Amtrak California Zephyr | We Broke Down... But Amtrak Made It Right

Join us on this Amtrak California Zephyr, Emeryville to Chicago journey. We reserved an Amtrak sleeper car accommodation. We started our journey in Emeryville Amtrak Station and traveled to Chicago Union Station. This is one of the best Amtrak Vacations you can do. This is our favorite route on Amtrak train travel. We enjoyed our California Zephyr roomette for this trip.
If you've never traveled by an Amtrak train, we recommend this route for your first Amtrak vacation.
Our Cruise Channel:
/ @groundedlifecruises
CONNECT WITH US!
www.groundedli...
/ groundedlifetravel

[@davidburrow5895]

It's interesting that you made it over the mountains with few problems, but then broke down in Nebraska. The beef stew is a "secret" menu item that I think they store on every train. I've had it on both the Empire Builder in the past when that trains were well past its scheduled times. I was also once on the Lake Shore Limited once when they stopped to pick up Subway sandwiches for both sleeper and coach passengers because we were behind schedule. Basically, if you are into the next meal time, Amtrak will see that you are fed. One of the things that sold me on Amtrak for life was that after my very first trip (on the Lake Shore Limited) ran seven hours late, Amtrak issued a large credit and also provided us with free transportation to our hotel. (We were intending to take the subway there, but it had stopped running fort he night after we got into Boston.) Amtrak is like the opposite of the airlines. When things go wrong, they really do want to make it right.

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

Great stories, thanks for sharing! That Subway one is great! They do go out of their way to make it right, which is what we were hopefully conveying here.

[@DavidJones-dy2ul]

Mr. Burrow, What year was that when Amtrak gave you a credit (vs a voucher) ? My recent experiences suggest that Amtrak is only giving vouchers, unless you have missed a "Guaranteed Connection".

[@NozomuYume]

@@GroundedLifeTravel The neat thing about the beef stew is that they have enough for the entire train. Every single person in coach gets a meal for free since they are stuck on the train.

[@nellgrill3845]

Just in August. 2021,. Our train 🚂 cancelled,. Wildfires 🔥 in calif,. Destruction of train bridges,. Got FULL refund. Or offered Amtrak credit.👍☺️

[@jamesthompson3099]

You two have the perfect attitude for riding Amtrak. Just enjoy the journey. You get there when you get there. Earlier this summer a friend and I were on the Zephyr and had to get off in Denver due to a medical emergency. My friend had to fly home the next day and I continued on the train. My friend got a cash refund for the value of a trip from Denver to Chicago and I got a whacking great discount on a full bedroom instead of a roomette. When we called we were informed that the conductor had already filed a full report and they had been waiting for us to contact them to arrange for completing the journey. The onboard staff was absolutely incredible during the emergency. I love Amtrak.

[@kevinhoward9593]

Amtrak's slogan is "We will get you there....EVENTUALLY " lol.

[@theblessedtraveler7477]

I remember riding the bottom level in room 12 on the California Zephyr and yes it was nice being alone on that level

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

Very nice!

[@chrisdobrowolski2783]

Was it really noisy from the wheels on that level, just curious.

[@jem7857]

I took this trip back in May 2022 and had a wonderful time. I also was in the View Liner 1 and I loved it. One thing that was different for me was that just before we got to Denver we got into a snow storm and it got fairly cool on the train. I am from Burnettown, SC and my total trip was 12 days.

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

Wow, sounds like an awesome trip

[@sugarcookiecube]

I am your newest fan! I really like how your videos answer questions most people wonder about when it comes to train travel. When I get through a couple health issues, a train trip on the Empire Builder is the first thing on my bucket list. 😀

[@MikeTerry1969]

I took that trip last April and our conductor was much less chatty. I liked the tour guide facts that you guys got over the speaker.

[@bernardschmitt6389]

A lot of times its a tour guide and not a conductor, conductors have lots to do and aren't just there for passengers.

[@warbonds]

I just came across your video today, but I was your engineer between Lincoln, Nebraska and Ottumwa, Iowa.

[@chrismurray2237]

So cool!

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

That is awesome! Thanks for a great trip!

