The Great Colorado Air Show

How cool would it be to watch the Blue Angels from our own (or our neighbor’s own) balcony? That’s exactly what Tim and I were able to do this week.

The U.S. Navy Blue Angels were the headliners at the Great Colorado Air Show that came to the Northern Colorado Regional Airport for weekend performances in mid-October. After we watched them practice on Thursday and Friday, our neighbor Tracy invited us to watch the main shows from her balcony. It was a perfect location, and we didn’t have to fight the crowds at the airport.

The shows were thrilling, and loud! We couldn’t seem to tear our eyes away from the sky, afraid that we might miss some incredible maneuvers.

The Blue Angels

The Aerial Displays

West Coast Train Trip - Reflections

Taking this trip was just what I needed. Although I love to travel with Tim, and he’s a wonderful travel partner, it’s sometimes good to travel solo. I admit that I was a bit rusty, especially during the early part of the trip. Things that once were no big deal were suddenly a bit of a challenge. Exactly how do I take the light rail and then find my way to my hotel in Seattle? How do I walk from the train station to the mission and then my hotel in San Luis Obispo? How do I use Uber and Lyft? All those little challenges took me out of my comfort zone, at least initially.

Getting my adventurous spirit back and becoming confident once again in my ability to figure things out was one of the accomplishments of this trip.

I also rediscovered the fun in striking up a conversation with strangers, and even asking for help when needed. That’s not to say that I’m not cautious in deciding who is trustworthy. The experience just reminded me that it’s often the people I meet, not just the scenery, that make a trip memorable.

And finally, I remembered how important it is to reconnect with friends and to visit with them in person. Phone calls are great, but they are no substitute for long conversations in person. I’m not going to let another five years pass before seeing Kevin again.

United to Colorado

It was time to head home. This morning I tried Lyft for my ride to the San Diego International Airport. Once again, I had a delightful conversation with my driver Bryan, and he seemed to love the fact that this was my first experience with Lyft. I guess I’m a pro at ridesharing now! HA!

The security line was long, but I arrived in plenty of time for coffee before boarding. The flight was full, but uneventful, the best kind. Upon arriving at the Denver airport, I simply went to Gate A78. Here, I soon caught the motorcoach to the Fort Collins airport, where Tim picked me up.

The trip was everything I hoped it would be, but I was happy to be home.

Arrival in San Diego

My train journey ended in San Diego, where I spent some time exploring the Santa Fe Depot, another incredible historic station. My hotel was just a few blocks away, so I walked there on a beautiful afternoon.

Santa Fe Depot

Beautiful Tilework

Waiting Room

Beautiful Tilework Throughout the Interior

The Guild Hotel is housed in a historic YMCA buidling, and I was impressed with the way in which the designers preserved the building’s original character, yet introducted contemporary design trends and amenities The building opened in 1924 as the Army and Navy YMCA and provided accommodations and entertainment for members of the armed forces while they were on leave.

Here I encountered some of the most friendly and helpful staff ever. When I was looking at the framed original blueprints, a young bellman approached me and started talking about the history of the hotel. Then when I complimented the front desk staff about the rehabilitation, one young woman insisted on giving me a tour of some of the historic spaces. What hospitality!

Guild Hotel

Guild Hotel Entrance

Guild Hotel Detail

In Kevin’s honor and to celebrate the completion of the trip, I sat at the hotel’s bar and had a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon from Paso Robles. It had been quite the journey.

On the Pacific Surfliner to San Diego

Although I didn’t take the Coast Starlight along its entire route from Seattle to Los Angeles, I did the next best thing. The Pacific Surfliner covers the same route from San Luis Obispo to Los Angeles, plus it goes all the way to San Diego. I spent the entire day on the Pacific Surfliner. That day started very early, as the train departed at 6:55 am, before the sun had even risen.

