Amtrak L.A. to Tacoma
September 9~10, 2022
As you may have noticed, I am very behind on updating this blog. It is 2023 already and I am still working on Fall of 2022. Not only did we enjoy our four cruises since our trip to Florida (which I still have to finish on the RV part) we are also planning on our first big trip to Asia after three years of the pandemic period. I will try to post as much as possible before I forget what to say.
We have taken train trips a couple of times on Amtrak. First one was about 20 some years ago when we traveled from L.A. to Seattle to visit family. Then son and I took a trip from Seattle back to L.A. in 2015 after a coastal cruise. This time around we booked a couple of cruises that sailed out in the Pacific Northwest. We did not want to drive and we did not want to fly so train it is! Luckily, when I checked, there was a sale and we were able to book a private roomette for a cheaper rate of a little over $600.
On the day of our travel, son took us to the train station in our city so we could ride the Metro Link to downtown L.A. where Union Station is located. From there, we would board the Coast Starlight to Tacoma, Washing. There were not that many people on Metro Link, and we happened to get on the car where we met a couple of gentlemen who were also traveling north to get on their cruise that weekend.
Later found out that wee were also on the same car on the Coast Starlight. What a coincident! It only cost us $3.50 with senior discount to ride the Metro Link one way. It was quite a pleasant journey.
Waiting for the Metro Link at our station.
On the Metro Link.
We arrived at Union Station and soon found the check-in counter for Coast Starlight to put our bags in. Then we just went around to explore this beautiful station a bit. It was still early and we were not in any rush now.
Inside Union Station.
When we were done exploring, we went up to the Metropolitan Lounge on the second floor where private room passengers can get in as they wait for the train. It was quite empty when we got there but soon it was filled up and bustling with passengers. They have simple snacks and drinks provided as we waited. A staff member then took us to the platform when it was about time to board the train.
Waiting inside the Metropolitan Lounge.
Snacks and drinks
We boarded the train and found our roomette which is on the lower level of the train. When asked if there is any room available on the upper lever, we were told that the train was full that day and no vacancy is available. We settled in and made it comfortable for our 34-hour ride. The roomette is just big enough to accommodate two people. A pull-down bed on top and the two chairs will make into a bed underneath.
Meals are included in this class of the train ride. They made announcement that meals at the dining car will be communal tables, so we would have to share tables with others. After we boarded, staff came around to assign meal time. We decided to have room service instead of going to the dining car due to social distancing. The last thing we want is to get sick and not able to board our cruises in a week or so.
We were told that all meals delivered is OK, only breakfast we still need to go to the dining room because our attendant needs to make up the rooms during that time.
Settled in.
men
Our attendant would come by and take the orders before meal time.
After a couple of hours, we started to see the California coast.
And time for lunch...with our choice of drink...
Both of us had the Angus Burger. Really good!
and we decided to just share a dessert. This lemon cake was delicious!
I believe this was Santa Barbara where we got to get off for a little break.
From the door to the seat, kind of tight but manageable.
steps to get on the upper berth
tried to make good use of all the tiny spaces
a skinny closet here
Another stop, maybe San Luis Obispo?
Passing by California Men's Colony.
Making a stop in Salinas.
Dinner time! Coconut shrimp (appetizer). Excellent!
Steak
cheese cake
This could have been Oakland when we arrived at night.
Then it was night time and we couldn't see anything anymore. The next morning we woke up near the border of California and Oregon. Now, we had to go up to the dining car for breakfast.
Table with a view.
 |
| dining car |
Great breakfast!
First stop in Oregon, Klamath Falls.
It was quite chilly!
Outlets in the room.
we brought our portable air filter
There was a huge fire nearby but fortunately it didn't affect our ride.
Angus burger for lunch again.
Chocolate cake to share. Another great dessert!
Portland Union Station
Dinner before we got off in Tacoma. Salmon.
they said they ran out of steak, otherwise, I would love to have another piece of steak instead.
This time we did not ride all the way to Seattle King Station but got off in Tacoma. The whole journey was quite on time, just a little late due to some traffic problem between Portland and Tacoma. We had a good ride on the train and enjoyed all the wonderful meals on board and the views along the way. Making it a nice start on our fall journey. Will I be on the train again? Definitely, if the price is right but won't be able to do regular coach with my old bones.
For video of this journey, please click here.
"Learn to do right! Seek justice, encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless, please the case of the widow." -- Isaiah 1:17
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