What kid doesn’t dream of trains? Maybe not kids these days staring at their ipads and digital trains but I did growing up. I’ve always enjoyed the trips I’ve taken. It’s such a pleasure to be able to relax and let the miles move themselves. For this trip I took Amtrak’s Empire Builder from Chicago to Seattle. These are a few of the photos without most of my writing. A second entry will be my journal plus a gallery of the photos. Easy peasy.

The night before started with a bottle of wine. A celebration of a good voyage to come and the next day off to the train station

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I’m used to short trips on the east coast but this was scheduled for two nights. As people constantly said, “You could just fly to Seattle and get there faster.” Yeah though the point is not about seeing Seattle but about seeing the country and taking the time to be in the moment. When you fly over the land you are just that much more removed. Even on a train I was closer but still not interacting. I was hoping to feel the country in a similar way I feel closer when I’m on my motorcycle. This trip cutting through america’s heartland should be great.

The train was scheduled to leave at 2:15pm. The first picture didn’t come out right and it took another minute but still blurry, 2:16pm the train was off.

It’s a great feeling to be on the train. I’m already feeling relaxed especially after hearing the boarding call. It was a slow removal away from Chicago and a slow transition through the stops. The room I booked was a roomette I believe.

The top bunk can fold down into a bed. There is netting to help keep you from falling out.

 

 

 

The bottom couch drops into a two person (or one large person) bed. The length was just about right since I don’t usually sleep straight out.

 

 

The bathroom was described as small and it was. One blog described it as a place a man could shit, shower and shave at the same time.

 

 

There is a fold out table that actually holds quite a lot of stuff as you can see. Food and music for the trip.

 

 

 

The viewing car was occupied most of the time. Great big windows and comfy chairs. Plugs in case you needed to charge your device.

 

 

The coach car was quite roomy appearing. Most of the seats were empty and a lot of the passengers seemed to have two seats so they could layout and sleep.

 

 

In the sleeper car you get the meals for free thankfully. They can be quite expensive. Dinner was by reservation which was a window of time to show up.

 

 

Just a beautiful picture of america.

 

 

 

 

Another one.

 

 

 

 

The food was edible. Not the greatest. The steak was tough and needed the A1 sauce. The mashed potatoes were the best part of the meal. The corn was mostly left on the plate.

 

 

The pasta was ok.

 

 

 

 

The best part of the meal.

 

 

 

 

Not so good strawberry cheesecake.

 

 

 

 

The burrito came out fast so I’m thinking premade. It was still good. Potatoes not so much.

 

 

 

Cheese omelette wasn’t too bad.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The always tried to announce smoking breaks. So many people wanting/needing their smoking addiction.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Standard and while I am picky with my pizza, I found it edible.

 

 

 

The croissant was actually a great addition to the burger.

 

 

 

Americana pictures

 

Americana

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Acceptable.

 

 

 

Mac and cheese

 

 

 

 

Lots of beautiful pictures

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Didn’t eat here but heard it’s good.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Set of small stores. Nice area.

 

 

 

Great small place to eat at. Clean tasting food.

 

 

 

Yummy.

 

 

 

 

Wish I could have seen Rodrigo and Gabriela.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pike Place was interesting to visit. They like their tulips.

 

 

Clear enough day to see the mountain

 

 

 

 

 

Was lucky to get these birds in flight.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Decided to stop at this place. It was recommended.

 

 

 

I was trying to decide what to drink and a passing group of people yelled out to get the house margarita as it is fresh and they make it in house. Good recommendation. Clean and light with a great taste.

 

 

Saw these on the menu and of course as a fries aficionado I had to order these. OMG! If you’re there, you must stop by and get them. The lemon aioli was a great compliment.

 

 

Supposed to be a top place for ice cream in the country. The ice cream was ok.

 

 

 

Decadent.

 

 

 

 

I love fudge.

 

 

 

 

Sad panda. Fudge place closed.

 

 

 

 

It was interesting to learn that the first japanese were removed from this place.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Great glass work pieces

 

 

 

Uhh.. Chihuly

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Last day meal before leaving for the airport. Avacado and cucumber sandwich. Cappucino. Oatmeal.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photos from the airplane

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

-SFA – Choo Choo