[@squalli1297]

Amtrak's employees are doing everything they can to accommodate travelers. It's great your train wasn't filled allowing more elbow room. I'm glad you gave yourselves enough time between connections which is what I've learned to do. You never know when there will be an extended delay.

[@jeffdur1330]

They absolutely 100% are not doing everything they can to accommodate travelers.

[@norcalrailfan1]

Wow, you had the delivery train for 301, that’s pretty sweet!

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

It was a fun ride! There were people all over the highway taking pictures as we went along

[@staresatthesun]

Such a delightful couple to watch and live vicariously through 😊

[@bebaBad]

I love that you included the commentary from the conductors.

[@tomithot261]

While I am home bound, I am loving seeing Amtrak in action. Have done an overnight and now want to do a longer trip ... because of your info.

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

Awesome!

[@Whimsey6]

If you get the chance, ride the California Zephyr in winter. The Sierras are a winter wonderland, and the views are gorgeous.

[@kathiesullivan2543]

We used to take it for our wedding anniversary which was St. Patrick’s Day. Tons of snow at that time of the year and such a beautiful trip.

[@LisaSoulLevelHealing]

Thank you, great suggestion!

[@complex65]

That Moffat Tunnel reminds me of going through the English Channel Tunnel on Eurostar. That one is about thirty minutes and you're under water. Yeesh!

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

Yikes, that under water part is interesting!

[@danielcarroll3358]

@@GroundedLifeTravel Another difference is that you are going 100 mph through the Channel Tunnel. Before and after the tunnel is when you go high speed.

[@susandoucet3808]

The chunnel was a good time for a nap

[@timnewman1172]

Sadly, I will probably not live long enough to see Eurostar equivilent train travel in the U.S. ... we are so far behind the rest of the world it's embarrasing!

[@traceybaytops8681]

Since I have been watching these videos I am SOOOO incredibly amped about going to visit my family in California!!! Allie you look like you've lost a lot of weight! You look absolutely amazing!!!

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

Thank you! Have a great trip!

[@jacquelynsanders9576]

Cool Emeryville!!! Used to live down the street from this station.

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

Very cool!

[@jackgreen9722]

I was on the same train and we chatted up on several occasions. The new engine was beyond fabulous. After watching the video I contacted Amtrak and got a voucher for future travel. Thanks for the tip!

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

Yes, we remember! Great to hear! I think you were right next to Allie in one of the clips in the video, when we were waiting outside. Had a great time talking with you!

[@barbb]

It is nice they have the commentary as you go along. Nice to get information. Glad also that Amtrak treated you well.

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

We really did enjoy the info they provided

[@davedyson7837]

My wife and I rode the California and Zephyr / Lakeshore Limited from California to NYC back in March -- thanks for all your videos and tips, they were really helpful! We had good weather for the trip so the scenery was spectacular. Knowing ahead of time that the Zephyr often is delayed by a few hours removed all our stress around that (and our Chicago stopopver was scheduled for 6 1/2 hours anyway, so there wasn't really any worry about the transfer), and knowing what to expect around packing, food, and the rooms were all super helpful too. Thanks again!

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

Awesome, glad you had a good trip!

[@ChadSimplicio]

Who would've thought that when that train reached Galesburg, IL--to the delight of the Virtual Railfans--in the middle of the night, that the duo was onboard.

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

You are welcome! Hope you get to do it

[@ftmjake]

I would like to point out that it sounds like she called them after the fact in a calm manner, which makes a huge difference then calling when you are hot and angry. But she really should have mentioned that this outcome may not be the same for every passenger that calls. In fact I am willing to guess that the compensation (if any) for coach class would be significantly less, if any at all. These folks seem to be frequent first class passengers, that and they handled their issue with Amtrak calmly. Those three things alone, probably helped with them with their compensation. 1-frequent riders 2-first class passengers 3-called Customer Service without an an attitude.

[@JJ-ck2mt]

Outstanding narration (superior to most pro tour guides) and informative announcements. We can’t wait to do the Zephyr - scenery is gorgeous! Amazing that you guys got such great shots, and really lucking out with the weather.

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

It was a really great conductor crew, they even had games, riddles and other things to play. The staff made this trip really fun. They should be commended. You could tell they love that job.

