California Zephyr
I have traveled alone in the past, but never on a long long long rail trip. And I never thought I would do it here in US. Anyway, who ever travels in the train in US?
But I am, even though I can't at all find anyone around me who has traveled long distance around me. Or maybe this is what someone does when there is Spring break in two days' time, and all his previous plans have fallen flat. Or maybe I am just mad and found something madder to do. Or perhaps I am simply lucky. And I believe the last one to be true :)
I love trains, even though M hates them. I always enjoy traveling in trains (nope, not the unreserved bogies, though I have had some really interesting trips in them as well) in India, and given if there is an option I always pick one. But things are different in US. There was a huge Railways boom way back in the past (anyone remembers the legendary Dagney and the Taggart Transcontinental from Atlas Shrugged?), but with time Railways slowed its march (unlike India) and gave way to Airlines and more and more private vehicles.
'And who is John Galt?'
Some, of course, survived still and continue to service. One such train journey is the famed San Francisco - Chicago route (2,438 mile), and I am doing a part of it (traveling to Denver and back in the California Zephyr) starting the coming Monday. This leg of the entire route which has often been rated as the best train journeys in the US.
It is one of those trips which I am doing purely for the joys of journey (and traveling) with little concern about my destination; though slowly I am getting all excited about spending a few days in Denver as well. The journey (one-way) takes a little more than 32 hrs, and I am looking forward to every one of them. Yes, finally all those packed books will see the light of the day (and night) :)
Anyone visiting the blog from Denver, or knows something about the city? Do you know a local I can meet up? Any tips/ suggestions? I look forward to it all...
Read this - Top 5 unmissable journeys by rail by Lonely Planet and you will see this one as well :)
But I am, even though I can't at all find anyone around me who has traveled long distance around me. Or maybe this is what someone does when there is Spring break in two days' time, and all his previous plans have fallen flat. Or maybe I am just mad and found something madder to do. Or perhaps I am simply lucky. And I believe the last one to be true :)
I love trains, even though M hates them. I always enjoy traveling in trains (nope, not the unreserved bogies, though I have had some really interesting trips in them as well) in India, and given if there is an option I always pick one. But things are different in US. There was a huge Railways boom way back in the past (anyone remembers the legendary Dagney and the Taggart Transcontinental from Atlas Shrugged?), but with time Railways slowed its march (unlike India) and gave way to Airlines and more and more private vehicles.
'And who is John Galt?'
 |
| Ref: www.washingtonindependent.com |
Some, of course, survived still and continue to service. One such train journey is the famed San Francisco - Chicago route (2,438 mile), and I am doing a part of it (traveling to Denver and back in the California Zephyr) starting the coming Monday. This leg of the entire route which has often been rated as the best train journeys in the US.
 |
| Ref: www.railpassengerusa.com |
It is one of those trips which I am doing purely for the joys of journey (and traveling) with little concern about my destination; though slowly I am getting all excited about spending a few days in Denver as well. The journey (one-way) takes a little more than 32 hrs, and I am looking forward to every one of them. Yes, finally all those packed books will see the light of the day (and night) :)
Anyone visiting the blog from Denver, or knows something about the city? Do you know a local I can meet up? Any tips/ suggestions? I look forward to it all...
Read this - Top 5 unmissable journeys by rail by Lonely Planet and you will see this one as well :)
I am excited too...for your journey...do post lot of pics and also your experiences....
ReplyDeleteI recently did a project for high speed rail feasibility in India and we did a study on how airlines took over railways in US as part of that....it was interesting!!
so glued to your personal experiences on train journeys in the US!!
http://sushmita-smile.blogspot.in/
Thanks Sushmita, I am a great time for sure! And had some really interesting discussions on the Railways in USA as well...
DeleteThis sounds REALLY interesting! :-D You have to tell us all about it.
ReplyDeleteIt surely is exciting, and I will surely try and share it as the tripe goes :)
DeleteI was just researching last summer about taking the train across Canada. It's an affordable method of travel and you get to see a lot of beauty along the way. I don't know anyone in Denver, I don't think, so I can't help you meet up with anyone. Do enjoy your journey though!
ReplyDeleteHey Jules, am certainly having a great journey! It was a beautiful beautiful trip and Denver also seems to be really pretty...
DeleteIt's interesting to see the US the way you photograph them. Spectacular photos as usual, Sidd. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks man...I am completely enjoying the country the way it is. There is so much beauty all around...
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