By Eileen Majors
Our road trip into beautiful Eastern Plumas County landed us at the Western Pacific Railroad Depot in Portola, where we would board a passenger train that would take us on a step back in time to recapture the romantic era of train travel. We arrived during Portola’s annual Railroad Festival. Fascinating displays are open throughout the season.
We would soon find ourselves being wined and dined aboard a luxurious train car, experiencing (for us) a new way of travel, one I hope to utilize again. Comforts like relaxing on deep leather sofas while sipping cocktails and enjoying scrumptious hors d’ oeuvres made for a relaxing ride. From the moment we boarded the train, their first class staff was ready to serve. Beverages including top name spirits, were offered immediately and throughout the ride. Later they passed out appetizers and then as we neared our destination at the Keddie Wye, dinner was served. Our scrumptious, tender steaks were grilled perfectly and served with homemade mashed potatoes and asparagus spears. A deep cut slice of whole grain brown bread (with real butter, of course) complemented dinner. Raspberry dessert encrusted in puff pastry topped of our delicious meal. I thoroughly enjoyed a cup of fresh brewed coffee and half-and-half with my dessert. Coffee was served in official California Zephyr China.
The first class tickets were well worth the price of this adventure, which picked us up in Portola. Others had stayed the night in sleeper cars and were on their second day of train travel. We boarded the California Zephyr train with passengers who had been on this adventure from the beginning of the ride in Emeryville and others from stops in Martinez, Davis, Sacramento and Oroville, CA. The train carried many railroad enthusiasts, who were more than eager to experience the Keddie Wye.
This section of track was built in the early 1900’s and traveling aboard a passenger train to this Wye was a really big deal for rail fans onboard. Rail photographers were there waiting for this rare photo opportunity (seeing passengers there). In fact, throughout the trip, we were greeted by rail fans, which showed up in the wilder ness with cameras along the route.
I don’t know much about being a rail fan but I am a huge fan of Trains & Travel International and their luxurious train trips. The company offers trips in the US and several other countries.
Upcoming Train Rides Including World Travel Posted at TrainTrips.biz Trains & Travel International offers tours nationally and locally. If you would enjoy a leisurely ride over the rails, this is a company you should check out. Enjoy dining on fine China and crystal while their superior staff takes care of your every need. All meals are prepared fresh onboard, and are made to order by their fabulous gourmet chefs.
