 DAY NINETEEN: Springville (Utah) to CaliforniaMiles: 0 (718) • Start elevation: 5500 ft. • Ending elevation: 5500 ft. • Temp. 92F
The train was several hours late and didn't arrive until after 1:00 a.m. I had no problem finding a nice seat where I could sprawl out and get comfortable. Amtrak may have a terrible track record for being late, but once on board I find it a very relaxing experience. The seating area is generous, with plenty of leg room, and the wide chairs recline nicely. My favorite place is the observation car with its huge windows out to the passing world. But, even with Amtrak's decent accomodations, it isn't for people who are in a hurry. The trip from Salt Lake City to Sacramento took about 30 hours, but Amtrak travellers know these things going in.
The highlight of the train ride was the guided tour through the Sierra Mountains. Pointing out particular landmarks and points of interest, a member of the train's staff offered a colorful commentary along the way. Of special interest was Donner Pass and nearby Donner Lake, named for the famed Donner party who went missing in the mountains in the late 19th century.
You can view the photo album here. |
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