Did we pass through your state or hometown?? What a journey- okay hands down the most fun we’ve had in a while!! We already miss the train life. What did you enjoy most? Would you ride this sleeper train? 😍
Did the sleeper train with my Mom from Chicago to New York back in the 70s. Still remember the soothing rattle and swaying as I drifted off to sleep. ☺️
My daughters left the East Coast last year to start their own business in South Lake Tahoe. They do most of their shopping in Reno which is not too far from where they live. I call them Pioneer Women, proud of them but miss them terribly. I still live in Charlotte, NC but thinking about moving out there with them, 2 grandkids, and a great-granddaughter. I Facetime them but not the same as being with them. You two remind me of them, also adventuring on our beautiful earth.
I'm glad I followed you two. I did so, after you helped build the connex shed with Ambition strikes. I am 74 and I have never been aboard a cross country train. I think I am convinced now after watching you two. Thanks for the great video and the sage advice.
This trip has been on my bucket list for a while now. I want to take this trip with my Sister but so far we have not been able to get our schedules together to do so. Thank you for taking us along.
This is fantastic, such a neat change of pace for you ladies! Love it, and would LOVE to take this journey one day!! Thanks for always entertaining us!🥰
Fun fact: the California Zephyr pretty much follows the same route that the fictional Phileas Fogg took in 1872, in the Jules Verne novel "Around the World in Eighty Days"
There are many different eye drops that are soothing. Visine is not one of them. I recommend Refresh Optive, but any of them for dry eyes are good. I also recommend taking some good books, downloaded music, cards, board games, etc. on a long train ride.
Awesome!! This train route has been number one on my bucket list for many years. #two on the list is the southern route, I think it’s called the Sunset Unlimited. Have been on couple of other routes. Word to the wise, if you are a person that can’t really get a deep sleep unless you are completely horizontal….don’t travel coach….miserable. Agree it’s the very best way to see the America. Thanks for taking us along.😃👍💜
It's not one of America's best trains. It's the best route in the USA. It's one of the best trains in the world. I just love the feeling you get when you get on the train. Truckee is great!
We live in northern Indiana and have family in western Maryland. We have been riding the Capital Limited for years and always have an exciting time. We have learned that, if you arrive on the scheduled day, you are on time. You ride Amtrak for the experience, not the schedule. 😊
Loved the train trip. I have added it to my bucket list. I live in Georgia near Atlanta but have family in Kalamazoo Michigan. My wife and I could go to Chicago and then head west on the train. Thank you again for your Wonderful video!!❤
So glad you're seeing the US but just know that SF to Chicago is not quite the entirety of the US. I hope Amtrak paid you for this video. This video is total deja vu as I've ridden this train en route to NY 3 times in a roomette. I hope to do it again but the fare is a lot higher now. 😢 I love delays because I'm never ready to get off the train. My advice on another item to bring is a USB fan because you can't open a window and it's always too hot for me. If you didn't know you can ask the porter to deliver your meals to you when you're in a sleeper.👍
That is a great and beautiful trip. I did that trip some time ago. You did not pass through my Ste or hometown. El Paso (The Pass), Texas is where I hail from. A long long way from Canada.
Looks like such a fun adventure! I haven't been on a sleeper train before, but this definitely makes me want to try it out. Thanks for sharing your experience!
I've worked on the UK's Railways for over 35 years. It's on my bucket list along with a trip across the Canada. Thank you for sharing and wetting my appetite. 🥰😃
Forget train journey in Canada....unless you are very rich, the cost is ridiculously prohibitive...lived here for a long time but could never afford the cost...it is cheaper for us to travel to Europe for a long trip...
An even better train trip is the Canadian from Toronto to Vancouver. I met folks from all over the world, the scenery was spectacular, and the staff provided fun activities and lots of information about the land we were travelling through.
I traveled on trains a lot in Canada as a small child. I still remember taking the train from Vancouver to Calgary to see my grandparents. I still remember how it felt, the noises, and the dining car!
I've taken the Canadian in both directions and highly recommend it. The food is way better than Amtrak's. The cars are older (1957 vintage) but have been remodeled inside and are quite comfortable. And the scenery is spectacular. Plus, you don't have internet or cell service for much of the route, forcing you to disconnect and just enjoy the ride.
You brought back memories of my sister and I. We were around your age when she won an all exclusive trip to Germany, Switzerland and Austria. We were introduced to the owner's of Schmitt Söhne Wine Company; who paid for the 3 week vacation. We saw castle's, vineyards, wine cellars and even went on a log boat ride. It was a once in a lifetime experience. ❤ It looks like you ladies had a blast! Enjoy it while you're young!!! 🐾 💜
OMGOSH!!! This is a bucket list item for me!!! I think I saw an eagles nest! The ski fence in Winter Park is awesome! I am 63 this month and really need to get this one checked off because it looks like an amazing experience! But...did you get much sleep? How was sleeping on a train? We love sleeping on a cruise ship! Hmmm....next trip for y'all?
Yes, how was sleeping? It's my only worry about taking this trip w/ the hubby. Everyone, please weigh in if you've slept in a sleeper car, I'm worried I won't be able to sleep!
We have done 2 train trips- Chicago to Seattle and Chicago to New Orleans. We had roomettes both times. Hubby slept better than I did. He had the top bunk. I think the noise was harder for me to overcome than the swaying. Bring ear plugs to help with that. We loved both trips and will do more.
I find the motion of the train puts me to sleep. The first night I wake up at stops because of the change in motion, but after that I don't notice it. The beds are more comfortable than you might think. If you are sensitive to noise, then ear plugs would help. Roomettes can be a bit claustrophobic for some people, but I find them cozy. Like on a boat, every bit of space is utilized for something. The only other thing that wakes me up might be significant altitude changes as my ears will pop.
