Three nights, 66 hours! Chicago Texas Los Angeles
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Date: 2023-08-28
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Comments and reviews: 30
Jack
Your trip sounds wonderful and now you have me thinking about taking your trip. Chicago to Los Angeles via Texas. We used to take that trip when I was a teen back in the mid 1960's before Amtrak. However, it was a much faster trip back then. We would board the Southern Pacific Golden State in Los Angeles and when we reached El Paso the train would go north to Chicago. The Sunset Limited (a daily train at that time) was a separate train from the Golden State and therefore we did not have to layover in El Paso or San Antonio. It was a two nights trip on the Golden State from LA to Chicago via Texas) as opposed to your three nights trip. I haven't taken that trip since the Golden State was eliminated just prior to Amtrak. But I may try your trip via San Antonio. I remember when Amtrak took over for Southern Pacific in 1971. In one day Amtrak butchered the entire passenger rail system leaving only about 30 percent of the passenger rail system in place including leaving half the towns in the USA without any further passenger rail service. Amtrak even killed the direct train from Los Angeles to Amarillo Texas. Now Amarillo has no train service at all since 1971. I suppose we should be grateful that we still have the glorious Sunset Limited. Thank you for your video as it brought back memories.
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Your trip sounds wonderful and now you have me thinking about taking your trip. Chicago to Los Angeles via Texas. We used to take that trip when I was a teen back in the mid 1960's before Amtrak. However, it was a much faster trip back then. We would board the Southern Pacific Golden State in Los Angeles and when we reached El Paso the train would go north to Chicago. The Sunset Limited (a daily train at that time) was a separate train from the Golden State and therefore we did not have to layover in El Paso or San Antonio. It was a two nights trip on the Golden State from LA to Chicago via Texas) as opposed to your three nights trip. I haven't taken that trip since the Golden State was eliminated just prior to Amtrak. But I may try your trip via San Antonio. I remember when Amtrak took over for Southern Pacific in 1971. In one day Amtrak butchered the entire passenger rail system leaving only about 30 percent of the passenger rail system in place including leaving half the towns in the USA without any further passenger rail service. Amtrak even killed the direct train from Los Angeles to Amarillo Texas. Now Amarillo has no train service at all since 1971. I suppose we should be grateful that we still have the glorious Sunset Limited. Thank you for your video as it brought back memories.
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Joan
I was headed from Ft Worth, TX to Providence, RI, so we had to get to Chicago, first, and then head east, so I signed up for a sleeper car. Anything that could go wrong, did go wrong. It was summertime, in July, and it was hot. The train left Dallas, and we ran into some trouble, so the electricity cut out, and we had no A/C, until it started up again. Of course, that all made us late when we got to Chicago, so we missed our connection that headed East. They gave us two options: 1. Spend the night in a hotel, and catch the morning train that headed East, or 2. Take the train to Washington, DC, which left right away, and we could catch the fast train from DC to Providence, RI. I took the 2nd option, and discovered that the rental car that I ordered was located at the Airport in Warwick, RI, which meant I had to take a taxi to the airport, to pick up the car. On top of all that Amtrak had lost my luggage, and since it was now July 4th, the holiday, it took a few days to locate my bags, so once I had arrived at my son's home, I had to go shopping for clothes to wear until my bags showed up. Whew! What a trip. I've used Amtrak several times, since then, without any interruptions, or luggage lost, so still opt to use them for long distance trips.
