| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| harmonyfarm |
Posted - Sep 08 2010 : 08:43:40 AM
I'll be taking my first train trip ever in a few weeks, (along with my 78 year old mom.) I have no idea what to expect on the inside of the train. I know it won't be the Orient Express but I sure hope it's better than being in a jet on train tracks.....
We have a 4 hour layover in D.C. so if you've been to Union Station can you give me a heads-up about that also? I've heard it's quite nice.
Thanks in advance!
Debbie
"If you can't find the time to do it right...how will you find the time to do it over" |
| 25 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| frannie |
Posted - Oct 28 2010 : 12:56:43 PM
i used to travel between ft.worth and houston by train. amtrak.
it was fun and i really enjoyed it, but it was slow, which is usually okay for me. i can pretty much entertain myself anywhere so slow never bothers me.
the train staff was wonderful and had incredible stories. they put the service in the term service industry. i also enjoyed the folks who traveled by train. all in all i would definitely give it a thumbs up. if you can, would you consider taking pics and sharing some of the journey with us? so we can sort of travel with ya?
oh and have a great time.
love
frannie in texas
farmgirl sister#807
home of "green"crafts,
where no scrap is left behind
(http://abunnystale.wordpress.com/)
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| LadyInRed |
Posted - Oct 28 2010 : 12:37:41 AM
Sounds good to me!! I am from Spokane (except for the last 25 yrs) but all my extended family lives
there. Last summer when I went home to visit...I too talked my youngest son in to driving me over to
Coeur d'Alene so I could shop in the MJF Store there. I loved it...just thought it was way too small!
Heard the Moscow Store is even smaller (oh dear!) but it would be fun to do her 4th of July Celebration
wouldn't it? Then maybe I could ride the train to Chicago will all of you that come from the East Coast. LOL
I guess if we can have a Virtual Porch on the MJF Forum's we can have A Virtual Train too! :+)
Blessings,
~peggy
Farmgirl #1326
http://ladyinredsite.blogspot.com
http://pegsmiles7.wordpress.com
http://www.sunshinefarmgirlcoop.com/PeggySmithsStudio.html#
"I'm only as strong as the caffeine I drink, the hair-spray I use and the Girlfriends that I have." |
| JessieMae |
Posted - Oct 27 2010 : 7:28:49 PM
Debbie, it's funny that you mention a "Farmgirl Express." My husband and I took the Amtrak from Chicago to Spokane, Washington, just about a month ago. I didn't know it, but Spokane is only about 40 minutes from Coeur d'Alene, Idaho...and there is a MaryJane's Farm Store there! When I realized how close we were I put on my "please-oh-please-oh-please" face, and my big-hearted husband agreed to make the one hour and twenty minute detour to let me shop for a few minutes at the store. It was an unexpected highlight on our trip for me!
We could use the Empire Builder (which runs from Chicago to Portland, OR, or Seattle, WA, passing through Glacier National Park)...picking up Farmgirls along the way...rent a fleet van in Spokane...and arrive in Moscow in time for next year's 4th of July celebration!
Jessie Mae
Farmgirl Sisterhood #134 |
| harmonyfarm |
Posted - Oct 25 2010 : 2:01:34 PM
Maybe we should have a "FARMGIRL EXPRESS"...it can start on the East Coast and pick everyone up along the way to the West Coast or we could take a detour and spend some time at MJ's farm? Wow, would THAT be an adventure!
I was lucky that Amtrax sent my bags on for us from Huntington, West Virginia all the way to Providence, R.I....if I had had to contend with two wheeled suitcases, my backpack, our purses and a 78 year old woman...it would have been a nightmare!
Debbie
"If you can't find the time to do it right...how will you find the time to do it over" |
| lulu |
Posted - Oct 24 2010 : 3:58:43 PM
One thing I've done before when traveling is to ship my clothes or bulky things by mail and then I don't have alot to contend with while in route. And again when I'm headed home if I have picked up things I mail them home so I don't have to carry extra luggage or have to pay extra for an additional bag on the plane.
I've about decided not to fly again and to maybe take the train if I can't drive. The roomette/sleeper car sounds good and asls the handicapp car. I've been trying to get hubby to take a train trip and rent a car when we want to sight see. I've always wanted to take a trip across the top of the US from east to west.
Connie
LULU
farmgirl sister #1369
"Scattered Prairie Gals" chapter
Take care and write soon.
When you wish upon a star...Jiminy Cricket |
| LadyInRed |
Posted - Oct 19 2010 : 11:07:44 AM
My Train ride to Seattle was really a great experience last month also. Other than missing my train back because of a SeaHawks game. I didn't know they shut down all those roads for the game. And it was insane because the Train Station is right down in the middle of all that. So had to reschedule for the next morning. Next time I will be sure and check game schedules before I book my trip. LOL Other than that I loved the entire Train Experience!
