Amtrak in a Wheelchair | Cross Country Train Travel

How to travel on an Amtrak train in a wheelchair. If you are disabled, mobility impared, or what used to be called handicapped in any way that requires you to use a wheelchair, this video shows you what to expect if you decide to travel first-class in a handicapped-accessible bedroom via amtrak train. Overall, the experience was positive and the service was excellent. Amtrak personnel are experienced in dealing with wheelchair-bound travelers and everyone I came in contact with did so with respect, professionalism, and a positive attitude.
I traveled with a companion who was able to help me transfer from chair to bed, deal with my luggage, and so forth. The real test would be if I were traveling alone. I am currently using the wheelchair because I am recovering from a temporary foot problem so I will probably, hopefully, not have the opportunity to travel in the wheelchair again.

[@hellen70666666]

...Loved it---Nice Trip.....!!!

[@wandaarnt234]

Thank You cheers from Pennsylvania 👍👍👍🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@mrskingkong1485]

You two are adorable!! 😍

[@dawnhart3914]

I have always wanted to travel by train! Thank you for showing us your adventure! Looked very cozy! Enjoy your trip! Love and hugs!💙🦋💜

[@BIGDADDYKNOWSBEST1011]

Thanks so much for your video

[@kitsnow5307]

Dinner is delicious looking there on the train. The grape salad looked real good. Thanks for bringing us on your trip.

[@jackiebluebeautytipsandjam20]

Hi sweetie and you got a great man there !! Ty for taking us with you !! Hugs and love ❤️xoxo

[@rebeccajustis8826]

'Chilaquiles is pronounced 'chee-lah key-lays.' They are basically, soggy nachos in sauce. I just love you & Grant & your adventures!!

[@indyracingnut]

Cheryl, thank you for this video!! Thanks to you, I felt so much more confident that I could get my partner on the train and we could enjoy the ride...including the food options. I've never seen the room before so your review was very helpful. Thank you!!

[@mrskingkong1485]

I'm so surprised at how affordable tickets are!! So doing this this year!! Thank you so much for showing us!! Would love to find some nice people to travel with too!! We will see lol

[@brooklynty23]

I absolutely love the perspective from a wheelchair and the added addition for a diabetic such as myself. So many times people speak of what they think is important to wheelchair users but your perspective is so invigorating and reassuring!

[@cherylcoyote]

Thanks Tyree! Because this was my first time traveling with a wheelchair I think that I saw things with a fresh eye. I have friends who are worried about public transportation with their chairs. I hope this video helped to reassure folks that train travel with your chair can be safe and fun. ❤️😄

[@MsDig65]

Great trip, thanks for sharing. I didn't know you were a chair user like me. I'm in mine due to joint instability and spinal collapse from Ehlers- Danlos syndrome. I find the worst part of long journeys is botty ache from sitting in my stationary in my chair .

[@nancyvelvetrose5432]

Such a fun trip. I have always wanted to do a trip like this. How is your foot?? Hope it got better. Loving this video and ride along with you. Keep them coming. Enjoy have fun. Hugs

[@ritaroberts7155]

drink natural Cherry Juice and there's Cherry Pills you can buy. These are great for gout.

[@cherylcoyote]

Thanks Rita! I've had some success with cherry extract supplements. Luckily, I'm back on my feet now!

[@aemummie1]

Thank for sharing! I’d get a lot of knitting and crocheting done on that trip for sure!

[@cherylcoyote]

I forgot my crochet projects! My fingers are itching for something to do.

[@caseyf9697]

You are such a fun happy couple...I loved watching this!

[@andreamills5852]

Looks like so much fun, you made me hungry with the menu. 😃😄👍

[@InaWorldfullOfHearts]

I always love your enthusiasm! You are so cute! Thanks for sharing your travels with us.. It is so good getting away.. :-) I will pray for the swelling to go down and that you will find relief from any pain.. Hugs Cheryl. Have a great time, You and Grant! God Bless!

[@cherylcoyote]

Dawn Hall Thanks Dawn, I think your prayers are working because of my pain has really subsided over the past couple of days. I am still babying my ankle and try not to walk on it but I've noticed a general improvement recently.

[@InaWorldfullOfHearts]

@@cherylcoyote , You are welcome, that is awesome that it has been getting better.. Hugss Friend. :-)

[@naomiemoore5725]

How fun! Thanks for taking us along, this will be an adventure!

