I remember years ago traveling from Fullerton, Ca, to Las Vegas. It was a six hour drive, but I wanted to take Amtrak. Commercial trains have the right of way, so we had to wait in Bakersfield for two hours. All in all it took nine hours. But what a ball.
Another passenger had a year’s pass and used it to visit his children.
Our family loves taking the train for long distance trips, it a great opportunity to spend time together. Last summer our family rode the Sunset Limited to NOLA for vacation, and to shoot a family video.
I've always preferred trains over flying when I have the time. We've met some really great conservatives on trains, we're still in touch with two party's we met while traveling for a few days. Of course there are the occasional filthy hippy but our time on the train has always been time well spent.
I'll only get a cabin if I must, like if I have to do work on a business trip. We got the big family cabin and a double berth for a family trip once, we decided we liked the coach seating better.
I don't mind driving the 250 miles to 'GranMa's' but I would never drive my own car to San Francisco. It's just too much hassle to drive a non-resident vehicle up there.
I haven't flown since 9/11 and I'd rather not now.
*****vanity*****
Here's a screen-shot from the video we shot while in NOLA. It's not quite finished, I broke both of my arms and a camera before we could film the open/close. (we'll film that this spring)
The video is based on the Mojave Memorial Cross. I think FReepers will enjoy it.