Amtrak 2
After last week's rail journey from New York City to Chicago, it's time to hop onboard the famous California Zephyr to complete the journey to San Francisco. As you sit on the train a lot of time can be passed listening to music and watching the amazing anerican scenery pass you by. As time passes you'll really feel yourself get into the rythym of the train and by the time you turn in for the night the only companian is the sound of the rails.
By the time you reach Colorado you are in a completely different part of the country. Having passed through the relatively flat terrain of America's bread basket states of Iowa and Nebraska, you are now surrounded by the amazing scenery of The Rocky Mountains. If The Rockies are what your after then a good stop is the town of Frasier, Colorado. If you've had enough of watching America whiz by your window and want to see the country from a different perspective one of the best ways to see The Rockies is from a hot air baloon. Having spent so much time packed into the train, it is a welcome release to get up in the open air. It also provides an great way to look at the amazing scenery. Back on the train, The Rockies look just as stunning. Further on, very few places in the world compare to the sunset over the vast canyons of the Utah dessert.
Throughout the journey there will be lots of small American towns passing your window and you may just be tempted to get out and explore one. One such town is Helper in Utah and when you step of the train into this small rural American town you really feel like you've stepped into the wild west. The name Helper comes from a time when the trains coming through would need extra engines attached to get through the hills around the mines here. Locals are happy to tell tales from the Old West including when The Butch Cassidy Gang stole a train in Helper and hid out just outside the town.
One of the more unique stops is Reno. The biggest little city in the world is also known as the poor mans Vegas. Reno is just what you'd expect, all flashing lights and promise of easy money, but to strut the casino's here you'll want to look the part. A good place to pick up some trendy threads is the best thrift store in town, Junkies.
After travelling over 7,000 miles and through 12 states you will certainly feel like you've had a unique American journey. This is one railroad adventure that will provide everything you'd expect a trip of its type. If you have an appetite for the unknown and can handle the rough with the smooth then an Amntrak adventure is perfect.
Click here for Part 1 of Kathryn's Amtrak Journey
Price Information
Aer Lingus
www.aerlingus.ie
Dublin to New York
Return fares start from €399 including taxes and charges.
JetBlue Airways
www.jetblue.com
New York to San Francisco
Return fares start from $208 plus taxes and charges.
Other Airlines that fly to San Francisco
Continental Airlines
www.continental.ie
Delta Airlines
www.delta.com
US Airways
www.usairways.com
Amtrak Rail
15 day (8 journey) USA rail pass from $389 per adult, travelling in coach class.
www.amtrak.com
Tourist Boards
Philadelphia Tourist Board
www.gophilia.com
Cleveland Tourist Board
www.positivelycleveland.com
Chicago Tourist Board
www.choosechicago.com
Colorado Tourist Board
www.frasercolorado.com
Reno Tourist Board
www.visitrenotahoe.com
San Francisco Tourist Board
www.onlyinsanfrancisco.com