[@missyraleigh6447]

Honestly this makes me wanna travel Amtrak even more. We wanna do a more leisurely trip anyways but you can get that delayed via an airline anyways and not be as taken care of. Now we just got to decide which route we wanna take.

[@yoyolo8465]

I'm with you Missy, Ready to travel Amtrak and deciding on which route!

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

Totally agree with you, and if you plan for it maybe being a little late, it isn't stressful at all.

[@reginaevaslin8053]

Flights are awful - seats are expensive, ppl are packed like sardines, you have to get there 2-3 hours early, can't get up, can't walk around - if the travel time is less than 8 hours it's better to take a train.

[@BobMocarski]

Being late is on time for Amtrak lol. I plan to do this trip next year. Looks so beautiful.

[@joyfatbyte]

@@reginaevaslin8053 That's what I have been doing instead of flying for most trips, it is way less stressful than airports and flying even though it's not necessarily cheaper. I take business class for an even roomier seat. Freight trains have priority pretty much every where but the east corridor, so I always plan a couple hours delay in my trips. Surprisingly I once got to KC damn near on time😉

[@tofu86oc55]

CUSTOMER RELATIONS. that's the "complaint dept" that you want to speak with. my train arrived 11 hours late, due to weather, traffic, and staffing issues. the main phone line transferred me to customer relations line. the rep looked up my itinerary, verified the delay, and issued a very generous travel voucher for the next trip. Great customer service (tho it took 45 minutes of waiting). these trains always run late, so just enjoy the journey, not the destination. thanks for this video!! I wouldn't have gotten the voucher had I not watched this video. food was great during the trip, tho during the last 11 hours they scraped together some minimal meals to appease the passengers.

[@omarstube3442]

I was more than happy to meet you in person in the Chicago union station when we are on our way to Yellowstone national park and watched your video before it it was really helpful and the train California Zephyr was as described on your channel and your video made our vacation better.I’m really happy that I found your channel and subscribed to it and people out there subscribe to them they are really helpful. Good content I hope your channel gets many subscribers I’ll keep keep the photo that we took with you guys for memory.

[@JJ-ck2mt]

I love your compare / contrast between SL I and SL II. Also, seems weird that when it comes to reserving a roomette, it’s like the “Forest Gump” box of chocolates - ya never know whatcha gonna get! Great, classy video, Allie and Rob.

[@youtuuba]

J J, unfortunately, this video seems to suggest that passengers should try to reserve a room on their preferred version of Superliner sleeper car (also applies to different versions of Viewliner sleepers), but this is confusing and futile, since AMTRAK reservations (live human or website) does not know which version(s) will be on your particular 'consist', and thus it really is like a "box of chocolates". Just don't get your hopes up, and roll with whichever kind you end up in, and you will be fine. The same goes for trying to reserve a seat or a room on a particular side of the train to maximize scenic viewing....a live reservationist can assign a room of your choice in the sleeper car (if available) but they have no way of knowing which way your car will be assembled in the 'consist', because either end of the car might be oriented towards the front of the train, and thus left becomes right, and vice versa.

[@JJ-ck2mt]

@@youtuuba Right. I agree. I’ve taken AMTRAK NE Corridor many times over the years, but have never taken any LD lines. I have a much of resos for a coast-to-coast trip in September - all on roomette sleepers, over 11 days. I was bummed that it’s impossible to know how they are going to assemble the consist to ensure a preferred view. Same is true for the SL I or SL II car assignments. Heading up to Boston on the Acela this weekend for 9 days. I’m going to hound the conductors for tips, suggestions as to how to best ensure good assignments. Never used a phone call to reserve. Ustah get a ticket at the station, or (now-a-days) using the app. Hopefully, the NPRC will get their stuff together and implement some sweet truly automated on-line reservation service! It would save them lots of $$$, and the rest of us a lot of tsuris! BTW: Do more AMTRAK!!! :-)

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

Thanks, we've been trying to figure out which one we like better, and we've settle on the SL I, for the bigger bathrooms. Although we just rode on the VL II and wow, those are the best roomettes by far (oddly the bed was very firm though).

[@DavidJones-dy2ul]

@@youtuuba Totally agree!! Amtrak could arrange the sleepers so the Deluxe rooms are forward!! When they have to get it right - like the dorm sleeper - they do!! It's too bad the employees who make up the trains don't ride them to experience their lack of effort. Also, we pay to ride - Amtrak= Professional Riders!!

