Tuesday 23 August 2011

Up the Pacific Coast

Managed to get an amazing amount of sleep despite being on a reclining seat. This is a classic raiil journey with great scenery and a commentary in the viewing coach where I have sat all day. Currently in Portland departing at 4 20PM which gives a bit of time to look around the old station. Finally arrived in Seattle at 8 15PM after 22 hours on the train.  Sally was duly waiting for me in het amazing technicolor jacket making it impossible for me to miss her. Tonight I get to sleep in a proper bed for the first time since July 25th.


















Views of San Francisco Bay area from the top of Mount Diablo






Taking the Amtrak from Emeryville to Seattle on the Coast Starlight

I'm travelling in the cheap seats but it's better than 1st class back home. The amount of legroom is huge. The train leaves at 10 07 PM and arrives in Seattle at 8 45PM tomorrow night.
Sally our tour leader is picking me up and I will be spending a couple of nights with her and her husband Greg at their house on the other side  of Puget Sound before heading on to Vancouver.

Very sad to be leaving San Francisco after a great few days with Greg. Yesterday we went for a spin on his roadbikes and ended up at the Arlon Ness motorcycle dealership where we spent a couple of houts being persuaded to buy Victory motorcycles by two very charming young ladies.

Today we met up with Dara and walked 4/5 miles around the reservoir above Lafayette, followed by huge ice cream.