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I was headed from Ft Worth, TX to Providence, RI, so we had to get to Chicago, first, and then head east, so I signed up for a sleeper car. Anything that could go wrong, did go wrong. It was summertime, in July, and it was hot. The train left Dallas, and we ran into some trouble, so the electricity cut out, and we had no A/C, until it started up again. Of course, that all made us late when we got to Chicago, so we missed our connection that headed East. They gave us two options: 1. Spend the night in a hotel, and catch the morning train that headed East, or 2. Take the train to Washington, DC, which left right away, and we could catch the fast train from DC to Providence, RI. I took the 2nd option, and discovered that the rental car that I ordered was located at the Airport in Warwick, RI, which meant I had to take a taxi to the airport, to pick up the car. On top of all that Amtrak had lost my luggage, and since it was now July 4th, the holiday, it took a few days to locate my bags, so once I had arrived at my son's home, I had to go shopping for clothes to wear until my bags showed up. Whew! What a trip. I've used Amtrak several times, since then, without any interruptions, or luggage lost, so still opt to use them for long distance trips.
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Jenny
Just have to say before I forget - Soak those prunes in alcohol eg a liqueur/sherry/port etc Jeb or just a little water and heat them up and add custard and or icecream. my favourite desert and they arent really laxative I dont think unless you ate a whole packet of them. You can also (well in Oz anyway) buy them in a can/tin in syrup. delicious! Now on with the trip. Love those Texas mountain areas. Though sad to see so many houses along the line in such poor repair, its a wonder people can still live in them. Also very sad to see the big border fence between US & Mexico. can you imagine to uproar if Canada did that to the States? Shameful is my opinon. But thanks for the trip Jeb
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Just have to say before I forget - Soak those prunes in alcohol eg a liqueur/sherry/port etc Jeb or just a little water and heat them up and add custard and or icecream. my favourite desert and they arent really laxative I dont think unless you ate a whole packet of them. You can also (well in Oz anyway) buy them in a can/tin in syrup. delicious! Now on with the trip. Love those Texas mountain areas. Though sad to see so many houses along the line in such poor repair, its a wonder people can still live in them. Also very sad to see the big border fence between US & Mexico. can you imagine to uproar if Canada did that to the States? Shameful is my opinon. But thanks for the trip Jeb
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XOkie
I live in Denver so I have ridden the CZ to Glenwood Springs and back twice, Reno and back twice to SAC once and to EMY. I've done the Coast Starlight from SAC to EUG, EMY to EUG and LAX to EMY. The Cascades from EUG to SEA twice. The Empire Builder (in a roomette) to Chicago twice. The Crescent from CLT to New Orleans in coach. The City of New Orleans from New Orleans to Chicago. The Southwest Chief from Chicago to Los Angeles in a roomette. I've never taken the California Zephyr to Chicago and plan to do that later this year. Then the Texas Eagle is calling my name. Definitely in a roomette. I can do coach for a night but that's it. I'm digging your videos. thanks!
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I live in Denver so I have ridden the CZ to Glenwood Springs and back twice, Reno and back twice to SAC once and to EMY. I've done the Coast Starlight from SAC to EUG, EMY to EUG and LAX to EMY. The Cascades from EUG to SEA twice. The Empire Builder (in a roomette) to Chicago twice. The Crescent from CLT to New Orleans in coach. The City of New Orleans from New Orleans to Chicago. The Southwest Chief from Chicago to Los Angeles in a roomette. I've never taken the California Zephyr to Chicago and plan to do that later this year. Then the Texas Eagle is calling my name. Definitely in a roomette. I can do coach for a night but that's it. I'm digging your videos. thanks!
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Annabel
Great video! I would love to do a train journey like this. Ill be honest and say I havent had good experiences with Amtrak on the Coast Starlight (running out of food, unhelpful conductors, etc) but I know thats not the norm and I encountered wonderful Amtrak personnel as well. Also was on an Amtrak about 1/4 mile from home and the train hit a pedestrian. Yikes! But I digress. I think a long journey on the Empire Builder, Sunset Limited or other long route would be awesome! My great great grandfather was a conductor on the Illinois Central with a route from New Orleans to Chicago so Ive always loved trains. must be in my DNA!
