From Los Angeles to Portland … in Style!
PORTLAND – Arrived safely in this wonderful city late this afternoon on Amtrak’s Coast Starlight … and only about an hour late. I say “only” because yesterday morning we had to take a bus around a very serious fire north of Los Angeles and travel two-plus hours up the coast to Santa Barbara where we actually boarded the train.
Then there was more time lost this afternoon in the Cascade Range where the train was under slow order while crossing a stretch of track rebuilt after a massive landslide closed the route for weeks back in January. Still, all things considered, a very nice trip.
Certainly there can be no doubt that the Coast Starlight is one of Amtrak’s more scenic trips … along the Pacific Coast from Santa Barbara north past Vandenburg Air Force Base, then inland through what my late and truly wonderful father-in-law referred to as “PBCH” … by which he meant “Pretty Brown California Hills”. Actually, they’re golden brown hills, some quite high, all spotted with dark green oak trees, with small farms and ranches scattered in among them.
The second day, today, began with an absolutely spectacular view of Mount Shasta, which was capped by snow this morning, touching off a discussion over breakfast as to whether the snow was the first of this year or left over from last winter.
Then it’s up into the Cascade Range and fabulous views of lakes and valleys as the train winds along narrow ridges through a marvelous wilderness area.
The trip today was enhanced by a conductor who periodically gave an interesting and even scholarly commentary about the passing scenery and some of the history of the area. I only got his first name, Dave, from our car attendant, but will send Amtrak an “atta-boy” letter for his file as soon as I get home.
So … tomorrow is the first gathering of the NARP* board of directors when we get a day-long tour of Portland’s several transit systems. More on that later, and photos shortly after I get home.
*National Association of Railroad Passengers
