Full Version: Northern Pacific Convention in July
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Hey all

So, I am a member of the Northern Pacific Railway Historical Association and every year they have a convention. I have missed all 3 years I have been a member, but this year... this year I finally get to go. It will be in the middle of building our house, but I am going.

Here's where it gets fun. It's being held in St. Paul, MN. From Boise, its a straight flight or a one hop thru Denver, depending on who you like to fly with. As I was calling AAA and hitting Orbitz and the other online travel sites, I thought, "This is silly. I am buying a plane ticket to get to a train convention." So, I hung up the phone and opened another tab on my browser and hit Amtrak. Yes, I will have to drive to Spokane to catch the train, but what better way of traveling to this kind of thing?!?

A really nice perk is that the ticket cost is the same as the straight flight. Sure, I will have to drive 6.5 hrs to Spokane. Sure, I will have to spend an evening with my bro-in-law who doesn't see eye to eye with me. Sure, the travel time is 27 hours. BUT... it's 27 hours on a train. I haven't ridden a train for travel in 30 years.

Anyway, I just bought the tix and thought if there were any other folks headed that away, we might hook up for a beer or three...

George
I'll guarentee that you will have more leg room on Amtrak than on any airliner plus the scenery will be closer than 30,000 feet. Enjoy the trip. Sounds great. Jim K.
George: good decision. When is the convention? even thought I can't go.
The convention is July 15 - 18.

I also agree that leg room played a part in my decision. I am 6'5" and trying to fit into seats designed for 5'10" folks is a bit... confining.

When I get tired of sitting, I can get up and socialize in the lounge car or dining car then mosey back to my seat.