Families looking for a diversion for the kids (or grandkids) less pricey than Disneyland will rejoice to learn Saturday May 18th there will be occurring a once in a lifetime event that is guaranteed to make even the most squirmy youngster gleeful: an excursion on the Fillmore and Western Railroad in Ventura County aka "the Movie Trains" sponsored by the Pacific Railroad Society.
Even a grumpy Uncle like me knows that kids love trains. And this promises to be an event that is almost worry-free. The charter bus leaves from the Gateway Plaza at Union Station and takes you directly to the Railroad station, which is not easy to reach by public transit or even Amtrak. Union Station is a great jumping off point as it is easy to get there via various mass transit options along with bikes and automobiles (if you are so inclined).
It promises to be a fun day. As you ride past the rural setting you'll be served a barbeque lunch while taking photos and experiencing memories to savor for a lifetime.
And what if the kids have those annoying questions that they often plague a parent with? "What is that?" "What is this?" Luckily you'll be sharing the trip with knowledgeable train buffs who will be glad to answer the questions of starry eyed youth amazed to learn the secrets of train operations. Across generations knowledge will be shared and fun had. Doesn't that sound better than Disneyland?
All the details are laid out in this brochure.
And with the April 30th deadline to make reservations looming the best option is to order tickets online via a link on the front page of the Pacific Railroad Society website. And don't dawdle -- once the two charter buses that are reserved for the trip are sold out that is it.
Wish I could go. I have for years heard about this railroad and lamented how hard it is to get there on a weekend from L.A. for someone like me who has no car and is totally transit dependent. But unfortunately that day I have to help run the monthly Transit Advocates meeting as an officer of the group. Darn it!
I may be envious but I don't begrudge those who get to enjoy this educational and captivating trip. Have fun!
