtian, and door.
Hello again from Kara. Ah! Thank you for y our reply! I just went back to listen to your video again this morning. you and your wife are so lucky to have taken this journey not only on the EB but on the Coast Starlight also! I just get such a kick out of your entire narration then again I did actually learn somethings about the journey that I did'nt know even tho I have taken this same journey a few times in the past! you two are so lucky to have each other. I hope some day I can find someone to take this journey with also. Take care
Just took the Zephyr from Chicago to SF. Terrific trip and met so many great people. Really get a sense for the vastness of the country - a terrific way to travel. Wonderful video - thank you!
Dunsmuir late evening, southbound on the Coast Starlight… I found that the easiest thing was to do up the bed proper within an hour or so after starting out of LA. Easier to cope with the need to sleep…
I think there are advantages for two people to book opposing roomettes vs. a bedroom. Cheaper. Both will have more comfortable beds. Views and seating on both sides of the train. Same amount of space with a roomier albeit split feel. Less disturbing at sleeptime. Well worth not having a private toilet and shower. Kudos to the man taking the upper bunk. Kudos to the lady having a great personality and sense of humor.
@@LyfeUntethered You both seem to be seasoned travelers so you may find 'sleeping' non-flat somewhat manageable and survive OK. I did notice in another video that you came prepared with those semi-donut pillows. Ear plugs, eye shades and plenty of booze may help. Hopefully there are not any disturbing pets traveling close by. Amtrak has a pet policy that I do not think is cool. For me, I personally would be seriously vaping THC at each possible stop. That is very inconvenient and stigmatizing I know but Amtrak's federal prohibition is fascist, especially for sleepers. There is no second hand harm from vaping. Please, for your sake, do not acknowledge my daring comment since nothing gets past deep state big brother. LOL. Proud to have been imbibing for 55 years trouble-free with a little situational awareness. After asking the stupid question and before finishing the video I did notice you were, as I imagined, the perfect gentleman/husband by sleeping in the penthouse 'cozy' upper berth. The pacing, humor, editing, and even the background music, (which takes talent since bad or boring audio can actually be the biggest deal breaker on ironically a visual medium), your narration skills and easy on the ears voice make for excellent videos with professional production values.
I've watched so many Amtrak videos in the last month or so that I almost didn't click on this one. glad I did! had to subscribe once I saw how entertaining you both are. This is one of the rare you tube videos where you think to yourself, these people could actually have a legit network show back before you could self produce on youtube.
@@LyfeUntethered You're welcome. I was born in Chicago and have certain food places I have to eat everytime I go back. This is one of them. Pequad's gets very busy. Worst case, they give you a buzzer and you can go have a drink at the Whale Tail next door.
I will be on this train next week. Thank you for posting such a good video. I was going to start my trip tomorrow from San Jose, California but Amtrak canceled on the 5th due to weather so I will fly to Seattle, Washington. After the Empire Builder and 2 days in Chicago I will board The Texas Eagle to L.A. and then back to San Jose with bedrooms the whole trip.
Just a quick word about coach and baggage. Yes, you can carry on. yes, you do have the same luggage access on the first level of your coach as the sleepers. Not every station is staffed and not every staffed station has luggage service. Amtrak has an unwritten but strict rule in these cases: if *you* can carry it, you can take it. Superliners make it easy to lug heavy bags with you if you board at unstaffed or no-bag check stations. Also, if you check in at a staffed station with baggage service, your destination may not have checked bags. In that case, it's the first floor bag stowage area for you as well. If you're in the east and you have a single level train, you may have to climb stairs to get onto the train from the platform. In which case, you can still bring big bags but storage is at a premium and the same unwritten rule applies (and is strictly enforced).
Hello AGAIN! to both of you from Kara in Saint Paul . I just saw your two messages back to me since saw your video the first time so I just enjoyed your AMTRAAAAK! journey again. and once again I've enjoyed just as much as the first time. I wish I could sciattle out of here and to take AMTRAK WEST! again to the Pacific Northwest which I sio so miss. So, to both of you, Thank you again and again foir your video. BTW I just subscribed to your channel. Take care Kara
what a roaring fantastic narration! I love both of your humor! Hello from Kara a several time EB from Saint Paul MN passenger! GREAT GREAT video! your humor makes this trip even better than what I ever experienced!
