It has been an interesting couple of days, and an experience. The train left right on time and arrived two minutes early three days later - not bad service. The accommodation was, to say the least, cramped, and how two people could manage in that space is just amazing, especially since my days of climbing into a top bunk are long gone. However, a lot of people do it, and the train was at least 90% full, the vast majority in their later years. It was almost exclusively sleeping cars with just one coach class car.
The food was really quite good, not gourmet standard, but enough variety, and cooked on board. Dining is by reservation, and if you are on your own, you get the table to yourself. Three meals, all included in the price of the ticket plus a drink of your choice at dinner. I was pretty impressed with the service. Your seat is turned into a bunk by the cabin attendant and is remarkably comfortable if a little narrow. I slept pretty well, but years at sea in relatively small ocean going boats (150’-200’), I was used to the motion, even though it was a little different. The rule at sea is one hand for you, one for the boat - always maintain three point contact, ‘cos if you don’t, you’ll get thrown around. Generally the track was smooth, but both night sections (North Dakota and far west Montana into Spokane) were a little rough - woke me up briefly. I actually find the motion quite relaxing, but that’s just me.
We stopped some thirty times, and sometimes long enough to get out and stretch our legs, just don’t wander or you’ll be buying a ticket on the next available…. Two blasts of the horn and an ‘All Aboard” and we were off.. Speaking of horns…. There are a gazillion unregulated and regulated crossing points for roads, and the engineer leans on the horn every time so it can go on continuously for up to an hour, but believe me, by 10am day two you don’t hear it any more.
Useless fact…. Each engineer has his or her signature tune, so you can tell who’s in the driving seat. Ours was dah dah di dah, which happens to be Q in morse code. Never forget that one. Ever.
All told, from the boarding process in Chicago to the service on board and the attention to detail, it was a good experience all round. My only gripe is the equipment is long in the tooth and is in real need of upgrade. Would I do it again..? You betcha. I cancelled my flight and booked a return Empire Builder next week.
So, three days in downtown Seattle…. What to do..? Hmmmm.