[@DavidJones-dy2ul]

@@GroundedLifeTravel Obviously you are not a man over 50! The Viewliner One's had toliet facilities in each room. Now, in a Viewliner Two, I get to put on my clothes 2-3 times a night and visit the "Public Lavatory"! Progress you know...

[@barbnahoumi65]

Wow, what amazing scenery. I can't wait to take Amtrak Cross-country.

[@rlbijster]

Nice video. It's good that you show delays can happen and how Amtrak takes good care of its passengers when things go awry. A job well done by both yourselves and Amtrak.

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

Thanks for your kind comments!

[@davejacobsen3014]

This is the reason that train travel is best for people who are not on a tight schedule, the passenger trains don’t have priority over fright trains, and with older equipment some schedules get moved back in time. Seniors and youths can really utilise trains out west the best. On east coast it is a lot different from what I’ve been told.

[@tonyburzio4107]

The railroads schedule a slot for Amtrak, but Amtrak breaks down a LOT and leaves late. If Amtrak misses it's slot, they have to fight their way through. Sure, go ahead, screw up the nation's freight railroads for sightseers, see if you still have a job!

[@jacquelynsanders9576]

Wow! I felt like I was on the trip with you! Loved the history being provided by the staff and the food looked awesome! What a cool trip!!

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

The conductors were awesome, they seem to really give you a "tour" on that particular train.

[@x10sam]

My partner and I joined you on this train in Denver. When we got up and we were stopped between Lincoln and Omaha, we went to the dining car for breakfast. (Gotta have that French toast!) We saw that there were several cars (including an unmarked police cruiser) nearby. We saw a bunch of guys in plain clothes, but with bullet proof vests and guns outside. They also had a German Short Hair pointer. Our dining companion said the dog was taken through the train to search. I overheard an employee saying, "I locked the doors after we kicked him off, so I don't know how he got back on." No clue what that was all about. It was probably just someone who didn't have a ticket, but more communication would have been nice. I was so impressed with how well the staff took care of us during this trip. My partner and I were both really impressed with all the meals we had. Coach had it rough though. From what I gathered, their bathrooms were out of order. When stopped in Ottumwa, some guys who were leading some sort of troop (maybe boy scouts?) ran and grabbed some Domino's pizza! I thought that was smart. They were having a good time and making the best of it in the observation car.

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

So cool to have shared a train with you! We asked about that situation and they told us two things. The cops were routine, they were sniffing dogs and they check every train like that at that station, but since we were stopped, they did it out in the open. They searched our car. Also, we heard that someone jumped out the back, not sure how that related though.

[@x10sam]

It was a really fun experience overall! I usually only go on shorter routes from Chicago so I'd never experienced a check like that. Good to know it was just routine! Our ride was comfortable enough even with the huge delay thanks to tips from your videos. Happy and safe travels to you!

[@robertschaefer3223]

It always makes me hungry to go through the Donner Pass. LOL

[@chrismurray2237]

🤭🤭🤭

[@wallyman292]

My wife and I rode the Capital Limited (Chicago to DC and back) many years ago, and we both loved it! Couldn't get over how darn nice everyone was, especially our conductor. We had the "full size" room on the way there, and the roomette on the way back. Definitely recommend the former, if you're not running on a tight budget! Now that we're both retired, riding Amtrak again is definitely on my list of things to do in the future. Glad to hear they brought back the traditional dining, as I had heard that they were going to stick to the "airline" type meals after the pandemic. Anyways, great vid! thanks!

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

Thanks so much, we've found the same, that the staff is usually really nice

[@annareyes6667]

We had the same conductor on our June trip on the California Zephyer. I loved his facts along the way. And we also had significant weather delays and a breakdown on the track that put us 7 hours behind.

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

How cool, we loved him!

[@ronclark9724]

I have had flooded tracks that have cancelled by train trip, so I rescheduled it with Amtrak to go west instead of east... Being flexible is the key...

[@thomaskitz1185]

bless you two always love your sweet videos ! from Tom n Susie * in Michigan ...

