A final farewell to The California Zephyr

19 June 2025

I am feeling so relaxed. This train trip has been all that I needed it to be.

Much of the Thursday landscape was desert, so it was a bit of a shock to suddenly see the abundant waters of The San Pablo and San Francisco Bays.

There was a bit of confusion at Emeryville, the very last stop. Thankfully, we made it to the Amtrak bus to San Francisco just in time.

The first view of the city at twilight was enchanting.

The bus dropped us off at a plaza of tall shiny skyscrapers. It looked much like other cities. Our fellow passengers immediately put on jackets. The weather was suddenly cold and windy. Mike and I took a MUNI train to our apartment in the Haight. I immediately felt at home once again.

Our train experience was of course, not like the movies. As far as we could tell, on our train there were no fugitives, spies, jewel thieves, detectives, murderers or people avenging a murder. There was no intrigue. I do hope that some passengers became life long friends or even fell in love.

The travelers were mostly couples and families. Many empty nest couples, mothers and daughters, families, widows who are free to travel after the long illnesses of their husbands, and several groups of Mennonites. I noticed few single travelers.

Here, we say good bye to Sherry and Jerry, Adam, Samantha and Paula (did you get to climb half-dome?), and Danny and Lisa (thanks for the SF tips!). I am afraid I cannot remember the names of the knitter, the Asian mother and her bouncy blonde daughter, the very nice women with whom we shared our last breakfast (and a pelican sighting). It was a real pleasure to meet all of you.

For those of you considering long distance train travel, here are some…

Do’s:

Bring a pair of slip on shoes (bare feet are strongly discouraged by the train staff)

Use your ear plugs

Bring cash to tip your car attendant and dining car staff ($20.00 per night is standard for excellent service). Cash is also helpful for the cafe when the card reader stops working (which was often)

Watch the views! We barely touched the books we brought.

Take at least two fresh air stops a day.

Be prepared to make yourself comfortable in your cabin. We recommend a travel blanket (because our cabin was cold). But other cabins were uncomfortably warm.

Enjoy the company of your fellow passengers

Don’ts:

Don’t expect internet. There will be none on the train.

Don’t rely on cell service: it is very spotty. We were surprised at the places that we could and could not use our phones.

Don’t arrive at the dining car early for your seating. The staff has as strict, efficient system. You don’t want to throw them off.

Do not forget to leave the train as soon as it stops at your final destination. Don’t think there will be final announcement. Grab your bags and go or you will be heading with the staff to the rail yard (as almost happened with us!)

DO: remember the journey, always.