My Summer Fall Vacation
An Unlikely Paradise
This summer I am taking the vacation of a lifetime, something I've wanted to do for a long time, something that just fell into place when I wasn't really trying.

Leyla's Trip Across The Country on Amtrak
If you know anything about me, you know I like to travel. I write a travel blog (in addition to this blog and others) and I have been ALL OVER the world. But there is one thing I have not done much of, I haven't traveled the United States. That will soon change.
One of my dreams has been to travel across the United States, but I always thought I would drive across the country. But I hate to drive. So back in June, after I got booted from the trip I was supposed to take, and as I watched everyone else take their summer trips to Italy, Michigan, Vail and every other place under the sun, it dawned on me. THIS would be the summer vacation of my life!
I started browsing the internet (that's a lie, I constantly browse the internet - there is no start or stop) and I found the Trails and Rails program on Amtrak. I thought, "Hmmm, National Parks could be fun." But I'm not terribly outdoorsy. Or even a little outdoorsy.
I purchased an 8 ride Amtrak ticket (any 8 stops on any line in 15 days) and upgraded with a few Roommettes. I start on the Empire Builder and transfer to the Coast Starlight spending two nights in each destination.
My first stop on the Empire Builder is in Essex, the Northwest corner of Montana, just beside Glacier National Park. I spend three days in Essex where I'll stay at Issac Walton Inn in a caboose car (a BIG thanks to @SennettReport for the recommendation), take a Jammer Ride, go white water rafting! Guess what, I've never really gone white water rafting before (unless you count Green Bay, Wisconsin).
Isaac Walton Inn
Historic Red Bus "Jammer" Tours

You know that's going to be ME waving the flag!
photo courtesy of Glacier Rafting Co.
More details to come leading up to the trip:
- What will I pack? I need help! Suggestions? Tweet me @leyla_a or leave a comment
- What "Gear" do I need?
- What should I do in Portland, San Fran and Santa Barbara?
- What am I missing?
(Disclosure: Four Seasons is a client and Pin. Pack. Go is one of our projects).
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