I have severe ADHD and I must applaud you and your editors for the 2h45m I was able to stop and watch this through without getting distracted or impulsively clicking on a different video or switching between social apps and doomscrolling short videos.
I also have ADHD. I think it's helpful that there isn't slow transition/filler. You get to the point quickly and move right to the next detail 🤌 M@@DownieLive
Same here as it's the first video where I actually gave it almost 2.5 hours of my life without at least skipping through any part of it. Great stuff!!!!!
หลายเดือนก่อน +400
This is the reason I started watching this channel. Trains in the USA. This series and all of Mike's train videos are simply the best.
Thank you so much for replying, I can’t tell you how encouraging and happy that makes me ! You are the first person on TH-cam to ever reply to me and that shows me your character. For that ,I’m going to join and support your channel for 5 dollars a month. Thanks buddy
My grandma and great grandma did this TWICE in the early 2000s. They went from Palatka, Florida to Fairbanks and back, once going "clockwise" and once "counter clockwise" - this was before they closed the line between New Orleans and Atlanta. They documented the whole trip and even made the newspaper, oh if only youtube had been a prominent thing back then!
I know it's not right to be envious - but my dad passed when I was 3-1/2 and my son, who I named after my dad - well, we became estranged after he got involved in drugs at the age of 17. He did join the Army - but only made it to 177 days in boot camp in Ft. Benning...they kicked him out, thus 3 days shy of any VA benefits, etc. Now, it's been 12 years later and he's erased all online social media and I have no idea where he is or what he's doing. My wife, his mom, suffered a traumatic brain injury in 2001 and I've sworn myself to be her caregiver and protector. Still no word from him and we're only getting older. We're happy and live on a nice hobby farm acreage in NE Iowa and - but - I miss having such a relationship with our son. You are blessed beyond measure! It's so nice seeing your interaction with your dad. I wish I had that with mine - and most certainly wish I had this with my son. Thank you for sharing your journey. I'm thoroughly enjoying watching every minute of your trip!
VA denial sounds very unfair. Trump is very sympathetic to addiction and bet if your dad sent a letter to Mar-a-Lago as others have done his benefits will be reinstated.
We sorta have the same life. But had my dad until 11. Luckily me abd my bro had my grabdpa who stepped in. He worked on the railroad his whole life. Took us on three vacations across the country. Whole family in a van from chicago to bakersfield
I'm really sorry for what happened to you and your son. Let's hope your ways cross once again, as they always do. You're a great human being for taking such great care of your wife. Much love❤
As a European who has never been to the US (yet), I've had chills at various moments throughout this video. I could only dream of doing a trip like this, but wow...I think it needs to go on my bucketlist! Thank you for sharing this, Mike. And good on you for taking along your dad, your mom and your friends. What an experience!
❤❤❤ I have never been to Europe and Europe is on my bucket list to see. I think seeing as much of the world that a person can see is a special time no matter where you go.
For a 76 yr old broad who has traveled many place, this video has stirred my travel bug. i'm to old to drive far anymore but this looked like such fun. Seeing you with friends and your parents doing these trips was awesome. Hanna Evans
I couldn't help but burst into tears during this incredible train adventure, especially being able to share with your dad, because I lost mine recently, but I still have my mom and I plan to do the same with her. thanks for this and future adventures
Michael, You may have one of the highest emotional intelligence (EQ) in the world. You really are a special person. It's always a joy to see one of your videos.
This is honestly a very underrated channel. Traveling across the country (mostly) ONLY by rail is a challenge that not many people can attempt. This video is amazing, as it shows the experiences that has happened, the scenic views, and the overall fun that has been shown. I love this!
1:49:30 - The smile and excitement on Will’s face is so genuine looking. He really looks like he’s extremely grateful and that is the BEST result you could hope for when treating your friend to a bucket list item!! 🤠👍🏼☮️
Wills' reaction to the Grand Canyon was raw and authentic. It brought a smile to me! You're a great friend, and Will seems like a great guy, too! Brothers...
The positivity and energy you bring to these trips is really what sets your channel apart. There are so many travel channels these days which focus on various forms of "poverty tourism" for views/engagement, so it's just really nice that you have continued to focus on showcasing people's joy and wonderment in a world where there is too little of it in our media. As always, well done!
I can't believe all of those tourists aren't crying seeing the Grand Canyon, too. What an amazing experience. My favorite train so far on our adventures with you. And that wooden station! I have a dream!! One day❤
Filing this under “content I can bond with my papa over”. 25 years ago when I was a kid I was obsessed with trains, tractors and trucks. We went to a few museums and he even took me to Cherokee NC to ride the steam engine and it was such a thrill. He’s 87 now and I helped him get his lawn mower started while I was home for Christmas. It made me laugh, doesn’t matter how old you are, when hear an engine you’ve been working on turnover, you can’t help but smile and laugh.
I love this so much. Slowly realising i have the train autism after all. I feel so safe watching this. So at peace. I love trains so much and i love beautifully filmed and narrated Canadian made content. i knew right away he was from Canada, just everything about Mike is such a Canadian treasure. His mom looks like she could be my aunt. His dad, my best friends dad. Lol all the best bud keep up the channel i love it
What a beautiful journey...thank you for "taking me along with you"! It was truly a joy to experience this trip. I actually initially watched because I recently decided I want to take a long train ride...the California Zephyr is likely to be my first long distance "Train Adventure"...and I wanted to get a feel for it. Seeing all of the different trains, locations, and scenic views, I am adding a lot to my list! You mentioned at the last about three takeaways from this trip. 1. Being nice to people. 2. Making the most of where you are at in time and space (paraphrased) 3. Saying yes to opportunities as they arise. My Mother told me those things when I was very young. Hearing you say them, well, it brought back a memory. And sometimes, it is good to be reminded of what is really important. Family, friends, new experiences. May your journeys lead to challenges that help you grow, good times that will keep you going, and memories that make you smile.