Got teary-eyed when you showed Donner Pass and Truckee. Spent my years from ten to twenty-one, spending summers and weekends at Donner Lake. My folks had an A-frame cabin at the lake. Climbed from lake up to the train tracks as kids with my brother. We snuck up and under the cover of the tracks. We found antique equipment used for building the tracks in 1800's. It was all a long time ago now when I was young.
Back in the 80s, my family took the same train back from Chicago to San Francisco. I am in my 60's and I still remember that trip. It was so special. You see parts of the country that you would not see from a car.
I am enviousness of you two, the most relaxing way to travel. I bet you never stopped smiling. When I was young it was the best way to travel, in my day it was steam trains. I hope the rest of your travel is just as enjoyable. Love from Mike. ❤❤
Very interesting trip. I had to laugh when you said you were traveling all the way across the USA. San Francisco to Chicago is like going from Vancouver to Thunder Bay. 😅I love your videos. Thanks for posting.
We took the train from Chicago to California when I was little. We loved it!!! Mom, Dad and two little girls and a little boy. My Dad was a Steam locomotive engineer for the C&EI Central and Eastern Illinois line.
I am heading on a cross Canada trip in April. 4 days. Lower berth, meals included, always stunning views and a much slower, relaxing way to travel. Then an overnight train in a cabin from Montreal to NB, which I have never done. I love this mode of travel.
As someone who did a 7,000-mile, 13-day rail "marathon" in 2019 (essentially a double cross country plus) and enjoyed it so much AND (thanks to COVID) an even larger one (13,000 mile, 27-day circumnavigation of North America) in 2023 it was fun to watch you really enjoy your journey. Great relaxing way to travel!
I took this route on Amtrak in September 2023 solo!!! And it really is a trip of a lifetime!!! Definitely made me fall in love with traveling by train. The food is actually really great as well!!! You just cant see the landscape by plane or a car like you can by train. I went from Chicago to San Francisco. So just the opposite way lol definitely planning on another this year! They are absolutely amazing traveling on!!
Me and my mom did the California Zephyr from Denver, CO to San Francisco back in 2022. We both got our own roomettes. One of the best trips we've ever done. I recommend going in late April or early May like we did as there is still snow on the mountians but not bad for weather.
Awesome!!! How exciting!!! Nothing quite like hopping aboard one of Amtrak’s Long-Distance trains whether it’s this train the California Zephyr running from the San Francisco Bay Area to Chicago, Illinois or any of Amtrak’s other long distance trains such as the Coast Starlight running from Los Angeles, CA to Seattle, WA or the Southwest Chief that also runs from Los Angeles, CA to Chicago, Illinois as each route provides passengers with amazing views and onboard amenities. I myself have briefly rode on Amtrak’s Coast Starlight from Santa Barbara, CA and even that short experience was absolutely phenomenal with the amazing breathtaking views and everything else that Amtrak has to offer. It is unfortunate though that in the US, train travel tends to be more of an afterthought since most Americans are more concentrated on driving and flying, compared to other countries like Europe and Asia. But despite that, Amtrak still does everything they can to make sure that everyone who rides onboard have an amazing and relaxing experience just like you guys with all the different amenities they provide. Glad you both enjoyed it!!! :) Also a quick Fun Fact: The main locomotives that have pulled many of Amtrak’s long-distance trains for over 20+ years now are part of a series of locomotives known as the General Electric “Genesis” series of locomotives with these ones being known as the P42DC that were first built by the company General Electric between 1997 and 2001 with 207 having been produced for Amtrak. P= Passenger Gearing, 42= 4,250 horsepower, and DC= Direct Current Traction Motors. I’m a huge train fan so I know quite a lot about everything that’s railroad and train-related; locomotives, rolling stock, horns, you name it. It’s a pleasure to see and hear those P42s with locomotives 27 and 78 leading your train!!! Fantastic video, I really enjoyed it!!! :)
What a fantastic video. You girls keep on outdoing yourselves. Since i will never experience a cross country train ride in person i enjoyec the next best thing going with you girls. Thank you for sharing with us. You two r my favorite youtube couple.
you guy's were randomly recommended to me (probably because I have watched quite a few amtrack videos from different creators). This is by far the best/most informative of all the videos I've seen. thx for making the vid
Canuck in Thailand here. LOVE trains! Just vlogged the new train from Bangkok-Hua Hin, amazing views. CM-Bkk I like too but fewer views as it's mostly at night. Thanks for sharing your Amtrak trip, looks fantastic deffo gotta try that some time. Cheers! STL
I love the Amtrak blanket! When I was 8 our friend Roberto worked for Amtrak and brought me home the blanket. It was a little darker blue than they have now. That blanket became my Woobie, another name for a blanket.It was so soft and warm and I kept it until I was about 20, somehow it got lost when I moved and I was broken hearted. I loved that blanket it brought me comfort and it was one of my favorite gifts ever... I'm so glad you ladies had fun, been thinking about taking a train ride really soon. I think the scenery would be worth it alone .. Blessings to you both and Izzy and Bella ❤
Always start my Sunday morning watching vanwives! Thanks for another impressive video of your adventures. Perhaps one of your next ventures would be a train trip across Canada. Have an amazing week ladies!!
Thank you for the journey! Who else paused the video on the dinner menu to check it out?! I've only been on Chicago's, NYC's, and Boston's city rails, never something long distance. On the bucket list with the hubby for sure. :)
So interesting such s lovely train. Beautiful scenery. My Mom as a little girl used to catch a train from Zambia to Zimbabwe through to Cape Town South Africa for her schooling. A four day trip. In those days you could open the windows. She loved it. She speaks of her many journeys often.
