One final nostalgic glance at some parts of the Queen Mary I became familiar with, one final, hurried breakfast in the Promenade Cafe, and, unbelievably, having completed the check-out necessities, I was two minutes early for my booked car, which, thankfully, was waiting for me outside the main entrance to the ship.
I started to worry a little as the driver seemed uncertain as to the whereabouts of Union Station in Los Angeles. Obviously, I hadn’t a clue; he set his sat-nav system and with pessimistic uncertainty, suggested that an accident on the freeway may scupper my making it onto the Coast Starlight. Great! However, I was in good time for the train and was shown to my seat in Business Class. Now, I know why train seats in the UK don’t line up with the windows; this is an American concept, even in Business Class! Never mind, there’s an observation car which is excellent, a cafe, and dining car, so, I am not stuck in the same place for the next ten hours or so.
I remember less than I thought about my southbound journey on the Coast Starlight 28 years ago. Today, heavy rain made dull and featureless the first hour of this long journey. The suburbs of L.A. seem uninteresting and dull at the best of times. And even as the train climbs into more scenic parts, natural rock faces close to the railway are blighted with meaningless and intrusive graffiti. However, all looked better when the sun put in long term appearance. All of a sudden, the Pacific Ocean manifested itself; not for five minutes as in the brief view of the sea at Dawlish, but for substantial uninterrupted periods. The observervation car proved popular at this time.
Not only does my Business Class seat not line up with the window, those nice folks in front have pulled their curtains, to aid sleep, thus obliterating completely my view out. I have exiled myself just one seat further back, which despite an orange reservation sticker, appears unoccupied. No doubt I shall be turfed out at some point.
Lunch in the dining car was much as I remember it back in 1991. Burgers, crisps, and salad. I was seated opposite a fairly young couple, and next to middle aged lady (probably younger than me). Conversation was pleasant without being obtrusive. In 1991, dinner offered the same menu as lunch. 28 years later, dinner seems more of a quality event. I have booked mine for 7pm, the last sitting.
And now, it’s thrashing it down with more rain; coincidentally, the landscape is less interesting. From what I gather, we are running about an hour late, due to rail traffic congestion and, inclement weather.
The picture above is the most general of views of Amtrak’s Coast Starlight, ready for an on-time departure from Union Station, L.A.
Below, Amtrak’s answer to the classic dome car. Similar cars to these were around in 1991, but this has a much better “feel” to it. The lower deck houses the Cafe,where a most acceptable variety of food is offered. Also, various views from the train. Yes, and the Conductor has made me aware that I may be asked to move!
Many thanks for reading.
David.
David's Cruise 