Blessings,
~peggy
Lady In Red
http://ladyinredsite.blogspot.com
http://pegsmiles7.wordpress.com
"I'm only as strong as the caffeine I drink, the hair-spray I use and the Girlfriends that I have." |
| rebekahj |
Posted - Oct 19 2010 : 08:31:40 AM
My daughter and I took the train from central CA to Oregon. It was an experience I am so glad we had. It took us about twelve hours each way. We were able to see countryside that you wouldn't get to see driving on the highway in a car. There is seating on the lower deck of the train for disabled and older people. It is close to the bathroom and sometimes quieter than the upper deck. Usually roomier than the upper deck also. There is also an observation room with seating and huge windows where you can stretch out a little. It is next to the dining car. If you start to feel stir-crazy in your seat, it is fun to take a walk to the observation room. Have fun!
Urban Farmgirl
Farmgirl Sister #2173
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| harmonyfarm |
Posted - Oct 19 2010 : 08:02:28 AM
Train trip to Rhode Island is over and I'm back to work. Just gotta say we had a WONDERFUL time...Seeing all the colors in the Mountains of West Virginia and Virginia was so beautiful. The seats were very comfortable, the staff on the trains were very helpful and courteous. One of the conductors even gave me erasers shaped like a train and railroad crossing pins to give to my grandkids. It took me a couple of days to get back my "sea legs" back, but all in all, I would recommend taking a train anywhere!
Debbie
"If you can't find the time to do it right...how will you find the time to do it over" |
| PatienceBay |
Posted - Sep 16 2010 : 4:55:57 PM
Hi again Debbie,
I just took a train over the weekend and was able to pay cash in the snack car without any problems. Check out their website for much more information. Also, any time we had a room, our luggage was in the room with us. There is a section about carry-on and checked luggage on their website as well.
http://www.amtrak.com/servlet/ContentServer?c=Page&pagename=am%2FLayout&p=1237405732517&cid=1241210579555
Of course you can call Amtrak for information. Whether over the phone or on the train, the employees are friendly and informative.
I'm looking forward to reading about how your trip turned out. I know you'll like it - it beats driving! Best wishes. Bay
“The secret of patience is doing something else in the meanwhile.” |
| Leezard |
Posted - Sep 14 2010 : 09:04:48 AM
If you have a sleeper then I would assume there'd be room in there for your bags but I can't say for sure. The times I went it was a shorter trip, only 4 hours, and there was a rack right up the steps into the train for bags and there was plenty of room for them...it could be different on a longer train trip. Every time I've been on the train they've taken cash, I've never heard of anyone having a problem with that...again, with it being a longer trip it could be different. lol...I don't know that I'm much help :)
www.theaprondiaries.blogspot.com |
| harmonyfarm |
Posted - Sep 14 2010 : 07:04:59 AM
Another question....
What do they do with your luggage when you get on the train and how do you get your luggage back when you get to your destination?
Someone told my mom that they don't except cash on the trains...is this true? A debit card will work won't it as I don't do credit cards anymore....
I feel like a country mouse going to the city...geez....
Debbie
"If you can't find the time to do it right...how will you find the time to do it over" |
| vintagediva1 |
Posted - Sep 11 2010 : 12:05:43 PM
You farmgirls have no idea how much nicer your trains are than ours.
have traveled by train in the Netherlands, UK and from Munich to Paris overnight. I love traveling by train in Europe but is like first class air versus coach on Amtrak
Michele
www.2vintagedivas.etsy.com
www.sissyandsisterstitch.etsy.com
www.sissyandsisterstitch.artfire.com
Love that good ole vintage junk |
| sherrye |
Posted - Sep 11 2010 : 07:32:30 AM
not much time, wanted to say the handicap car is very clean and comfortable and quiet usually. you need to ask to use it for your mom if you need to. take a blanket pillow and food. happy days sherrye
the learn as we go silk purse farm
farm girl #1014
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| Diane B Carter |
Posted - Sep 11 2010 : 05:55:56 AM
I have always wanted to go on a train. Do you have to check your bags? How much can you bring with you? Coolers? big/small? I wonder if I can convience my husband to go on a short vacation by train. NYC would be good.
Hope all your days are Sunnydays.
dianebcarterhotmailcom.blogspot.com |
| forgetmenot |
Posted - Sep 10 2010 : 9:53:31 PM
Those train trips sound like so much fun! Now, I want to go on one.
"Courage is not the absence of fear, but the belief that something is more important than fear." Ambrose Red Moon |
| KayB |
Posted - Sep 10 2010 : 7:01:04 PM
I went to Temple, TX and back to OKC, OK to visit my daughter and grandbabies down at Fort Hood. Very relaxing. I took some books and a CD player with me, but then again, I was traveling alone. Loved it so much more than the 6-hour drive. The only thing I disliked is that passenger trains must yield to freight trains in this part of the country and that tends to slow things down some times.