Thanks for the video! I love traveling on the Empire Builder. Would take it from La Crosse WI to Williston ND. Their flat-iron steak was always delicious.
@@LyfeUntethered no, this is Dave from onalaska wisconsin. Just watched your video the other day. Was very entertaining and the part with Wrigley Field was kinda touching!
Great vid! I've always fancied the idea of a cross country train trip, but have been put off by the cost. I may have to reconsider after your watching this cool documentary.
@@LyfeUntethered yes I’ve riden via rail the canadian a few times but I love train travel. I play professional hockey by definition but LOVe travel. Really enjoyed your video
Before clicking on this to view it, what caught my attention was the artwork showing an Amtrak unit leaving a depot. It looks likes it's being pulled by an F or E unit and also appears to be a water painting. It has a caption at the top of it that says "46 HOURS." Does anyone in youtube-land know if this is an actual piece of artwork somewhere, and if so, does anyone know where I might find a copy for purchase? That is just an awesome painting! Since the mid-fifties I've ridden the Builder many a time. Love it, nothing like ridin' the rails!!
Nice. We'll be doing the empire builder in the future. Have done california zephyr. Much better views. Roommate is better than a bedroom to me.. And use the bigger shower Downstairs..
Haven’t tried coach on a long trip (booked one a2 weeks from now this!). Coach is way cheaper. But for a long trip you may want a roomette. You don’t really need the full room, and it costs double. Roomette gets all the perks of the room, minus your own bathroom.
@@LyfeUntethered You were on a bi-level Superliner. I am sure you know East of Chicago Amtrak has the Viewliner (updated and 'modern' Viewliner 2s are being rotated in) sleepers that are mono-level where the upper level is less claustrophobic because you can actually sit up and there is a window. I have subscribed and soon you will be at 10k subscribers and viewship with keep growing accordingly.
@@LyfeUntethered damn- can't u cancel the one u bought- and purchase a new one- that is on sale? P.S. where are you guys headed? I would love to go to reno- back to chicago- then on to Seattle- and back-
6:55 I must have been on this train with you since we had the same car attendant and dining gal and that is my Merry Christmas sign 6:55 in the window got picked up in Essex on December 16th
❌ AMTRAK THREATENED ME! ua-cam.com/video/N-NvzbJe0Z4/v-deo.html
3:05 dang I'm 6'7"
Wonderful, I’m headed out from Chicago on December 1st on the EB
The scenery was beautiful!
Thank you!
Just found this video and couldn't love it more. I'm a Gen X and my dad was assigned to Germany in the early 80s and took the train on several. In the 70s, while returning from Iran, we took the train a ski
resort in Bavaria and your winter scenes remind me of thst trip si long ago.
Was 6'2" as a teen, but shrank due to Ankylosing Spondylitis, so I'd probably fit an Amtrak showe just fine.
Loved this video and subscribing.
Really appreciate it! Sounds like you had some cool trips!
Loveliest video I’ve seen in quite a while - thank you so much for sharing ❤️ y’all are charming ❤️
Awww thank you!
the chaotic energy in this video is absolutely amazing oh my gosh. instantly subscribed
Awwe thanks Sarah! ❤️
I love Leila's attitude. This trip is on my bucket list. Merry Christmas!
Hey Lisa, love finding you here! I loved this video too! Good times for sure. Happy New Year!