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Great video! I would love to do a train journey like this. Ill be honest and say I havent had good experiences with Amtrak on the Coast Starlight (running out of food, unhelpful conductors, etc) but I know thats not the norm and I encountered wonderful Amtrak personnel as well. Also was on an Amtrak about 1/4 mile from home and the train hit a pedestrian. Yikes! But I digress. I think a long journey on the Empire Builder, Sunset Limited or other long route would be awesome! My great great grandfather was a conductor on the Illinois Central with a route from New Orleans to Chicago so Ive always loved trains. must be in my DNA!
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Robert
Thanks for posting, I enjoy your videos, but to be honest - this was a depressing video. Ive taken Amtrak before, including an overnighter in a roomette: Junky. Junky. Junky. Amtrak is like an old, dirty drinking fountain. The microwaved food is horrible. And an announcement reminding passengers to flush the toilet? Par for the course, I suppose. I guess for Americans who have never traveled anywhere else, the lack of finesse or quality is just not apparent.
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Thanks for posting, I enjoy your videos, but to be honest - this was a depressing video. Ive taken Amtrak before, including an overnighter in a roomette: Junky. Junky. Junky. Amtrak is like an old, dirty drinking fountain. The microwaved food is horrible. And an announcement reminding passengers to flush the toilet? Par for the course, I suppose. I guess for Americans who have never traveled anywhere else, the lack of finesse or quality is just not apparent.
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whereisthe
I know it's hard for Amtrak to support the Dinning car experience, because it's not a money maker. But from a soft prospectus, it's the reason many people book these long distance trains and is one of it's best features. This was one of the best part of my train travels when booking a bedroom on the SW Chief, and Capital limited. Without, it I wouldn't even consider buying a ticket. I hope Amtrak Mgt. is listening.
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I know it's hard for Amtrak to support the Dinning car experience, because it's not a money maker. But from a soft prospectus, it's the reason many people book these long distance trains and is one of it's best features. This was one of the best part of my train travels when booking a bedroom on the SW Chief, and Capital limited. Without, it I wouldn't even consider buying a ticket. I hope Amtrak Mgt. is listening.
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Tim
Jeb, I have to set something straight. Lionel Richie was born in Tuskegee AL. Just one of the many great singers from the Great State of Alabama!
I'm about to take a train from Birmingham AL to Kansas City MO. It's 55 hrs. You have given me some insight to Amtrak. I'm 64 and I was about 7-8 when I took my one and only train from Birmingham AL to New Orleans LA. I'm really looking forward to it.
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Jeb, I have to set something straight. Lionel Richie was born in Tuskegee AL. Just one of the many great singers from the Great State of Alabama!
I'm about to take a train from Birmingham AL to Kansas City MO. It's 55 hrs. You have given me some insight to Amtrak. I'm 64 and I was about 7-8 when I took my one and only train from Birmingham AL to New Orleans LA. I'm really looking forward to it.
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Chantz
Great video I dont think I would like it.
But I enjoyed it through you
Im not train plane guy (use as only option) but it was really cool to watch
Its kind of icky sleeping or being in spaces where countless strangers have been.
Im a adventure camping, fishing, guy in the most remote places possible, so this is like my total opposite, but thats what makes it cool.
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Great video I dont think I would like it.
But I enjoyed it through you
Im not train plane guy (use as only option) but it was really cool to watch
Its kind of icky sleeping or being in spaces where countless strangers have been.
Im a adventure camping, fishing, guy in the most remote places possible, so this is like my total opposite, but thats what makes it cool.
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Andrew
These services look to be struggling. The food looks like it is delivered with cost and lack of staff as the inputs. Everything in waste packaging so no washing up even IKEA can manage a canteen. Decor is utilitarian, which is fine for transport but there is zero design flair. Also all those signs! It would drive me mad. Who the hell labels everything? Closet honestly
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These services look to be struggling. The food looks like it is delivered with cost and lack of staff as the inputs. Everything in waste packaging so no washing up even IKEA can manage a canteen. Decor is utilitarian, which is fine for transport but there is zero design flair. Also all those signs! It would drive me mad. Who the hell labels everything? Closet honestly
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Lisa
You videos bring back memories of my train ride in Canada, Via Rail. From Toronto, through the Rockies. It was three days and I couldnt wait to get off but I was glad I did it. The trauma has worn off and I am interested in riding the train again. I just have to do it differently. I know I want/need a bedroom. (No shared shower) Thanks for the videos!