What a superb youtuber Mike is. I've only just found your channel and love it. I find it extremely relaxing and comforting. My Dad only has a few days left of life, and I needed a channel like this. Thanks, Mike and Will, for his infectious smile, which makes me smile at this hard time. 💙
When you and Will reached the South Rim and I saw the vista i began to cry. Then Will began to cry! Even on film it's incredibly powerful, almost overwhelming. Thank you for doing this.
You are sooooo fun!! This was the happiest, most entertaining, FUN, informative and interesting video I have watched in years!! I have always loved trains since the models back in the early 60's. I want to do it all! (but I'm a 71 year old veteran, so probably not) But I don't care, I did it vicariously through you!! Thank you from the bottom of my heart!! Added remark wth Edit; But seeing your dad at 75!! Awesome, gives me more hope!
Mike, I absolutely love this video. I am going to start riding the train more. I retired young, so I have to wait on my friends to retire, so I will have company like you did, therefore I have to stick my foot in the water alone for now! Fantastic video that helped me a lot. Thanks again Mike.
I rode a jet ski from Seattle to Juneau in 2018 (videos on my channel). Now that I’m older and have bad knees your trip has inspired me to take Amtrak from Washington, DC to Bellingham, WA then the ferry to Whittier and the train to Denali, then fly home.
I think on the Alaska Marine Highway trip, you really missed an angle of the journey. You only just touched on it when you visited Yakutat. I grew up in Southeast Alaska, on an Island west of Ketchikan. The ferry was the way we got around, going from community to community. All the school trips, heading to summer camp, just going to the (big) city of Ketchikan. I walked down that tunnel @2:08:07! I honestly couldn't tell you how many hours I've spent on the Mat, the Mal, on Aurora and the COlumbia. I got to steer (poorly) the Taku! The hours spent in the solariums, out on deck, sleeping in the lounges, and even camping out on deck. I met a retired teacher who had autographed hardbound first edition copies of Anne McCaffery's Dragon Riders of Pern! I spent a significant chunk of my childhood on those blue boats, and watching this segments makes me misty eyed. Those ferries aren't just a form of transport, they are Alaskan citizens. They are friends, they are family, and looking back through my misty, rose tinted glasses, I miss them so.
I've just stumbled across your channel yesterday and I gotta say, I enjoy this very much, you're so positive, so enthusiastic and to take your parents along and the way you talk about them, just wonderful! You're a good person! I'm looking forward to exploring your channel and of course I have subscribed. God bless you (and all who read this comment) and safe travels!
The Grand Canyon so overwhelmed me the first time I went there, I got out of the motorhome and walked to the vista and my legs literally gave out, dropping me to my knees in reverence for Gods creation. I had to bow to the magnificent of nature .
This is the first of your videos that I’ve seen. Thanks for the great train ride. I’m also into riding the trains and even though I’d waited long in my life (I’m 70) it’s never too late to follow your dreams. I’ve only taken two but looking forward to my third real soon. Until I can get in a place to go to places you’ve travelled or different places I’d like to see I’ll continue to ride with you. Safe travels.🙏🏽❤️
I've been on the Durango & Silverton train in Colorado and the Mt Washington Cog Railway in New Hampshire. The cog train went all the way up to the summit for me. It was 75 degrees at the bottom and 50 degrees at the top of Mt Washington!
I'm retired and I watch a lot of TH-cam. You are by far the best train travel channel creator I have ever seen. Others may have taken more exotic and expensive rides, but your cadence and tone are easy to listen to, your genuine nature comes through, and you make each trip seem like so much fun. Thank you for the content and safe travels!
Thank you for turning this whole series into a "movie length" TH-cam video (genuine thanks :) ) Loved it when it was separate videos. Love it now. And in fact, your segment with Will and the Grand Canyon Railway actually inspired me to want to experience and see the Grand Canyon that way -- and I'm finally going to soon! I can't wait.
MIKE I LOVE THE WAY THAT YOU SHOW OFF ALL THE SIGHTS WITH YOUR TRAVEL ON TRAINS SHIPS PLANES AND ALL OF YOUR TRAVELS AROUND THE WORLD THANK YOU MIKE ESPECIALLY WITH YOUR MUM AND DAD 3 HOURS WELL SPENT
This was amazing. I just turned 71 and believe it or not, I've never been on a train! This video was almost like actually being on one. Turns out I'm totally drawn to trains! I need to make my new train dreams come true, somehow. So, thank you! I'm a new viewer and subscriber. Cheers from Arizona!
That trip on Brightline looked just like the NS trains I rode in the Netherlands this year. Spacious, clean, thoughtful, big bathrooms, a couple dozen trains each day. If that's the future of rail in the US, I'm here for it.
I think you have done an amazing thing, including your parents on your journey. From someone with both parents passed now, I would give anything to have them back and make more memories. And with the videos, you will always have something to watch years from now when they are gone. Amazing video, and you have put so many smiles and laughs on my face!
