Despite the very comfortable coach class seats, reclinable and with foot rest ( I didn’t want to spend
extra money for a sleeper compartment for this “short” train ride, I didn’t sleep a lot on this journey
from Whitefish to Portland.
At around 2:00 am the train stopped as scheduled in Spokane, WA, for a longer stop. Reason: the train is been split.
The front part continues to Seattle and the rear part to Portland, OR, my destination. Some passengers, me being
one f them, used the stop to get some fresh air.
“All aboard” was at 2:35 am and I continued my travel towards Portland.
Next to me was a charming elderly lady and very soon after we took of in Whitefish we started chatting. Oregon
born but currently living near Chicago she was a great narrator about many things on this journey.
It’s so easy to get to know people over here and they all tell you everything about their private live which is at
times a bit to much to put it mildly.
As the Portland train didn’t have a dining car breakfast consisted of an Amtrak coffee and two cereal bars.
Great !
The train line meandered alongside the Columbia River with views again stunning.
Almost on time ( 10:10 am ) the train pulled into Portland station and when I stepped on the platform I had travelled,
the whole length of the “Empire Builder” line: 2250 m.
Now I have two days in Portland in front of me but first of all I had to get my bags and find the way to the Hertz Car
rental office. A sign told me their Amtrak Station office isn’t anymore but one should call a number and they will pick you
up and drive you to their main office in downtown Portland. Everything worked fine and some time later my bags have
been in my car which I will now have until I return it in San Francisco airport.
Thanks to GPS I found my Motel in Beaverton, a Portland suburb, easily. As room check-in wasn’t until 1 pm I explored
the close neighbourhood, especially the Beaverton Transit Centre which is just around the corner. Portland has a
fantastic public transport system with trams, trains and buses closely connected. I will use this during my Portland
stay.
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