My parents did finally take the train around the country. Stopped in L.A. to visit with my brother, then continued on south side back home. Dad is a train nut so definitely his bag. I would like to too, if I had the time and money. Trains are great (I’ve used many times both for vacation and just visiting from my home to hometown, etc); even if you’re just in coach you can walk around freely, put your luggage in easy access where you can get to it if needed, have food either in snack bar and/or dining car.
Amtrak did make me mad that they abandoned this WONDERFUL silly ham-and-cheese sandwich. I’m not big on sandwiches, but I found out their honey-ham & Muenster on a soft small sub roll, heated, was FANTASTIC. Didn’t even need condiments, it was so good. For me, that’s saying something! Curse them for dropping it!
I would love doing what your parents did. I’m green with envy!
I saw quite a bit of all the 48 continental states in my years as a truck driver. Enough to want to see much more of each. This is a beautiful country!
Problem was a truck driver is on a tight schedule so very little look around time.
I did go to Dodge City, KS with it’s old west Main street, hitching rails and all.
Saw the Painted Desert, drove through Donner Pass several times (what were they thinking!), took US and state highways from San Diego, CA to El Paso, TX (BEAUTIFUL COUNTRY!), drove I-10 across Texas all the way to Florida, been to all the northern states during snow season, and all that did was make me want to see more.
I’ve been a truck and train fella my whole life.
Now that I’m retired I just want to take the time to explore the country.
I think a combination of train and rental car would suit me just fine.
I LOVE sandwiches!
My favorite is a Reuben on white bread as most rye bread masks the flavor of the meat and cheese.
My wife used to take a thin cut ribeye, slow cook it then put it on wheat bread with mustard and sauerkraut! HEAVEN!
You’ve made me put a coast to coast train trip on my bucket list.
With the problems with the TSA and airline practices you would think that AMTRAK would advertise to create more business, but they aren’t.
Opportunity missed IMHO.