Year 5, Day 254 “Living the Dream”. Friday, 1/09/2026, Day 4 of 22 day California Zephyr cross country trip, followed by a California coastal drive, and then a 14 night Mexico Cruise – Today is Day 3 of our 3 day California Zephyr trip. Last night after dinner we traveled through the Ruby Canyon. In the middle of the canyon we crossed the border into Utah. This Canyon marks the transition from the Rockies to the Utah desert, known for its distinct red rock formations. Woke up this morning in Elko, Nevada. It is 12 degrees with snow on the ground. Lots and lots of desert today. The views are stunning of canyons and rivers as we travel to Reno, Nevada.
We saw steam rising in spots from natural thermal features from the train.
Here is a video of the inside of our train and room.
It is a sunny clear day and by noon time it is 33 degrees Fahrenheit as we stop in Reno. Here we were able to get off the train for a few minutes and get some fresh air. The train filled up at Reno. The Reno station is below ground in the Reno train trench. After walking a little bit at the Reno train station.
We got back on the train and had lunch with a couple that just boarded the train. At 1pm we are in snow filled Truckee, California in the Sierra Nevada mountains.
The most snow we have seen this trip is here in California. It looks like 10-12 inches on the ground. We slowly meandered pass Donner Lake.
This is the most beautiful scenery I have ever seen. We then chugged up hill through the third largest tunnel in the United States for about 6 minutes. When we came out we were in the Sugar Bowl ski resort at 5,900 feet.
This is the peak of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Then we are at Donner Pass where the Donner party got caught in a snow storm. Many of the party were food for the ones who survived the storm. There is a lot of snow here.
By 3pm the snow is gone. It is 52 degrees and we are in Alta, California.
We are arriving in Emeryville, California at 7:00pm. The original time was 4:57pm.
Time for a review.
California Zephyr (1/07/2026 – 1/09/2026) Chicago, Illinois to Emeryville, California in a room review
Food – Excellent and Plentiful.
Crew – Dining room staff was a little rushed. Car attendant was excellent. All employees were very willing to engage in friendly conversation.
Room – Clean and functionable.
Route – Very scenic and the adjustment to time change was easy and comfortable.
Comfort – Not the most pleasant way to travel. Airplanes are more uncomfortable but fast. Excellent way to meet people.
Time flies – Just a little PA memory photo.
Here’s a little something to ponder.
Here’s a link to today’s Amazon recommendation: https://amzn.to/4bAtYWS 40×60 Monocular Telescope with Smartphone Adapter: A must for traveling. Don’t miss that far away detail. Great for viewing wildlife.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. #CommissionsEarned
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