How can one find out where the trains go to cross country? I know some areas don't have them at all. Thanks

You can check Amtrak's website at www.amtrak.com. They have, among other things, a map of all their routes.

A few years ago I rode Amtrak from Longview, Washington to Chicago via Colorado just for the fun of it. I stayed overnight in Chicago and got right back on the train. Coming back I rode through Kansas City, Flagstaff and Reno. Riding the train was great fun, but the food was terrible. Honestly, the only train food I can tolerate is that served on the Coast Starlight, from L.A. to Seattle. It's great!

Catty (who loves those clicking rails)