BSA Amtrak trip Coninued...

[bubbajustin]

Hi all. A western trips range from $882 to $1305. I am thinking of going east on the Cardnial. Anone rode her before? Is there anything besides Washington to see on her route that Amtrak serves? We just couldn't afford a trip west. I am looking in West Virgina. Any suggestions would be great. I'm very stressed out. Thank's all.

[TomDiehl]

It really depends on what you're looking for, even in general terms; railfanning, standard tourist, historic, etc.

In West Virginia, the best known is probably the Greenbrier Resort at White Sulfur Springs.

[Deggesty]

TomDiehl

It really depends on what you're looking for, even in general terms; railfanning, standard tourist, historic, etc.

In West Virginia, the best known is probably the Greenbrier Resort at White Sulfur Springs.

There is the Cass Scenic Railroad. http://www.cassrailroad.com/

You, would, of course, have to work out transportation form White Sulphur Springs.

Johnny

[bubbajustin]

UPDATE. I've ben doing reacerch, on prices, and it is very mutch cheaper to go on the CArdnial. We might go to Chicago or somwhere east. anwhere we(BSA) might be interested in going/camping/having fun? 

[al-in-chgo]

Justin, the Greenbriar is a world-class luxury resort hotel, and a night there would be the antithesis of the Boy Scout experience (roughing it in shelters and tents). 

Why don't you go online or call toll-free to the State of West Virginia's tourism dept?   And/or have them send you a HC guide?  In other states we've visited the guides that the various tourism agencies distribute include information on state parks and the amenities (incl. campsites) that are available.

I'm sure your research is frustrating since practically all ground transit in the U.S. is geared toward the private car, but with patience in your research you will get the info you need.

BTW have you talked with your Scoutmaster yet?  Is there Dollar one in the troop treasury to support any of this?  -  al

 

[CG9602]

My attitude on this is to tell you to keep your options open. Two of the three High Adventure Bases can be easily accessed via Amtrak. Northern Tier (in NE Minnesota) is five hours by car away from Saint Paul, so it would be more difficult. Several national Parks (not just Glacier Nat'l Park) are within driving distance from rails served by Amtrak. So, combining train trips and High Adventure can be done . . . if one is willing to be flexible. Some of my first train trips were from Chicago to Miami, when I was attending Florida Sea Base.

One more minor quibble: One is always an Eagle Scout (present tense), not "former" - unless you have done something that would require the BSA to disqualify you and remove your rank.

[bubbajustin]

My scoutmster e-mailed me the other day and it sounds promosing! He said now we can apply for a grant and then we can discuss the destanations. Thanks you guys for incouraging me, and offering youre suggestios!

[StreatorDave]

The Cardinal has the best scenic route of any passenger train in the US.  One point. New River Gorge.  If you can find a place to camp near there, do so.

Dave

[bubbajustin]

I now think the Cardnial is our best shot for going on a trip. No train hoppin. He says as soo as we get the $$ we can start looking for destanations.