[@cherylcoyote]

Naomie Moore Despite my painful foot, I am having a wonderful time and I'm so glad we came via train!

[@naomiemoore5725]

@@cherylcoyote Oh yes! Your poor foot looked very painful! A train is the only mode of transportation across country I have not yet enjoyed. Minus the covered wagon and horses, of course. Only used the Surfliner from Union Station in LA to San Diego.

[@cherylcoyote]

Naomie Moore I've ridden the surfliner from LA to San Diego, boy that is a long trip! It seems like it stops every 15 minutes. I've also ridden from Sacramento to Seattle Washington, which is an absolutely beautiful trip. Most of my train travel has been on the south west route from Los Angeles to Louisiana. I just love train travel!

[@naomiemoore5725]

@@cherylcoyote Yes the trip from LA to SD has many stops. Your trips sound like much more fun!

[@cynthiawinter3409]

OH Cheryl thank you so much for showing me this! I am disabled and would like to take a train trip and you made it so doable for me. THank you thank you thank you...Hope you have a wonderful time!

[@cherylcoyote]

cynthia winter Hi Cynthia! now that I have done this, I would recommend it to anyone. The main downside, which I forgot to mention, is that the beds are quite hard. If I ever travel first class on Amtrak again I will bring a memory foam mattress topper just wide enough to fit on the bunk. Other than that, I would recommend this sort of travel to anyone and I hope you get your chance soon!

[@cynthiawinter3409]

@@cherylcoyote You have really made me braver to attempt this. I would love to communicate with you about some of your other travels. I was born and raised in Garberville....OMG I left before it got intolerable and it is so sad to see it now. Thanks for showing me that as well. My best friend is buried in the Ferndale cemetary wow...Talk to you soon and thank you so much for all that you do!

[@cherylcoyote]

cynthia winter Hi Cynthia! Yes, Northern California is being overrun by homeless. My sons been going to school in Eureka and it is wall-to-wall homeless people there. Generally speaking, they are laid-back and not a huge threat to the community but it's more the issue of how many people are out there living rough. it's very sad. The Ferndale cemetery is amazing, isn't it? I really don't travel all that much but I love talking about my travels, infrequent as they are.

[@janclark167]

Great video! Hope your foot is ok now x

[@cherylcoyote]

Jan Clark Hi Jan! My foot is a lot better than it was when I got on the train last week, but I am still babying it and staying off of it as much as possible. Hopefully I'll be back on my feet by the middle of June.

[@joannharden8867]

How fun! I love train travel. Hope you both have a great time ❤️

[@cherylcoyote]

Joann Harden We sure are! ❤️

[@pokkey]

That looks like a fun trip! Like the nice accomodations. The food menu looked good.😋 I hope your foot gets better, the swelling looked painful. Safe travels and thanks for sharing! 😊

[@quieshehope1352]

I have always wanted to take trip to see my family on the train, I am wheelchair user for distances. Due to health issues my family worried with the vibrations and bumping on the train, By the time I got to my destination I would be in excruciating pain and sick. How did you do with all the bumping, and vibration of the train? I really like your index cards on a ring for keeping track of your diet, very clever and easy. I really enjoyed your view out the window!!!😃

[@suepete]

Ohhh, I've been waiting for this! Literally popping pocorn and getting ready to watch! 🤓

[@cherylcoyote]

Sue Pete Get back to me with any questions! ❤️

[@suepete]

@@cherylcoyote Glad u made it there. Was in Lincoln once. It seemed sparce. 🙃 Enjoy your family gathering!!

[@naomiemoore5725]

Great idea! I should do that too!

[@cherylcoyote]

Sue Pete I have only been through Lincoln once before, and I saw it from the interstate. That only cuts through a small portion of the area so you don't see the impressive Haymarket or Rail Yard areas. Pretty much all you see from the interstate are an IHOP and a couple of Walmarts! it's not a huge metropolitan area, probably with only about 300,000 people, but I am really impressed with the clean and attractive historic areas, and the state capital building is magnificent. This is really a beautiful city!

[@djlawlz4041]

I loved this video! I’m possibly traveling by Amtrak soon and I’ve been quite nervous about it. I’m new to using my wheelchair full time and it’s a bit nerve-wracking! Also, I have to give you a big high five because sticking to your diet while traveling is HARD! I struggle with that big time!