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You videos bring back memories of my train ride in Canada, Via Rail. From Toronto, through the Rockies. It was three days and I couldnt wait to get off but I was glad I did it. The trauma has worn off and I am interested in riding the train again. I just have to do it differently. I know I want/need a bedroom. (No shared shower) Thanks for the videos!
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Thomas
Going on a 3 day trip without an observation car seems really wrong.
Whats the point? If you dont go to look at the views?
If you stay in the bedrooms, its much cheaper and faster to fly.
Youd have to have a really bid phobia to choose to train over fly alone - if that is your only motivation.
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Going on a 3 day trip without an observation car seems really wrong.
Whats the point? If you dont go to look at the views?
If you stay in the bedrooms, its much cheaper and faster to fly.
Youd have to have a really bid phobia to choose to train over fly alone - if that is your only motivation.
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Brenda
I love your videos and even though I know you'd love to have one of your friends or Suzanne traveling with you. I really like it when you're going solo. It's like we have you all to ourselves! Love your description of the areas and your good humor. Thanks for taking us on so many journeys
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I love your videos and even though I know you'd love to have one of your friends or Suzanne traveling with you. I really like it when you're going solo. It's like we have you all to ourselves! Love your description of the areas and your good humor. Thanks for taking us on so many journeys
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Rick
Where do people get the money for these trips?
I'm of the belief that people that do this don't want to work for a living like REAL people do. Really don't find this as entertainment just a video of people who don't have a real life. I only stumbled across it and found it BORING!
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Where do people get the money for these trips?
I'm of the belief that people that do this don't want to work for a living like REAL people do. Really don't find this as entertainment just a video of people who don't have a real life. I only stumbled across it and found it BORING!
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Nancy
My late mother informed me that once removed and we knew Brooks family from Northern Vancouver, BC and met daughter in Tamworth, NSW, Australia. The family separated and lived in San Diego last I heard. Lou Brooks was last hear of. Lou was a God parent for my half brother.
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My late mother informed me that once removed and we knew Brooks family from Northern Vancouver, BC and met daughter in Tamworth, NSW, Australia. The family separated and lived in San Diego last I heard. Lou Brooks was last hear of. Lou was a God parent for my half brother.
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Jennifer
I am about to take this trip in 3 weeks. When you said the lunch times were not reasonable, can you tell me what you mean? I would hate to have meals in my room because meeting people in the dining car is such an important part of the experience. Love this video!
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I am about to take this trip in 3 weeks. When you said the lunch times were not reasonable, can you tell me what you mean? I would hate to have meals in my room because meeting people in the dining car is such an important part of the experience. Love this video!
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travel
I enjoy international train videos, especially those of Japan and Europe. The stark difference between the US and some international train travel is quite apparent.
The old trains of the US, the food did not look good for the most part.
I enjoyed the video
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I enjoy international train videos, especially those of Japan and Europe. The stark difference between the US and some international train travel is quite apparent.
The old trains of the US, the food did not look good for the most part.
I enjoyed the video
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Debbie
I love Texas. Of course, we've lived here for 34 years. I took this Amtrak trip from Chicago to Los Angeles twice as a kid. Grew up in the suburbs of Chicago and used to work downtown as an Accountant for Marshall Field & Co at State and Washington.
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I love Texas. Of course, we've lived here for 34 years. I took this Amtrak trip from Chicago to Los Angeles twice as a kid. Grew up in the suburbs of Chicago and used to work downtown as an Accountant for Marshall Field & Co at State and Washington.
