Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
there, the Crescent crosses into Mississippi, then turns and runs
straight south. Just a few minutes after a stop at Slidell, Louisi-
ana, you'll cross Lake Pontchartrain on a six-mile-long causeway.
It's just a single track and none of the structure can be seen from
either side of the train, which creates the sensation that you're
rolling right along on the water itself. From there you're just a
half hour or so from arriving in New Orleans. If the Crescent's
on schedule, you'll be there in plenty of time to enjoy a fabulous
meal (try a place called Irene's Cuisine) and maybe catch a set by
the jazz band at Preservation Hall. What a town!
Western Trains
California Zephyr (5, 6)
Stops:
Chicago, Omaha, Denver, Salt Lake
City, Reno, Sacramento, Emeryville
Frequency:
Daily
Distance:
2,438 miles
Duration:
53 hours
Equipment:
Superliner coaches, sleepers, dining
car, lounge car
This is arguably Amtrak's most scenic trip; it's spectacular in
either direction. But if the eastbound train is running more than
an hour or so late, you could miss some of the more impressive
views coming out of the Rockies and descending into the Denver
area.
Westbound out of Chicago, it's vast fields of corn and soy-
beans, then a dinnertime crossing of the Mississippi River at Bur-
lington, Iowa. Omaha comes at about midnight; when you wake
up you are in cattle country just east of Denver. Things start get-
ting spectacular after you leave Denver as the Zephyr
begins its
climb into the Rockies, with best viewing from the right side of
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