What a great video! I started riding trains when I was 5 years old because my grandfathr was an engineer and our family could ride for free because of that... I'm 77 now and still love riding them (even though there are sometimes delays.) I've ridden them all over the U.S. and Europe and prefer them to airplanes because it's not only more elegant but also because you have so much more room (and time) to enjoy the trip. You also have the opportunity to meet new people and have real conversations (and the food is MUCH better.) A friend once told me (and I think this is true,) that talking to someone on a train is a conversation, talking to someone on an airplane is verbal graffiti. One of my favorite rides is from Barcelona to Paris but that's just one of many. The trip I'd like to take before I shuffle off this mortal coil is Toronto to Vancouver through the Canadian Rockies. That would, I think, be spectacular. Thanks for sharing this trip.
You two just don’t have a down moment at all. Both of your attitudes, excitement levels, life’s outlook along the way, love of history and nature…are just so cool. Your enthusiasm makes your video well worth watching. I wish you two would make it over to North Carolina, friends of mine own a railroad and he buys many antique passenger cars. Most are from the early 1900’s..and are rebuilt to the utmost class. Currently he has two coaches (these are heavyweights) that are Amtrak qualified. It’s been said from many folks that do train travel and have their own private cars…say that the ACWR cars are the nicest they’ve ever seen. If you two ever make it this way…I’d love to show you around…I’m on Facebook, my wife and I will welcome you in…
Great video. I rode that route back in 1979 all the way back to Dearborn Michigan, changed trains in Chicago,awesome trip. I had a blast traveling by myself (mostly 😊). Loved the experience had a blast and the views were phenomenal! Years later I went from Toledo Ohio all the way to Boston so I have ridden from coast to coast, my favorite way to travel.
I thought you ladies were doing a trip across South America (to Argentina) especially after you found a reasonable vehicle for that in Colombia! Imagine my surprise when you were traveling across 2/3 of the U.S.! Though you went through about 15% of the U.S. states, you did not go through mine! I am not anxious to ride Amtrak anytime soon. That was assured by the poor experiences (maybe a dozen of them) between Portland and Seattle in the 1960s and 1970s. It is only a three-and-a-half-hour drive but Amtrak could take anywhere from five hours to 20-some hours. The delays seemed pretty random but were virtually guaranteed to occur on _every_ trip. Driving is far more reliable, costs less, and solves the problem of getting around after reaching the destination. I have really enjoyed trains in Europe though! You said that meal costs were part of the fare. Really! That is so unlike the old days. Food was quite expensive then so dieting was a guarantee on every train trip.
Glad you girls did the train ride. I grew up on the trains when I was younger. It was back in the 80 and 90. My father was one of the person working on the trains. So we travel a lot. It is really a great way to travel and see landscape. Love you girls, love seeing your videos.
This was fun, especially because of your wonderment! A couple more tips: The Canadian cross-country train is much better, and I'm a US American. Yes, it's possible. Better accommodation, better food, at least as good views. Second: Chicago is 2/3 of the way across the US from the west coast, like Ottawa in Canada.
In the mid-60s... my Dad was in the navy and went overseas. My mom, my two sisters, and I rode a train from CA to NY. We were very young, but it is one of my favorite childhood memories ♥️
A tip from a retired photographer and manager of a pro camera store for 25 years. If you're shooting out a window get yourself a collapsible rubber lens hood. That way you can press the lens hood against the glass eliminating reflections, and being flexible you can angle the camera against the glass. Also great for protecting the camera lens if you drop it. In a pinch you could use a jacket or top that won't let light through and wad that up around the lens, but it's really a pain in the you know what.
So I'm looking at my YT feed....and I see this video popup...."Vanwives"....ok, interesting. Then I see it's my "bucket list train trip"...the California Zephyr....so I think...maybe I can give these two nice ladies a shot. Now at the end of the video....Ok, I'm intrigued....So since you both are paying...haha...ok I'm paying because I despise the YT ads, I'll give you a shot. This video is 7 months old...means I got some other videos to watch. LOL Fun trip for sure!
Something I have always wanted to do ... I dont think i will get to due to my recent diagnosis, but I got to see it through you two. Thank you 😊 Stay healthy folks. Cancer sucks.
OMG taIk about memories!! When I was your age (24) I took a Greyhound bus across the U.S. and Ianded in GIenwood Springs Iate in the night .. freezing weather. My bus wasn't due in untiI the next morning so I Iooked for sheIter in the onIy pIace open. The hoteI on the hiII. They didn't want me to stay in the Iobby so caIIed the poIice. The poIice came and I toId them they couId take me to a warm ceII. They aIIowed me to stay as Iong as I didn't faII asIeep. I did anyway and nearIy missed my bus the next morning. Oh to be young and adventurous again.🌹
Loving these new adventures and am so happy to see you both enjoying something fresh and new! Watching while cuddling in my new Pack merch. I love it ❤️
Originally from Colorado and Glenwood Springs is one of our favorite vacation destinations. You should really make it a point to visit the town itself when you have more than a 10 minute stop. Lots of great hiking (Hanging Lake is incredible!!!), lots of hot springs (you had a shot of the famous Glenwood hot springs [million gallon hot springs pool] in the video) and Glenwood Adventure park at the top of one of the mountains with cave tours, rides, and lots of fun stuff to do.
Longest train trip for me was 16 hours overnight Albany, NY to Chicago, IL on Amtrak. I love trains so I enjoyed it thoroughly. It's also a more sustainable method than flying, and just more relaxing. (Second longest was Den Bosch, Netherlands to Pau, France, many moons ago.) Thanks so much for sharing your adventure! Have a great week! ~Maarten
How much is this trip? Where's the car you just purchased? You gals must be millionaire all this expense. Not everyone can take a trip like this. I am going to become a youtuber, it seems to pay off real good. Fun trip.