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

Thanks so much

[@1wholovestrees]

I took the Coast Starlight from Los Angeles to San Francisco. A wonderful experience, which also included an observation car. I loved Amtrak from that moment on.

[@Delfinmar]

cool! thank you. Going on the Emeryville to Denver leg next week. done it before 15 years ago

[@tincanboat]

meals look great. nice coaches.

[@ronnnnie]

This route and direction is exactly what I wanna do when I go to the US. Thanks for doing this and making this video

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@lindamarie6574]

I love how you both describe things. Especially food!

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

Thank you!

[@sunnie2474]

The Lower Gorge Canyon speaker sounds like Dan Aykroyd! Thanks for showing us what we need to see about the roomette, etc!

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

You are welcome!

[@fyrrmedic2295]

Appreciate your videos! Me and my wife went to NYC on the Zephyr and the Lakeshore Limited a couple of weeks ago. Thanks to your videos we were well prepared for our first time train trip across country. Thank you, thank you! Our Zephyr was delayed as well due to a broke down freight train just before Truckee which ultimately compounded to eat up our 6 hour layover in Chicago. It was unfortunate because we thought we could explore a lil bit of Chicago on the layover, but the plus side was we didn't have to wait for the transfer to the Limited.

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

Thanks so much for your kind comments and glad you had a great trip!

[@bzydad]

My daughter and her boyfriend took the Texas Eagle from Tucson to San Antonio then up to Chicago on Monday, they were 4 hours late getting into San Antonio so the north bound train had already left so Amtrak bused them to Dallas to meet up with their train. And then that train was late getting into Chicago and barely made their Capital Limited train to Pittsburgh. They were supposed to have a 6 hr layover in Chicago. But they made it to Harrisburg via the Pennsylvanian on time. Told them about calling the 1-800 number and they received a $400 voucher. Thank you so much for the tip

[@jen93106]

That’s a really cool prize you got fo the challenge!!! (22:45)

[@popeb48]

I'm counting the days..love getting to see where i will be starting from..

[@user-qr8qh7ss8f]

Wow... that scenery is just beautiful ❤

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

It is beautiful

[@tomwilliam5118]

I've always wanted to take that train I think I'm going to put that on my bucket list for this year or maybe next

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

That is the one to do!

[@matt20061988]

Between my friend taking a trip from Chicago to Emoryville and your videos, I decided to ride from Los Angeles to Chicago via the southwest chief. Thank you all for the thorough tips and the great videos. You’ve made me into an Amtrak fan!

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

That is awesome!

[@chrissygerwitz520]

Glad I watched until the end. Because I thought it was going to be getting those new desserts that was Amtrak "making it right..."

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

We have no idea where those desserts came from!

[@nellgrill3845]

Great show,. Luved it all! In 5 days I have a roommette for trvl. Maricopa, AZ, to Seattle. Whooo hooo! All aboard!!😇🙂😅🇺🇸♥️

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

Have fun!

[@jreid2171]

I was late for a connection in Chicago and they put me up in the Swiss Hotel downtown Chicago. It was great and I got a food voucher the following morning. You will be compensated by Amtrak which is more than most Airlines will do these days. I prefer Amtrak

[@aureliacornelia79adgracchu29]

I've been thinking about doing this trip (pre pandemic) and I've watched so many online videos (all by men). To get a female perspective is brilliant! We do have different perspectives. THANK YOU!

[@nancywood8705]

Where is everybody? Really enjoy your videos. Thanks, I would really love to take a train. Trip.

[@BxCortez2050]

I was Just on The C.F . we made it all the way from Chiago to Denver Co. then Mother Nature said far enough it's mudslides for you ...LOL..Amtrak actually was pretty good about this I was put up in a Hotel then reouted Back Due to time I wasnt able to complete the whole Zepher trip .. but the ride was great from what I did do

[@jenniferthomas5305]

Hmm... I never even considered rail travel before. Mostly because I dont get to travel much but mostly because I had no clue what it was all about. You do a fantastic job of presenting the journey as it really is. Makes me start thinking of it :) I like how I can even factor in my cat coming with me. Thanks! Safe journey to you wherever you go next!

[@riasomers642]

It's expensive but if you break down, it's Amtrak's headache. The only thing is there's no time to see anything from departure to destination.

