October 28-29, 2016 - Seattle, WA

 Title: October 28-29, 2016 - Seattle, WA
Hike Info : Description :   Extra Photo's 

Trail head: Diridon Station, San Jose, CA

Hike Info:

Type: Train

Trail:Coastal Starlight

Destination: King St Station, Seattle, WA

Start Time: Oct 28, 2016, 08:25pm

End Time:  Oct 29, 2016, 8:05pm

Description:

Gary and Sherri

The night was uneventful. Usually I sleep better than Sherri, but last night I was not able to be comfortable for much of the night. I did sleep, but did not wake up rested. Sherri on the other hand did sleep pretty decently. Even though she did say if we were on the train for two nights, she felt we should get a sleeper car.

River about an hour from Eugene

When the shades were drawn, there was still darkness outside. Not because of it being night, but because the sky is overcast and there is a rain falling. I was hoping that I would get to see a sunrise, but no such luck. Still there is a ghostly stillness with the low hanging clouds, occasionally broke, by the silhouette of a tree against the gray.

We have the choice of breakfast in the dining car or granola which I brought-I choose granola. Sherri has a Fiber One bar and some coffee. Sort of a Spartan meal.

Observation Car

Our first stop which I was awake for is in Klamath Falls. I get off the train to stretch my legs for a bit while the passengers are loading. A nice rain is falling. Nice to get my legs stretched a bit. There is smoking along the walkway, which is a bit unnerving for us California boy.

By the time we reach Portland, we are an hour behind. But there is a smell waffling through the car. The car attendant is not happy because she thinks that we cannot hit the toilet. But after she examines the restrooms, she apologies and says that they are not working. Also there is an assortment of coughing and wheezing going on. Sherri and I are both concern that we will spend the week sick.

Southern Washington

We get a couple of hot ham and cheese sandwiches from the cafe care. We devour them. Then the train train crosses the Columbia. North of the Columbia River we see the sun setting on ponds and river. The train engineer must have put his foot to the pedal as by time we roll into King Station in Seattle, we get in 15 minutes early. Amazing.

Now, how do we get to our hotel, the Travelodge by the Space Needle? Since it is dry, we decide to walk? Google says it is less than 2 miles away. But after missing several turns, I think we have done more than 2½ miles. We quickly discover there are hills in this city. But we do get to the hotel around 9pm.

Originally they put us into a ground floor room. But at soon as we got in, they asked do we want one on the 4^th floor-YES. Bed is good, along with a shower. Now to get a good night sleep.

Extra Photo's

Gary Observing

Just a nice mountain

Clouds and Mountain

Sherri enjoying the scenery