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travel
You can't help but love this country when looking at it from a seat on one of these trains. Because it's so immediate but you see such a great variety of landscapes. You can disconnect from all the craziness in your life too.
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You can't help but love this country when looking at it from a seat on one of these trains. Because it's so immediate but you see such a great variety of landscapes. You can disconnect from all the craziness in your life too.
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Joan
Hi, again, Jeb. I may have mentioned it but it bears repeating. I've been on a few Amtraks long distance trips and, even though I am a vegetrarian, I never had a problem with the food menu, at any meal. They were always good.
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Hi, again, Jeb. I may have mentioned it but it bears repeating. I've been on a few Amtraks long distance trips and, even though I am a vegetrarian, I never had a problem with the food menu, at any meal. They were always good.
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MusicMan
This reminded me of the 2 train trips my wife and I travelled from Los Angeles to San Antonio. Our favorite part was the meals. We were 2 people and so shared a table other passengers. Train travel is a social event.
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This reminded me of the 2 train trips my wife and I travelled from Los Angeles to San Antonio. Our favorite part was the meals. We were 2 people and so shared a table other passengers. Train travel is a social event.
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Emma
Always love watching your vlogs, but I do wish Amtrak would consider doing a makeover with the train interior. After seeing other country trains, Amtrak looks dull. I think it had more glamor in 1940's.
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Always love watching your vlogs, but I do wish Amtrak would consider doing a makeover with the train interior. After seeing other country trains, Amtrak looks dull. I think it had more glamor in 1940's.
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Stephen
Jeb Mate you shuold offer som eonline training Courses for budding travelers like myself who need help on producing travel vids myself would be happy to pay for such theres not a lot around
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Jeb Mate you shuold offer som eonline training Courses for budding travelers like myself who need help on producing travel vids myself would be happy to pay for such theres not a lot around
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Okie
Texas be a big boy. Driving East/West on I-10 in Texas from Orange TX. on the Louisiana border to El Paso, TX. on the New Mexico border takes 13 hrs. of hard driving. 850 miles. Gotta love it.
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Texas be a big boy. Driving East/West on I-10 in Texas from Orange TX. on the Louisiana border to El Paso, TX. on the New Mexico border takes 13 hrs. of hard driving. 850 miles. Gotta love it.
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Demetri
This video is Extra Special to Me! The Lady Attendants voice in the beginning of the video is my Mom! So freaking Awesome! Thank you for Such amazing visual that is the U. S. A!
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This video is Extra Special to Me! The Lady Attendants voice in the beginning of the video is my Mom! So freaking Awesome! Thank you for Such amazing visual that is the U. S. A!
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scottmb99
Did you have to take out a second mortgage to pay for this? I must be in the wrong economic class - need to update my YT recommendation profile. .. .
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Did you have to take out a second mortgage to pay for this? I must be in the wrong economic class - need to update my YT recommendation profile. .. .
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Ms
Again a upgrade is needed with Amtrak but I still want to take a train tour. Im retiring soon I want comfort. Please include pricing next time.
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Again a upgrade is needed with Amtrak but I still want to take a train tour. Im retiring soon I want comfort. Please include pricing next time.
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Andy
I mean, if it cost more than thousand bucks. Id better rent a car and driving all the way, instead of sleeping most of the time on the train.
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I mean, if it cost more than thousand bucks. Id better rent a car and driving all the way, instead of sleeping most of the time on the train.
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Jose
You needs to make these trips sitting, sleeping in coach, like the rest of most of us. And why wear a mask at the end? No one was near you.
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You needs to make these trips sitting, sleeping in coach, like the rest of most of us. And why wear a mask at the end? No one was near you.
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Exactly
I'm going thought your videos just to look at your amazing watch collection! That Vacheron Constantin Overseas Dual Time is a beauty!
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I'm going thought your videos just to look at your amazing watch collection! That Vacheron Constantin Overseas Dual Time is a beauty!
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