Life is so amazing and even though there may be tough times, difficult times, or sad times, traveling is a way to digress. This video helped us see that the natural world around us is everything; its more than life itself.
Wow, what a great series. As I've watched this, I've edited my commends 4 times. I've enjoyed every part of this and want to thank you for sharing. I've done a lot of traveling myself, including an extended stay at the North Pole and love traveling by train. I've slowed recently but want to thank you for reigniting the spark. This really has been one of my favorite TH-cam videos of all time. Nice work, your enthusiasm is contagious.
Just binge watched the full thing. That was so fun, so uplifting, and my kids couldn't stop watching. Thank you for making some fresh, wholesome content! Genuinely appreciate it.
Normal IL has the twin sister Bloomington, so we always call the town Bloomington Normal. But they are two separate towns. I have taken the train out of Normal lots of times to Chicago and to St. Louis. The entire video is great and having your mom and dad and friends makes the time even better. Will is always a joy to see. He has the biggest smile.
We subscribed. ❤❤❤ This video made us so humble Downie. We thank you. Your dad is so amazing and full of energy he was our favorite. We even enjoyed the part of your video where you traveled with friends at the beginning. So amazing we thank you again. We may consider train travel. We live in AZ not many Amtrak stations here but there is one in Maricopa. We are hopeful that train travel expands even further than it already is.
Mike, your dad is lovely!! My dad and I had plans to travel by rail but sadly he passed before we could. I’m so happy you had the chance to spend uninterrupted time with your dad and your mom. Thanks for the compilation. I watched the series but am enjoying the uninterrupted series. Thanks, Mike and Happy New Year, may it be full of new adventures. Much love💕
Why did your journey make me cry…this is probably one of the most impactful videos Ive seen this year and since the year just started, I think you’ve helped kick me into travel mode. Gave me that content creator push that I needed. I’m so glad you guys got to take this amazing trip Beautiful!
Mike, the quality of your work gets better and better each year. Keep it up. 2025 will bring great things for your channel and you. I’m really proud of you!!! Thanks- Pete
Recently came across your channel! I love traveling by train and sleeping in both types of the sleeping quarters they offer. Happy Birthday to your mother it is a blessing you can do this for her! I am looking forward to traveling by train on the international side! I will continue to want your channel for places to see💜🙏🏽🦋
I'm so glad I got to see this video! I loved it! This was such an emotional video in how you included your parents and friends as a part of this adventure! Thanks for sharing! Now I have to go make my bucket 🪣 List!
45:51 you just caught a rare up helper train! This happens when a bright line train is broken down new trains or anything that can’t let it move. Up is my favorite train company after all!
58:18 another rare incident! This is when the head end of a union pacific is too powerful for the train. The force breaks apart a knuckle from the train, which leads it to cause for emergency. This can usually take up to around two hours to fix depending where you are. Union Pacific is a very large company. They are the biggest class one railroad in America so they got a excuse lol
Train videos have become a comfort thing for me. Thank you for the great content, I watched the whole thing! Your channel is among one of the very few travel vlog channels that are done well. Your content is always interesting and engaging, thank you!!
I would totally take a tourist train all over the usa, i love what you said "its not about getting to the destination, its about seeing it" and the scenery was absolutely beautiful.
Been on the Strasburg train so many times. I love it!! Lancaster is my favorite place in the whole world❤❤❤❤ Sorry u stayed at the caboose motel thou..bad place to stay Stay in bird in hand next time. so much better...amish ppl r the best😊😊😊😊
God bless you and your family !! these are the things i wanted to do with my mom . unfortunately she passed away before she retired . she was in her 50s . so i shed a tear watching you and your mother create these beautiful moments.. Create as many beautiful memories as you can . life will never be the same .
We JUST found your channel... What an awesome thing you do... beautiful adventures... especially with your Dad and Mom... I just lost Dad Christmas day.... we were inseparable!!! Enjoy every single moment with them!!! Thank you for these videos..
I am not a daily tv viewer BUT I will binge watch youtube series and...short story long, I subscibed a while ago to process my anxiety of public train transport! From early teen years I've learned to process air, bus, and car because it was life required but never a train or floating kind-of-anything. Friends😒planned a train tour from LA to Seattle and after a few days enjoying the city, boarded a train from Seattle to Portland. It was not a bucket list by any stretch-but I penciled it. Age has hindered my processing 'skill' and also anxiety breathing techniques so I was quite anxious but managed to complete the 'hours' ride🫣😬😥. It was rough...just saying🙃! Now I vicariously enjoy travel by train with you and your friends and family through my subscription to your channel. Thank you🤗
I am so happy to have stumbled across your channel and this series! We have slowly savored each episode over the last week! Our train-obsessed 2.5 year old boy more than approves! Thoroughly entertaining for the whole family! Thank you! We can’t wait to enjoy your other videos as a family!
Best way to spend 3 hours on a sunday night , thank you Mike. I will rip a page out of your book and maybe go visit my country, Romania, from a train and not by car.
Hey Mike, side to side is called rolling, front to back is called pitching. The weather and waves you showed wasn’t nothing compared to what I’ve seen in my 20 years in the US Navy. I’ve had to do extra watches (work) because the other crew members were too seasick to stand watch.fortunately or unfortunately I never got seasick!