Well like I said below somewhere I must have joined you on the Empire builder on December 16th. I have never seen any of your travels before the but the title and date caught my eye and I watched it and saw my Merry Christmas sign. I wish I would have run into you; you would have been a hoot to hang around with and I missed you in Whitefish as I got out and walked around. I live in southern Wisconsin and I started my Journey in Harvard Illinois aboard the Metra to Chicago where I had lunch with a friend and then on to Union Station to begin my journey to Denver and Colorado Springs for a couple of days on the California Zephyr. Now I must tell you I have been in the communications industry for years and carry a radio that covers all the American Association of Railroads frequencies and listen to all goings on aboard the train, and it is comforting to know while you’re moving 80 MPH that the train has all its axles. Reboarded the Zephyr and continued to San Francisco with a stop in Helper Utah to remove a smoker from the train. My car attendant on the Zephyr trained the car attendant on the Empire builder that we were on and I talked to her about him. Both were really great car attendants. A couple of days in San Francisco and rain and I was ready for the Coast Starlight to Seattle for a couple of days visit. Had such a great time there I lost track of time and almost missed the train, I thought I had another day there but I had an hour to pack and get to the station and the East bound Empire Builder to Essex Montana. You kind of glazed over this, cutest little train stop ever, as far as I am concerned this was the best stop I made on this trip, you should try the Izaak Walton Inn! I loved it! Stayed for a couple of days and then rejoined the Empire Builder to Minneapolis. Loved the food meeting people on the whole trip. I knew we put someone off for being rowdy but it was cold and I stayed in and soon called it a night until Fargo where I was awakened by conductors beating our sleeper coach door open as it had frozen shut in the night with drifting snow. I have traveled west on the Empire Builder many times and preferred the old Twin Cities station to the new one. At the old station it was like an hour and 15-minute stop you could order a pizza or wander around the many private varnish coaches that were usually parked there. When they moved the station to St Paul, I never had enough time to get to go up and see the station until now. I was kind of disappointed with it. I was just a big empty room and nothing like Chicago’s or Seattle’s. Well, here is where I end my trip this time. I would do it all again tomorrow. Why did I choose winter to do it? There was enough time built in for a delay due to a blizzard and getting stuck but no such luck. Someday I’ll run it in the summer and sit on the porch swing of the Izaak Walton Inn and have a beer and watch the trains go by, cheers! I have ridden high speed European trains before but the pace of the Empire Builder is nice and it lets you see all the wonders there are to see. Also, when in Chicago I prefer Gino’s East on Superior for pizza.
Wow! What a great trip! Wish we’d run into you. Thanks for sharing!
Great video! I've done 60k miles with Amtrak, and still enjoy it! We never tape the door shut, and never had issues with stuff being stolen from the room. Just close the curtian, and door.
Ya, we had no issues really. The trip was great!
Hello again from Kara. Ah! Thank you for y our reply! I just went back to listen to your video again this morning. you and your wife are so lucky to have taken this journey not only on the EB but on the Coast Starlight also! I just get such a kick out of your entire narration then again I did actually learn somethings about the journey that I did'nt know even tho I have taken this same journey a few times in the past! you two are so lucky to have each other. I hope some day I can find someone to take this journey with also. Take care
Oh thank you so much! Really appreciate the kind words! You will Kara!
Just took the Zephyr from Chicago to SF. Terrific trip and met so many great people. Really get a sense for the vastness of the country - a terrific way to travel. Wonderful video - thank you!
Awesome Patrick! We’re booking the Zephyr from Chicago to SLC. Looking forward to it!
Dunsmuir late evening, southbound on the Coast Starlight…
I found that the easiest thing was to do up the bed proper within an hour or so after starting out of LA. Easier to cope with the need to sleep…
Thank u for sharing
Something thing so special 😊❤
Loved this video! We are traveling Memphis to Chicago to Portland and then back. Can't wait!
Enjoy it!
Thank you for sharing amazing adventures with us. Please keep them coming. They are just magical 😊
Really appreciate it Day!
I think there are advantages for two people to book opposing roomettes vs. a bedroom. Cheaper. Both will have more comfortable beds. Views and seating on both sides of the train. Same amount of space with a roomier albeit split feel. Less disturbing at sleeptime. Well worth not having a private toilet and shower. Kudos to the man taking the upper bunk. Kudos to the lady having a great personality and sense of humor.
Brilliant! Next we're gonna try overnight in - gulp - coach! Fingers crossed it doesn't suck.
@@LyfeUntethered You both seem to be seasoned travelers so you may find 'sleeping' non-flat somewhat manageable and survive OK. I did notice in another video that you came prepared with those semi-donut pillows. Ear plugs, eye shades and plenty of booze may help. Hopefully there are not any disturbing pets traveling close by. Amtrak has a pet policy that I do not think is cool.
For me, I personally would be seriously vaping THC at each possible stop. That is very inconvenient and stigmatizing I know but Amtrak's federal prohibition is fascist, especially for sleepers. There is no second hand harm from vaping. Please, for your sake, do not acknowledge my daring comment since nothing gets past deep state big brother. LOL. Proud to have been imbibing for 55 years trouble-free with a little situational awareness.
