Have you ever wondered what it might be like to take a train clear across the United States? Join Roxie and Earl Brechlin as they share the experience of traveling by rail from Boston, to Chicago, Albuquerque, Los Angeles, Portland, Oregon and back. The couple took a five-week journey stopping to visit family along the way but spending a total of 13 days, and more importantly seven nights aboard legendary Amtrak passenger trains. Those include the Lake Shore Limited, Southwest Chief, Coast Starlight and Empire Builder. They traveled during a lull in the COVID-19 pandemic last fall.“ There are a lot of romantic notions about traveling by train and the experience is definitely different than flying,” the couple explains. “When you throw in pandemic protocols, associated service curtailments and unforeseen events such as California wildfires that blocked key routes, it definitely becomes adventure.” Making plans and reservations for trains, arranging onboard sleeping accommodations, connections to commuter rail routes, arranging meals and baggage handling will be discussed as well as ground transportation tips and tricks.