On an Amtrak Long-Distance Train, There’s Scenery … and There’s Scenery.
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On an Amtrak Long-Distance Train, There’s Scenery … and There’s Scenery.

ByJim Loomis

I don’t know if there’s ever been an actual scientific survey, but I’m quite sure that most people riding across the country on an Amtrak train will say what they enjoy most is looking at the scenery. It’s certainly out there in abundance and that’s certainly how I feel. I’ll never get tired of the…

Amtrak’s Best-Kept Secret: The Cardinal – Part 2
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Amtrak’s Best-Kept Secret: The Cardinal – Part 2

ByJim Loomis

(The following is Part 2 of an account of one of my several trips on the Cardinal. It was originally published in the Columbus Dispatch.) At dinner, I’m seated with a husband and wife from Philadelphia on their way to visit a daughter in Portland, Oregon. They’ll be connecting with the Empire Builder tomorrow in…

Amtrak’s Best-Kept Secret: The Cardinal – Part One
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Amtrak’s Best-Kept Secret: The Cardinal – Part One

ByJim Loomis

(The following is an account of one of my several trips on the Cardinal. It was originally published in the Columbus Dispatch. Part 2 on Monday.) The Cardinal isn’t a big train – a locomotive, a baggage car, just one sleeping car, three coaches, and a diner.  And it runs only three days a week…

In Amtrak’s Pacific Parlour Car, Debbie’s In Charge.
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In Amtrak’s Pacific Parlour Car, Debbie’s In Charge.

ByJim Loomis

Let me tell you about Debbie. She’s in her late 50’s, calls you “Honey”, has an infectious laugh, and is attractive and fun to be around. Debbie was our attendant — the only attendant — in the Pacific Parlour Car on Amtrak’s Train 14, the Coast Starlight, for our ride up to Seattle from Los…