Delightful! So much to say but remembering being in some of those same places for the first time since being there woke me up. Also, I missed the last trip my family took together which was to Denali so I got to go virtually with yours. Thank you all!
Your channel popped up on my YT, wow, what a great personality you have, as a 7th generation Floridian and great grand x4 of a listed Florida Pioneer and my grandfather worked for the railroad out of Baker County/Jax in the 1930-40's, I appreciate your love of history, nature and our beautiful America. Well done.
This series is what got me started watching Downielive and from there ive been hooked. I have only been on one of those trains and that would be the Grand Canyon Train which was beautiful. This series makes me want to see more of my beautiful country good work Mike.
This is absolutely the best video. Seeing Will cry was so touching. All the fun with family and friends are absolutely the best. My family vacations are so much fun with the best memories especially seeing how much fun my grandkids have.
Brightline has a mix of owned and leased track. The tracks from Miami to Cocoa are FEC owned. From Cocoa to Orlando, it's newly built Brightline owned tracks that will go over 100 mph, as the track has no level road crossings.
Been on the Grand Canyon railway with my family on a trip through the southwest. Great experience. You missed out though on the Royal Gorge railway. You were pretty close there in Colorado Springs. That's a great one. This was a wonderful video. Love that you shared it with friends and family...as well as all of us. Thank you.
Mike I got to say this is the BEST TRAIN RIDE video I’ve every watched. And yes I have seen a few on TH-cam. Man what a journey this has been . With friends to Mom and Dad to another great friend who you made his dream come true , to the two guys that helps you bring all this together. Wow Awesome. Loved every second of it .
The title of this video should be how to spend $3000 +/- riding trains on a trip you could fly for $500 roughly. This is dedication to the love of Train imo. Props to this crew and I’m glad they shared their expertise because it is certainly something I cannot envision myself doing because of the vast difference in expense to travel the same distance etc. the journey would have to be the absolute point etc
Just finished watching the whole video It was Amazing taking your friends parents and your friend will,Your knowledge and positively is great look forward to the next one
@42:20 people from Normal, IL are called "normies". They have quite a large population and internet presence. You can see "normies" mentioned a lot online.
I have severe ADHD and I must applaud you and your editors for the 2h45m I was able to stop and watch this through without getting distracted or impulsively clicking on a different video or switching between social apps and doomscrolling short videos.
That is the greatest compliment we could receive. Thank you and you’re welcome!
I have the same problem 😅
Never thought i would finish this 2hrs video, YT recommended it. Scenery give me goosebumps.
I also have ADHD. I think it's helpful that there isn't slow transition/filler. You get to the point quickly and move right to the next detail 🤌 M@@DownieLive
Same here as it's the first video where I actually gave it almost 2.5 hours of my life without at least skipping through any part of it. Great stuff!!!!!
This is the reason I started watching this channel. Trains in the USA. This series and all of Mike's train videos are simply the best.
Hopefully you've gone back and watched the earlier ones as well. ALWAYS great content from Mike and his team.
@@evecottom9966 I've watched every video Mike has made. The train videos are so relaxing and informative. Trains are a great way to see America.
I AGREE 😅
@@evecottom9966 I watch all of Mike's videos. It's just the train ones are my favorite.
This would be so much more enjoyable than flying.
hey, bud. I was just diagnosed with cancer so I'm starting what I'm calling my live it list and trains and TH-cam will be involved. Wish me luck !
Good luck Michael!
Thank you so much for replying, I can’t tell you how encouraging and happy that makes me ! You are the first person on TH-cam to ever reply to me and that shows me your character. For that ,I’m going to join and support your channel for 5 dollars a month. Thanks buddy
@SirMichael9013 wow! I appreciate it, and that’s a real bummer that no one else replies. I’m glad you enjoy the videos, Michael!
Good luck bud! I hope you can enjoy all your travels in peace and enjoy every moment of it. God bless you.
Good luck! I love that you called it a live list. You really inspire me to make each moment count❤ take care 🩷
My grandma and great grandma did this TWICE in the early 2000s. They went from Palatka, Florida to Fairbanks and back, once going "clockwise" and once "counter clockwise" - this was before they closed the line between New Orleans and Atlanta. They documented the whole trip and even made the newspaper, oh if only youtube had been a prominent thing back then!
I know it's not right to be envious - but my dad passed when I was 3-1/2 and my son, who I named after my dad - well, we became estranged after he got involved in drugs at the age of 17. He did join the Army - but only made it to 177 days in boot camp in Ft. Benning...they kicked him out, thus 3 days shy of any VA benefits, etc. Now, it's been 12 years later and he's erased all online social media and I have no idea where he is or what he's doing. My wife, his mom, suffered a traumatic brain injury in 2001 and I've sworn myself to be her caregiver and protector. Still no word from him and we're only getting older. We're happy and live on a nice hobby farm acreage in NE Iowa and - but - I miss having such a relationship with our son. You are blessed beyond measure! It's so nice seeing your interaction with your dad. I wish I had that with mine - and most certainly wish I had this with my son. Thank you for sharing your journey. I'm thoroughly enjoying watching every minute of your trip!
VA denial sounds very unfair. Trump is very sympathetic to addiction and bet if your dad sent a letter to Mar-a-Lago as others have done his benefits will be reinstated.
@@abovethecloudsmedia1002 my son was kicked out of the Army 3 days before any eligibility for any such benefits. My case in point.