[@cherylcoyote]

Chronically Vlogging I found that Amtrak attendants were well trained and experienced in transferring travelers on and off busses and trains. If you're going to be getting a room while on the train make sure they understand that you are mobility impaired when you make your reservation. That alerts them to the fact that they will be dealing with wheelchair transfers. Also, your meals will be included if you wind up buying a room and they will bring your food to you as it's impossible to get to the dining car in a wheelchair from a mobility impaired room. It's not often that I'm completely satisfied with a traveling experience but I have to say that Amtrak really came through for me. I'm happy to report that I am now back up on my feet and walking unassisted. I put the canes down a few days ago and I haven't needed them since. This experience taught me so much about what it means to be dependent on a wheelchair for more than a few steps. If I ever face this situation again I will be much better able to deal with it. I've always thought that I was sensitive to the disabled and other people who need some sort of medical assistance to go about their daily lives but now I really, truly understand and I think it's made me more aware in general. Ironically, now that I'm up on my feet and moving my hunger has kicked back in and I am really struggling to stay on my diet. I'll get that figured out and make whatever adjustments I need to in order to continue plodding along toward a reasonable weight loss goal. If you do end up traveling via Amtrak I would love to know how your experience is!

[@djlawlz4041]

If I travel Amtrak I’ll most likely be making a “vlog” myself. I’m so happy to hear you’re walking unassisted! I think that when/if I travel I’ll be traveling economy since traveling is kinda expensive anyway.

[@cherylcoyote]

Chronically Vlogging Ok, I'll sub to you!

[@djlawlz4041]

Aw, thanks! I’ll check out your channel too. I’m sure that if I liked this video, I’ll like the others!

[@james8343]

Didn't know you were in a wheelchair now! Hope your ok!

[@cherylcoyote]

james I was, but since getting back from Nebraska I've been much stronger and I haven't needed the chair. The more I push myself, the stronger and better I feel!

[@kenschoenberger5871]

😅lI have questions about your train trip and other things. I was wondering if it's any cheaper to sit in the coach area for economical reasons, I have driven the Amtrak before I was handicapped with my leg being amputated, I'm 68 years old and don't have much strength. I have neuropathy in my left leg so that does not help me with my balance at all. I saw on another KZbin channel that they do have elevators available on some trains that will get you up to the observation area. One of my questions is don't they have accommodations for handicapped in the upper level at all? I have been thinking about taking a trip by myself on the zephyr to San Francisco. And I will tell you that the steak is very good as you mentioned also. I have taken the Amtrak from DC to Chicago and back once before. It was a very good video as I did really appreciate it. By the way I'm also curious, I have a manual wheelchair and electric wheelchair and I was wondering if maybe I should bring them both. Especially since I won't have no one to push me around. Any suggestions??

[@paisleydreamzz]

very good information. isbringing your food an extra charge?

[@shirleyharmon5994]

Thank you for taking us with you. Love road trips

[@shariwille336]

I've never seen inside a train. Thank you, fun adventure!!!

[@cherylcoyote]

Shari Wille Hi Shari! If you ever have the opportunity to travel by rail you should try to do it. It's a lot of fun and very comfortable, even if you are sitting in coach, wihich I have done many times in the past.

[@Birdbike719]

I love train travel. So relaxing and you get to see different country than you do by road.

[@cherylcoyote]

Linda B Hi Linda! That is so true. Even though the rails often parallel an interstate, more frequently they cut through fascinating country. So many times on this trip I wished I had my camera ready to record some interesting view, but by the time I thought about it the view was gone. Sitting in the observation car is the best way to record the countryside.

[@pennylane7181]

I love Frasier. That's where my husband and I would escape to on weekends to get out of Aurora. We would go up a specific mountain and camp. Beautiful lavender daisies in meadows and of course wonderful Aspen trees. This has made me terribly homesick. Haven't seen an elk in ages. Only deer here in Missouri.

[@lizaintulsa7842]

Awesome video, and great perspective for those nervous of travel

[@cherylcoyote]

Liza In Tulsa Thanks Liza! I was hoping to address some fears and calm people who might be nervous about traveling via rail, especially those with mobility imparements.