[@jamesfrommanitoba.1992]

This is a must for me. Wow what a ride. I’d like to apologize if I was too harsh leaving a comment on too much music not enough of your voice. I’d just rather here you both talk. Your videos are fantastic and I appreciate you both very much. Thank you.

[@williammcnay1]

She caught the brand new heritage unit on delivery too!

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

It was beautiful

[@JPSkinner1945]

I saw that train go through Davis, CA with Amtrak 50 anniversary locomotive. And the next day we took the CZ to Chicago. My wife and I ran into a woman in Chicago waiting for Lake Shore Limited for NYP and told of the “journey”.

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

Great story! and we hope you had a great trip!

[@JPSkinner1945]

@@GroundedLifeTravel Now my wife, father, and I are on the Southwest chief to Los Angeles, then, to Davis.

[@chrisdobrowolski2783]

@Jonathan, how was your trip?

[@gubbie2u]

I agree that Amtrak CS is excellent. Once, my train was delayed by six hours, which caused me to miss a connecting train, with the next one several hours after that one. Amtrak didn't pay for a hotel room, as I'd requested, but, like you guys, I got a voucher for half the fare to use on the next trip. Amtrak is struggling, I know, so I don't gripe about them much. Their staff is excellent, and they do make every effort to help, especially when something goes wrong.

[@rosefrias5155]

I love taking the Amtrak especially being a senior I want to stay off the freeways now. My last trip was from Hanford CA to Tucson in October 2019 with a layover in LA Union Station for less than two hours if I remember correctly. Now I’m planning to go to El Paso, TX in October when the weather is cooler but this time I want a roomette. Thank you for your videos that I just happened to see, so helpful so we won’t seem lost 😊

[@malindaallinson5749]

I love the Zepher! I live in Glenwood Springs Colorado. and I rode the rails yo Chicago and back. Best trip of my life. . . You should mention luggage storage. Mine was broken into. No bueño.

[@malindaallinson5749]

Today Aug 2nd 2021 The rails are shut down into and out of Glenwood Springs Colorado due to mud slides in the Grizzly Creek Burn Scar 😪

[@Nicki9202]

This was my first time riding The California Zephyr and there were delays and didn't get into Emeryville until about 9:30 last night but my mom and I had a good time on the train, we took it from Denver

[@munimathbypeterfelton6251]

Dang, a nine-hour breakdown on the rails is pretty severe! I remember once back in 1996 when my family and I were riding the Coast Starlight up north all the way to the terminal in Seattle, Washington, there was a terrible freight train derailment just north of Sacramento. So everybody had to get off the northbound Coast Starlight in Sacramento and we had to be bussed overnight to somewhere near the Oregon State border (I forget which city it was exactly). So we all had to sleep in our charter bus seats and we arrived at the bus's destination at sunrise early the next morning before boarding another train to take us the rest of the way to Seattle. Luckily, the profusely apologetic Amtrak crew treated all of us passengers to breakfast in the dining car that morning and gave us complimentary food and drinks of our choices from the snack bar as well for the remainder of our train trip. Have you two ever experienced freight train derailments on any of your train travel adventures?

[@sunriseschubert4391]

You guys should be working for Amtrak, you're more friendly and nice than the ones they actually have. 😜

[@Krisna_K]

Many years ago my and hubby took the Amtrak Cascades train from Seattle, Washington to Vancouver, British Columbia and back to Seattle! We didn’t stay longer than 4 days but tickets were cheap at the time and I had a working transplanted kidney so we were able to stay a while! We went up in the off season so we stayed at a really nice hotel for very cheap! But we can’t do that now that I’m on dialysis! But we have visited Vancouver since the train ride but by car but not since the global situation began!

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

Thanks for sharing!

[@TjSpoonManJacques]

When you guys passed through New Orleans - I have some real shrimp creole and gumbo for you.

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

We would love it!

[@backdayz]

That's it. This is going on my travel to-do list. Perhaps Winter 2022! (P.S. I love that the train employees engaged the riders to a photo challenge!)

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

Winter would be an awesome time to go!

[@lesliewoods5707]

@@GroundedLifeTravel p

[@joshaustintech]

Crazy story - I nearly did a photoshoot of your train pulling into Chicago because I was excited about the new locomotive. The break-down messed up the timing on my end, so I missed it.

