When I was 15 I took a little trip by myself. I took the train from Seattle, Washington to Albany, Oregon. I had purple and green streaks in my hair. My Dad got me a backpack. I thought I was so cool. I didn't just think l was cool, I felt cool.

Since that trip I've never taken the train around the West Coast again.

I decided to ditch the driving this holiday season and took the train to visit my scattered West Coast family.

I took the train from:

Seattle, Washington to Vancouver, British Columbia
Vancouver, British Columbia to Albany, Oregon
Albany, Oregon to Portland, Oregon
Portland Oregon to Seattle, Washington

Not gonna lie, I feel pretty cool.

After getting reacquainted with Amtrak I have to say:

Driving is for the birds - seriously....for the birds!

Here were my favorite things about my Amtrak ride:

I could really stretch out. Plenty of leg room!
I could take my liquids...no crazy security. That half finished carrot juice - Amtrak's got the right of it....it's not hazardous....
The Bistro Car. Hello cinnamon bun and coffee or Hello bloody mary? You decide!
Wifi! Get some work done! Catch up on blogs! For Free! Yippee!
The stations were all really convenient. Isn't it nice to be able to just meet your family? They can walk you right to the door when you leave too. Plus, they're all right around other modes of transportation. Easy Peasy!
The border crossing was painless. I've had some slightly negative experiences when driving through the border. Plus, this time of year the wait could have been hours.
Amtrak was right on top of The Social Media. I got messages back on Instagram and Twitter! ....and the gold star goes to....Amtrak!
THE VIEWS. Hands down my favorite thing. I kicked, kicked, kicked myself for not having my 'big camera'. Phenomenal.

Some Amtrak facts:

Amtrak is more reliable than airlines
When considering energy consumption per passenger mile Amtrak is the clear winner of air, auto and bus.
Amtrak is a publicy funded for profit corporatio
via wikipedia

I realize this reads like a very bulletized Amtrak Public Service Announcement - and it is! I want more people to take the train! Why? Because maybe then there will be more routes available! America is so far behind in the public transportation department but, part of the problem is that Americans aren't taking the public transportation that is available.

Honestly, when I booked my travel my number one reason was to build in 'alone time'. I was hoping from place to place and person to person - I knew that as a quasi-introvert (okay fine, bonafide introvert) I was really gonna need some downtime. Sure you can say a solo drive is alone time but, unless you're really rocking the podcast it's not very productive or relaxing. I can say with no qualms that my train rides were both.

There are trains in my future. I see it. I can't wait for my next train trip. I'm especially excited to try out a sleeper car!

Take the train! I'm fairly certain you won't regret it!

These are snapshots of my station comings and goings, views from the window, and of course my coffee and scarves! Enjoy! Just click on the pic to see the next...