Awoke in Utah to what seemed like pretty good scenery, but as the saying goes; “You ain’t seen nothin’ yet.” Going into Colorado and into the Rockies was an explosion of color in the mountains – reds, whites, and grays, with firs, and pines giving the green, and later the aspens already turning a golden yellow. Huge rock formations dwarfing the train in the canyons. And the train hasn't even gotten to the big mountains yet. Quite a few tunnels so far, I’m looking forward to seeing the Moffat Tunnel from the inside this time.
So, yes, the Moffat Tunnel was really nice – but kind of dark from the inside (note to author: It’s a tunnel, stupid!) Not so much later, we passed through some huge rock formations. I’m pretty sure we were in the area that Amtrak used for their cover shot for their timetable. The formations come really close to the cars as they pass. Through some smaller tunnels, and as I found out from the last trip to Denver, the railroads have the access roads gated and locked to keep railfans out (just can’t have fun trespassing anymore.) If I remember correctly, there are 16 of these smaller tunnels between the Moffat Tunnel and Denver.
After the decent out of the mountains, the train made it in to Denver. Since running early most of the trip, we end up waiting outside Union Station while a broken-down freight was cleared out of our way. There were a lot of people getting on in Denver, so that took awhile. After sorting more freight traffic, we are finally on our way, now an hour and a half late (thanks, Warren Buffett.) Chicago tomorrow afternoon.
Day Fourteen – the End Is Near
We slept through just about all of Nebraska, which is a good way to travel Nebraska. We’re still around an hour late, and with more BNSF track work, we may be farther behind still. Breakfast and lunch only today, and the big question is, will we have enough of a layover in Chicago to spend time with our daughter?
Pull in to Union Station around 4 (1 hour and 10 minutes late,) found Daughter and after checking baggage (note for future travels – the Lounge in Union Station and the ability to check your bags makes first class accommodations worthwhile) went over to a sandwich shop for a quick bite. The train home boarded on time and we’re hoping for an early arrival. Wonder of wonders, the train came in to Pontiac about 20 minutes early – but still after 1:00 a.m.
Epilogue – Thoughts and Reflections
This is the first time I’ve ever attempted a narrative on a trip. Looking over the muses of the past couple weeks refreshes the memories of the trip, and holds the possibility of trying this sometime in the future.
Rating the cross-country rail service: 1. The California Zephyr – More scenery than you would ever think possible. 2. The Empire Builder – Same reasons, only different scenery. 3. The Southwest Chief – Rocky rail, best scenery on the last day. On all lines however, the service of the Amtrak personnel is unparalleled.
Dorothy (on the Southwest Chief,) and Jay (on the California Zephyr,) you earn your paycheck.
It’s a lot easier to railfan from outside the train than from inside. (Really?)
Earplugs work.
Charley at Alamo, you’re full of crap. The only way to do the Pacific Coast Highway is in a convertible.
If you’re going to be on a train for 3 days and 2 nights, pack accordingly. (Thank you, Mr. Obvious.) Clothes, like tuna fish and house guests, get stale after a couple days.
It really is worth the cost to stay at a better hotel. (Did I mention the Embassy Suites had a really good breakfast buffet?)
The trip was worth the cost. No question. When can we do it again?
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