America's Amtrak moment could finally be here

[Retired Engineer Bob]

16. It's a great way to travel

My grandparents took me on two Amtrak trips. First from Milwaukee to Niagara Falls, second from Milwaukee - Seattle - San Diego- Milwaukee. We travelled coach both times.

My hubby and I took a vacation back in ‘98. Milwaukee to Seattle by train, but this time we got the sleeper car. Left Milwaukee around noon on Saturday, arrived in Seattle late Monday morning. I recall going to bed the first night, last thing I heard before zonking out was the train’s whistle. Slept like a rock. Woke the next morning, took a shower then off to the dining car for breakfast, all meals were great. Going through Glacier National Park was a highlight of the journey, met some very nice people. Spent a couple of days in Seattle, then got in a rented Mustang convertible. We drove through the Cascades for a few days, came back to stay several nights at Lake Crescent and touring Olympic National Park (awesome). Returned to Seattle for our flight back.

I love travel by train. Vacation starts the moment you get on board, unlike a flight where things don’t start until you arrive.

I hope Amtrak gets the funding to upgrade the system and keep things rolling.