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[PRIME] West Coast Train Trip 2009

13468915

Posts

  • ArcoArco Registered User regular
    edited July 2009
    Sorry for the double post, but this is cool:

    There's an iPhone app called Loopt that has some very interesting GPS features. They asked about GPS streaming over in the CCST thread and someone suggested it. Apparently it does streaming GPS updates accurate enough to where, if you were headed to my house, I could walk out the front door when I saw you pull into the driveway on Loopt.

    Dunno if it's quite that amazing, but still. Anybody with an iPhone should try it, and we should friend each other in Loopt to see how it works.

    Watching 100 people gradually hook up into a little snake on the west coast and then descend on Seattle would be pretty cool.

    Arco on
    Like this, not like the gas station.
    Organizer of the Post-PAX Party. You should come!
    Satellite Theater for life!
  • SpaceGhost2KSpaceGhost2K Registered User regular
    edited July 2009
    I can. :) I've got a friend at Comic-Con trying to get some face time with the guys to see how we can work out permission.

    People at Xbox Addict are having a meet-up this year at PAX and they want to make PAX/XBA plates, plus I run Faceplate Addict and I'd like to make some PAX/FPA plates. But I can't really do any of it without permission. Thing is, 1) I don't know who to talk to and 2) It takes time to get them made, and time is short.

    SpaceGhost2K on
  • SpaceGhost2KSpaceGhost2K Registered User regular
    edited July 2009
    By the way, all three photos on those plates are of actual "Coast Starlight" trains. I didn't just grab some train photos.

    SpaceGhost2K on
  • bookofnerdsbookofnerds Registered User regular
    edited July 2009
    Hello all,
    I'm new to the forums, but I've been a gamer all my life. I'm really considering throwing caution to the wind and taking the train to PAX this year. I've never been to PAX, but it sounds like a blast. Any idea how many people are doing the train trip?

    bookofnerds on
  • SuperKawaiiNekoSuperKawaiiNeko Registered User regular
    edited July 2009
    Hello everyone. Chances are you don't know me, seeing as how this is my first post on these forums, but know that I come to you in supplication.

    I need a ride to PAX. I live in Sacramento, California, and there is absolutely no way that I can afford to pay $170 to get there and back. To put it another way: When I did a price check and saw the price was over $80, I began to seriously doubt my ability to make this happen. Then I realised that this price was NOT round trip.

    Thus, the train is out for me this year. And so I come to you, on my very knees, asking for this PAXtime miracle. If anybody is driving up and will pass anywhere even remotely close to Sacramento, or knows anybody who is, please let me know.

    After all these years, this is finally my first PAX. I'm an Enforcer. I have my admission and rooming situations covered (for the most part.) But if I can't get up there and home again, it's all moot. If any of you can help me make this happen, I will be extremely greatful.


    Edit:

    I guess I should include some information about myself. I'm a 26 year old male (just...just ignore the avatar. My first choice was unreadable.) I don't smoke, I drink relatively little, and I don't do drugs. I'll be packing fairly light for this con; a bag for clothes, a bag for stuff (DS, D&D books, novels, etc), and a bag for any swag I might be lucky enough to get my hands on (empty going up...hopefully full coming down?) I'm not exactly "neat" but I wash, smell good, won't trash your vehicle or mess with your crap. I'm cool with all ages, races, genders, sexualities, creeds, whatever. I'm a pretty easygoing guy and I can get along with most people. As long as you're not a "Burn in hell!" bible-thumper, we should get along swimmingly.

    SuperKawaiiNeko on
  • Hi I'm Vee!Hi I'm Vee! Formerly VH; She/Her; Is an E X P E R I E N C E Registered User regular
    edited July 2009
    Hello everyone. Chances are you don't know me, seeing as how this is my first post on these forums, but know that I come to you in supplication.

    I need a ride to PAX. I live in Sacramento, California, and there is absolutely no way that I can afford to pay $170 to get there and back. To put it another way: When I did a price check and saw the price was over $80, I began to seriously doubt my ability to make this happen. Then I realised that this price was NOT round trip.

    Thus, the train is out for me this year. And so I come to you, on my very knees, asking for this PAXtime miracle. If anybody is driving up and will pass anywhere even remotely close to Sacramento, or knows anybody who is, please let me know.

    After all these years, this is finally my first PAX. I'm an Enforcer. I have my admission and rooming situations covered (for the most part.) But if I can't get up there and home again, it's all moot. If any of you can help me make this happen, I will be extremely greatful.


