Day 1: April 30: Klamath Falls, Oregon. It's been months since we've taken to the rails, so the time has come for another "working vacation". Armed with two new laptops and a high-tech scheme for retrieving phone messages via email, we will travel the West Coast from Puerto Vallarta to Prince Rupert. Depending upon the reliability of satellite signals on the Royal Caribbean Line's ship Vision of the Seas, and Sprint PCS's signals aimed at our Amtrak and VIA Rail destinations, we plan to keep in touch with our clients as we go.
The last day at home finds us frantically packing wardrobes for sultry Mexico and cool Canada, while tying up last-minute customer details. We've told everyone the office will be closed on the 29th and 30th to keep the calendar clear in order to get organized, but when our long-time client Mr. W- leaves a message that he wants to reserve a trip on the American Orient Express, how can we turn him down?
Amtrak's Coast Starlight #11 is, inconveniently, on time this evening, and Sylvia is still finishing up client details with only and hour and a half until train time. Ted says, "Hurry up, we'll miss the train!"
Sylvia replies, "Thought I'd be more organized this time," and packs a few client files in her portable office suitcase.
(If you've followed our trip reports in the past, you'll recognize a typical beginning for a Blishak trip.)
The Klamath Falls Amtrak Station is filled to overflowing. A dozen passengers stand outside enjoying the moonlit spring evening as UP shuttles boxcars back and forth, letting slack in and out to help keep us awake and alert. Finally the Coast Starlight's thrillingly melodic whistle sounds to announce the train's arrival. Onboard, settled into comfortable Bedroom E in the 1132 Car, we ask our attendant to bring us ice and glasses. Pouring a celebratory Scotch over the rocks, we begin our journey as the Starlight glides out of town.
Next stop: Los Angeles Union Station.
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