I’ve always had a soft spot for trains. There are certain markets in our country where true high-speed rail might make a ton of sense. DC-NYC-BOS is the one that gets talked about most, but I happen to think there are others. Making the political decisions on whether or not we want to foot the bill to make it happen is for others to figure out. Whether the train I’m on right now makes financial sense or not is for another blog. It made financial sense for my transportation options today, and I have to tell you that I’m enjoying the trip.
After an overnight at the beautiful Hyatt Olive 8 in Seattle, MrsMJ and I made our way to Seattle’s King Street Station, a beautiful old school rail station. We had pre-purchased tickets online, and made our way to Amtrak’s kiosk to pick them up. Unlike the northeast regionals I’m accustomed to, you actually get a seat assignment for Amtrak’s Cascades train. We didn’t book business class seats (will next time, I think), so we got in the very long queue for a seat assignment in coach. Other than the line, and perhaps a 10 minute wait to get our seat assignments, I can’t complain. Seat assignments are not automated. They pull them off a sticker chart the old school airline way. đŸ™‚ They also use that as an opportunity to verify your passport matches the name on the ticket. Soon enough, we were on our way.
Seating accommodations are quite comfortable in coach, with typical (for trains) 2 by 2 seating. Seats are leather, and plush, there’s at seat power (look way down low), and wi-fi. Amtrak’s wi-fi has been performing about as I remember during my last train journey so I am happy that brought my mi-fi along for the trip. The cafe car offers decent food, and I personally vouch for the breakfast sandwich.  Things are so comfortable on board the train that even LOL Elmo approves. LOL Elmo is on his way to Canada to meet his new best friend, Indy. Our 2-year old kicker of cancer’s ass nephew. Elmo says hi, and he’s ticklish.
So far, it’s been a great trip, and I’m really enjoying the train ride. It gives us an opportunity to relax and let someone else do the driving, get a bit of work done, and enjoy the beautiful scenery. Cascades tip – If heading north, try and sit on the left side, and on the right when heading south. I wish we’d gotten to the station a little sooner. Nonetheless, there’s scenery on both sides of the train.
-MJ, July 4, 2014
[…] I knew my next most likely opportunity to try the chip capabilities would be on a then forthcoming trip to Canada. Now, when you receive the card, the materials that come with it refer to the card as […]
Great post! Getting excited about studying about the relax of the trip!
Was this on the old or new train set? The new ones look brighter and are cleaner, but the economy seats are so slim that you can feel the frame of the seat. I have yet to try business class on the new sets, but I hope they are at least as comfortable as the old business class seats. Keep in mind that Business Class passengers (and United Club cardholders) can access the Metropolitan Lounge in Portland. There isn’t much there to speak of, but at least a free coffee, soft drink, or water and maybe a small snack. That… Read more »
Old train set I think. Seats were big and cushiony.
Looking forward to reading about the rest of the trip!
I’m actually reading this from the Lakeshore Limited. I can second the recommendation on the breakfast sandwich – pretty decent.
Too bad the train is running 7 hours behind schedule, but c’est la vie.
@Eliza, sorry about that! We left right on time and are still on schedule, I think.