    Edit:

    I guess I should include some information about myself. I'm a 26 year old male (just...just ignore the avatar. My first choice was unreadable.) I don't smoke, I drink relatively little, and I don't do drugs. I'll be packing fairly light for this con; a bag for clothes, a bag for stuff (DS, D&D books, novels, etc), and a bag for any swag I might be lucky enough to get my hands on (empty going up...hopefully full coming down?) I'm not exactly "neat" but I wash, smell good, won't trash your vehicle or mess with your crap. I'm cool with all ages, races, genders, sexualities, creeds, whatever. I'm a pretty easygoing guy and I can get along with most people. As long as you're not a "Burn in hell!" bible-thumper, we should get along swimmingly.
    I dunno, man, you're going to have a hard time finding someone who's not a "Burn in hell!" bible-thumper in this crowd.

    In all seriousness, though, good luck, hope you find somebody. Have you checked the Cross-Country Supertrip thread? They don't currently have anybody passing through Sacramento, but if you bring it up you might be able to find someone who's willing to throw a group together.

    Hi I'm Vee! on
    vRyue2p.png
  • Moe FwackyMoe Fwacky Right Here, Right Now Drives a BuickModerator Mod Emeritus
    edited July 2009
    Yeah, dude, Sacramento is so far out of the way that it doesn't even come close to touching the CCST.

    Moe Fwacky on
    E6LkoFK.png

  • Hi I'm Vee!Hi I'm Vee! Formerly VH; She/Her; Is an E X P E R I E N C E Registered User regular
    edited July 2009
    Yeah, I didn't really check the map before making that post.

    Do we have a separate ride-share thread somewhere? I feel like he's not going to get a lot of responses posting in the train trip thread.

    Hi I'm Vee! on
    vRyue2p.png
  • eelektrikeelektrik Southern CaliforniaRegistered User regular
    edited July 2009
    Well, I'm back on the train. Halfway at least. Flying up, and taking the train back since there is no school on Labor Day, I don't have to rush back for the monday/wednesday classes I will be taking that I would have missed a day of taking the train up.

    eelektrik on
    (She/Her)
  • nemaihnenemaihne Registered User regular
    edited July 2009
    I dunno how stout of heart you are, but Greyhound has a 21 day advance purchase price of $48 round trip if you buy online. Can't guarantee you won't be sitting next to a bible-thumper either, but that's what headphones and death metal are for:

    http://www.greyhound.com/home/ticketcenter/en/Step4.asp

    nemaihne on
    I *think* that's what I meant to say...
  • SuperKawaiiNekoSuperKawaiiNeko Registered User regular
    edited July 2009
    nemaihne wrote: »
    I dunno how stout of heart you are, but Greyhound has a 21 day advance purchase price of $48 round trip if you buy online. Can't guarantee you won't be sitting next to a bible-thumper either, but that's what headphones and death metal are for:

    http://www.greyhound.com/home/ticketcenter/en/Step4.asp

    Thanks for the tip, and I'll keep it in mind, but it's showing as $48 one way and $96 round trip at the 21 day advance price. Not only that, you weren't kidding about needing a stout heart. I've ridden greyhound from Fresno to Sacramento (about 4 hours, as opposed to 17.) "Harrowing" is an appropriate adjective.


    Edit:

    Also, visiblehowl, I want to have nasty sex with your signature. Just sayin'

    SuperKawaiiNeko on
  • SpaceGhost2KSpaceGhost2K Registered User regular
    edited July 2009
    nemaihne wrote: »
    I dunno how stout of heart you are, but Greyhound has a 21 day advance purchase price of $48 round trip if you buy online. Can't guarantee you won't be sitting next to a bible-thumper either, but that's what headphones and death metal are for:

    http://www.greyhound.com/home/ticketcenter/en/Step4.asp

    Thanks for the tip, and I'll keep it in mind, but it's showing as $48 one way and $96 round trip at the 21 day advance price. Not only that, you weren't kidding about needing a stout heart. I've ridden greyhound from Fresno to Sacramento (about 4 hours, as opposed to 17.) "Harrowing" is an appropriate adjective.


    Edit:

    Also, visiblehowl, I want to have nasty sex with your signature. Just sayin'

    I did the Sacramento-to-Fresno trip on Greyhound once. My family went to Sac to the State Fair and I took this girl I liked, and then she and I went back to Fresno on the bus.

