#angels flight railway

[watermeloname]

[bloodxhound]

    𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐈𝐑 𝐄𝐘𝐄𝐒 𝐌𝐄𝐄𝐓 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐀𝐍 𝐈𝐍𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐍𝐓, as their paths intersect underneath the fading sun’s glow. It’s one glance — yet enough to turn his world upside down. His steps slow, gaze trailing after the woman in disbelief. It can’t be. He watches her turn left, up the stairs beside the Angels Flight. That was Mana. Not just someone resembling her, but her splitting image, as if she had risen from the grave. It can’t be, he tells himself again, and the rational part of him knows it can’t, but another part, still in denial, still grief-drunken, wants it to be her. Before he realizes it, he’s chasing after her, after this unlikely mirage, shouldering past people on the street. He climbs the sun-worn stairs hurriedly—two at a time—until he catches up. Seizing her arm, he calls out in a voice desperate to be proven right,  ❛ Mana—?! ❜ / @stillresolved

[indynerdgirl]

Topgun AU Ideas

As I was scrolling through the Topgun tag on AO3 the other night, I realized that I was starting to see the same tropes and AUs over & over again. And while not a bad thing at all, personally, I'm just starting to get a little bored of reading the same story over & over.

So I started thinking about what kind of AUs I would love to see in the Topgun fandom and then I started making a list and it kind of spiraled out of control. Oops. 😆

I now present to you all my somewhat organized list of AU ideas! And feel free to use them for any fandom, I was just thinking about Topgun as I came up with them all. It's also by no means an exhaustive list so I probably missed some obvious ones.

Military AU ideas: Pentagon/Joint Chiefs/White House Advisor (think The West Wing but for the military - this is the one I've been dying to see someone tackle!) Navy JAG NCIS Blue Angels Air Force Instead of Navy Astronauts/NASA Test Pilots Naval Academy Instructors Adversary/Aggressor Squadron Office of Naval Intelligence Sailors Instead of Pilots Submariners Instead of Pilots Naval Flight School Instructors (Aviation Preflight Indoctrination, Primary Flight Training, Intermediate Flight Training, and/ or Advanced Flight Training)

Character AU ideas: Natasha is Maverick's daughter/niece  Bob is Maverick's son/nephew  Natasha is Ice's daughter/niece Bob is Ice's son/nephew Maverick is Amelia's father Penny Is Also a Pilot Penny’s Father Is An Air Force General Obligatory Goose/Carole/Ice Lives AUs Maverick’s Dad/Mom Lives Any of the younger pilots is the kid of one of the other 86 boys

And a whole lot more under the cut!

American Historical AU ideas: Colonial/Revolutionary War Post-Revolutionary War Lewis & Clark War of 1812 Mexican-American War/The Alamo Wild West (good guys or bad guys) Organ Trail The Gold Rush (California or Alaska) Pony Express Civil War/Reconstruction Transcontinental Railway Cattle Drives Industrial Revolution/The Gilded Age WWI Bootleggers/Rum Runners/1920s Jazz Age Great Depression/Dust Bowl WWII Korean War Vietnam War 1950s/Greasers Moon Race/1960s NASA 1980s/The Cold War

Other Historical AU Ideas: Ancient Greece/Rome Middle Ages Renaissance Tudor Elizabethan Georgian Regency Napoleonic Victorian Edwardian

Fandom AUs: The West Wing Firefly The Avengers Agents of Shield Star Wars Star Trek Harry Potter Percy Jackson Ocean's 11 Mission Impossible Bourne Tom Clancy/Jack Ryan Jack Reacher John Wick Friends New Girl Supernatural How I Met Your Mother Chuck Downton Abbey CSI Jurassic Park Indiana Jones The Office Parks and Rec Pacific Rim

Other Profession AU ideas: Coffee Shop Book Shop Bakery/Candy Maker Winery/Distillery Restaurant/Chef Bartender/Bar Mechanic/Car Repair Shop Doctor/Medical/Hospital Firefighter/Police Officer/Detective Wildfire Firefighter Florist Tattooist Gardener/Gardening Horse Racing Motorsports (NASCAR/F1/Motocross, ect) Professional Sports (baseball, football, hockey, soccer, basketball) Rodeo/Bull Riding Olympians Air Racing (it’s a real thing!) Actors (movie or stage)/Celebrity Ballet Dancers Teachers College Professors Lawyers/Judges National Park Ranger Cruise Ship Pet Groomer/Veterinarian Farmer/Rancher Banker/Financial Bodyguards Zoo Museum/Living Museum Musician/Band Mall (everyone works at different stores at the same mall) Marketing Archeologist Spies Reporters/Journalist News Anchors Lifeguards Assassins Criminals/Thieves/Heist Bounty Hunter

