On the road to California

White Castle sliders for breakfast, my parting meal from Vegas. The dill pickle slice is a nice touch. You don't get that with the freezer case variety.

Leaving Las Vegas, left, aboard an Amtrak California bus. Right, Darn, I forgot the lubricant.

Railfanning at Barstow (California) Station with BNSF 8134 (GE ES44C4), 7661 (GE ES44DC), 6641 (ES44C4), 3936 (GE ET44C4) and Norfolk Southern 9799 (GE C40-9W) passing by, with two Union Pacific locomotives in the background.

Railfanning along California State Route 58 west of Tehachapi with BNSF 1051 (GE C40-9W), Ferromex 4615 (GE ES44AC), and BNSF 8332 (GE ES44C4).

At the Amtrak station in Bakersfield, California, left, waiting for the departure of San Joaquins #719 with CalTrans 2002 (EMD F59PHI) on the lead. Center, It’s '420'. Right, Aboard San Joaquins #719 bound for Modesto.

Gin & tonic and a zippy hot link with a surprising snap. Winning.

Traveling shoes, left. Alert! Blue light and klaxon on an Amtrak California passenger car, right.

Came into Modesto well after sunset and found leftovers from Chicago Pizza. Solid build, nothing fancy, familiar flavors. Also helps if you’ve just ended a 12-hour trip.