[@HowdyHandbags]

I watched this video out of order. I loved seeing your journey.🚞 Wow! Neat train station.

[@adri_elsker2188]

Thanks for sharing the trip with us, Cheryl! I do hope your swelling has gone down by now. Enjoy the wedding and congratulations to the couple!

[@karen4you]

That's quite the adventure, thank you for filming it.

[@marleneandrejko6257]

Thank you for sharing! I too am not so mobile and have wondered how train travel might be. I've always loved the train. And of course I've hit their sites to check it out but your blogging beats any I've seen . Safe travels and I hope you get a room quickly!

[@kathyprusak2762]

Wonderful gift of sharing 🤗 thank you. It looks like a lovely way to travel.😎 I think Amtrak has it covered 🤩. Can you keep your leg up when using WC some time there is a adjustment 😉. Have a wonderful time enjoy all that you can 😘🤗♥️🤗🤗

[@LisaGenX28]

I've always wanted to take a train but being in a wheelchair I thought my options are limited. Watching your video gives me hope that it may be possible 🤪 My only concern is if I can't afford a first class cabin what are the options for people in just the regular section, especially bathrooms?

[@SweetBearCub]

If you are still having issues with foot and leg swelling, look into the juxta-lite velcro/neoprene compression dressings. Unlike a compression sock, these drape around your foot or leg, and are velcroed into place with alternating tabs, which is sooooo much less painful to apply. The dressings can also be put on looser or tighter as needed. Also, I use a rather large rear-wheel drive power wheelchair. It's within the ADA size limits, but barely. I'm also a big guy. Would train travel be an option for me?

[@cherylcoyote]

Yes, absolutely! I was impressed by the efficency and accomodation of Amtrak staff. I was stuffed into a regular wherlchair but I noticed other passengers in larger power chairs. I'm back on my feet now, thankfully!

[@tamsondarland8951]

Oh Cheryl, I wish I were there with You and Grant. The menu looked delicious. Thank you for sharing. Your choices I thought were wonderful choices. So very happy you made it safely to Nebraska. God Bless you for sharing your exciting trip. Love Tamson👍🌸😇

[@higgybee6509]

Happy for you that you were able to take the trip. I love train travel but when I do it is a 4 hour journey to my destination. Sorry about your gout. I suffer from it to. My triggers are mostly vegetables like asparagus, cauliflower and mushrooms. All my favourite foods that I no longer can eat. Beef is another trigger. Last week I had beef twice for dinner in one week and then gout in my left index finger. My finger swelled up so much the skin burst. The joint pain was incredible. Most of the swelling has gone down but not yet completely, at least the pain is gone. Enjoy the wedding and your journey home.

[@sandpebble54spencer63]

Lap of luxury my dear! Nice! Enjoying the food pics and scenery along with you and Grant. Was watching a few Jan Creson videos earlier as she made puzzle jewelry and showed decorations in her home. You two would mesh well if you had a hen partaaay. Enjoy your trip the rest of the way!

[@cherylcoyote]

Sandpebble54 Spencer Finally meeting Jan in real life is definitely on my bucket list! We really are having a wonderful time, and I'm so glad we took the train. It would've been much more difficult for me if we had driven.

[@emarm100]

Thank you. This was very helpful.

[@joseph6948]

So expensive ordering three times a day! I would have brown-bagged some of the trip!

[@cherylcoyote]

Joseph Hannan Hi Joseph! When you travel first class, as we did, three meals a day are included in the price of your ticket. So you could order the three most expensive meals each day and it would be included. Also, in the sleeper cars there is an area with hot coffee, various juices, and packaged pastries available in the morning. I think a lot of people who travel coach pack their own food, while others enjoy using the dining car as a special treat. There is also a snack bar where you can purchase boxed lunches, beverages, and snacks. When I travel coach on the train, I always bring my own food and water.

[@joseph6948]

Just wondering do companion for disability travel free? It looks like a wonderful trip and looking forward to the adventure Cheryl!

[@cherylcoyote]

Joseph Hannan No, but there is a discount on handicapped travel. I'm not sure how it works, though. I'll figure that out and update you.