I knew that I would not be walking from my hotel to the station, so I considered my options. Confession time! I realized that either Uber or Lyft was the only way, but I had never had the occasion to take either one. I had loaded both apps on my phone last night and crossed my fingers that I would get to the station on time. I was a bit nervous when Lyft showed no available drivers, so I tried Uber. I had to hustle when it showed that Vincent would arrive in less than ten minutes. I had a delightful ride with him and confessed that this was my first time. Success!

Boarding the Pacific Surfliner at Dark-Thirty!

I had booked a seat in business class, partly because coffee, pastries, snacks, and water would be provided since I had no time for breakfast. It took me a few tries to figure out where I wanted to sit, but I soon sat back, waited for the sun to rise, and get my first glimpse of the Pacific Ocean. It was worth the wait.

The most breathtaking section of the entire journey was the stretch between Surf and Goleta where the tracks hug the ocean. Here, there was no highway between the train and the ocean, unlike the stretch south of Los Angeles. In fact, there was virtually nothing manmade here at all. It was sublime, especially in the early morning light.

My time on the Pacific Surfliner was much more social than any of the previous sections. Although I was sitting by myself, I still had a delightful conversation about retirement with a lady originally from Chile and another woman who was still working as we made our way to Santa Barbara.

Then at the stop in Ventura, an African-American gentleman, probably in his mid-50s, sat next to me, and we seemed to talk about everything under the sun. He was a fellow train aficionado, although way more versed about the current state of rail travel than I. He pointed out sights along the way, suggested which seats we should move to when the train reached Los Angeles, and offered to give me a quick tour of Los Angeles Union Station when we stopped there. Without his help, I likely would have been hesitant to venture into the labyrinth of Union Station, not knowing if I would make it back to the train in time.

I never asked, but I wondered if he had any hesitation in selecting a seat next to an older white woman. Would she have an issue with his sitting there? Was she a Trumpette or a racist? Of course, I was neither, but he would not have known that just by looking at me.

The two highlights of today’s trip were the scenery between San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara and my interactions with this gentleman. It was a great day – perfect weather, gorgeous scenery, and great company.

Awakening on the Coast Starlight on the Way to San Luis Obispo

It was still dark when we arrived in Sacramento. There was a bit of excitement when the local EMTs boarded the train, treated, and eventually removed the lady in the bedroom next to mine due to a medical emergency. How sad. 

Behind a bank of clouds, I watched the sun come up over San Francisco Bay and caught a glimpse of the city skyline across the water. From there, the train followed the same route as El Camino Real, the old Spanish mission road. Later on in the day, we would pass Mission San Miguel Arcángel, the 16th Spanish mission established along the road.

Sunrise Over San Francisco Bay

San Francisco Skyline in the Distance

Mission San Miguel Arcángel

The route took us through the Santa Clara and Salinas Valleys, the heart of California’s rich agricultural region. Distant mountain ranges flanked the valleys that were lined with field after field and orchard after orchard, none which I was able to identify. Although some may find agricultural areas boring, I loved the seeing the wide variety of crops that are produced here.

Perhaps the most exciting part of the trip occurred after leaving Paso Robles when we crossed Cuesta Grade and descended over 1,000 feet in 11 miles before reaching San Luis Obispo. The huge horseshoe curves along the way provided an excellent view of almost the entire train.

Descending Towards San Luis Obispo

Crossing Cuesta Grade 

When we arrived in San Luis Obispo, I decided to walk to my hotel. I had been sitting for way too long. First, however, I wanted to see Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, so I walked there first. A wedding rehearsal was underway, but I was able to sneak a look inside the historic church.

I then walked through the city’s charming downtown on the way to my hotel. Had I realized that it was mostly an uphill walk, I may have reconsidered, but I finally made it and settled in for the evening.

Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa

Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa

Back on the Coast Starlight

When planning my trip, I tried to make sure that the train would be passing the sights that I particularly wanted to see during daylight hours. That was harder than it looked and involved a bit of compromise. My first decision had been which direction to travel – north to south or south to north. I had decided to travel south from Seattle, knowing that we would be crossing the Oregon Cascades during the night.