When my sister and I were 10, our mom took us on a train from LaCrosse, WI out to Aneheim CA to disneyland. She used the insurance money from when out dad died, and it's something we always thanked her for. We slept in the chairs and had to do homework on the trip as she took us out of school. Anyway, your trip was s awesome. My favorite part was going through the rookies....beautiful and that bald eagle nest was the best. The whole train so so nice unlike the 61 year old train we were on, lol. I'm glad you ladies had so much fun. Can't wait for more excitement from you two. Hugs to you and the fur babies. Bernie ❤
What a onderful experience and memory. The last time i was on a train was in 1961 on a three day trip from southwest Florida to Seattle (with transfers on the way). It, of course, was quite different then. You reminded me of the excitment I had as an 18 year old youngster on my first trip our of Florida. i jouneyed on to Adak, Alaska as the beginning of my 24 year adventure in the U.S. Navy. I had the good fortune of going to many countries. I am retired now and 81 years old and get to relive my many adventures in my life through your u-tube videos. Thank you do much and God bless, Jim
Wow, that is a wonderful experience. A worthy 3 days vacation with a changing landscape every minute, you can sit and doing nothing, just enjoying every minute of the view.
I live close to Emeryville and will be taking this trip (for my first time) in early April to see my friend in IL, so this video is PERFECT TIMING!! ❤Hope you enjoyed your time in California, regardless of how brief it may have been!
You two just went through our gorgeous Sierra mountains which are today now under feet and feet of snow, my area including Lake Tahoe, Truckee and Reno🎉 What a beautiful trip! Who knew? (Much faster driving, but this train looks fun!)
I live in Quebec City and you convinced me. This summer, I’ll fly to San Francisco, take the train to Chicago and then rent a car to come back to Qc City. Funny enough, my boss live in San Francisco so I’ll stop to say hi and grab a meal with him. Okay, need to start planning now ! Thank you, that was an incredible video !!
Just love you guys, I wish had known you were taking this trip. The train you were on goes through my property, I would have stood along the tracks and waved at you. In California when you left, Sacramento had gone through a community called Colfax the train may have stopped there to pick up or drop off passengers. After it left there, it went through a number of communities. One of them was Gold Run California. Many years ago Gold Run California was a stop point for the train. Now not much left of the station. I loved watching your video, my wife and I have talked about taking this trip, well maybe someday. Thank you both for sharing this fun experience! Keep up your journey. BTW, my wife and I also live off the grid, we love it!
Im right outside Chicago lol ! If only I'd known, I would have loved to say hello! I have often thought about making that very train ride, only in reverse! Now I'm convinced! I wish i could have said hello, buy maybe next time!
Did we pass through your state or hometown?? What a journey- okay hands down the most fun we’ve had in a while!! We already miss the train life. What did you enjoy most? Would you ride this sleeper train? 😍
You passed through 3 I’ve lived in, and I’ve spent time in all that you went through, but Vermont is home. 💛
Did the sleeper train with my Mom from Chicago to New York back in the 70s. Still remember the soothing rattle and swaying as I drifted off to sleep. ☺️
My daughters left the East Coast last year to start their own business in South Lake Tahoe. They do most of their shopping in Reno which is not too far from where they live. I call them Pioneer Women, proud of them but miss them terribly. I still live in Charlotte, NC but thinking about moving out there with them, 2 grandkids, and a great-granddaughter. I Facetime them but not the same as being with them. You two remind me of them, also adventuring on our beautiful earth.
I would most definitely do this! The views are amazing! ❤
omg life goals. I want to do this so badly.
As someone who worked on the train for 36 years, I thoroughly enjoyed your video and I think Amtrak should be thanking you appropriately! Go Pack!
Awe thanks Tim, we had a wonderful experience. 💛🐶
I worked on the Empire Builder Seattle to Chicago and back.
I'm glad I followed you two. I did so, after you helped build the connex shed with Ambition strikes. I am 74 and I have never been aboard a cross country train. I think I am convinced now after watching you two. Thanks for the great video and the sage advice.
This trip has been on my bucket list for a while now. I want to take this trip with my Sister but so far we have not been able to get our schedules together to do so. Thank you for taking us along.
This is fantastic, such a neat change of pace for you ladies! Love it, and would LOVE to take this journey one day!! Thanks for always entertaining us!🥰
I’ve driven those routes more times than I can count…I think a train ride across there may be enjoyable
Fun fact: the California Zephyr pretty much follows the same route that the fictional Phileas Fogg took in 1872, in the Jules Verne novel "Around the World in Eighty Days"
There are many different eye drops that are soothing. Visine is not one of them. I recommend Refresh Optive, but any of them for dry eyes are good. I also recommend taking some good books, downloaded music, cards, board games, etc. on a long train ride.
Awesome!! This train route has been number one on my bucket list for many years. #two on the list is the southern route, I think it’s called the Sunset Unlimited. Have been on couple of other routes. Word to the wise, if you are a person that can’t really get a deep sleep unless you are completely horizontal….don’t travel coach….miserable. Agree it’s the very best way to see the America. Thanks for taking us along.😃👍💜
It's not one of America's best trains. It's the best route in the USA. It's one of the best trains in the world. I just love the feeling you get when you get on the train. Truckee is great!
We live in northern Indiana and have family in western Maryland. We have been riding the Capital Limited for years and always have an exciting time. We have learned that, if you arrive on the scheduled day, you are on time. You ride Amtrak for the experience, not the schedule. 😊
I’ve always wondered what it was like. I’m adding this to my must do list!
Loved the train trip.
I have added it to my bucket list. I live in Georgia near Atlanta but have family in Kalamazoo Michigan. My wife and I could go to Chicago and then head west on the train.
Thank you again for your Wonderful video!!❤
So glad you're seeing the US but just know that SF to Chicago is not quite the entirety of the US. I hope Amtrak paid you for this video.
