Thomas Baker
CHICAGO TO SAN FRANCISCO’THE CALIFORNIA ZEPHYR’ AN ICONIC WESTERN ADVENTUREEveryone traveling on Amtrak’s popular route between Los Angeles and Seattle should have a copy of ’Explore America on Amtrak’s California Zephyr’. It’s like having your own personal tour guide point out the captivating scenery, towns, and history passing by your window - and tell you fascinating stories. All the while tracking your progress as you proceed across the country.This essential companion shows the way through cities, towering mountain passes, sculptured red rock canyons, and inhospitable deserts while recounting absorbing tales of the Old West towns, and their colorful citizens.As the California Zephyr crosses the Rockies and vast prairies, it rumbles by small towns and farms in the Midwest, follows the heroic and tragic paths of wagon train pioneers, and recounts accounts of bank robbers, Plains Indians, explorers, and gold miners.This invaluable guide is packed with short whimsical insights and fun facts, it enlivens hundreds of places in an easy-to-read format. For each of the dozens of stops and towns, it highlights:- What is special about the place?- Why is it here?- What’s happened here?- What’s quirky and fun about it?- Is anyone famous from here?- Explore America on Amtrak’s California Zephyr’ turns this wonderfully scenic rail journey into a fascinating adventure.Don’t leave the station without it.TABLE OF CONTENTS1. ALL ABOARD AMTRAK!What is Amtrak?What are the Superliners?Seating, Sleeping, and Sightseeing on AmtrakWho’s Who?2. ’THE CALIFORNIA ZEPHYR’History of the California ZephyrWhy Ride the California Zephyr?The California Zephyr ScheduleThe California Zephyr Stations3. HOW TO USE THIS BOOK4. SIGHTSEEING ABOARD ’THE CALIFORNIA ZEPHYR’The following is a shortened list of some of the stations and themes covered:Chicago, ILWhy is Chicago Architecture Distinctive?Burlington, IAOttumwa, IA Osceola, IA What Were the Emigrants’ Trails?Omaha, NEWhat was the Trans-Continental Railway?Lincoln, NEWho were the Plains Indians?Hastings, NE What was the Oregon Trail?Five Myths of the Old WestFort Morgan, COWhat was the California Trail?Denver, COGlenwood Springs, CO Grand Junction, COGreen River, UT Salt Lake City, UT Elko, NV Reno, NV Sacramento, CA What was the California Gold Rush?Emeryville, CA 5. ’CALIFORNIA ZEPHYR’ TRIVIA QUESTIONS