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

It was a crazy trip, we saw lots of photographers setup on the road taking pictures of the train the whole way. But, yes, the lateness ruined the plans closer to Chicago.

[@ronclark9724]

With any trip, especially Amtrak during the hot summer months, book your journey to get there one day early at least, if not more. Mechanical problems with your train or another train, track heat restrictions, accidents can and do happen. It isn't going to be a disaster if you show up for a birthday, wedding, or graduation one day early. It has been my experience winter Amtrak trips run much more on time than summer trips. One, two, or three hours is not much of a deal, but arriving twelve hours late is a big deal. Don't fret, get there one day early...

[@yoyolo8465]

Enjoyed this, ready to ride Amtrak!

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

Thanks! You should go for it!

[@freda9809]

Great videos. I love the descriptions the both of you provide. I haven't travel long distance on a train in decades. I can't wait to go again with my mom (the first person who took me on a long train trip). Apparently, as a child the train was delayed for several hours. I remembered the trip, but thought I was looking at a TV show out the window (there was a farmhouse in the distance and I saw cars driving by, then the sun started going down).

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for sharing your experiences!

[@Hispandinavian]

Amtrak is so rickety. I rode that route from Omaha to Reno. The views of the landscape are amazing, but don´t expect to arrive as scheduled. There´s always a delay here and there, because they have to yield for freight train traffic, or some maintenance issue ahead.

[@kathleenblair6953]

I love the spike!! I'd find a way to frame it and hang it on a wall! Can't wait to start traveling on Amtrak. I'm reviewing your wonderful youTube content and putting a plan together!

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

Thank you, hope you put together some great trips!

[@AKgalStamps-Donnamarshall]

I love Glenwood Springs💜. My dad was born in Dec 1914 in Newcastle and baptized in Feb 1915 in Glenwood.

[@peterwarner358]

That Chocolate Lava Cake looks like the Pacific Parlor Car Chocolate Bundt Cake with a gooey fudge center. Not a new item.this had been served before.

[@SPIKEY90]

Very informative. Makes me want to go on a trip like this.

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

Thanks, You should!

[@carlaalbert2662]

On the California Zephyr right now headed for Chicago. First time on this route. We were the first passenger train to go thru the canyon after the mudslides last week! It looks bad, but I’m glad we were able to get thru. I’m in Iowa right now, but we are still going to be about 4 to 5 hours late! But I would not have missed it. Thanks for all the advice!

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

Very cool! Yes, we've heard from several people who had to get on a bus due to the slides and miss the canyon. Happy for you that you got to see it. Have a great trip!

[@104mona]

thats so awesome that they made up for it that way! Its as it SHOULD be! I recently had to stay in Las Vegas 2 extra nights because spirit airlines cancelled my flight at the very last minute. $500 hotel fee, not to mention food cost, extra Uber to and from airport, plus lost wages, and their solution, two months later, was to offer, me $30 CREDIT. lol. It was an insult. I will never fly with them again.

[@sfdave65]

so just sayin. when it's later in the evening, i just browse through recommenced videos...and i was just about to hit the refresh button, and i saw this one...clicked on it, and wow. so happy i did. really enjoyed it. loved the scenery of the trip, and really really enjoyed how really easily you narrated your trip. bookmarked your channel so I can watch some more. thank you for a great vlog :)

[@maurice5977]

That was good information about the filming of the movie !!!

[@ameliaa6058]

Hello, This was a Amazing video of the California Zephyr route. Amtrak should make you both Ambassadors! I wanted to let you know that the food items not on the menu is what they use for emergencies, late trains, etc. Those items are put on wherever the trains originate, and cannot be ordered on normal train travel. This is because the regular menu items are almost out, and they don’t have enough to accommodate all of passengers on the train. Thank you for sharing your journey on Amtrak.

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

Thanks for the explanation and the kind comments!

[@ishnoorsingh6563]

hi i am a huge fan thank you for this review

[@Adam_Gray]

Moon River still lives up to its name!

[@chrisdobrowolski2783]

Have you ever been mooned while on the train and if yes which lines?

[@chrisdobrowolski2783]

I agree!!!

