I've always wanted to travel the slow way across the country, taking a train somewhere overnight. Watching the scenery go by the window when I'm in no

Riding Amtrak from PDX to LAX

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2024-11-05 12:30:35

I've always wanted to travel the slow way across the country, taking a train somewhere overnight. Watching the scenery go by the window when I'm in no particular hurry to get anywhere. I had the opportunity to do just that this past week riding on the Amtrak Coast Starlight down to LA to visit the in-laws. Obstensibly, I can call this a research trip, as my in-progress TTRPG Nix Noctis (working title maybe permanent title) features a post-post apocalyptic train line that encompasses the southern half of the route. What better way to ensure I've crafted an "accurate" half-passenger half-freight half-military rail line.

Regardless of justification, it was quite the experience. I booked a roomette with Amtrak months in advance (probably too far in advance as I don't think I got the best rate. Oh well, experiences are worth it). Since my wife wasn't making the trip with me, I had plenty of space to stretch out in the sleeper, though I do wonder if there'd be a good enough space for the both of us in here for 30+ hours. I suppose there's always the observation car, but it was full basically every time I visited it.

Now, I've ridden Amtrak a bunch of times in the past, but this is my first time on an overnight journey. The longest trip I'd ever taken was to Vancouver BC, at just over 10 hours due to multiple delays. Thus, those trips were always in coach. This time, since I was going to be on this thing for over 30 hours and ideally I'd like some sleep that isn't surrounded by other people, I figured this was the best time to do a sleeper car journey.

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