Thanks for your comments, everyone! Even with the service cutbacks, if you're not in a hurry, Amtrak is a fun and relaxed way to get from Point A to Point B.

A couple of points I wanted to address:

The California Rail Museum is practically right next door to the Amtrak Station. It's in Sacramento's Old Town and, after visiting the museum, it's always nice have a look around and a bite to eat in Old Town.

As for Iowans, I am privileged to know a few people from that fine state. They are well educated and, of the folks I know at least, well traveled as well. The Iowans I met on the train hadn't gotten out much, but above all else, they were friendly and outgoing people - far preferable to the well traveled snobs one occasionally encounters in airline lounges and fancy hotels.

The Wynkoop Brewery and Pub is an excellent place for a cold one (or two) after a train trip or a Rockies victory. Just make sure you keep that meter paid off. The meter maids are quite active in that area!

I've just returned from a 1700 mile 9 state road trip to test my "new" engine in the Trusty Mazda. Eight days from now, it's on to eight weeks and 110,000 miles of planes, trains, automobiles, busses, ferries and good times.

[This message has been edited by Seat 2A (edited 03-12-2003).]