We sorta have the same life. But had my dad until 11. Luckily me abd my bro had my grabdpa who stepped in. He worked on the railroad his whole life. Took us on three vacations across the country. Whole family in a van from chicago to bakersfield
@@abovethecloudsmedia1002 😂 best joke I've heard today
I'm really sorry for what happened to you and your son. Let's hope your ways cross once again, as they always do. You're a great human being for taking such great care of your wife. Much love❤
As a European who has never been to the US (yet), I've had chills at various moments throughout this video. I could only dream of doing a trip like this, but wow...I think it needs to go on my bucketlist! Thank you for sharing this, Mike. And good on you for taking along your dad, your mom and your friends. What an experience!
❤❤❤ I have never been to Europe and Europe is on my bucket list to see. I think seeing as much of the world that a person can see is a special time no matter where you go.
dont come to the US
same
I’m American 🇺🇸….and…I agree 💯 😂! I would love to visit Europe & the rest of the US!
For a 76 yr old broad who has traveled many place, this video has stirred my travel bug. i'm to old to drive far anymore but this looked like such fun. Seeing you with friends and your parents doing these trips was awesome. Hanna Evans
Glad it inspired you, Hanna!
Ms. Hanna you should do it! It doesn't have to be this big of a trip. I hope you get to go!
Thanks Mike for squishing all these together into a set of series…perfect evening viewing materials.
Yes thank you
Please add timestamps to these FULL SERIES videos :)
I couldn't help but burst into tears during this incredible train adventure, especially being able to share with your dad, because I lost mine recently, but I still have my mom and I plan to do the same with her. thanks for this and future adventures
Michael, You may have one of the highest emotional intelligence (EQ) in the world. You really are a special person. It's always a joy to see one of your videos.
I love Will especially when he said “ I’m so happy to be here “ the smile was so beautiful…
He does look like a happy person to travel with 😁
This is honestly a very underrated channel. Traveling across the country (mostly) ONLY by rail is a challenge that not many people can attempt. This video is amazing, as it shows the experiences that has happened, the scenic views, and the overall fun that has been shown. I love this!
1:49:30 - The smile and excitement on Will’s face is so genuine looking. He really looks like he’s extremely grateful and that is the BEST result you could hope for when treating your friend to a bucket list item!! 🤠👍🏼☮️
Wills' reaction to the Grand Canyon was raw and authentic. It brought a smile to me! You're a great friend, and Will seems like a great guy, too! Brothers...
As soon as I saw the title and time I knew will had to be in it
The positivity and energy you bring to these trips is really what sets your channel apart. There are so many travel channels these days which focus on various forms of "poverty tourism" for views/engagement, so it's just really nice that you have continued to focus on showcasing people's joy and wonderment in a world where there is too little of it in our media. As always, well done!
I can't believe all of those tourists aren't crying seeing the Grand Canyon, too. What an amazing experience. My favorite train so far on our adventures with you. And that wooden station! I have a dream!! One day❤
My son is a huge train enthusiast!!! I am so loving this trip!
That’s great to hear!
Filing this under “content I can bond with my papa over”. 25 years ago when I was a kid I was obsessed with trains, tractors and trucks. We went to a few museums and he even took me to Cherokee NC to ride the steam engine and it was such a thrill. He’s 87 now and I helped him get his lawn mower started while I was home for Christmas. It made me laugh, doesn’t matter how old you are, when hear an engine you’ve been working on turnover, you can’t help but smile and laugh.
Love the fact you took your friends, than Dad ,than your mother that's amazing ❤
love this! i can tell the audience are full adults, but as a teenager you got me hooked on this series. super fun series and very engaging!
Glad you enjoyed it!
I love this so much. Slowly realising i have the train autism after all. I feel so safe watching this. So at peace. I love trains so much and i love beautifully filmed and narrated Canadian made content. i knew right away he was from Canada, just everything about Mike is such a Canadian treasure. His mom looks like she could be my aunt. His dad, my best friends dad. Lol all the best bud keep up the channel i love it
What a beautiful journey...thank you for "taking me along with you"! It was truly a joy to experience this trip. I actually initially watched because I recently decided I want to take a long train ride...the California Zephyr is likely to be my first long distance "Train Adventure"...and I wanted to get a feel for it. Seeing all of the different trains, locations, and scenic views, I am adding a lot to my list!
You mentioned at the last about three takeaways from this trip.
1. Being nice to people.
2. Making the most of where you are at in time and space (paraphrased)
3. Saying yes to opportunities as they arise.
My Mother told me those things when I was very young. Hearing you say them, well, it brought back a memory. And sometimes, it is good to be reminded of what is really important. Family, friends, new experiences.
May your journeys lead to challenges that help you grow, good times that will keep you going, and memories that make you smile.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
The only constant in the universe is change, what matters is how we adapt. Trains late, chill! You have a great attitude! 😊
What a superb youtuber Mike is. I've only just found your channel and love it. I find it extremely relaxing and comforting. My Dad only has a few days left of life, and I needed a channel like this. Thanks, Mike and Will, for his infectious smile, which makes me smile at this hard time. 💙
When you and Will reached the South Rim and I saw the vista i began to cry. Then Will began to cry! Even on film it's incredibly powerful, almost overwhelming. Thank you for doing this.
You are sooooo fun!! This was the happiest, most entertaining, FUN, informative and interesting video I have watched in years!! I have always loved trains since the models back in the early 60's. I want to do it all! (but I'm a 71 year old veteran, so probably not) But I don't care, I did it vicariously through you!! Thank you from the bottom of my heart!! Added remark wth Edit; But seeing your dad at 75!! Awesome, gives me more hope!