    SpaceGhost2K on
  • nemaihnenemaihne Registered User regular
    edited July 2009
    nemaihne wrote: »
    I dunno how stout of heart you are, but Greyhound has a 21 day advance purchase price of $48 round trip if you buy online. Can't guarantee you won't be sitting next to a bible-thumper either, but that's what headphones and death metal are for:

    http://www.greyhound.com/home/ticketcenter/en/Step4.asp

    Thanks for the tip, and I'll keep it in mind, but it's showing as $48 one way and $96 round trip at the 21 day advance price. Not only that, you weren't kidding about needing a stout heart. I've ridden greyhound from Fresno to Sacramento (about 4 hours, as opposed to 17.) "Harrowing" is an appropriate adjective.

    Ooops, sorry about that. I'm usually much better at math. Sadly, it's still much cheaper than the train, but you get what you pay for. I took Greyhound from Ohio-DC once and that was a cumulative day and a half's worth of- well, let's just call it learning experience. I think you'd be looking at about the same.

    nemaihne on
    I *think* that's what I meant to say...
  • bookofnerdsbookofnerds Registered User regular
    edited July 2009
    I decided to take the plunge and do something completely bonkers! I'm joining the WCTT! Sounds like tons of fun! I really don't know what to expect, I've never done anything like this...

    bookofnerds on
  • ArcoArco Registered User regular
    edited July 2009
    Bookofnerds - welcome aboard! Last year was my first year, and it was awesome. You'll have lots of fun.

    Visiblehowl - I'd check the map thread and see if anyone is driving from Sacramento. Contact them, maybe?

    Arco on
    Like this, not like the gas station.
    Organizer of the Post-PAX Party. You should come!
    Satellite Theater for life!
  • GR_ZombieGR_Zombie Krillin It Registered User regular
    edited July 2009
    After flirting with the idea of driving 2200 miles, my friend and I have decided to take the train, first PAX for both of us, can't wait! Anyone gonna be bringing their Magic cards? The XBL game has got me interested in buying a deck.

    GR_Zombie on
  • ArikadoArikado Southern CaliforniaRegistered User regular
    edited July 2009
    I could bring my non-competitive decks for fun.

    Arikado on
    BNet: Arikado#1153 | Steam | LoL: Anzen
  • MoreGreaseMoreGrease Registered User regular
    edited July 2009
    GR_Zombie wrote: »
    After flirting with the idea of driving 2200 miles, my friend and I have decided to take the train, first PAX for both of us, can't wait! Anyone gonna be bringing their Magic cards? The XBL game has got me interested in buying a deck.

    I'd love to, but all I've got is a starter that is impossible to win with. I had an okay deck years ago, but gave up the game and the cards when it dawned on me just how much time and money it would cost me to get a legitimately good one.

    Maybe the Wizards booth will prove too tempting, however, and I will have something actually playable on the return trip? We shall have to see.

    MoreGrease on
    Steam and PSN: FreelancePolice
  • GR_ZombieGR_Zombie Krillin It Registered User regular
    edited July 2009
    See I've never played the physical game, so Ill be buying one of the color starter decks and maybe a booster or two. I don't wanna end up spending hundreds of bucks for tournaments and whatnot, just a nice little deck to play against my friends.

    GR_Zombie on
  • ArikadoArikado Southern CaliforniaRegistered User regular
    edited July 2009
    If that's the case, I'll bring my usual decks again. Wizards was at PAX last time giving away tournament packs for sticking around and playing a everyone vs the dealer Magic game (everyone using pre-made decks they provided). I haven't had a chance to improve my Onslaught era decks with whatever series of cards they were from. Lemme check the name...ah it was Time Spiral. :|

    Arikado on
    BNet: Arikado#1153 | Steam | LoL: Anzen
  • MoreGreaseMoreGrease Registered User regular
    edited July 2009
    GR_Zombie wrote: »
    See I've never played the physical game, so Ill be buying one of the color starter decks and maybe a booster or two. I don't wanna end up spending hundreds of bucks for tournaments and whatnot, just a nice little deck to play against my friends.

    Oh, fun. Bring it and I'd love to play a few games, then, as our decks would probably be on about the same level (I just have a white/black starter deck and three boosters).

    Edit: Jesus. With the RPGA DnD and the promise of free Magic swag, I'll have to be very careful in making sure I don't spend all weekend at the Wizards booth.