KayB
Life's a dance you learn as you go |
| pinkroses |
Posted - Sep 10 2010 : 2:52:55 PM
It has been many, many years since I was on one
my grandmother and I traveled from Va. to Ohio one time
we were going to go to stay with her daughter and her family for a couple of weeks
it was a night time and we had a good time .
hugs sheila
http://www.sheilascreativetouches.blogspot.com/
http://www.ohkayteagirl2.blogspot.com |
| City Chick |
Posted - Sep 10 2010 : 04:50:56 AM
I've traveled a few times from Chicago to Southern California. With my kids when they were 2 & 5 at one point. We always ride coach. The sleeping rooms are way too expensive to book. My parents have had success getting a sleeper once their on the train (one that wasn't booked and they wanted to sell it out).
We always take a cooler with us. Snacks, sandwiches, drinks. The food can be expensive on the train.
We love that we can walk around and stretch our legs. We spend the majority of our time in the sightseer car. LOVE seeing the country from there.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Farm Girl #790
http://www.xanga.com/My_Pondering_Place
https://twitter.com/EllieFunt
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| dutchy |
Posted - Sep 10 2010 : 03:33:11 AM
Violet, ALL our seats have tables, either on the side or in the chair in front, just like airplanes.
Hugs from Marian/Dutchy, a farmgirl from the Netherlands :)
My personal blog:
http://just-me-a-dutch-girl.blogspot.com/
Almost daily updates on me and mine :)
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| sue5901 |
Posted - Sep 10 2010 : 01:12:49 AM
Like Dutchy train travel here is the normal way to travel any distance. I use trains several times a week and although more expensive here than the bus it is a far faster, more comfortable and relaxing way to travel. Also here for long journeys it avoids all the checking in at airports and you get to see the countryside as you travel.
Dance like nobody's watching! |
| LadyInRed |
Posted - Sep 10 2010 : 12:52:08 AM
I am going on my first Train Trip (Just under four hours) From Vancouver WA to Seattle WA in
a week and a half. I am as excited as a little kid. I have always wanted to ride on a Train.
Like you Debbie...I have no idea what to expect. Here in Vancouver we have the Tiniest, cutest
Little Train Station. I have dropped people off there and picked them up but never ridden myself.
I wish you luck and enjoyment...at least you have someone to travel with you...that would be more
fun even!
Blessings,
~peggy
Lady In Red
http://ladyinredsite.blogspot.com
http://pegsmiles7.wordpress.com
A "SMILE" Should Be A Woman's First Accessory, Then Her Purse, Shoes, and Bling! ~p.smith |
| Violets November |
Posted - Sep 09 2010 : 8:16:17 PM
I've been on a four hour trip on one and we all loved it!
It was an adventure! It was clean. We rode on the top and the view was awesome. You might be able to get seats that have a table, if you wanted to play cards or something, that would be nice.
My two youngest daughters just very recently went on another train trip, again, 4 hours one way. They really enjoyed it and are planning another trip to a different destination.
Have lots of fun and enjoy it!
~Violet~
Farmgirl Sister #1669
My blog, http://hiddenacre.blogspot.com/
Our Organic Jewelry, http://www.etsy.com/shop/GaelicForge |
| Homekeepn |
Posted - Sep 09 2010 : 6:57:49 PM
Debbie... I don't know what part of New England you will be going to on your visit. I have taken the Downeaster Train (an Amtrak train) from Portland Maine to Boston and back a few times. It is a very comfortable ride with many short, 3-5 min, stops along the way. It does have a cafe car that sells refreshments not meals.
---Cathy--- |
| dutchy |
Posted - Sep 08 2010 : 11:05:20 PM
Train travel here is every day business. LOL I know our country is small, esp. compared to the USA. But I have traveled on a train SO many times I can't start to count ;)
I like it, it is easy, comfy, cheapish (here it is) and the train is a wonderful way to go from A to B. As I said, train travel here really is every day bussiness.....Same for the bus. I prefer the train for longer travels. When i lived in my growing up town mom, brother and I always visited my grandparents in the North, a 2 and a half hour travel. We took sandwiches with us, coffee-tea and lemonade were sold in the train.
Have a great trip :)
Hugs from Marian/Dutchy, a farmgirl from the Netherlands :)
My personal blog:
http://just-me-a-dutch-girl.blogspot.com/
Almost daily updates on me and mine :)
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| BarefootGoatGirl |
Posted - Sep 08 2010 : 10:09:35 PM
Debbie,
As a train lover, I want to know where you found such inexpensive tickets. For the past ten years or so, I have found it cheaper to fly than ride...and i would much rather ride.
I hope you enjoy the trip and festivites.
Corrine
http://www.alittlebitofred.webs.com/ |