[@vabreeze3723]

Cheryl, I've learned so much from watching you and Grant on your train ride. I did not know there was first class on trains! I previously took a cross-country train ride from VA to Reno, then a bus down to Sacramento (it was suppose to have been by train but something happened and we had to go by bus) and then the train from Sacramento to San Francisco. We flew back to VA from SF. Now I would like to do a cross-country first class train trip-- maybe the VA to Los Angeles route.

[@SweetBearCub]

@@cherylcoyote When you are in an ADA room, can you signal a train attendant to come take an order for things like coffee or snacks?

[@deniseodaniels7356]

wow Cheryl. thank u for taking us along on your train ride. i have never been on a train.our kids come to see us on the train from portland ,oregon.sure cheap! 26$ each if they get the special deal. so fun to watch.always wondered about the prices on the train for food.wondered about everything u posted about like the booth or sleeping rooms.wow! we dont have a train station here. just a over hang to be under while u wait in all kinds of horrible weather.thank u.

[@MariaHernandez-jd2bi]

Are you in a wheel chair due to medical problems or due to your weight? What medical issues do you have? New to the channel.

[@cherylcoyote]

@@MariaHernandez-jd2bi Hi Maria! I was having chronic gout attacks at the time of this train trip. Gout is associated with obesity, for sure. I'm happy to report that I've lost 110 pounds over the past 16 months. No more gout, high blood pressure, or scary high a1C tests. The trendy term for fat diabetics with high blood pressure is 'metabolic syndrome'. I'm living proof that it can be overcome. No more wheelchairs for me. Now I run through life and I'm unutterably grateful for it!😊

[@MariaHernandez-jd2bi]

​@cherylcoyote that is great news. Do you still take trips on Amtrak?

[@cherylcoyote]

@@MariaHernandez-jd2bi I haven't traveled Amtrak since this video. Now that I'm in good shape physically I can drive long distances, even by myself. I realky enjoy train travel, though, and I hope to make more trips in the future.

[@andreayeric3693]

Thank you, Cheryl, for doing this video. I have been hesitant to travel on Amtrak in a wheelchair. You have given me the information I need to take the plunge. The handicap accessible transfers were a concern but it seems it worked well for you. I still have problems with lodging...the hotels and motels all differ in what they deem handicap accessible. Since my home renovation (in progress), I have had to go to hotels/motels. My husband has been inspecting the facilities before he books a room to make sure they are what I need. Some rooms are just barely big enough to wheel my chair through or the shower is set-up with no bath chair so I bring my own. And the cost!!! Yikes! I hope you have a pleasant time at the wedding and your traveling is seamless. Also, your poor ankles : ( there isn't much more to do but elevate them.

[@prudiefox9235]

Traveling always makes my ankles swell, but with that gout of yours......OUCH! I wonder if you can take a diuretic to help reduce some of that swelling while traveling. Water, water everywhere!!!! LOL

[@susanthompson6053]

Your Grant is a Prince among men.

[@cherylcoyote]

Susan Thompson Yes, he sure is!

[@hellen70666666]

...Yep, He does Seem Like a Very KOOL Dude....!!!

[@carobinsonrobinson3109]

Looks like so much fun!! I have never traveled on a train and after watching I told my husband I want to now!! Stay safe Cheryl and Grant ❤️.

[@mpuppybreath]

Excellent vlog and information. Wonderful idea for a vid series. Love trains and ground travel. I'm glad that you had an overall positive experience. Good to create awareness for all of us. Here's to the foot healing.

[@melindamartinez6463]

I have always wanted to travel on a train.

[@JustMeOutHere]

Im so glad to see the details of your trip, Cheryl. I haven't been on a train since I was a kid & don't remember much about it.. Train is The way to go. The room is good. Having a bathroom so close is perfect. Im so sorry about your foot, though. I hope you can get some relief. I was impressed how good the steak dinner looked. Excited for you to be there. Can't wait to see more of your trip next time. ❤

[@maitemaite955]

Wow, this is so interesting! So much fun to watch. 💖

[@cherylcoyote]

maite maite Thanks sweetie! I am having fun vlogging this trip. More videos to come!

[@kimess673]

"Cheryl and Grant's Excellent Adventure" !...what a fun excursion! 🌼💜

[@michaelvaughn2066]

Was this a Viewliner or superliner amtrak train?

[@cherylcoyote]

This was the train car that has two levels, a lower and upper level. I think that's the superliner?

