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Surviving 53 Hours on Amtrak

Jim Parton
3 min readJun 1, 2022

The Santa Barbara Courthouse lawn wedding has come and gone. So quickly!

Our youngest got married on the courthouse lawn in Santa Barbara a mere two weeks ago. Being a committed “non-flyer”, I opted for Amtrak. After much frustration in trying to book my own trip, I joined the queue waiting for real person assistance, and I’m so glad I did. The online/phone Amtrak employee was able to suggest several options and help me book very quickly, and very economically. I wasn’t in time to book as handicapped for lower level, but if you can plan ahead and do indeed need a more accessible spot, that is definitely the way to go. There are only 8 or so seats, and the bathroom is very accessible. Much quieter, more congenial, and on the lower level of the train. The view out the windows is just as good.

Train seats are much like a home recliner. Tray table in front of you, adjustable incline, and a good footrest, although that is hard to access but worth it. TAKE A WARM BLANKET. Amtrak seems to think it is the “Polar Express”, and the air conditioning works MUCH too well! I tend to spend a lot of time in the observation lounge car, which is quieter, and great scenery, and the snack bar is on the lower level of that car. Also a great spot with a footrest for every seat, and sky view windows above you for great mountain peak watching.

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Jim Parton
Jim Parton

Written by Jim Parton

Retired Teacher and Death Care worker. The gay and married dad of three grown children. I have always been fascinated by the human condition. Come read with me.

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