A rare non-travel day, spent exploring Oakland and – after crossing the bay by ferry – San Francisco.
Seven States in Nine Days
In less than two weeks I was able to double the number of US States I’ve meaningfully visited, by hopping on and off the California Zephyr.
Gallery: Chicago to the San Francisco Bay, by train
Arguably Amtrak’s most scenic route, the California Zephyr allows a great variety of landscapes to be sampled from the comfort of a lounge or sleeper car. Here’s some of what I experienced during a winter run with the snow often piled high!
Chicago to the San Francisco Bay, by train
I took on the entire 52 hour, 2400 mile journey from Chicago to Emeryville on the California Zephyr – but rather than one epic ride, I split it into six pieces across nine days. Here’s how those went.
My North American Travel Bucketlist Tour 2015
An overview and links to coverage of my trip to New York, Vancouver, Seattle and Los Angeles via a mix of international business class flights and long distance trains.
Gallery: Vancouver to Los Angeles by train
The photographic version of my rail journey along the west coast.
Routemap: Vancouver to Los Angeles by train
An interactive map of the rail route down the west coast of America.
Coast Starlight Day 2 – California
The second day aboard the Coast Starlight – having crossed into California overnight, we still had a long way down to Los Angeles!
First class on the Coast Starlight
An overview of my ‘roomette’ and the amenities available to sleeper car passengers on Amtrak’s Coast Starlight service, including the Pacific Parlour Car.
Trip Report: A Californian status run
In-depth report of my push for HHonors Gold and BA Silver, hotel-hopping and tier-point running around California.
Gallery: San Diego
A collection from my visits to San Diego in January 2013.
Gallery: Coronado
A quick visit to Coronado, January 2013.
USS Midway
Checking out San Diego’s floating museum.
The Golden Gate Bridge
A few thoughts and photos from a morning stroll across the bridge and back.
Gallery: San Francisco
Highlights from my brief visit to San Francisco, January 2013.