This video is total deja vu as I've ridden this train en route to NY 3 times in a roomette. I hope to do it again but the fare is a lot higher now. 😢 I love delays because I'm never ready to get off the train. My advice on another item to bring is a USB fan because you can't open a window and it's always too hot for me. If you didn't know you can ask the porter to deliver your meals to you when you're in a sleeper.👍
Oh my gosh, you passed through my home of Fruita, Colorado…just before Grand Junction!
That is a great and beautiful trip. I did that trip some time ago. You did not pass through my Ste or hometown. El Paso (The Pass), Texas is where I hail from. A long long way from Canada.
Hahaha 😂train delays all the time here in Sweden. Enjoyd your journey 👍🇸🇪🇺🇲
You guys gotta come to Connecticut and go on a pizza tour in New Haven
That was a very cool video.
Welcome to Chicago!
I think it would be really fun to ride the train, and you stopped in my town of Salt Lake City
Awesome adventures❤
Looks like such a fun adventure! I haven't been on a sleeper train before, but this definitely makes me want to try it out. Thanks for sharing your experience!
Happy to have you join us on our adventure. It was so interesting and beautiful. 💛🐶
Cool@@Vanwives
I've worked on the UK's Railways for over 35 years. It's on my bucket list along with a trip across the Canada. Thank you for sharing and wetting my appetite. 🥰😃
A lot better trains than the Virgin or northern (I’m in Manchester) lot more cosy and relaxing! 😊
Canada? 😂😂😂😂 This is the USA.
@@sophiarose7610 I believe he means he would also like to ride the train across Canada on the Ocean/The Canadian.
Thank you for watching!! Such a fun journey- we also hope to rise across Canada too! 😍
Forget train journey in Canada....unless you are very rich, the cost is ridiculously prohibitive...lived here for a long time but could never afford the cost...it is cheaper for us to travel to Europe for a long trip...
An even better train trip is the Canadian from Toronto to Vancouver. I met folks from all over the world, the scenery was spectacular, and the staff provided fun activities and lots of information about the land we were travelling through.
I have heard that.
I traveled on trains a lot in Canada as a small child. I still remember taking the train from Vancouver to Calgary to see my grandparents. I still remember how it felt, the noises, and the dining car!
I'm hoping to do this next yr
We did that in 2016, we we went from Vancouver to Toronto .
I've taken the Canadian in both directions and highly recommend it. The food is way better than Amtrak's. The cars are older (1957 vintage) but have been remodeled inside and are quite comfortable. And the scenery is spectacular. Plus, you don't have internet or cell service for much of the route, forcing you to disconnect and just enjoy the ride.
You brought back memories of my sister and I. We were around your age when she won an all exclusive trip to Germany, Switzerland and Austria. We were introduced to the owner's of Schmitt Söhne Wine Company; who paid for the 3 week vacation. We saw castle's, vineyards, wine cellars and even went on a log boat ride. It was a once in a lifetime experience. ❤ It looks like you ladies had a blast! Enjoy it while you're young!!! 🐾 💜
How exciting for you and your sister beautiful memories. Our plan is to travel as much as we can but still have a balance with our projects. 💛🐶
OMGOSH!!! This is a bucket list item for me!!! I think I saw an eagles nest! The ski fence in Winter Park is awesome! I am 63 this month and really need to get this one checked off because it looks like an amazing experience! But...did you get much sleep? How was sleeping on a train? We love sleeping on a cruise ship! Hmmm....next trip for y'all?
Yes, how was sleeping? It's my only worry about taking this trip w/ the hubby. Everyone, please weigh in if you've slept in a sleeper car, I'm worried I won't be able to sleep!
We have done 2 train trips- Chicago to Seattle and Chicago to New Orleans. We had roomettes both times. Hubby slept better than I did. He had the top bunk. I think the noise was harder for me to overcome than the swaying. Bring ear plugs to help with that. We loved both trips and will do more.
I find the motion of the train puts me to sleep. The first night I wake up at stops because of the change in motion, but after that I don't notice it. The beds are more comfortable than you might think. If you are sensitive to noise, then ear plugs would help. Roomettes can be a bit claustrophobic for some people, but I find them cozy. Like on a boat, every bit of space is utilized for something. The only other thing that wakes me up might be significant altitude changes as my ears will pop.
Got teary-eyed when you showed Donner Pass and Truckee. Spent my years from ten to twenty-one, spending summers and weekends at Donner Lake. My folks had an A-frame cabin at the lake. Climbed from lake up to the train tracks as kids with my brother. We snuck up and under the cover of the tracks. We found antique equipment used for building the tracks in 1800's. It was all a long time ago now when I was young.
Joanne such a beautiful memory you have. 💛🐶
Back in the 80s, my family took the same train back from Chicago to San Francisco. I am in my 60's and I still remember that trip. It was so special. You see parts of the country that you would not see from a car.
So beautiful, the scenery is breathtaking. Happy you have your memories.💛🐶
Tony!!! He was my attendant when I took this train last spring! So fun to get a snippet of his wonderful energy here!
No way!! You’re the second person to say that… so cool… Tony is great 😁
Tony was also my attendant in March 2022, he was great.
I am enviousness of you two, the most relaxing way to travel. I bet you never stopped smiling. When I was young it was the best way to travel, in my day it was steam trains. I hope the rest of your travel is just as enjoyable.
Love from Mike. ❤❤
Very interesting trip. I had to laugh when you said you were traveling all the way across the USA. San Francisco to Chicago is like going from Vancouver to Thunder Bay. 😅I love your videos. Thanks for posting.
Thanks for sharing Bill. Happy to have you in our pack. 💛🐶
My guess .. this is part 1 travel across US by rail.
Right? This is a little more than halfway.
🙄
We took the train from Chicago to California when I was little. We loved it!!! Mom, Dad and two little girls and a little boy. My Dad was a Steam locomotive engineer for the C&EI Central and Eastern Illinois line.
