Part 2 – 23rd July 2011 – Vancouver to Seattle
Up at OMG o clock today for the first Journey South on this trip. So far I have headed east, north and now headed south (no West Travel yet). But this was not to be a tough one, this was to be a relaxing journey today. This was also the start of my journey with Brad really. We had been on contiki together but from this point on, it was just Me & Him.
With morning formalities out of the way and a quick trip to reception to get some credit card statement issues out of the way, we were in a cab heading for the station. Thats right, I said station. Heading south over the border today by Train. Rather than fly the 20 minute segment and spend hours in security at the airport, we had planned on the Cascades south to Seattle. The train was an easy choice, with AAA discount, a nice big comfy business class seat for $12 extra and free wifi, i mean seriously, why not!!
We had picked up tickets nice and early for cheap ($45 one way in business) so the costs were pretty good. With pre clearance of immigration at the station in Vancouver it meant that the turn around would be quicker rather than sitting at the border for a train load of people. Easy as!! We arrived at the station in the pre dawn twilight to see half the terminal either shut or under construction.... damn. Looks like a final breakfast of Tim Hortons. O well.
Pacific Central Station by
Kaell116, on Flickr
Pacific Central Station by
Kaell116, on Flickr
Walked into Pacific Station and saw that nothing was open other than MacDonalds so while Brad waited, I ducked over to Tim Hortons to grab a coffee and some breakfast/snack supplies for the train. When returned, still nothing so time to fill out the Customs forms and wait.
Amtrak Cascades - Train 513
Vancouver to Seattle
0640-1105
Business Class - Car 2 - Seat 5A
Boarding: 0530
Departed: 0655
Arrived Border: 0800
Departed Border: 0830
Arrival: 1115
Around 0525 a line formed around the customs area for documentation check. This looked about right so we kinda snuck over into the line a head of a few people (suckers) and headed to the check in area. Boarding began shortly after with Business Class line given preference into the documentation check and we were amongst the first group through immigration.
Was grilled at immigration about absolute random topics but meh, didn't care and the security screening was non existant. No taking out of laptops, no shoes off, no belts off, fully intact dignity at all times! That wont last for sure. Once through "security check and baggage screening" you are funneled down a chainlinked area (since you are technically in the United States now and out of Canada towards the train.
Checked luggage was collected directly at the train itself (didn't realise this earlier) and we headed for our seats, all the way at the other end of the train, meh what can you do! A little bit of walking never hurt anyone. As we approached our seats we dropped our gear, and i went for a little walk around to suss out the train, take a few snaps for the report and then came back and fired up the laptop thanks to the power port at the row and then logged into the wifi ready to do some work.
Business Class on Amtrak Cascades by
Kaell116, on Flickr
Yeah that says 545am... by
Kaell116, on Flickr
Dining Car on Amtrak Cascades by
Kaell116, on Flickr
Bistro Car on Amtrak Cascades by
Kaell116, on Flickr
Coach on Amtrak Cascades by
Kaell116, on Flickr
Amtrak Cascades by
Kaell116, on Flickr
Amtrak Cascades by
Kaell116, on Flickr
Amtrak Cascades by
Kaell116, on Flickr
Giant American Locomotive pulling the Amtrak Cascades by
Kaell116, on Flickr
Locked inside the Station! by
Kaell116, on Flickr
Managed to get a number of things done on this train journey, managed to organise some tours/attractions for the coming week or two, managed to work out other things and also enjoy the ride south in peace, quiet and gentle rocking motion. We ended up departing late but had been working for so long on the wifi, never really noticed apart from the few lurches as we crossed switcing points.