[@michaelvaughn2066]

Cheryl Coyote yup that’s the superliner !

[@stevied17]

OmG Cheryl I live in stockton!!! Crazy seeing you here!

[@stevied17]

Lol!

[@margyweeks7201]

Cheryl, I recently moved from California to Florida. I lived many years in Stockton and Sacramento areas. So I really enjoyed your pictures or that area. Thanks! I think I would love to take a train trip. Enjoy!

[@StyxNyx1]

Thank you for filming your trip! Nice to see you two are doing alright and having a good, safe trip. The train seems nice inside, I've never been on one before. I love them but am terrified of traveling on one. Haha...I recall you saying that you hate to fly but love to travel by train...or something of the sort? Well...I'm quite the opposite there. I'm in love with flying! I can't get enough of those big, beautiful birds! Anyways, I hope you and Grant have a wonderful and safe trip all the way there and back! 💕✌️😄

[@varashamus7633]

I would have liked to hear how much it cost. Fifth vid (different channels) and still no prices mentioned.

[@mindyvaughn8217]

This is so cool. I could do this. I love getting to see everything about Amtrack travel for mobility challenged people. Did it cost a fortune? It looks expensive. It seems really nice. Your foot looks very unhappy. I’m sorry sweetie, I know this isn’t the easiest trip having to be in a wheelchair. Thank you so much for sharing this experience with us. I have never taken a train anywhere except when I was in Australia. I’m looking forward to the next video.💖

[@priestessbrenda]

Cheryl, as you know, my Lilith was my best friend for over 10 years and i'm not even going to lie, there are days I STILL use her when I am in so much pain! We are blessed to have hubbys that love and support us no matter what life throws our way! ANYTIME you want to talk call me girlfriend! Love you!

[@markmaynard6551]

Prior to the trip, Cheryl, what was your best source of info concerning Handicapped travel on Amtrak ? I have listed you as one source for my travel, but I am afraid that buses won't be as convenient as the Amtrak has shown itself to be. Did you find that to be the case , or am I completely wrong in this? Located in the Northeast, Amtrak doesn't serve this far north.

[@ann2743]

Wow I liked this video so much...Its nice that the Menu listed also the calories...

[@hs0zcw]

How is the chair locked in place on a moving vehicle? Can the system trust the chair locking devices?

[@hs0zcw]

I know my tip money will run out fast

[@priestessbrenda]

See all the perks you get for being a wheelchair warrior? Enjoy every moment of your trip! Love you!

[@carola_l]

Lovely! But where are you guys going? ;-)

[@cherylcoyote]

Carola Leentvaar Hi Carola! We traveled from California to Nebraska for a family wedding, and should arrive back home again around the first.

[@carola_l]

@@cherylcoyote wow what a journey! Enjoy the wedding!

[@cherylcoyote]

Carola Leentvaar Hi Carola! The wedding was beautiful, and very sweet. We're heading back to California now.

[@carola_l]

@@cherylcoyoteGreat to hear. have a save yourney!

[@garycobb6490]

If you have a room (which it appears you had) are meals not included? Is it really pretty easy to travel in a wheel/powerchair on Amtrak? Are there any trains that you are aware of that do/cannot handle wheel/powerchairs?

[@ElsaInCa]

I am puzzled why there is no train service between Stockton and Sacramento.. Train travel seems exciting!

[@cherylcoyote]

Elsa Cisneros Hi Elsa! Actually, on our return journey we change trains once in Sacramento then travel straight through back to Fresno on a train with no stops for buses. I'm not sure why this is but I suspect it has something to do with rail traffic and the fact that Amtrak leases the right to use the rails. Freight trains always have priority over Amtrak trains. It is very exciting!

[@aikitherese]

What fun! Had you been planning this for a while? What a lovely way to travel :)

[@cherylcoyote]

aikitherese Yes, we've been planning this trip for about three months. So far it's been absolutely delightful. The wedding was fun and very sweet with lots of friends and family. Now we're heading home!

[@Renee-Heal-The-Eagle]

I love that pot on the stove.

[@cherylcoyote]

That's my little Corning Ware tea kettle that I inherited from my grandmother. I inherited the entire set of cookware, and I treasure it!