San Francisco to Chicago is not clear across the United States-there is Indiana, Ohio, Penns, NY and Maine to get across this country.
She means well. She’s a result of her generation’s poor education system.
Sadly I agree 💯 the trains on pretty cool especially Amtrak they're planning to expand
I am heading on a cross Canada trip in April. 4 days. Lower berth, meals included, always stunning views and a much slower, relaxing way to travel. Then an overnight train in a cabin from Montreal to NB, which I have never done. I love this mode of travel.
As someone who did a 7,000-mile, 13-day rail "marathon" in 2019 (essentially a double cross country plus) and enjoyed it so much AND (thanks to COVID) an even larger one (13,000 mile, 27-day circumnavigation of North America) in 2023 it was fun to watch you really enjoy your journey. Great relaxing way to travel!
I took this route on Amtrak in September 2023 solo!!! And it really is a trip of a lifetime!!! Definitely made me fall in love with traveling by train. The food is actually really great as well!!! You just cant see the landscape by plane or a car like you can by train. I went from Chicago to San Francisco. So just the opposite way lol definitely planning on another this year! They are absolutely amazing traveling on!!
Cost??
We felt the same way, the views are breathtaking. We definitely had a memorable journey. 💛😊
I am thinking of doing this same trip solo.... So glad to hear that you have a trip of a lifetime.
Me and my mom did the California Zephyr from Denver, CO to San Francisco back in 2022. We both got our own roomettes. One of the best trips we've ever done. I recommend going in late April or early May like we did as there is still snow on the mountians but not bad for weather.
Awe thank you for sharing with us. Happy you and your mother had some family time together. Truly the best. 😊🐶
What a fun trip - sleeper trains are my favourite mode of travel. And girls, you scrub up good 16.30! Thanks for taking us along!
Awesome!!! How exciting!!! Nothing quite like hopping aboard one of Amtrak’s Long-Distance trains whether it’s this train the California Zephyr running from the San Francisco Bay Area to Chicago, Illinois or any of Amtrak’s other long distance trains such as the Coast Starlight running from Los Angeles, CA to Seattle, WA or the Southwest Chief that also runs from Los Angeles, CA to Chicago, Illinois as each route provides passengers with amazing views and onboard amenities. I myself have briefly rode on Amtrak’s Coast Starlight from Santa Barbara, CA and even that short experience was absolutely phenomenal with the amazing breathtaking views and everything else that Amtrak has to offer. It is unfortunate though that in the US, train travel tends to be more of an afterthought since most Americans are more concentrated on driving and flying, compared to other countries like Europe and Asia. But despite that, Amtrak still does everything they can to make sure that everyone who rides onboard have an amazing and relaxing experience just like you guys with all the different amenities they provide. Glad you both enjoyed it!!! :) Also a quick Fun Fact: The main locomotives that have pulled many of Amtrak’s long-distance trains for over 20+ years now are part of a series of locomotives known as the General Electric “Genesis” series of locomotives with these ones being known as the P42DC that were first built by the company General Electric between 1997 and 2001 with 207 having been produced for Amtrak. P= Passenger Gearing, 42= 4,250 horsepower, and DC= Direct Current Traction Motors. I’m a huge train fan so I know quite a lot about everything that’s railroad and train-related; locomotives, rolling stock, horns, you name it. It’s a pleasure to see and hear those P42s with locomotives 27 and 78 leading your train!!! Fantastic video, I really enjoyed it!!! :)
What a fantastic video. You girls keep on outdoing yourselves. Since i will never experience a cross country train ride in person i enjoyec the next best thing going with you girls. Thank you for sharing with us. You two r my favorite youtube couple.
you guy's were randomly recommended to me (probably because I have watched quite a few amtrack videos from different creators). This is by far the best/most informative of all the videos I've seen. thx for making the vid
Welcome to our pack. Thanks for your kind words. 💛🐶
Wow. Brought me to tears. So happy you had that experience and I will put the train trip on my bucket list. Thank you.
Canuck in Thailand here. LOVE trains! Just vlogged the new train from Bangkok-Hua Hin, amazing views. CM-Bkk I like too but fewer views as it's mostly at night. Thanks for sharing your Amtrak trip, looks fantastic deffo gotta try that some time. Cheers! STL
I love the Amtrak blanket! When I was 8 our friend Roberto worked for Amtrak and brought me home the blanket. It was a little darker blue than they have now. That blanket became my Woobie, another name for a blanket.It was so soft and warm and I kept it until I was about 20, somehow it got lost when I moved and I was broken hearted. I loved that blanket it brought me comfort and it was one of my favorite gifts ever... I'm so glad you ladies had fun, been thinking about taking a train ride really soon. I think the scenery would be worth it alone .. Blessings to you both and Izzy and Bella ❤
Always start my Sunday morning watching vanwives! Thanks for another impressive video of your adventures. Perhaps one of your next ventures would be a train trip across Canada. Have an amazing week ladies!!
Thank you for the journey! Who else paused the video on the dinner menu to check it out?! I've only been on Chicago's, NYC's, and Boston's city rails, never something long distance. On the bucket list with the hubby for sure. :)
Yes-I have definitely added this trip to my Wishlist. Thank you all for sharing!
So interesting such s lovely train. Beautiful scenery. My Mom as a little girl used to catch a train from Zambia to Zimbabwe through to Cape Town South Africa for her schooling. A four day trip. In those days you could open the windows. She loved it. She speaks of her many journeys often.
I'll bet the cinders blew in.
