On my return Amtrak trip from Sustainable Brands 08 in Monterey, I elected to sample life in the sleeper car, with my own little booth and bed: car 1432, room 11. This was a significant up-charge, ($257) although that price includes all meals (worth about $50) and if traveling with another person (or two…?!)  that cost could be shared. The room contains two facing seats, which make into a bed, with a drop-down bunk above. There is AC power, reading lights, climate control, curtains and a door. In these rooms it is completely permissible to bring your own liquor, and a shower is also available further down the car. The staff is friendly and accommodating (as they were in coach) and you have the advantage of exclusive access to the parlour car. This is definitely the way to travel, with the only downside (upside?) being you don’t get the chance to meet as many people. I plug in my laptop and catch up on some work, as the sun sets on Northern California. Folding down the upper bunk I catch a solid 8 hours for the first time this week. Better do some invoicing.

The last in a series of articles on Lorne’s Sustainable Journey to the Sustainable Brands 08 Conference in Monterey CA. Click here for the full list of sessions, or here for the ‘Fear & Loathing’ road trip journals.