Trip Report: October 31 to November 26, 2007
by Ted & Sylvia Blishak
GRAND LUXE LIMITED AND AMTRAK TO PITTSBURGH AND GREENVILLE, SOUTH CAROLINA
The Coast Starlate Arrives Early!
Halloween Night, Wednesday, October 31, 2007.
We pulled into the Klamath Falls Amtrak Station parking lot at 9:40pm, parking in the north lot, since on our previous trip on the Coast Starlight in May, the sleepers had been placed on the rear of the train. Much to our surprise, the train was pulling in as we were parking, arriving 10 minutes ahead of schedule, and -- surprise -- the sleepers were once again on the front end of the train, which meant a nice walk down the platform to the 1130 car, in which we had booked the Family Bedroom to Emeryville, California.
Our room was softly lit by reading lamps, our lower berth was made up and turned down. Stacks of pillows, extra blankets, and towels gave a feeling of cozy comfort. We retired as we glided out of town, thinking that our vacations don’t really begin until the train begins to roll.
Thursday, November 1, 2007.
6:00am and we come to a halt at the Sacramento Station, on time. Our attendant gives us a wakeup call at 615am and leaves a Sacramento Bee under our door. By the time we are dressed and entering the dining car, the Starlight is racing next to the Interstate 80 speedway to Fairfield. Breakfast is simple, but tasty. I order the Bob Evans Scramble, which includes a half order of Railroad French Toast, along with a side of sausage patties. Hot coffee and chilled orange juice is poured while we wait for our orders to be prepared.
My Scramble was delivered without the side of sausage, with the comment, “The chef says he doesn’t serve a side of sausage with a Bob Evans Scramble, that you’ll have enough food with French Toast on the side.” I insisted, offering to pay for the sausage, and it is promptly delivered, but without a bill. And we’re offered seconds on our orange juice and coffee.
Although we were scheduled to arrive in Emeryville on time, the train was held north of Richmond for 30 minutes due to “congestion.” Since we did not know if the Woodfin would have a room ready for us so early, it made no difference where we sat, in our Family Room, or in the hotel lobby.
At Emeryville, our sleeper was spotted just two car-lengths from the overpass to the Woodfin Suites, a train watchers paradise. We asked the front desk for a train side view and were promptly given a 9th floor view room with balcony along with a $10 discount for being Amtrak riders.
Click images for larger views
What with the whistle toots and engine growls of Amtrak California’s Capitols and the San Joaquins, and the UP and BNSF freight trains passing our balcony every few minutes, it was difficult to concentrate on anything as mundane as work, so little was done this morning.
The Woodfin now has an excellent restaurant and bar, the Emery-grill, overlooking the pool. The luncheon food and service were excellent. Afterwards we checked out the pool, and although the weather was cool and foggy, the water was comfortingly warm. Then we remembered that we had sent our swimming outfits onward to Greenville, South Carolina.
Across the street from Woodfin is the Emery Bay Public Market, with a Borders bookstore and a 25 booth food court with a variety of victuals to please every taste. We chose Indian and Vietnamese, and would have tried even more if our appetites had been large enough!
Tomorrow morning we board the GrandLuxe Limited section of the California Zephyr, but today it is wonderful just to have a day away from our duties, relaxing and looking forward to a GrandLuxe adventure.
Continue to Next Page
