Julie's Web Journal: It's been a while. We're back from a trip!

It's been a while. We're back from a trip!

Fresh when it gets here from Julie Barrett
Saturday, October 17, 2026

It's not been the best year ever around here, but we finally got to the point where we could schedule a trip.

This was a bit of a bucket list journey for us. We started in Dallas, taking the Amtrak Texas Eagle to Chicago. After a couple of days exploring the Windy City, we boarded the California Zephyr for the trip to San Francisco. After a day or so there, we flew back home.

Would I recommend a train journey? Yes! If you travel overnight, consider booking sleeper accommodations as opposed to coach. While Amtrak's coach class beats any airline in terms of comfort, you get meals and access to a shower included with a sleeper. You also get your own large window.

The rails can get a bit rough sometimes, and since they go places where there is no highway you'll lose phone signal at times. But hey, that's part of the experience. And who needs a phone signal when you have scenery? Amtrak has several routes built and timed specifically for scenic views. This isn't your rushed commuter trip.

Want to read more? Check out our trip log. All aboard!

Filed under: Vacation Pictures Train

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Julie's Web Journal

Est. 2002