After asking the stupid question and before finishing the video I did notice you were, as I imagined, the perfect gentleman/husband by sleeping in the penthouse 'cozy' upper berth. The pacing, humor, editing, and even the background music, (which takes talent since bad or boring audio can actually be the biggest deal breaker on ironically a visual medium), your narration skills and easy on the ears voice make for excellent videos with professional production values.
@@davidjackson7281 Thanks for the the kind words David! And I have one word for you that can make things, um, easier: gummies!
@@LyfeUntethered Brilliant! Thanks for the great solution. Yes!
@@davidjackson7281 here to serve, David! 🤙🏼
I've watched so many Amtrak videos in the last month or so that I almost didn't click on this one. glad I did! had to subscribe once I saw how entertaining you both are. This is one of the rare you tube videos where you think to yourself, these people could actually have a legit network show back before you could self produce on youtube.
Thanks a ton Tara! Truly means a lot!
Merry Christmas! What a great video. Thank you so much for sharing and letting me be a part of your journey. Your videos inspire me.
This was really fun because it wasn’t like any other train episode I’ve seen.
Appreciate it Joseph! You ever take a long train trip?
Great video. Next time you are in Chicago, Pequad's Pizza on Clayborn. Don't buy the personal size, go Medium or larger. You are welcome.
Deal! May happen this month. Thanks for the tip!
@@LyfeUntethered You're welcome. I was born in Chicago and have certain food places I have to eat everytime I go back. This is one of them. Pequad's gets very busy. Worst case, they give you a buzzer and you can go have a drink at the Whale Tail next door.
🗽 Crazy stuff to do in NYC! ua-cam.com/video/-pdLBfzgqUs/v-deo.html
Thanks!
Thank YOU @Fedster! ❤️
I will be on this train next week. Thank you for posting such a good video. I was going to start my trip tomorrow from San Jose, California but Amtrak canceled on the 5th due to weather so I will fly to Seattle, Washington. After the Empire Builder and 2 days in Chicago I will board The Texas Eagle to L.A. and then back to San Jose with bedrooms the whole trip.
Awesome! Sounds amazing!
Loved this so much I watched it twice in a row.
Wow thank you!
Just a quick word about coach and baggage. Yes, you can carry on. yes, you do have the same luggage access on the first level of your coach as the sleepers. Not every station is staffed and not every staffed station has luggage service. Amtrak has an unwritten but strict rule in these cases: if *you* can carry it, you can take it. Superliners make it easy to lug heavy bags with you if you board at unstaffed or no-bag check stations. Also, if you check in at a staffed station with baggage service, your destination may not have checked bags. In that case, it's the first floor bag stowage area for you as well. If you're in the east and you have a single level train, you may have to climb stairs to get onto the train from the platform. In which case, you can still bring big bags but storage is at a premium and the same unwritten rule applies (and is strictly enforced).
Thanks for the great info!
🚆First leg of our 3 day train trip! ua-cam.com/video/gXvrOQCESHo/v-deo.html
Hello AGAIN! to both of you from Kara in Saint Paul . I just saw your two messages back to me since saw your video the first time so I just enjoyed your AMTRAAAAK! journey again. and once again I've enjoyed just as much as the first time. I wish I could sciattle out of here and to take AMTRAK WEST! again to the Pacific Northwest which I sio so miss. So, to both of you, Thank you again and again foir your video. BTW I just subscribed to your channel. Take care Kara
Glad you liked it! Thanks so much!
what a roaring fantastic narration! I love both of your humor! Hello from Kara a several time EB from Saint Paul MN passenger! GREAT GREAT video! your humor makes this trip even better than what I ever experienced!
Awww thanks so much Kara! Your kind words mean more than you know!
Thanks for the video! I love traveling on the Empire Builder. Would take it from La Crosse WI to Williston ND. Their flat-iron steak was always delicious.
Awesome! Is this Dave from Moorpark?!
@@LyfeUntethered no, this is Dave from onalaska wisconsin. Just watched your video the other day. Was very entertaining and the part with Wrigley Field was kinda touching!
GREAT video. Thanks.
Glad you liked it!
Great video guys - I'm riding this route from Chicago to Seattle over the weekend and have been deep diving into UA-cam for insights.
