Video of this journey is here
Boarding the Empire Builder #8 for an on time departure in Red Wing, MN
Someone's journey ends as ours begins. Our Sleeper car attendant waits for us.
We boarded the Portland Sleeper, the last car on the train.
Where one can have access to the "railfan window" which was not very clean.
As soon as we settled in, we headed to the dining car for breakfast
Just outside of Red Wing.
Lake Pepin, near Lake City, MN
We both had the veggie omelet with potatoes.
Communal seating means you always get to make friends. This guy drew a lovely sketch of me!
There are papers on the tables, a great spot to doodle!
Along the still frozen Mississippi
Winona is a crew change, so one can step off the train for a moment.
Crossing the Mississippi into Wisconsin.
Getting coffee, which is available in the sleeping car.
Walking through coach on the way to the lounge car.
Lunch time in the diner. Look at this GORGEOUS spinach salad with chicken breast and feta cheese.
And a yummy burger. We shared both entrees.
Our new friends were on their first leg of a traincation from MN to MN aboard the Empire Builder, SW chief, Coast Starlight, and back home on the Empire Builder. My dream! No wonder they are smiling from ear to ear!
One of the new desserts is this HEAVENLY sticky toffee date pudding. AMAZING!
My daughter got the chocolate Lava cake but she pushed it aside to assist me with the sticky toffee pudding.
Back to the roomette for an afternoon movie.
Almost to Chicago!
Chicago Union Station
In the Metropolitan Lounge. There is WIFI, TV, snacks, beverages, a place to charge electronics, and boarding services.
Even chocolate!
Heading to our next train, The Capitol Limited
We got our lights hung up for a little ambiance.
Wine and Monty Python.
In the dining car for dinner. Our companion this night was from London and traveling the USA by train.
The dining car. Our sleeper is right though those doors.
My favorite meal on the train. Flat iron steak. It's always prepared perfectly. So delicious!
The full size shower on the train is very nice with plenty of hot water. Towels are provided, but you will need your own toiletries.
The laundry bag for the wet towels
The comfy bed is all made up and ready for me!
The top bunk is a bit tight for me, so the kid gets it.
We had no companions for breakfast that morning.
Omelet again for me. SO happy that they have Tabasco!
The girlie had the continental breakfast with cereal, fruit, yogurt, and a croissant.
Beautiful views!
And some interesting ones.
In the observation car. It was not very crowded so we had lots of seating options
Union Station Washington DC
It is GORGEOUS!
We put our bags in the Acela Lounge and were able to explore the station and have lunch.
AMAZING bourbon chicken!!! There is no dining car on the Silver Star so we had a big lunch/dinner.
In the Acela Lounge. Snacks, wifi, tv, beverages, baggage storage, and priority boarding.
On the platform to board the Silver Star.
There is a cafe car with snacks, beverages, and sandwiches.
A sink and toilet inside the view liner roomette.
The cafe car
The Silver Star also has WIFI. A first for us! It was a decent connection, and a great amenity to have!
All ready for the ride!
This shower was a bit different. There was an Amtrak soap dispenser inside, and also a button to push periodically for water. Again, towels provided.
My cozy little nook
What a fabulous crew! You can sure tell that these folks enjoy their job!
Coffee and ICE! It was nice to have ice!
Grove of orange trees.
Tampa Union Station