When I looked at the schedule and realized that we would also be traveling south of Santa Barbara after dark, I decided that I would get off the train in San Luis Obispo. That way I could spend the night, catch the Pacific Surfliner in the morning, and travel the coast during the day.

The trip from Portland to San Luis Obispo is a 25-hour journey, and there was never any doubt that I would book a sleeper. The choice was between a Roomette and a Bedroom. Although I initially considered only a Roomette since it’s about half the price of a Bedroom, I eventually splurged for a Bedroom. Bedrooms are larger, although that wasn’t a priority, but they have a private bathroom, certainly a desirable feature. I would also be able to look out the windows on both sides of the train by leaving my door open and taking advantage of the window in the hallway, as well as the one in my room. I decided that the extra expense was worth it, and I confirmed that thought when I settled into my room in Portland.

My Bedroom

We were about two hours late leaving Portland because freight trains have priority over Amtrak, but we finally left the city behind. I had printed out a copy of an old Coast Starlight route guide before leaving home, but I did miss the commentary of a Trails and Rails volunteer. Still, I enjoyed the scenery as we passed the natural Willamette Falls in Oregon City and the green fields of various crops.

Leaving Portland

Willamette Falls in Oregon City

Green Fields

Dinner in the dining room was delicious, but the experience was different this time. I sat by myself and missed joining other passengers at a table – a casualty of COVID-19. When I returned to my room, it was already getting dark, and I watched the sun set as we followed the Willamette River.

The Setting Sun Over the Willamette River

Visiting a Friend in Portland

My objective in stopping in Portland for the night was to spend time with my friend Kevin. Kevin and I have known each other since Miami and have frequently traveled together. I had not seen Kevin since 2016, however, when I had arrived in Portland on the Empire Builder from Glacier National Park.

Although I was originally going to stay at his home, he told me that his son and husband were sick, so I checked into the Woodlark Hotel, a beautifully rehabilitated historic hotel downtown.

Kevin picked me up at Portland’s Union Station, another great historic station, and we drove around the city, checking on the latest developments. We had lunch, walked around the downtown area, and ended up at the Park Avenue Wine Bar. If I’m with Kevin, I know wine tasting will be on the agenda!

Union Station

Waiting Room, Union Station

Woodlark Hotel, Downtown Portland

Portland at Night from My Hotel Window

Kevin and Sarah

Kevin had to work the next morning, but we met for lunch before he dropped me off at Union Station.

Although I was sad that I didn’t see Darwin or get to meet their son, I enjoyed the long talks with Kevin and the time we spent together. We promised each other that we wouldn’t wait another five years to see one another.

On the Coast Starlight to Portland

In the morning, I walked to King Street Station, ready to embark on my train adventure along the west coast. In case I never mentioned this previously in the blog, I am a huge rail fan. I especially love the history of trains in the United States and the role that railroads played in the development of national parks. I even collect historic railroad posters.

When I was planning this train trip and making reservations, I had decided to break the trip into three segments. The first would be the Coast Starlight from Seattle to Portland, spending the night there. Next would be the Coast Starlight from Portland to San Luis Obispo, spending the night there. The final leg would be the Pacific Surfliner from San Luis Obispo to San Diego.

Because the leg from Seattle to Portland was only four hours long, there was no need for a sleeper. I did, however, upgrade from coach to business. Why not?! I boarded the train and settled into my seat.

Boarding the Coast Starlight in Seattle

Soon, I heard an announcement that surprised and delighted me. Passengers were invited to the Lounge Car to listen to the Trails and Rails volunteer. The Trails and Rails program is a partnership program between the National Park Service and Amtrak that provides rail passengers with natural and cultural information about the sights along the way. I was certainly familiar with the program but had thought it had been suspended.

I made my way to the Lounge Car, where I spent the entire trip (so much for my business class seat!), and introduced myself to the volunteer, a retired National Park Service land manager. Then I sat back and listened while he spoke about the history of the area and pointed out landmarks. What an enjoyable and informative ride.

