We know three things for sure: 1. Never assume the GPS directions are the truth , especially in the middle of 'road work', 2. Do not think you can out think the GPS and find the Salt Lake City Amtrak Station at 3:00 a.m. without some serious recalculation on every one's part. 3. It isn't such a bad thing for the train to be an hour late.
About 25 sleepy travelers were squeezed into the plastic chairs surrounded by piles of stuff when we arrived to check in. No one was awake enough to make any noise. Very quiet. A very friendly agent handed us our tickets - all the way to Milwaukee - talking only in whispers. I parked the Jeep in a well-lighted parking lot free and with no time limit. Bob's plans are working.
You might think that a trainload of sleepy, exhausted travelers would be able to sleep under any conditions. Well, there no discomforts to overcome and it seemed all slept like contented babies - or a bunch of dead people were on board.
We sat in coach seats, opting for sleeper roomettes on the longer legs of our journey, and slept like babies after the excitement wore off . The rails were smooth, no clanging, clacking, nor chugging, and no one was willing to break the silence. Around 9 am people started to move a little, but still very quietly. There were many solo women on board. It seemed like a very safe way to travel. The bathrooms were clean, too.
The conductor, assistants, and food service personnel were very accommodating and willing to share information. The crew works 6 days on 8 eight days off. Iowa is always a trouble spot - dealing with rain - they heard today that it had poured 10 inches! - which might mean the tracks are underwater and the passengers would be bused to destinations. The workers get to fly home! Most of those we talked to were based in Chicago and did the the Chicago to Emeryville run.
Bob took a walk and found the observation car, which we will head for first on our next leg from Grand Junction to Gramby through some awesome Colorado canyons.
As we crossed the Utah/Colorado border, the mesas loomed close and personal. We had to crane our necks to see the sky. Like zooming past El Capitan, the faces of the cliffs were smooth and made a powerful statement, they've been here forever and aren't leaving soon. Soon, red rock sculptures filled with spirit and images were impressed into the facades. This would be a great place to hike and contemplate. - even along the train tracks.
Arrived in Grand Junction at 11:40 am, an hour late, and hot. The depot had a western welcome feel - no blue plastic chairs. The Budget/Avis car rental guy was there to meet us and take us to the airport to pick up our car. The airport was pretty impressive, too. We are in the Hampton Inn, downtown, and plan - after a nap and shower to take a walk. There are plenty of shops, outdoor restaurants, and green spots dotted with quaint sculptures to explore.
In the first brochure I picked up in the hotel lobby, I read that the driving time to Salt Lake City is 4 hours! The train had 3 stops between Salt Lake and Grand Junction, totalling less than 15 minutes for all the stops. Time is not a priority on this trip.
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