Great vid! I've always fancied the idea of a cross country train trip, but have been put off by the cost. I may have to reconsider after your watching this cool documentary.
Just go coach! We’re about to…
Love it 😍
Great video. Glad i stumbled upon this one : )
Thanks Trav! You ride the train much?
@@LyfeUntethered yes I’ve riden via rail the canadian a few times but I love train travel. I play professional hockey by definition but LOVe travel. Really enjoyed your video
@@trav4oilers Awesome! Appreciate the kind words. Ya, travel is a blast.
This was a nice video and loved the warm but unplanned nature of the trip especially to have traveled when it was freezing 🥶 outside. Kudos.
Glad you enjoyed it!
I've always wanted to do this going across the northern states + Canada. Maybe someday!
Do it Pami!
It is quite wonderful!
Before clicking on this to view it, what caught my attention was the artwork showing an Amtrak unit leaving a depot. It looks likes it's being pulled by an F or E unit and also appears to be a water painting. It has a caption at the top of it that says "46 HOURS." Does anyone in youtube-land know if this is an actual piece of artwork somewhere, and if so, does anyone know where I might find a copy for purchase? That is just an awesome painting! Since the mid-fifties I've ridden the Builder many a time. Love it, nothing like ridin' the rails!!
Just saw this! I had AI create it. I think I can find it and just email it to you. Just email me at lyfeuntethered@gmail.com.
Thankyou, you took me home to Chicago.il.
Awesome! 🥰
Made the Whitefish Mt to Chicago Empire Builder 10/22. No snow but beautiful fall colors. Good food and great Amtrak people all the way.
Awesome Ben! We’re hitting NY to Savannah shortly on a train.
Wow, thanks for posting. Can I ask when you were on train? (Late December?) Cheers.
Hey David. We were on Dec 15-17, 2022
There were no taxis in Whitefish! Had to beg for a ride to my hotel!
Oh dang! Right now we're sailing up the coast and had to ask for 2 rides in San Simeon! Not much here!
Nice. We'll be doing the empire builder in the future. Have done california zephyr. Much better views. Roommate is better than a bedroom to me.. And use the bigger shower Downstairs..
When exactly was your trip? We have booked the Empire Builder eastbound in February 25.
I think December 2022?
2:03 Iv ment that Amtrak worker before!
oh cool!
I want to take the empire builder from Chicago to Seattle!! What would u recommend- sleeper car or coach?
Haven’t tried coach on a long trip (booked one a2 weeks from now this!). Coach is way cheaper. But for a long trip you may want a roomette. You don’t really need the full room, and it costs double. Roomette gets all the perks of the room, minus your own bathroom.
@@LyfeUntethered thanks
@@LyfeUntethered who would get to sleep up in the penthouse you or the mrs?
@@davidjackson7281 Ha! I get top bunk! (Trevor)
@@LyfeUntethered You were on a bi-level Superliner. I am sure you know East of Chicago Amtrak has the Viewliner (updated and 'modern' Viewliner 2s are being rotated in) sleepers that are mono-level where the upper level is less claustrophobic because you can actually sit up and there is a window.
I have subscribed and soon you will be at 10k subscribers and viewship with keep growing accordingly.
Did you say Amtrak Siemens locomotive#300 was 30 yrs old. Not hardly, it just recently joined the long distance fleet.
The sleepers are old. The 300 looked dang new!
real people...i hit all the buttons...take care...
Appreciate it Tru!
Hi! Just rcvd a email- amtrak usa rail pass is on sale for $299.00- savings of 200.00- great buy
No. Way! Just bought one a week ago full price! But Leila needs one so woot! Thanks!
@@LyfeUntethered damn- can't u cancel the one u bought- and purchase a new one- that is on sale? P.S. where are you guys headed? I would love to go to reno- back to chicago- then on to Seattle- and back-
6:55 I must have been on this train with you since we had the same car attendant and dining gal and that is my Merry Christmas sign 6:55 in the window got picked up in Essex on December 16th
@@greggslowkut1294 No way! Awesome! How’d you enjoy the journey?
Minot, North Dakota. I’ve been there.
Too cold for me to stay long!
3:05 dang I'm 6'7"
Amtrak don't play