What's an AMTRAK Outing?
By Gesa Csapo, Michiana Group
Q: What are AMTRAK Outings and how did they get started?
A: Basically, they are taking a train to a national park for
hiking, camping and learning and in order to enjoy that park on a more
intimate level. The Michiana Group of the Hoosier Chapter started these
outings over twelve years ago as an economical, restful, and feasible means to
enjoy our great national parks. These outings proved to have all these
attributes, and over the years, Sierrans and others benefited.
Q: What preparations are required for one of these trips?
A: The first thing to do is to get to Union Station in Chicago from
whence the Superliners (double-decker trains) depart. Actually, before that
you must decide on what kind of outing you intend to pursue. For backpacking
one needs physical preparation and must fulfill an extensive check list while
base camping and lodging need considerably less preparation.
Q: Is advance preparation required?
A: Definitely yes! AMTRAK is popular with many folks and one must make
reservations and purchase tickets well in advance. With backpacking,
conditioning is required for mountainous terrain. A checklist for that
particular environment should be fulfilled well in advance, too.
Q: How about the train? What can I expect?
A: Expect to enjoy the scenery, the company, perhaps a movie, "Dinner in
the Diner," reading, listening to music, and planning your hikes or other
activities. The lounge car has your favorite beverage and the usual "happy
hour." These choices are yours to make at your leisure.
Q: How long is a trip?
A: As an example, to go to Glacier National Park, we leave Chicago
around 3:00 PM Friday and arrive in East Glacier Park on the Blackfoot Indian
Reserve at about 6:00 PM Saturday evening after an overnighter.
Contact: Gesa Csapo, (219)255-9960
Copyright © 2007 Hoosier Chapter Sierra Club, all rights reserved.[6/28/02]efp
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