Thanks for packing each leg of the journey together! Love the laughter with your family members…especially your Mom🥰
Mike, I absolutely love this video. I am going to start riding the train more. I retired young, so I have to wait on my friends to retire, so I will have company like you did, therefore I have to stick my foot in the water alone for now! Fantastic video that helped me a lot. Thanks again Mike.
Thank you for showcasing New Hampshire in good light, everyone always glosses over the great things we offer
You're welcome! New Hampshire is beautiful.
I rode a jet ski from Seattle to Juneau in 2018 (videos on my channel). Now that I’m older and have bad knees your trip has inspired me to take Amtrak from Washington, DC to Bellingham, WA then the ferry to Whittier and the train to Denali, then fly home.
Wow bro incredible
Hell yea brother I’m going to check out your channel. Good luck!
I think on the Alaska Marine Highway trip, you really missed an angle of the journey. You only just touched on it when you visited Yakutat.
I grew up in Southeast Alaska, on an Island west of Ketchikan. The ferry was the way we got around, going from community to community. All the school trips, heading to summer camp, just going to the (big) city of Ketchikan. I walked down that tunnel @2:08:07! I honestly couldn't tell you how many hours I've spent on the Mat, the Mal, on Aurora and the COlumbia. I got to steer (poorly) the Taku! The hours spent in the solariums, out on deck, sleeping in the lounges, and even camping out on deck. I met a retired teacher who had autographed hardbound first edition copies of Anne McCaffery's Dragon Riders of Pern! I spent a significant chunk of my childhood on those blue boats, and watching this segments makes me misty eyed.
Those ferries aren't just a form of transport, they are Alaskan citizens. They are friends, they are family, and looking back through my misty, rose tinted glasses, I miss them so.
Thanks Downie ,for Taking Me and My Broken Body Along on your Journey ,So many places Me and My Wheelchair would not be able to access. Thank You ❤️
I've just stumbled across your channel yesterday and I gotta say, I enjoy this very much, you're so positive, so enthusiastic and to take your parents along and the way you talk about them, just wonderful! You're a good person!
I'm looking forward to exploring your channel and of course I have subscribed. God bless you (and all who read this comment) and safe travels!
Welcome aboard!
Lots of fun videos for you to watch on this channel 🙂
@@DownieLiveloving your content. 32 minutes in and hooked.
The Grand Canyon so overwhelmed me the first time I went there, I got out of the motorhome and walked to the vista and my legs literally gave out, dropping me to my knees in reverence for Gods creation. I had to bow to the magnificent of nature .
Water and erosion created it not god 😂
This is the first of your videos that I’ve seen. Thanks for the great train ride. I’m also into riding the trains and even though I’d waited long in my life (I’m 70) it’s never too late to follow your dreams. I’ve only taken two but looking forward to my third real soon. Until I can get in a place to go to places you’ve travelled or different places I’d like to see I’ll continue to ride with you. Safe travels.🙏🏽❤️
I've been on the Durango & Silverton train in Colorado and the Mt Washington Cog Railway in New Hampshire. The cog train went all the way up to the summit for me. It was 75 degrees at the bottom and 50 degrees at the top of Mt Washington!
Been on that train 3 times! After so many years , you miss it and wanna do it again.
I'm retired and I watch a lot of TH-cam. You are by far the best train travel channel creator I have ever seen. Others may have taken more exotic and expensive rides, but your cadence and tone are easy to listen to, your genuine nature comes through, and you make each trip seem like so much fun. Thank you for the content and safe travels!
Thank you for turning this whole series into a "movie length" TH-cam video (genuine thanks :) )
Loved it when it was separate videos. Love it now. And in fact, your segment with Will and the Grand Canyon Railway actually inspired me to want to experience and see the Grand Canyon that way -- and I'm finally going to soon! I can't wait.
Glad you enjoyed it! Have fun on your trip!
You're dad is such a treasure! And mom is just fabulous! So glad you guys can enjoy each other's company.❤
MIKE I LOVE THE WAY THAT YOU SHOW OFF ALL THE SIGHTS WITH YOUR TRAVEL ON TRAINS SHIPS PLANES AND ALL OF YOUR TRAVELS AROUND THE WORLD THANK YOU MIKE ESPECIALLY WITH YOUR MUM AND DAD 3 HOURS WELL SPENT
One of my favorite series of your channel
Actually my favorite!!! Love that you included your parents. I’m 85 so happy for your parents to be a part of your series!!!
Yea I cried the first time I seen the grand canyon too. Video and pictures don’t do it justice. It’s simply breathtaking. ❤
This was amazing. I just turned 71 and believe it or not, I've never been on a train! This video was almost like actually being on one. Turns out I'm totally drawn to trains! I need to make my new train dreams come true, somehow. So, thank you! I'm a new viewer and subscriber. Cheers from Arizona!
Welcome aboard, you're in for a wild ride!
That trip on Brightline looked just like the NS trains I rode in the Netherlands this year. Spacious, clean, thoughtful, big bathrooms, a couple dozen trains each day. If that's the future of rail in the US, I'm here for it.
