OMG! I am so enjoying this report! Indeed, it's hard to imagine a report focused on a trip aboard the California Zephyr being any better written or photographed. I am only about a third of the way through - savoring every bit - and will check back upon completion. But for now - two thumbs up on what has been a thoroughly superb effort thus far!

Now that I've finally completed reading this on a lazy Sunday afternoon, I'll start by reiterating what I said above - to wit: It's hard to imagine a report focused on a trip aboard the California Zephyr being any better written or photographed. Thank you for what should be remembered as a FlyerTalk classic. Please allow me a couple more comments -

Should you find yourself in Chicago again - hopefully on a nice spring, summer or autumn day - try seeing some of the city via the Chicago Water Taxi. The Chicago River winds amidst many of Chicago's most architecturally impressive buildings and there is no shortage of attractions and great restaurants at the varied stops along the way. You'll find more on the Water Taxi [b[RIGHT HERE

That week you picked for your multiple rides aboard the Zephyr was unfortunate, weather-wise, with regard to the many extended delays you encountered along the way. Unfortunately tales of Amtrak's delays are abundant and historically well founded, but as one who's logged many miles aboard Amtrak trains, it's been my experience that these days a significant percentage - indeed a majority - of Amtrak trains run on time or very close to it.

The derogatory term "fly over country" as it applies to dramatic scenery is accurate. Otherwise though, we're talking America's heartland - a bit old fashioned in many ways, but - from my perspective at least - in a very good way. And - you've got to get off the train to best experience that. As to scenery, there's a bucolic beauty to the midwest, nicely captured in your photo of Illinois farmland at sunset. I would love to do what you did - i.e. detrain in various spots along the way. The additional cost of each individual train ticket is what's made doing so prohibitive for me.

I hope you get a chance to take an extended roadtrip around America someday. Wherever you go - scenery, culture, food, events - it's all good.

Lastly, I used to stay at Motel 6s. About thirty years ago. What I've discovered is that many of the other corporate chains - generally nicer ones at that - are often comparably priced, sometimes even less than Motel 6 if you've got AARP or AAA membership. Not much help to you being from Britain but, again, even without the additional discounts the rates are not far off one another. And, if you haven't already done so, it costs nothing to join Wyndham Rewards or Choice Privileges. Membership in their programs often comes with discounts in the many hotel brands represented.

If you want to see what riding the California Zephyr is like when the weather and season are much nicer (especially Ruby Canyon), click on my link below indexing past train travel reporting and check out the California Zephyr link from May of 2013. There's very little text - it's mostly all pictures taken on a beautiful late spring day.

Thanks again for a stellar report. I'm sure I speak for many here when I say that I hope you get to ride aboard (and report upon!) many more Amtrak trains around America in the coming years.