@@b43xoit yes😂
What a great video! I started riding trains when I was 5 years old because my grandfathr was an engineer and our family could ride for free because of that... I'm 77 now and still love riding them (even though there are sometimes delays.) I've ridden them all over the U.S. and Europe and prefer them to airplanes because it's not only more elegant but also because you have so much more room (and time) to enjoy the trip. You also have the opportunity to meet new people and have real conversations (and the food is MUCH better.) A friend once told me (and I think this is true,) that talking to someone on a train is a conversation, talking to someone on an airplane is verbal graffiti. One of my favorite rides is from Barcelona to Paris but that's just one of many. The trip I'd like to take before I shuffle off this mortal coil is Toronto to Vancouver through the Canadian Rockies. That would, I think, be spectacular. Thanks for sharing this trip.
Check.
You two just don’t have a down moment at all. Both of your attitudes, excitement levels, life’s outlook along the way, love of history and nature…are just so cool. Your enthusiasm makes your video well worth watching. I wish you two would make it over to North Carolina, friends of mine own a railroad and he buys many antique passenger cars. Most are from the early 1900’s..and are rebuilt to the utmost class. Currently he has two coaches (these are heavyweights) that are Amtrak qualified. It’s been said from many folks that do train travel and have their own private cars…say that the ACWR cars are the nicest they’ve ever seen. If you two ever make it this way…I’d love to show you around…I’m on Facebook, my wife and I will welcome you in…
Great video. I rode that route back in 1979 all the way back to Dearborn Michigan, changed trains in Chicago,awesome trip. I had a blast traveling by myself (mostly 😊). Loved the experience had a blast and the views were phenomenal! Years later I went from Toledo Ohio all the way to Boston so I have ridden from coast to coast, my favorite way to travel.
I thought you ladies were doing a trip across South America (to Argentina) especially after you found a reasonable vehicle for that in Colombia! Imagine my surprise when you were traveling across 2/3 of the U.S.! Though you went through about 15% of the U.S. states, you did not go through mine!
I am not anxious to ride Amtrak anytime soon. That was assured by the poor experiences (maybe a dozen of them) between Portland and Seattle in the 1960s and 1970s. It is only a three-and-a-half-hour drive but Amtrak could take anywhere from five hours to 20-some hours. The delays seemed pretty random but were virtually guaranteed to occur on _every_ trip. Driving is far more reliable, costs less, and solves the problem of getting around after reaching the destination. I have really enjoyed trains in Europe though!
You said that meal costs were part of the fare. Really! That is so unlike the old days. Food was quite expensive then so dieting was a guarantee on every train trip.
Glad you girls did the train ride. I grew up on the trains when I was younger. It was back in the 80 and 90. My father was one of the person working on the trains. So we travel a lot. It is really a great way to travel and see landscape.
Love you girls, love seeing your videos.
Please wear shower shoes or slippers that is the quickest way to watch a fungus.
Trains are under appreciated. Great views.
Right! We loved our experience.😊
This was fun, especially because of your wonderment! A couple more tips: The Canadian cross-country train is much better, and I'm a US American. Yes, it's possible. Better accommodation, better food, at least as good views. Second: Chicago is 2/3 of the way across the US from the west coast, like Ottawa in Canada.
When I was stationed in Italy we would take sometimes take Friday and Monday off and get a sleep car on a train and town hop all weekend. Best times.
Choo-Choo trains 🚂 rock! Thanks for the ride❤
In the mid-60s... my Dad was in the navy and went overseas. My mom, my two sisters, and I rode a train from CA to NY. We were very young, but it is one of my favorite childhood memories ♥️
Awe such a beautiful memory. Trains are a cool experience for sure. 💛🐶
Great video ladies. I'm usually watching your other video's but this was good.
A tip from a retired photographer and manager of a pro camera store for 25 years. If you're shooting out a window get yourself a collapsible rubber lens hood. That way you can press the lens hood against the glass eliminating reflections, and being flexible you can angle the camera against the glass. Also great for protecting the camera lens if you drop it.
In a pinch you could use a jacket or top that won't let light through and wad that up around the lens, but it's really a pain in the you know what.
Thank you for the great tip. It is on my list of things to buy. 💛🐶
@@Vanwives you’ll want a hood that collapses in sections so you can adjust it to fit different focal lengths of lenses or zooms.
So I'm looking at my YT feed....and I see this video popup...."Vanwives"....ok, interesting. Then I see it's my "bucket list train trip"...the California Zephyr....so I think...maybe I can give these two nice ladies a shot. Now at the end of the video....Ok, I'm intrigued....So since you both are paying...haha...ok I'm paying because I despise the YT ads, I'll give you a shot. This video is 7 months old...means I got some other videos to watch. LOL Fun trip for sure!
thank you for watching! Glad you found us 😊😊
Something I have always wanted to do ... I dont think i will get to due to my recent diagnosis, but I got to see it through you two. Thank you 😊
Stay healthy folks. Cancer sucks.
🙏🏽💪🏽
When you can wear the "Cancer survivor" tee shirt, make a train trip your reward.
Rick Rick IS a cancer survivor as they posted here, meaning still alive.🙏🏽❤️
OMG taIk about memories!! When I was your age (24) I took a Greyhound bus across the U.S. and Ianded in GIenwood Springs Iate in the night .. freezing weather. My bus wasn't due in untiI the next morning so I Iooked for sheIter in the onIy pIace open. The hoteI on the hiII. They didn't want me to stay in the Iobby so caIIed the poIice. The poIice came and I toId them they couId take me to a warm ceII. They aIIowed me to stay as Iong as I didn't faII asIeep. I did anyway and nearIy missed my bus the next morning. Oh to be young and adventurous again.🌹
Loving these new adventures and am so happy to see you both enjoying something fresh and new!