[@tidbitsofmylife2367]

How awesome Cheryl ! How long are you traveling?💕

[@cherylcoyote]

Marnie Causey Hi hunnybunny! We head home early next week and should be back in California by the first. We had been intending to make this a much longer trip. We were going to drive and continue on to visit Vermont and a little bit of the East Coast before heading back home about a month later. But laid up like this with the wheelchair it just would've been too much work. I'm so glad we took the train!

[@db7444]

I always enjoy vlogs from public bathrooms ;)

[@naomiemoore5725]

How long did the trip take once you got on in Sacramento? Food look decent! Better than the gruel they served in First Class on United Airlines!

[@cherylcoyote]

Naomie Moore Lol! It was about 36 hours. We were slowed down by a fire at a fertilizer plant!

[@naomiemoore5725]

@@cherylcoyote Oh My! That was fast! Can't wait to see what else you have to show us. Enjoy your trip!

[@cherylcoyote]

Naomie Moore I hope to get more video of the hotel but I'm not sure I will have time. I do have a lot of wedding footage to share, though!

[@naomiemoore5725]

@@cherylcoyote Can't wait! Be safe, it has been tornado alley in the Midwest, and was hoping you will have good weather for the duration of your adventure. 🌞

[@donnawhatley8671]

What is wrong with your foot

[@cherylcoyote]

Donna Whatley I have a huge bone spur on my heel. I've had it since I was a teenager and it never gave me much trouble because I have always been active and on my feet. I wear a good arch support in my shoes so the tendons on the bottoms of my feet have always stayed stretched and healthy. In 2017 I lost my mom after a three-year battle with cancer. My immune system tanked and I ended up in bed for six months, first with a recurring flu, then with pneumonia, and finally with straight up depression. When I finally got out of bed I could barely walk. I had lost a lot of muscle mass in my legs and I was weak. Worse than that, the tendons in my feet had shrunk so when I walked I felt awful pain. My right foot is in pretty good shape but my left foot became further injured by my walking on it. It takes a very long time for connective tissue to heal so I am babying it, doing stretching exercises, and simply waiting to get back on my feet again.

[@dougs364]

Very spacious.

[@cherylcoyote]

Doug S Yes, the mobility accessible rooms are spacious. I suppose most people who travel with a wheelchair would leave it in the room with them, but we stashed mine out in the hallway. Even though my current situation is temporary and I should be back on my feet by the end of June, this experience has given me a new appreciation for robust health. I will never take mine for granted again!

[@nikkobuford1162]

where were you going? and how much? love in the same area

[@cherylcoyote]

We traveled from California to Nebraska to attend Grant's son's wedding. First class, round trip tickets for two were about $1600, including the handicapped accessible room and all meals.

[@nikkobuford1162]

Thank you for information! Love watching you!

[@donnawhatley8671]

What kind of diet are you on?

[@cherylcoyote]

Donna Whatley Hi Donna! I am doing an old-fashioned calorie counting diet, just like my mama used to do when she had a few pounds to lose. She was naturally very slender but when she started to feel a little puffy she would simply write down everything she ate and how many calories was in it then she would keep her daily intake to about 1200 cal or so. I am being a little more scientific with mine. I used an online calculator to find out how many calories I need to eat each day in order to maintain my current weight. Then I chose a daily calorie goal that would afford me about 2 pounds a week in weight loss. When I did the math I discovered that the number was 1550 cal per day. I stuck to that for 45 days and I lost 13 pounds, exactly what I had expected. In order to check that I went on another 1550 cal per day diet for two weeks and lost about 4 pounds, which confirmed the math. I am now on day 10 of a 30 day experiment to see how much I will lose if I drop my caloric intake to about 1000 cal per day. It's a challenge to do that while on vacation and I have been exceeding my calorie goals by a few hundred calories each day. But, I am still staying under 1550 pretty much every day. I will continue to strive for the 1000 cal days and at the end of the experiment I will add up all of my calories, divide by 30, and subtract the average caloric intake per day from my maintenance calories approximately 2550 per day, then you divide that number by 3500 and that tells you how many pounds you should've lost over that 30 day trial. The last thing I will do is step on the scale to see if I lost my projected amount of weight. I know all that math must sound boring but for some reason it makes me feel calm and in control of my eating behavior.

[@torresbruhh]

Question and I don’t mean to be rude, why do you hold the camera so high in the air? You don’t need to lol.. that’s not how you vlog.