    MoreGrease on
    Steam and PSN: FreelancePolice
  • TimeCruiserMikeTimeCruiserMike Past Organizer of the West Coast Train Trip San Fernando ValleyRegistered User regular
    edited July 2009
    nemaihne wrote: »
    I dunno how stout of heart you are, but Greyhound has a 21 day advance purchase price of $48 round trip if you buy online. Can't guarantee you won't be sitting next to a bible-thumper either, but that's what headphones and death metal are for:

    http://www.greyhound.com/home/ticketcenter/en/Step4.asp

    Thanks for the tip, and I'll keep it in mind, but it's showing as $48 one way and $96 round trip at the 21 day advance price. Not only that, you weren't kidding about needing a stout heart. I've ridden greyhound from Fresno to Sacramento (about 4 hours, as opposed to 17.) "Harrowing" is an appropriate adjective.

    I once took a greyhound from Los Angeles, CA to Vancouver B.C. Was not my first choice. but there was this rock slide in oregon . .. and Amtrak called me to let me know they were refunding my ticket. Construction due to this very rock slide was to blame for PAXTrain's overly long delay last year

    TimeCruiserMike on
    SkOelFN.png
    {Fondly remembers the PAXTrain}
  • MoreGreaseMoreGrease Registered User regular
    edited July 2009
    Tickets bought! Look forward to an extra power strip or two, Spaced DVDs, be-my-friend snack bribes, and whatever else I can think of hauling on the train.

    MoreGrease on
    Steam and PSN: FreelancePolice
  • TransparentTransparent Registered User regular
    edited July 2009
    Good news everybody!

    Well, actually bad news. RCars2 (and his fancy internets) and me (and my LCD TV) will not be on the train this year. The poverty that afflicted RCars2 has caught up to me. He's my roommate, and we just had our third roommate move out and stiff us with a bunch of unexpected bills. It's bad enough we can't afford our house (don't worry, I've got my next place lined up and Rob can stay with his parents). Qapf has been generous enough to make sure we have transportation to PAX, but it's not on PAXtrain.

    Sorry I can't participate in the awesomeness this year. To those that donated to the hotel fund: thanks a ton. It's now helping both me and Rob make it this year. QAPF said he'll up the goal to $400, but I'm very grateful for the help you guys have offered already.

    Transparent on
    PAXtrain '10, let's do this!
  • eelektrikeelektrik Southern CaliforniaRegistered User regular
    edited July 2009
    Sorry to hear that Transparent, but at least you still get to go to PAX. Missing the train sucks, but missing the convention entirely is always worse. Qapf is awesome for making PAX still happen for you two.





    Also, anyone here got space in their hotel room that I can crash in on the cheap? I've got my transportation figured out finally as I posted yesterday and already paid for my PAX ticket a while back, so the last thing I need is to find a place to sleep and shower. I was going to stay at the Green Tortoise like I did a couple years ago but as far as I know they are all booked up.

    eelektrik on
    (She/Her)
  • MoreGreaseMoreGrease Registered User regular
    edited July 2009
    Eelektrik, watch this space. If you don't find anywhere else, I have a spare bed booked at the GT that will almost undoubtedly go to the Room Share.

    Glad you can still make it to the con, Transparent. Are you planning on handing over the organization of the thread and gear to someone else?

    MoreGrease on
    Steam and PSN: FreelancePolice
  • TNTrooperTNTrooper Registered User regular
    edited July 2009
    So I was planning on driving to L.A. with Transparent but I can greyhound it for less then cost of driving by myself. Anyone want to pick me up and let me crash at their place for the night?

    TNTrooper on
    steam_sig.png
  • TransparentTransparent Registered User regular
    edited July 2009
    There are other people driving to LA for the train. You might be able to work something out with chaosisorder or mydunpeal.

    Transparent on
    PAXtrain '10, let's do this!
  • TransparentTransparent Registered User regular
    edited July 2009
    MoreGrease wrote: »
    Are you planning on handing over the organization of the thread and gear to someone else?

    I'm passing the torch for the thread and gear to TimeCruiserMike and TNTrooper. I'll still actively post, but won't be offended if one of them takes the OP.

    Transparent on
    PAXtrain '10, let's do this!
  • ArcoArco Registered User regular
    edited July 2009
    Awww. We'll miss you on the train, Transparent. But at least you'll be the at PAX. We should all meet up.