NS trains sound like something from 1940 Germany
God bless your heart mike, that one really tops it all off. Hats off my buddy
I think you have done an amazing thing, including your parents on your journey. From someone with both parents passed now, I would give anything to have them back and make more memories. And with the videos, you will always have something to watch years from now when they are gone. Amazing video, and you have put so many smiles and laughs on my face!
Life is so amazing and even though there may be tough times, difficult times, or sad times, traveling is a way to digress. This video helped us see that the natural world around us is everything; its more than life itself.
Wow, what a great series. As I've watched this, I've edited my commends 4 times. I've enjoyed every part of this and want to thank you for sharing. I've done a lot of traveling myself, including an extended stay at the North Pole and love traveling by train. I've slowed recently but want to thank you for reigniting the spark. This really has been one of my favorite TH-cam videos of all time. Nice work, your enthusiasm is contagious.
That. Was. STUNNING. All of it! Thank you for the adventure! I hope one day to make a trip like this 🙏
Just binge watched the full thing. That was so fun, so uplifting, and my kids couldn't stop watching. Thank you for making some fresh, wholesome content! Genuinely appreciate it.
Normal IL has the twin sister Bloomington, so we always call the town Bloomington Normal. But they are two separate towns. I have taken the train out of Normal lots of times to Chicago and to St. Louis. The entire video is great and having your mom and dad and friends makes the time even better. Will is always a joy to see. He has the biggest smile.
We subscribed. ❤❤❤ This video made us so humble Downie. We thank you. Your dad is so amazing and full of energy he was our favorite. We even enjoyed the part of your video where you traveled with friends at the beginning. So amazing we thank you again. We may consider train travel. We live in AZ not many Amtrak stations here but there is one in Maricopa. We are hopeful that train travel expands even further than it already is.
Thanks! I'm glad you enjoyed the journey with Dad. He's a real character.
Mike, your dad is lovely!! My dad and I had plans to travel by rail but sadly he passed before we could. I’m so happy you had the chance to spend uninterrupted time with your dad and your mom. Thanks for the compilation. I watched the series but am enjoying the uninterrupted series. Thanks, Mike and Happy New Year, may it be full of new adventures. Much love💕
This is one of the best travel documentaries I've ever seen ! Many thanks Mike!
Thanks! I appreciate the compliment.
You said it perfectly when you said it’s not just about the trains,it’s all the other experiences along the way!
Why did your journey make me cry…this is probably one of the most impactful videos Ive seen this year and since the year just started, I think you’ve helped kick me into travel mode. Gave me that content creator push that I needed. I’m so glad you guys got to take this amazing trip Beautiful!
Trust me my friend, bring your mom and dad on any trip they will go with you on. When they’re gone that time will be absolutely priceless. 👍🏻😎👍🏻
W0W!!!!🎉🎉❤❤❤ YOU PUT ON A FANTASTIC SHOW!!! Thank you so much!
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed the ride.
Mike, the quality of your work gets better and better each year. Keep it up. 2025 will bring great things for your channel and you. I’m really proud of you!!! Thanks- Pete
Thank you, Pete! I appreciate it.
Recently came across your channel! I love traveling by train and sleeping in both types of the sleeping quarters they offer. Happy Birthday to your mother it is a blessing you can do this for her! I am looking forward to traveling by train on the international side! I will continue to want your channel for places to see💜🙏🏽🦋
I'm so glad I got to see this video! I loved it! This was such an emotional video in how you included your parents and friends as a part of this adventure! Thanks for sharing! Now I have to go make my bucket 🪣 List!
This Adventure was so epic! EVERYONE was so stoked! Beautiful work- 🤙
45:51 you just caught a rare up helper train! This happens when a bright line train is broken down new trains or anything that can’t let it move. Up is my favorite train company after all!
58:18 another rare incident! This is when the head end of a union pacific is too powerful for the train. The force breaks apart a knuckle from the train, which leads it to cause for emergency. This can usually take up to around two hours to fix depending where you are. Union Pacific is a very large company. They are the biggest class one railroad in America so they got a excuse lol
Train videos have become a comfort thing for me. Thank you for the great content, I watched the whole thing! Your channel is among one of the very few travel vlog channels that are done well. Your content is always interesting and engaging, thank you!!
I would totally take a tourist train all over the usa, i love what you said "its not about getting to the destination, its about seeing it" and the scenery was absolutely beautiful.
Been on the Strasburg train so many times. I love it!! Lancaster is my favorite place in the whole world❤❤❤❤
Sorry u stayed at the caboose motel thou..bad place to stay
Stay in bird in hand next time. so much better...amish ppl r the best😊😊😊😊
God bless you and your family !!
these are the things i wanted to do with my mom . unfortunately she passed away before she retired . she was in her 50s .
so i shed a tear watching you and your mother create these beautiful moments.. Create as many beautiful memories as you can . life will never be the same .
We JUST found your channel... What an awesome thing you do... beautiful adventures... especially with your Dad and Mom... I just lost Dad Christmas day.... we were inseparable!!! Enjoy every single moment with them!!! Thank you for these videos..
I am not a daily tv viewer BUT I will binge watch youtube series and...short story long, I subscibed a while ago to process my anxiety of public train transport! From early teen years I've learned to process air, bus, and car because it was life required but never a train or floating kind-of-anything. Friends😒planned a train tour from LA to Seattle and after a few days enjoying the city, boarded a train from Seattle to Portland. It was not a bucket list by any stretch-but I penciled it. Age has hindered my processing 'skill' and also anxiety breathing techniques so I was quite anxious but managed to complete the 'hours' ride🫣😬😥. It was rough...just saying🙃! Now I vicariously enjoy travel by train with you and your friends and family through my subscription to your channel. Thank you🤗
I am so happy to have stumbled across your channel and this series! We have slowly savored each episode over the last week! Our train-obsessed 2.5 year old boy more than approves! Thoroughly entertaining for the whole family! Thank you! We can’t wait to enjoy your other videos as a family!
