ON THE ROAD AGAIN: From Connecticut to Alaska by Road, Rail, Air & Sea (and SE Asia)
#46
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: India
Programs: Star Alliance Gold, SkyTeam Elite Plus, Hilton Gold
Posts: 907
I have absolutely loved every word of the prose written by you; and though I wouldn't undertake some of the journeys you had, it was a singular pleasure reading your report for 3-4 blissful hours.
Please do more of these (I don't remember seeing any report the Australia trip you mention with Qantas First SYD-DFW), may you have a stronger back to support more of such trips and thank you again.
Please do more of these (I don't remember seeing any report the Australia trip you mention with Qantas First SYD-DFW), may you have a stronger back to support more of such trips and thank you again.
#47
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: East Ester, Alaska
Programs: Alaska Million Miler, United Million Miler, Wyndham Rewards Diamond, Choice Hotels Diamond
Posts: 12,140
Ahhh, another long awaited piece of art from the internet's favourite trip reporter! This report totally destroyed my productivity for a couple of days, but obviously it was absolutely worth it! Great stuff as always.
Having read every single Seat2A report over here (and the copies that were once posted on a.net too) multiple times over I can certainly recognize a lot of the recycled pictures and paragraphs - but at this scale that's easy to forgive. Over the years these reports have inspired me to do many things, including lots of roadtrips through the American West and a couple of Amtrak long distance trains (in sleepers of course!). Keep up the good work, Elton! There sure is an appreciative readership around here.
Having read every single Seat2A report over here (and the copies that were once posted on a.net too) multiple times over I can certainly recognize a lot of the recycled pictures and paragraphs - but at this scale that's easy to forgive. Over the years these reports have inspired me to do many things, including lots of roadtrips through the American West and a couple of Amtrak long distance trains (in sleepers of course!). Keep up the good work, Elton! There sure is an appreciative readership around here.
I can think of no higher compliment (though there are perhaps some equals) than to hear that my trip reports inspired any of my readers to follow in my footsteps, be it along the dusty roads of the American West or the silver rails of our national network. Thank you again for that, FlyingFinn, and I do wish you many future great adventures, be they here in the U.S. or elsewhere on the planet. ^
Originally Posted by lamphs
Two evenings of dinner time reading...PLANES, TRAINS, AND AUTOMOBILES (AND A SHIP)...you covered it all. And thanks for this! You need to at least reach 200 airlines before you stop writing these reports! I have used your reports as references several times. And this now encourages me to attempt additional train travel in SE Asia (I already did KUL to Penang about 4 years ago and I understand that service improved tremendously in 2015.
Finally, please feel free to PM me about any trip reports you've submitted. I'm not a regular at the Trip Report forum (I'm more written word than photo oriented) but honestly - any of you willing to put in the time to read my reports, I'd certainly like to reciprocate in kind. Happy travels! ^
Originally Posted by Mats
So beautiful. The photos of the inside passage and Prince of Wales Island were inspiring. I enjoyed every word.
Originally Posted by transportprof
Kudos on another engaging chronicle of a memorable journey. As somebody who enjoys both flying and train travel almost as much as you obviously do, I found myself transported to some intriguing places over the (Canadian) Thanksgiving weekend. Please do keep them coming. Even though Aussie trip reports are quite plentiful on FT, I know that you would bring an entirely fresh and delightful perspective to chronicling a journey down under. I've spent a lot more time in Australia than Alaska, but I see plenty of similarities between the two cultures, and I would love to read your insights into such a comparison.
Originally Posted by Life in Coach
Spectacular trip report Seat 2A! Thanks for sharing your journey with us. Keep 'em coming!
#48
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: East Ester, Alaska
Programs: Alaska Million Miler, United Million Miler, Wyndham Rewards Diamond, Choice Hotels Diamond
Posts: 12,140
Originally Posted by bodory
One of the best trip (and report) I have read! Many thanks for sharing that.
Originally Posted by stu1985
Another excellent report from you Seat 2A. Coming to the end of it, I felt like you did on that long haul flight - I wasn't quite sure where the couple of hours I spent reading it went! Most enjoyable. The scenery you took in on the train looks spectacular. Thanks for the time it must have taken you to put this together.
