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I began my trip to the west coast by catching a train to Chicago. St. Paul's Depot is the quietest station on my itinerary.
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The train to Chicago follows the Mississippi south and we saw barge tows. This is a big tow with the maximum eight units.
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Chicago's Union Station is just to the left. This was the scene as I emerged from the station - dramatic!
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The city is building a walkway down along the river and it is beautiful. The gigantic Merchandise Mart, built by Joseph Kennedy (JFK's father) is in the background.
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After a short time in the city, I am back in dramatic Union Station to catch the California Zephyr.
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Long distance Amtrak trains feature an observation car. There is a cafe downstairs.
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The dining car is one of my favorite features. The waiter is presenting the Zephyr's menu.
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My roomette features facing seats that the car's attendant slides together to make my bed. There is an upper bunk, too.
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In contrast to St. Paul's depot, Denver's downtown station is a vibrant hang out and hub. It is also beautifully renovated.
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After Denver, the Zephyr climbs up the front range.
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At higher altitude, the fog dissipates and we see dramatic views.
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The tracks follow the Colorado River through dramatic canyons.
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We pass through the Ruby Valley as we approach Nevada.
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On the western Amtrak trains, the cars have two levels.
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The Zephyr arrives at the end of the line in Emeryville, California.
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I next took the Coastal Starlight through the California hills on my way south to Los Angeles.
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Finally, I see the Pacific Ocean.
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The Los Angeles Union Station was a dramatic surprise. What a beautiful facility!
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The station is the last great railroad depot built in the U.S., in 1939. After falling into decay, it was recently renovated and is often used in films.
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Another great Los Angeles building, the Disney Concert Hall. Frank Gehrey is said to have been inspired by billowing sails.
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The Bradley Building was built in 1893. I think the architectect was heavily influenced by Louis Sullivan.
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The Last Bookstore opened in an abandoned bank building in 2011. The name reflects the assumed futility of traditional retailing of books. It was a huge success and is my second favorite book store, after the Strand in New York
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A Park Service volunteer provided commentary on the coastal scenery. My young friend got impatient.
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We passed gangs of field workers in the Salinas valley, the salad bowl of the U.S.
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The Coastal Starlight rounds a tight curve coming down from the mountains.
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We pull into the downtown San Diego station.
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As with so many of the grand old stations, the Santa Fe depot was beautifully renovated.
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I am glad to see many of the old touches are retained.
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I made a quick visit to the Midway aircraft carrier, in service until the first Iraq invasion.
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The crew was triple bunked with this personal space plus a small locker.
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Siesta time for sea lions.
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My California relatives (minus Anne, the photographer)
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The final treat: a view of the southern end of the Grand Canyon from an airplane window