Watching while cuddling in my new Pack merch. I love it ❤️
Thanks for supporting us. Send us a pic of you in your pack merch. We are happy you love it. 💛🐶
Originally from Colorado and Glenwood Springs is one of our favorite vacation destinations. You should really make it a point to visit the town itself when you have more than a 10 minute stop. Lots of great hiking (Hanging Lake is incredible!!!), lots of hot springs (you had a shot of the famous Glenwood hot springs [million gallon hot springs pool] in the video) and Glenwood Adventure park at the top of one of the mountains with cave tours, rides, and lots of fun stuff to do.
Longest train trip for me was 16 hours overnight Albany, NY to Chicago, IL on Amtrak. I love trains so I enjoyed it thoroughly. It's also a more sustainable method than flying, and just more relaxing. (Second longest was Den Bosch, Netherlands to Pau, France, many moons ago.) Thanks so much for sharing your adventure! Have a great week!
~Maarten
How much is this trip? Where's the car you just purchased? You gals must be millionaire all this expense. Not everyone can take a trip like this. I am going to become a youtuber, it seems to pay off real good. Fun trip.
When my sister and I were 10, our mom took us on a train from LaCrosse, WI out to Aneheim CA to disneyland. She used the insurance money from when out dad died, and it's something we always thanked her for. We slept in the chairs and had to do homework on the trip as she took us out of school. Anyway, your trip was s awesome. My favorite part was going through the rookies....beautiful and that bald eagle nest was the best. The whole train so so nice unlike the 61 year old train we were on, lol. I'm glad you ladies had so much fun. Can't wait for more excitement from you two. Hugs to you and the fur babies. Bernie ❤
YAHOOOO! How do you put off doing chores on a Sunday morning? @Vanwives of course! lol
Ohh David you are funny.😊
❤
What a onderful experience and memory. The last time i was on a train was in 1961 on a three day trip from southwest Florida to Seattle (with transfers on the way). It, of course, was quite different then. You reminded me of the excitment I had as an 18 year old youngster on my first trip our of Florida. i jouneyed on to Adak, Alaska as the beginning of my 24 year adventure in the U.S. Navy. I had the good fortune of going to many countries. I am retired now and 81 years old and get to relive my many adventures in my life through your u-tube videos. Thank you do much and God bless, Jim
They let you into the United States? yikes! jk. heehee. check Check Jaz for contraband. lol
Putting the announcement of stations over that video montage was excellent film-making. Brava!
Thanks for the kudos John.💛🐶
Hope you got off in Truckee - it's a awesome historical town along with Colfax and Reno. Live up at one of the ski resort towns - Alpine Meadows.
Good morning Ladies! This looks like so much fun! What an adventure to add to the Pack library! 🐾🐾💛💛
Good Morning Suzy. It was a really cool experience we shared lots of fun. 💛🐾
“The entirety of the United States” is a stretch
At least 1000 mi
Trust me bro
Entirety of the United States if you don’t count the entire Eastern time zone.
Missed a third of the country, if just talking about getting from west coast to east coast.
Same as the Trans-Canada railway. Vancouver to Montreal.
I can tell your break and traveling are feeding you both on a soul level 🥰
Yes the break has been good. Inspiring! Thank you 💛
you guys should do The Canadian from Vancover to Toronto its amazing and operates in the middle of winter too.
I took the Zephyr from Denver to San Fran 37 years ago. Still a fantastic memory of mine! I'm definitely watching this video more than once.
Super Cool Video👌,Much Love You Two and stay safe out there...
Wow, that is a wonderful experience. A worthy 3 days vacation with a changing landscape every minute, you can sit and doing nothing, just enjoying every minute of the view.
I'm glad I followed you two))
I live close to Emeryville and will be taking this trip (for my first time) in early April to see my friend in IL, so this video is PERFECT TIMING!! ❤Hope you enjoyed your time in California, regardless of how brief it may have been!
You two just went through our gorgeous Sierra mountains which are today now under feet and feet of snow, my area including Lake Tahoe, Truckee and Reno🎉 What a beautiful trip! Who knew? (Much faster driving, but this train looks fun!)
40 years ago I did Los Angeles to Seattle and Vancouver to Montreal by train and :)))))))) LOVED IT!!!!!
I wish you’s would have given an idea on the cost’s encountered
I live in Quebec City and you convinced me. This summer, I’ll fly to San Francisco, take the train to Chicago and then rent a car to come back to Qc City. Funny enough, my boss live in San Francisco so I’ll stop to say hi and grab a meal with him. Okay, need to start planning now ! Thank you, that was an incredible video !!
The only people who get dinner is first class.People in coach can't get dinner. But nobody on UA-cam says that.
We said it
I use to live in Illinois, otherwise, I invite you ladies over. :)
Just love you guys, I wish had known you were taking this trip. The train you were on goes through my property, I would have stood along the tracks and waved at you. In California when you left, Sacramento had gone through a community called Colfax the train may have stopped there to pick up or drop off passengers. After it left there, it went through a number of communities. One of them was Gold Run California. Many years ago Gold Run California was a stop point for the train. Now not much left of the station. I loved watching your video, my wife and I have talked about taking this trip, well maybe someday. Thank you both for sharing this fun experience! Keep up your journey. BTW, my wife and I also live off the grid, we love it!
There's a train in Australia called the Ghan.. might want to check it out
Definitely need to do the Rocky Mountaineer from Vancouver to Toronto!
Forced to be with others every meal, hard NO
You must not be a people person then.
You didn’t pass me but honestly… I just need to know what mascara Crystal uses!!
L’Oréal telescopic same one since 6th grade can get it anywhere 💛
I would love to do these it would be fun go on Amtrak
Im right outside Chicago lol ! If only I'd known, I would have loved to say hello! I have often thought about making that very train ride, only in reverse! Now I'm convinced! I wish i could have said hello, buy maybe next time!
Ayyy you went through Truckee!!! I live down the road
Off the beaten path in the US is absolutely magnificent!
meals are not included in fare,unless you are in a sleeper