[@albertweis7669]

Looks. Fun

[@ronachten2902]

Looked like a fun adventure!

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

It really was

[@melinda_coffee_nerd]

This was such a wonderful and informative video! I’ve been wanting to travel this way for awhile. Beautiful footage! Thanks and safe travels!♥️

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@juangallego9290]

Thank you so much guys for showing us great plans traveling by Amtrak! I will take my first ride next year and you videos are completely amazing and very useful for my trip across the country by train. I’ve been watching all your videos and definitely this is going to be the best experience to travel in US.

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

Our pleasure! Thanks for watching and have a great trip!

[@dbljinc664]

Always knew that the Donner party was a reference to something bad, but I never knew. You mentioned them so I decided to use the Google search. Didn't know how bad it actually was.

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

We were in the same boat as you, we googled it after going past there one time on the Zephyr.

[@kkerr1953]

Yeah it was bad……really, really bad.

[@chrismurray2237]

Learned about it as a kid. A really sad, tragic story. Book and I think a couple movies have been made about it. What’s amazing is how the one guy walked out.

[@tinaduncan72]

When my daughter was small we used to travel by Amtrak a lot during the holiday from New York City to Greenville South Carolina on crescent. A couple of times on that ride we had hit a skunk that stunk up the whole train which was a disaster and only a striking a match would take that smell out.

[@ladonnaadam5014]

I really enjoy your videos! I've watched quite a few and loved them! I think you need to do this ride again!, I am an avid Amtrak rider from California to Chicago I feel you missed the best part of the ride! probably due to covid they may not be doing it, but the railroad museum in Sacramento sends a concierge to talk about the ride through the Sierras. They talk about the history and the areas you are riding and the snow sheds! They get off the train in Reno but it's a great show! I can't wait for my next ride and thank you SO Much for these!

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

Thanks so much for your comments! I think you are right, they've suspended people getting on the train to do history and commentary as they used to do.

[@jacobr1095]

Wow it’s insane how good those desserts look compared to the puddings/packaged brownies a few months ago. Almost makes me wanna book a trip just for that…

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

They were very good!

[@scubajoe3321]

That black locomotive is in the day one scheme and that will replace the current Amtrak locomotives the day one scheme is a through back to Amtrak's first paint scheme also that train you were on was delivering it so that's why it was on

[@divox9pqr]

At least you get the traditional dinning and not that horrible flexible menu. Always wanted a railroad spike. I guess winning the contest is the only way to get one these days.

[@mrsmucha]

I just love your videos!

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

Thank you!

[@nedj10]

Has anyone noticed yet, that you guys are riding on the same Zephyr train featured in Costerfan2105's series where he covered engine 301 there leaving the Siemens plant and traveling from the plant to a junction with the main line where it was attached to the train you guys were riding on?

[@carlsilverman754]

Took Coast Starlight 2000 SF/LA we got off at SLO for bus to LA cause of sinkhole outside of Santa Barbara...Amtrak gave me refund check before i got off train at SLO

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

Thanks for sharing

[@NozomuYume]

A note about Superliner 1s vs 2s. They didn't "switch to knobs" in the SL2s. The interiors of the SL1s are actually newer due to a big refurbishment they got after the SL2s were delivered. The whole fleet is ancient and really needs to be replaced, but there are no plans for that currently. At best, the whole SL1/SL2 will get new carpet/fabric/upholstery under the current plans. SL2 will still keep the awful sinks as they are only updating the textile parts. Also, with how much you've been using Amtrak, you should have a higher tier status now on their rewards program. You don't have to call 1-800-USA-RAIL anymore and instead call the higher tier number that lets you jump the queue to get faster customer service.

[@zbeebs]

We got to travel through "Moon River". You definitely want to avert your eyes. That many pasty white butts in the sun can cause temporary blindness.

[@karenb8549]

I'll take a pasty white full moon over a sundial!

[@chrismurray2237]

Lolol

[@chrisdobrowolski2783]

Did you like Moon River?

[@JBS319]

You happened to be on what was probably the most tracked California Zephyr of the year. The 301 was dead in tow and not contributing to powering the train, but you should see the ALC42 locomotives around the system in the next few years.

[@marktufts7756]

the zypher is the best one around