Originally Posted by MikeFly
Ok, just finished reading this excellent trip report. I have been to many of the same places, but now see them in a different light based on your words. Thank you! Now to find out if I still have a job after reading this in one go
Originally Posted by maverick17
Great report, thanks for sharing. Read a lot of your reports, but don't often comment. But I also took the train from Bangkok to Nong Khai about 15 years ago, then proceeded up to Vientiane on what might have been that same old clunky train. The pic sure looks the same as I remember. Good memories. Thanks for that, and for all the details.
Originally Posted by tennislover9
Thank you very much as always for your detailed reports and contribution to these forums. You inspire the next generation of adventurers to traverse the roads, rails and skies.
Originally Posted by lb8001
I think you’ve outdone yourself, Seat2A - and you’re a tough guy to outdo! Thanks as always for taking the time to write these very fun reports. They never disappoint.
Originally Posted by deovrat
I have absolutely loved every word of the prose written by you; and though I wouldn't undertake some of the journeys you had, it was a singular pleasure reading your report for 3-4 blissful hours. Please do more of these (I don't remember seeing any report the Australia trip you mention with Qantas First SYD-DFW), may you have a stronger back to support more of such trips and thank you again.
#49
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: The Baltic Sea
Programs: AY, BT, DY and SK. Scandic, Radisson, Marriott and HHonors. ClubONE
Posts: 5,890
Thank you Seat 2A. Reading your report made me forget about the big bad world and instead dream of future travels and friendly people!
#51
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Denver CO
Programs: HHonors Gold, National Emerald Club, no airline affinity status
Posts: 3,338
Thanks for the shout out. I always enjoy your reports. I am glad to have met up for a brief coffee and pastry on your stopover. I would always be up for meeting anytime you come through town.
Last edited by HawaiiTrvlr; Oct 12, 2018 at 7:16 am
#53
Join Date: Mar 2010
Programs: AAdvantage Platinum, HHonors Diamond,
Posts: 52
Wow! This makes me feel bad that I didn't take more pictures when I did my British Air First trip this summer. I thought I would look like a geeked out first class newbie (Yes I am), but I definitely enjoyed the lounge experience at JFK! I blew it in Heathrow, going to the wrong lounge. On the return I had one of those "short" layovers where I barely had time go through security, get my VAT refund and get to the gate. 1 1/2 hours is not enough time!
Now I need to hoard miles so I can do a long first flight. JFK to LHR is too short!
Now I need to hoard miles so I can do a long first flight. JFK to LHR is too short!
#54
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: BTR/MSY
Programs: AA EXP, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott LTP, Hilton Gold
Posts: 1,257
Thank you for another wonderful report, Seat 2A! It's been a good while since I've visited FlyerTalk, and I through the roof to another one of your reports. You've inspired me to finish up the one trip report I had outstanding and just maybe crank out another. I might even pull a Seat 2A and not submit until it's finished!
#55
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: East Ester, Alaska
Programs: Alaska Million Miler, United Million Miler, Wyndham Rewards Diamond, Choice Hotels Diamond
Posts: 12,140
Originally Posted by ss278
As always, a wonderful report! Thanks.
Originally Posted by HawaiiTrvlr
Thanks for the shout out. I always enjoy your reports. I am glad to have met up for a brief coffee and pastry on your stopover. I would always be up for meeting anytime you come through town.
Last edited by Seat 2A; Oct 13, 2018 at 2:45 pm
#56
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Denver CO
Programs: HHonors Gold, National Emerald Club, no airline affinity status
Posts: 3,338
[QUOTE=Seat 2A;30311974] Thanks, HT! If you're up for it, perhaps we might manage a get together at the Punch Bowl Social on the afternoon of December 1st (Saturday) I've got to fly out that evening, so the Punch Bowl would be really convenient. QUOTE]
Absolutely. I look forward to it.
Absolutely. I look forward to it.
#57
Join Date: Sep 2006
Programs: No more shiny cards -- former LH SEN, SPG Platinum, Flying Blue Platinum, BA Silver
Posts: 704
What a superb trip report.
I have followed your reports for a number of years, enjoying your style of writing and imagining you as a wanderign spirit -- that may be completely untrue but it is the image that I have in my mind from many of your reports. I especially love when you recount some of your stories from jetting around the US in the 70s and 80s, my how it was so much more glamorous in those days !!
