Beginning The Journey With A Long Train Ride North

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ITINERARY


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Martinez, California (Mtz) to Seattle (Amtrak), Washington (Sea)

Sunday June 3, 2012  10:54PM - Monday June 4, 2012  8:45PM

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Train: 14 Coast Starlight

Duration: 21H 51M


     Departs:

     Martinez, California (Mtz)

     Sunday June 3, 2012  10:54PM


     Arrives:

     Seattle (Amtrak), Washington (Sea)

     Monday June 4, 2012  8:45PM


     Seat(s)/Room(s):

     2 Reserved Coach Seats


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Seattle (Amtrak), Washington (Sea) to Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (Vac)

Tuesday June 5, 2012  7:40AM - Tuesday June 5, 2012  11:40AM

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Train: 510 Cascades

Duration: 04H 00M


     Departs:

     Seattle (Amtrak), Washington (Sea)

     Tuesday June 5, 2012  7:40AM


     Arrives:

     Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (Vac)

     Tuesday June 5, 2012  11:40AM


     Seat(s)/Room(s):

     2 Reserved Coach Seats


==========================================================================

Seattle (Amtrak), Washington (Sea) to Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (Vac)

Tuesday June 5, 2012  7:40AM - Tuesday June 5, 2012  11:40AM

==========================================================================

Train: 510 Cascades

Duration: 04H 00M


     Departs:

     Seattle (Amtrak), Washington (Sea)

     Tuesday June 5, 2012  7:40AM


     Arrives:

     Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (Vac)

     Tuesday June 5, 2012  11:40AM


     Seat(s)/Room(s):

     2 Bicycles


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FARE INFORMATION

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Rail

           $ 252.70

Accommodations

           $ 10.00

Ticket Delivery Fee

           $ 0.00

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Subtotal

           $ 262.70

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Purchase Total

           $ 262.70



The train ride was just as expected, long & beautiful. The views to be seen in Oregon and Washington were phenomenal when there was openings in the tree lines. When the tree lines would disappear from around the train tracks we could see vast mountain ranges covered in clouds, rivers tinged with teal because of the clarity, and beautiful green farms laden with sheep. Being from California Gillian and I both have been alarmed at the amount of fresh water that is in abundance. Ever since crossing the Oregon border it has been raining incessantly. It has been a consistent drizzle that is enough to get you wet, but not enough to completely soak you. There was a point along the train ride where we would spot an overflowing waterfall pouring down the side of the mountain every couple of minutes. 

We are planning on making one last modification to the bike once settling into Vancouver. When we can find a bike store we will buy fenders for our bikes so we don't have to deal with the tires spewing ground water on us. 

Before beginning our journey we are planning on spending a few days in Vancouver to enjoy the tourism and let ourselves recover from the 35 hours of traveling. On Thursday we will bike the first leg of our journey into Victoria where we plan on spending the weekend. This will be the last of our Canadian adventures as we will then focus all of our attention towards the coastal route. Both of us are antsy to begin the trip and very excited for what is to come. Hopefully the weather will treat us well while we begin our traveling. 
- Colin

Comments

  1. UnknownJune 5, 2012 at 1:56 PM

    It's just the beginning... you have so much to look forward to. I just hope it doesn't go by too fast. We will be living vicariously through you. So go for it, your adventures will be retold throughout your life.
    Pam

    ReplyDelete
  2. anonymousJune 5, 2012 at 6:26 PM

    Glad to hear you are getting the fenders...you will be grateful that you did. Sounds like you have already experienced some delightful scenery. Your adventures and memories are just beginning and I'm looking forward to hearing of your journeys along the way. Great pics. I can see you are dressed to stay warm !! :)
    Keeping you in prayer.
    Love,
    Mom (Colin's)

    ReplyDelete
  3. hansJune 6, 2012 at 6:10 PM

    Minimum 2 pictures per blog. Looking good guys.

    Dan

    ReplyDelete

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