SAN FRANCISCO to SALT LAKE CITY by TRAIN, an Aussie's view, January 2008 [SD/VGA only]

America's transcontinental railway is one of the seven wonders of the engineering world, built at the cost of many lives in the 1860s under harsh Winter conditions at high altitudes. Today, the rail journey is a GREAT way for an Australian to SEE AMERICA and to MEET THE PEOPLE! The trip from Emeryville in San Francisco's East Bay area, over the Sierra Nevada range to Reno and beyond, takes in spectacular views (as you'll see). The meals are great, and a subculture who take the train are doing it to meet other folk, and to ENJOY the trip, not just to get to their destination in minimum time. You'll note that on the commentary, I'm addressing some comments to my wife, Prue, who couldn't come with me - except via video. Come with me via this video of mine, or better still, DO THE TRIP!

[@pixoariz]

Very enjoyable video. I took this route in Fall in the early 1960's, and still remember Donner Pass.

[@bobbypaluga4346]

Nice footage, a year after your trip I Lund myself aught in a wild snow storm out of Reno that almost closed he Donner Pass. If you had 4-wheel drive and chains they let you try. For the next 5 hours I did the best driving of my life. I felt as if I I'd anything but look ahead and carefully use the brakes we would be off the road, the ice was extremely thick, I'll never forget that trip. BTW-Truckee is at 5, 899 feet.

[@AcousticKazooXBL]

This is one hell of a ride. The views are amazing, and sadly, most of the views of this part I have only seen in car. I live in Utah, so I get no short change when it comes to great views. Only Amtrak ride I did was from Ft. Worth, TX to Chicago, IL. During the winter. And that was amazing, a load of fun. Hope you come back during the summer. Utah has a lot of beautiful sights that can be appreciated more during the warmer months. Cheers.

[@ladder3257]

only 4 years late to upload not bad

[@froggy1234ful]

Where's part 2? gg

[@AusRadioHistorian]

+George Grassby I travelled to Salt Lake City only, then toured the South-West of the USA on the road, with friends from Utah. Didn't go any further on the train, though I'd like to. I hear that the line between Utah and Colorado is truly spectacular. If you're an American, congratulations, you live in a beautiful country, and all of the people that I met were warm and friendly. I only wish that I saw more friendliness on social media, but sadly, America currently seems deeply politically polarised and divided.