These are my favourite comments! That you watch together as a family 😊
Michael, you’re a great friend and wonderful son. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed this series!
You’re so lucky , having your dad with you having a wonderful time and memories. Priceless!!!
Best way to spend 3 hours on a sunday night , thank you Mike. I will rip a page out of your book and maybe go visit my country, Romania, from a train and not by car.
STUNNING! I laughed. I cried. I was mesmerized. Outstanding work, Gentlemen.
Hey Mike, side to side is called rolling, front to back is called pitching. The weather and waves you showed wasn’t nothing compared to what I’ve seen in my 20 years in the US Navy. I’ve had to do extra watches (work) because the other crew members were too seasick to stand watch.fortunately or unfortunately I never got seasick!
Delightful! So much to say but remembering being in some of those same places for the first time since being there woke me up. Also, I missed the last trip my family took together which was to Denali so I got to go virtually with yours. Thank you all!
I love Will's reaction to seeing the Grand Canyon. I think mine was the same the first time.
Your channel popped up on my YT, wow, what a great personality you have, as a 7th generation Floridian and great grand x4 of a listed Florida Pioneer and my grandfather worked for the railroad out of Baker County/Jax in the 1930-40's, I appreciate your love of history, nature and our beautiful America. Well done.
1:04:27 filming the horses and speaking about breakfast hahaha😂, i didn't expect the rocky mountaineer's crew to be this happy and welcoming
Just found your channel and love it ! Your positive attitude that you inherited from your dad ! So fun !
Just what I needed to start my 2025 right here!
You are the best!! I'm halfway through your vid and love love love it!! Such an awesome guy😊
I love watching your series! Enthralled 😮.. The cards look amazing!!❤
This series is what got me started watching Downielive and from there ive been hooked. I have only been on one of those trains and that would be the Grand Canyon Train which was beautiful. This series makes me want to see more of my beautiful country good work Mike.
Very nice start to the new year 🎊🎉
This is absolutely the best video. Seeing Will cry was so touching. All the fun with family and friends are absolutely the best. My family vacations are so much fun with the best memories especially seeing how much fun my grandkids have.
Brightline has a mix of owned and leased track. The tracks from Miami to Cocoa are FEC owned. From Cocoa to Orlando, it's newly built Brightline owned tracks that will go over 100 mph, as the track has no level road crossings.
Been on the Grand Canyon railway with my family on a trip through the southwest. Great experience. You missed out though on the Royal Gorge railway. You were pretty close there in Colorado Springs. That's a great one. This was a wonderful video. Love that you shared it with friends and family...as well as all of us. Thank you.
What you did for Will, is a beautiful thing!
It's the first video i ever watched from you, but you inspired me a lot to enjoy every small thing im really impressed of you
Your Dad is a hoot. Heck, I’d travel with him!
Brilliant Channel!! What great interviews of men that love these cog trains and the history!!!!!!
Thanks for the kind words. We love talking to the engineers!
@ Loving your relationship with your Dad!! Enjoy every minute together!!!
Your Mom rocks!!!!!!
What a grateful kid you are!!!!!
22:38 All the seats are reversible for when the train is going the opposite direction. No one has to sit backwards if they don’t want to.
Mike I got to say this is the BEST TRAIN RIDE video I’ve every watched. And yes I have seen a few on TH-cam. Man what a journey this has been . With friends to Mom and Dad to another great friend who you made his dream come true , to the two guys that helps you bring all this together. Wow Awesome. Loved every second of it .
Thanks, that means a lot to me!
Not gonna lie, even though I've seen all this before; the entire part where you took your mother on that trip always makes me tear up.
Great job
Glad you enjoyed it again!
Wow I never thought I’d see Bobby Baltimore on this channel; what a mashup! Go Ravens!!!
The title of this video should be how to spend $3000 +/- riding trains on a trip you could fly for $500 roughly. This is dedication to the love of Train imo. Props to this crew and I’m glad they shared their expertise because it is certainly something I cannot envision myself doing because of the vast difference in expense to travel the same distance etc. the journey would have to be the absolute point etc
The journey is ALWAYS the point!
It’s not about the destination, but about the journey
@Super6Seven U should chnage ur name to @buzzkill too
The title should be how I made $15,000 on TH-cam with 1.2 million views while spending $3,000 on trains 😂😂😂
Just finished watching the whole video It was Amazing taking your friends parents and your friend will,Your knowledge and positively is great look forward to the next one
@42:20 people from Normal, IL are called "normies". They have quite a large population and internet presence. You can see "normies" mentioned a lot online.
Fellow “Normie” here Me personally I’ve never heard anyone call me that😂. But I love it it’s makes so much sense.
@rowenlloyd1404 was actually just making a joke about the term "normies" but it should be made official!
42:24 Because their home is Normal the the residents could be oddities. I really like the one about the residents being Normies.
Fabulous video!!! Enjoyed every minute of it!! Thank you for taking us along on this fantastic journey!
Your parents are precious! ❤