Greetings an dbest wishes from 51 degrees north in the UK
I have followed your reports for a number of years, enjoying your style of writing and imagining you as a wanderign spirit -- that may be completely untrue but it is the image that I have in my mind from many of your reports. I especially love when you recount some of your stories from jetting around the US in the 70s and 80s, my how it was so much more glamorous in those days !!
Greetings an dbest wishes from 51 degrees north in the UK
#58
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Canterbury
Programs: BA Blue, IC Diamond Ambassador, Bonvoy Gold, Radisson Gold, Hilton Gold
Posts: 368
I have really enjoyed reading your month of travels over the last few days. The mix of old and new adds a lot of depth and an almost documentary feel to the report that is often missing on many TRs. Added to that some epic train journeys which I always love to read about and then to cap it all off the beautiful shots from the boat - sometimes the image says more than the words, sometimes the words make for beautiful images. The joy of this report is that you have a great habit of knowing when to use words and when to use images. Can't wait to read about your next adventure.
#59
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: East Ester, Alaska
Programs: Alaska Million Miler, United Million Miler, Wyndham Rewards Diamond, Choice Hotels Diamond
Posts: 12,140
Originally Posted by ppwchess
Wow! This makes me feel bad that I didn't take more pictures when I did my British Air First trip this summer. I thought I would look like a geeked out first class newbie (Yes I am), but I definitely enjoyed the lounge experience at JFK! I blew it in Heathrow, going to the wrong lounge. On the return I had one of those "short" layovers where I barely had time go through security, get my VAT refund and get to the gate. 1 1/2 hours is not enough time!
Now I need to hoard miles so I can do a long first flight. JFK to LHR is too short!
Now I need to hoard miles so I can do a long first flight. JFK to LHR is too short!
Originally Posted by dat4life
Thank you for another wonderful report, Seat 2A! It's been a good while since I've visited FlyerTalk, and I was through the roof to see another one of your reports. You've inspired me to finish up the one trip report I had outstanding and just maybe crank out another. I might even pull a Seat 2A and not submit until it's finished!
Originally Posted by pdsuk
What a superb trip report. I have followed your reports for a number of years, enjoying your style of writing and imagining you as a wandering spirit -- that may be completely untrue but it is the image that I have in my mind from many of your reports. I especially love when you recount some of your stories from jetting around the US in the 70s and 80s, my how it was so much more glamorous in those days !!
Originally Posted by Spymon
I have really enjoyed reading your month of travels over the last few days. The mix of old and new adds a lot of depth and an almost documentary feel to the report that is often missing on many TRs. Added to that some epic train journeys which I always love to read about and then to cap it all off the beautiful shots from the boat - sometimes the image says more than the words, sometimes the words make for beautiful images. The joy of this report is that you have a great habit of knowing when to use words and when to use images. Can't wait to read about your next adventure.
#60
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: SFO
Programs: AS, UA, WN, IHG Diamond Elite, Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Gold, CET 7*
Posts: 3,284
GLORIOUS! Every single one of the 57k words! Thank you so much for taking the time to document such a fantastic journey.
I especially enjoyed the fact that you were able to catch Mt. Shasta this time from the Coast Starlight. I grew up in Redding and spent many winters skiing and summers camping on that beautiful mountain.
My mother passed away in 1991 from cancer and her request was to be cremated and her ashes spread there. My father followed her in 2008 with the same request and seeing that mountain again brought all those memories back, which while sad in context, are also filled with such joy and incredible thoughts of them both, so thank you for that.
Personally, I won't rest until you've chronicled that 200th airline, so please don't stop.
I especially enjoyed the fact that you were able to catch Mt. Shasta this time from the Coast Starlight. I grew up in Redding and spent many winters skiing and summers camping on that beautiful mountain.
My mother passed away in 1991 from cancer and her request was to be cremated and her ashes spread there. My father followed her in 2008 with the same request and seeing that mountain again brought all those memories back, which while sad in context, are also filled with such joy and incredible thoughts of them both, so thank you for that.
Personally, I won't rest until you've chronicled that 200th airline, so please don't stop.