California (and Oregon), Here I Come?!?

As I contemplated driving to the Southwest national parks this fall, I considered adding the parks I missed in California. However, the extra mileage and physical wear and tear to me and my car, the Silver Bullet (SB), didn’t seem feasible, even to me.

Then, Uncle Sam’el came to the rescue. I received a notice on my Amtrak app that the train service was offering a 50% discount on its USA Rail Pass. The pass restrictions that come with the standard $500 price usually turn me off, but the timing of the half-price offer was perfect because it gave me the option to travel from Washington to Los Angeles using only two of the ten segments that come with the pass. Even the restrictions–starting the first segment within four months of purchase–would be workable. Plus, if I don’t use all ten segments within 30 days of beginning the first segment–another requirement–the pass would still pay for itself on the trip out.

The game plan I’ve developed begins with a train trip from DC to Chicago, then cross-country to LA. The route through the Rockies in April promises to be stunning, either with snow or Spring flowers, or both. I’ve reserved a vehicle for pickup in LA to handle the drive through California to Oregon.

One of the positives about this plan is that the only time-sensitive part, once I get to LA, is the boat tour of Channel Islands National Park. I had to reserve my ticket in advance to make sure I could get a spot on the boat. Even the train reservation back to DC can be scheduled at my convenience. The train is scheduled to arrive the morning before the boat tour, which gives me the option of sightseeing or finding a room to sleep off the three-day train trip.

The map above shows the projected route that is focused on the national parks I’m missing (Channel Islands, Sequoia, Kings Canyon, Pinnacles, Lassen Volcanic in California, and Crater Lake in Oregon). I’m adding the San Diego Zoo because it would be a shame to be that close and not visit–especially after unseasonably cold temps kept me indoors when I was last in San Diego for the Music Library Association conference in 2010. I want to try again to get a picture of the Golden Gate Bridge without the heavy fog. I also have unfinished business with Joshua Tree and Death Valley NPs (see my 2022 stop to those parks for details), and I relish a return trip to my favorite park, Yosemite, any chance I get. It’s been almost twelve years since my first visit, so the time is ripe.

If all goes as planned, I end the drive portion of the trip in Portland, Oregon, after at least 2,500 miles on the road. I would then get the first train heading East. This particular route also only requires two USA Rail Pass segments (unless I decide to get off and see some sites along the way, which isn’t impossible since this route takes me through Glacier NP again, plus parts of Idaho I haven’t visited before). I suspect, though, that by then, I will be perfectly satisfied seeing the park and other scenery from the relative comfort of my train seat.

I guess it’s time to mention the two main negatives to this game plan. First, my normal companion, SB, would not join me on this trip. This means that I will have to be very selective about what I take because I will have to manage it all with only Have-Seat-Will-Travel 4 to assist with transport. I will also be driving a vehicle I don’t know through the numerous different topographies and climates from Southern California to Oregon, and I would be limited by the range of clothing and equipment options I can handle.  Second, the USA Rail Pass allows coach seating only, so I can expect a bit of physical stress from six days of train travel. On the other hand, driving from the DMV to California would have taken at least three days each way, too.

All of that said, I am really excited about this trip! As usual, I hope to take LOTS of pictures and post about my experience on this blog. Maybe I’ll catch up with a family member or friend or two along the way, as well.

Westward ho!!!