Our trip is booked!

[Longhorn]

I hope the actual trip is as much fun as planning it has been! Here's the itinerary:

Wednesday: Fly to LAX in the evening, catch a "Flyaway" bus to Union Station, stay in a hotel just a couple of blocks from the station.

Thursday: Walk to Union Station and hop aboard the Coast Starliner train up the coast to San Francisco. We have a roomette which includes private car, meals, and wine-tasting (for $5 each.) Arrive at the Ferry Building and walk to the hotel near the Embarcadero.

Friday night: Gourmet dinner and dancing cruise!

Friday and Saturday: All-Loops Double-Decker Bus passes, including Golden Gate tour, daytime tours, and night tours.

Sunday morning: Catch the California Zephyr train to Denver. Again, we have a roomette and this time, we spend the night on the train.

Monday evening: Arrive in Denver to be greeted by daughter and her much-loved boyfriend.

Tuesday and Wednesday: Visit with daughter.

Wednesday evening: Attend A Prairie Home Companion at Red Rocks Amphitheater on my birthday!

Thursday morning: Fly back to Austin!

I've found nice, reasonably-priced hotels and inexpensive transfers. I booked everything but the train and planes on Expedia and will even get $50 of free gas!

Now I just have to wait until August! :D

[Shakespeare]

1. You're going to have so much fun!

I use the flyaway bus every time I fly now--VERY convenient (I walk to my subway stop, ride to Union Station, then grab the bus to LAX--cheap and hassle-free).

I've ridden the Coast Starliner, and it's a gorgeous trip, especially as you get north of Oxnard and the train goes (literally!) right along the beach. It'll make you want to move to Santa Barbara. :7

And I've not taken the Zephyr (yet), but I've heard the ride over the mountains is really beautiful.

Have fun!! :hi:

[Longhorn]

2. Thanks!

I corrected the name of the Coast Starliner. I knew "Starlight" didn't sound right when I typed it. ;)

I'm so excited about all the different aspects of the trip. We won't get to see our son at Camp Pendleton because he'll be in sergeant's school but he was home on Memorial Day and hopes to take some leave in September. So that gave us more time in San Francisco and Denver.

Thanks for sharing and your encouragement! :hi:

[Suich]

3. I used to take the Shasta Daylight from Portland to SF

in the summer to visit my aunt and uncle...it was so-o-o-o much fun!

Your trip sounds fantastic...I never had a roommette but that sure sounds like the way to go.

Red Rocks Amphitheater is amazing!

:)

[Longhorn]

5. Ive visited Red Rocks but I haven't been there for a show or concert.

The radio show sold out in Austin in less than an hour the last time they were here so I was afraid we wouldn't get tickets but we were able to get some good seats. I envy you all your trips on the train! This will be our first. :hi:

[SeattleGirl]

4. I used to ride the Coast Starlight all the time between Seattle and

Eugene.

Hope you have a wonderful time!!

[Longhorn]

6. You're lucky to live in such a beautiful part of the country!

And you have such good taste in boots! Thanks! :hug:

[Suich]

7. I just got done talking to my son and the subject of

train trips came up. He told me I should take the one between San Francisco because the scenery is outstanding! What a coincidence, huh? Hope you enjoy it as much as he did!


:)

(edited for spelling.)