    Arco on
    Like this, not like the gas station.
    Organizer of the Post-PAX Party. You should come!
    Satellite Theater for life!
  • chaosisorderchaosisorder Cupcake Princess and Pinny Whore OregonRegistered User regular
    edited August 2009
    The boy and I are driving from Phoenix to LA. We were hoping to hop in with someone else since we are flying back, but worst case scenario is we rent a car in which case we'd have extra room going over.

    Glad our AZ peeps will still be representin' at PAX even if they aren't on zee train.

    I'm gonna be so loaded up on anti-drowsy Dramamine that I might not be able to get off the train at PAX, considering it's bat country.

    chaosisorder on
  • tektek meh... WARegistered User regular
    edited August 2009
    Irvine, CA to LA Union via Train
    LA Union to PAX

    First time going to PAX, but long time E3 Attendee.. This should be interesting, as for the last long train trip I took, a large camelbak of gin & tonic was convinced to come along. Turned out to be a awesome trip, just had to add some ice from time to time..

    tek on
  • ShuichiShuichi Registered User new member
    edited August 2009
    Hey everyone, I'll be catching this train at LA on my way up to PAX. I've never been on such a long train trip before so I've got a few questions.

    1. How do I find the rest of you on the train?
    2. How difficult is it to get any rest?

    Shuichi on
  • bookofnerdsbookofnerds Registered User regular
    edited August 2009
    tek wrote: »
    Irvine, CA to LA Union via Train
    LA Union to PAX

    First time going to PAX, but long time E3 Attendee.. This should be interesting, as for the last long train trip I took, a large camelbak of gin & tonic was convinced to come along. Turned out to be a awesome trip, just had to add some ice from time to time..

    Nice, but the traditional use of a camelbak is to keep you from becoming dehydrated. :P
    I'm also joining the train from Union Station. Yay, 34 hours of being on a train.

    bookofnerds on
  • ArcoArco Registered User regular
    edited August 2009
    Shuichi wrote: »
    Hey everyone, I'll be catching this train at LA on my way up to PAX. I've never been on such a long train trip before so I've got a few questions.

    1. How do I find the rest of you on the train?
    2. How difficult is it to get any rest?
    I wouldn't worry about finding the PAXtrain crew. We stand out pretty well. When you walk into the car full of televisions, xboxes, wireless routers, a mountain of wires, card games, D&D, and people shouting "WHAT THE FUCK! I MELEE'D THAT DUDE! THAT IS FUCKING BULLSHIT!"

    ... you're probably in the right place.

    Arco on
    Like this, not like the gas station.
    Organizer of the Post-PAX Party. You should come!
    Satellite Theater for life!
  • ShuichiShuichi Registered User new member
    edited August 2009
    Arco wrote: »
    I wouldn't worry about finding the PAXtrain crew. We stand out pretty well. When you walk into the car full of televisions, xboxes, wireless routers, a mountain of wires, card games, D&D, and people shouting "WHAT THE FUCK! I MELEE'D THAT DUDE! THAT IS FUCKING BULLSHIT!"

    ... you're probably in the right place.
    LOL alright I'll find my way to the rest of you then! I cant wait!

    Shuichi on
  • tektek meh... WARegistered User regular
    edited August 2009
    Just found a Hostel .25 miles away from the train station too... 10 min bus ride to the con center. Google pwnz.

    tek on
  • Moe FwackyMoe Fwacky Right Here, Right Now Drives a BuickModerator Mod Emeritus
    edited August 2009
    If you're referring to the Green Tortoise Hostel, last time anybody checked, they were booked solid for PAX.

    Moe Fwacky on
    E6LkoFK.png

  • TransparentTransparent Registered User regular
    edited August 2009
    If the hostel is that close to the train station, it's in the international district. Now that the link light rail is up and running, staying in that part of town is doable this year.

    Transparent on
    PAXtrain '10, let's do this!
  • tektek meh... WARegistered User regular
    edited August 2009
    Moe Fwacky wrote: »
    If you're referring to the Green Tortoise Hostel, last time anybody checked, they were booked solid for PAX.

    Nope.. Hostel International - Seattle... GT only has bed's on Thurs and Sun night,, Fri and Sat are totally booked. HI-Seattle was apparently closed, moved, and just re-opened a couple days ago.. I posted details in the Hotel Poll thread.

    tek on
This discussion has been closed.