Old Union Station in Tacoma, Washington

Tacoma Narrows Bridge

Puget Sound

Columbia River

Although the weather was cloudy and rained for much of the way, I could still enjoy the views. One added benefit of the Trails and Rails program is that the volunteers bring special National Park passport stamps with them. Although I did not have my passport book with me, the gentleman kindly stamped a blank sheet of paper, which I will cut out and paste in my book.

United to Seattle

On Tuesday morning, I “flew” from Fort Collins to Seattle. Why the quotes? United Airlines has recently started service between Fort Collins and Denver, but the mode of transportation is not a plane, but a motorcoach. 

The Fort Collins airport is less than ten minutes from our home, making the trip so much more convenient. Yes, it does cost an additional $40 each way, but Tim did not have to drive me to the Denver airport. At the present time, I could not go through security in Fort Collins, but that will soon be changing. Avoiding security lines in Denver will be an even bigger bonus.

The ride to Denver and the flight to Seattle were uneventful. I even had an empty seat next to mine. We landed early, and I walked to SeaTac’s light rail station and caught the train that would take me downtown.

It was raining when I got off, but the walk to the hotel was a short one, and I checked into the Embassy Suites. I had selected that hotel since it is across the street from the King Street Station, where I would board the Coast Starlight the next morning. I was pleasantly surprised when the hotel upgraded me to a corner suite, and I had a nice view of the bay and downtown.

The View from My Hotel Window

I quickly dropped my bags and headed out to explore King Street Station, knowing that I wouldn’t have much time in the morning. What a beautiful train station. The building had been restored several years ago, and the space is gorgeous. The Amtrak personnel I spoke with seemed to be proud of the station and were willing to talk about it with me, even suggesting I visit the mezzanine where I was able to get a closer view of the architectural details.

King Street Station

King Street Station

Waiting Room, King Street Station

Architectural Detail, King Street Station

Although I had been warned about the homeless population around the station, I only saw a few tents on the sidewalk. Since I was arriving late in the afternoon, I had previously decided not to try and explore the city. Walking around most cities by myself after dark doesn’t seem like a great idea anymore.

Getting the Itch to Travel More Often

After returning from our trip on the California Zephyr to Glenwood Springs last month, I decided that I really needed to kick-start my traveling ways again. Although Tim and I had just recently traveled to Iceland for a fabulous road trip, and although we had just returned from a spectacular train ride, I somehow felt that I needed to get my travel “fix” more often.  I didn't want to wait around until next year's cruise.

When I lived in Miami, I would often travel once a month. Sometimes it was for just a long weekend, while on other occasions I was able to go for a week or more at a time. After I retired, I embarked on a series of road trips. And, after marrying Tim, I convinced him to take our nine-month Road Trip Ramble, and later, our five-year See Where the Road Leads full-time RV adventure.

After re-reading journals that I had written during some of my pre-Tim days, I recalled how exhilarating travel made me feel, how adventurous I became, and how easily I met people. Travel is my passion, and I wanted more of those feelings again.

So, I began to look for a trip. The GIS class that Tim is taking would prevent him from traveling for more than a few days, and I wanted at least a one-week trip. Tim has no problem with my traveling solo, so that’s what I investigated. I researched taking the RV to southern Colorado to ride the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad, which I’ve always wanted to do, but the logistics just didn’t work out. I also looked into attending the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta, another bucket list item, but I had waited way too late to make those arrangements.

My next idea was to take a long-distance train trip, another bucket list item, and that seemed doable. I decided not to take the California Zephyr to California since we had just traveled on part of that route. The Coast Starlight, however, which runs from Seattle to Los Angeles, seemed to be the perfect trip. I could also tack on the Pacific Surfliner and ride all the way to San Diego.

Planning a last-minute trip was challenging, and probably way more expensive than planning ahead, but I wanted to leave in less than a week. I was able to make train, plane, and hotel reservations, and all that was left was to pack my bags.

Ticketed and Ready to Go