Misc AU Ideas: Royalty/Lost Royalty Time Travel Fae/Fairy Mermaids/Selkies Witch/Wizard Werewolves/Vampires Fantasy/Magic (including modern/urban settings) High Fantasy Dragons Soulmates (color blindness, first words, timestamps, matching marks, can share emotions, Red String of Fate, can share dreams, can see/talk to each other in dreams, can write on each other's skin, telepathic, Soulmate Goose of Enforcement) Omegaverse/ABO (not everyone’s cup of tea, just putting it out there!) Roommates Pirates High School College Mob/Mafia Fairytale Arranged Marriage Accidental Marriage Fake Dating/Engagement/Marriage Superhero/Villain Apocalypse/Post-Apocalypse Forbidden Love Boarding School Space/Sci-Fi Road Trip Summer Camp Immortal/Reincarnation Hallmark Movie Amnesia Pen Pals Resurrection Animal Shapeshifter May this list inspire all of you amazing fanfic writers out there! 💜

[lovejessicaryan]

Live life eccentrically🧡 📸 by @mayawoulfe . . . . . #orange🍊 #monochromaticvibes #itsavibe #electrifyyourlook #orangeaesthetic #losangelesmodels #angelsflightrailway #cultofjess #jessicaryan (at Angels Flight Railway) https://www.instagram.com/p/CoQVIt1S57b/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[floatingbroccoli]

🇺🇸 USA, California, Day 2

LA Union Station

Angels Flight Railway

Visit to papa chua's alma mater USC🥲

[thinkingofyours]

All aboard the world's smallest railway! The Angels Flight in Los Angeles, California, takes the title at just 298 feet long. This funicular railway, operating since 1901, climbs a steep incline using a counterbalanced cable system. It's a quick ride, but a beloved landmark for Angelenos and tourists alike! #LA #AngelsFlight #TinyTrains #FunicularRailway

[justcol271]

Closest Airport To Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon is one of the most iconic and spectacular natural wonders in the world, attracting millions of visitors each year. Located in Arizona, this vast and awe-inspiring canyon stretches for 277 miles and reaches depths of over a mile. It is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the grandeur of nature and witness the stunning geological formations that have been shaped over millions of years.

For those planning a trip to the Closest Airport To Grand Canyon, one of the first things to consider is the closest airport to this magnificent landmark. The main airport serving the Grand Canyon is the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, located approximately 231 miles away. This bustling airport is the largest and busiest in Arizona, with flights arriving and departing from all major domestic and international destinations.

From Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, visitors can choose to rent a car or book a shuttle service to reach the Grand Canyon. The drive takes around 3.5 to 4 hours, depending on traffic and weather conditions. The route is relatively straightforward, taking travelers through scenic landscapes and small towns, making for a pleasant and enjoyable journey. For those who prefer not to drive, there are numerous shuttle services available, offering affordable and convenient transportation to the Grand Canyon.

Another option for those flying into Phoenix is to take a connecting flight to Flagstaff Pulliam Airport, located approximately 81 miles from the Grand Canyon's South Rim. This airport offers daily flights from Phoenix and serves as a convenient option for those looking to get closer to the Grand Canyon without a long drive. From Flagstaff, travelers can rent a car, take a shuttle, or even hop on the Grand Canyon Railway, which takes passengers directly to the Grand Canyon Village.

For those looking to explore the less-visited but equally stunning North Rim of the Grand Canyon, the closest airport would be St. George Regional Airport in Utah. This airport is approximately 175 miles away from the North Rim, and flights are available from Salt Lake City, Denver, and Los Angeles. From St. George, visitors can rent a car or book a shuttle to reach the North Rim, which offers a more secluded and peaceful experience compared to the bustling South Rim.

While Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is the most popular and convenient option for reaching the Grand Canyon, there are other airports within a reasonable distance that can also serve as gateways to this natural wonder. Las Vegas McCarran International Airport is approximately 274 miles away from the South Rim, and flights from all major cities across the US are available. From Las Vegas, visitors can rent a car or book a guided tour to the Grand Canyon, making for a unique and exciting journey.

In conclusion, the Grand Canyon is a destination that is well worth the effort of traveling to. Whether flying into the bustling Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, taking a connecting flight to Flagstaff Pulliam Airport, or even flying into St. George Regional Airport in Utah, there are multiple options for visitors to reach this majestic wonder of nature. With its breathtaking views, rich history, and endless opportunities for adventure, the Grand Canyon is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a truly unforgettable experience.

[brookstonalmanac]

Events 3.17

45 BC – In his last victory, Julius Caesar defeats the Pompeian forces of Titus Labienus and Pompey the Younger in the Battle of Munda. 180 – Commodus becomes sole emperor of the Roman Empire at the age of eighteen, following the death of his father, Marcus Aurelius. 455 – Petronius Maximus becomes, with support of the Roman Senate, emperor of the Western Roman Empire; he forces Licinia Eudoxia, the widow of his predecessor, Valentinian III, to marry him. 1337 – Edward, the Black Prince is made Duke of Cornwall, the first Duchy in England. 1400 – Turko-Mongol emperor Timur sacks Damascus. 1776 – American Revolution: The British Army evacuates Boston, ending the Siege of Boston, after George Washington and Henry Knox place artillery in positions overlooking the city. 1805 – The Italian Republic, with Napoleon as president, becomes the Kingdom of Italy, with Napoleon as King of Italy. 1824 – The Anglo-Dutch Treaty is signed in London, dividing the Malay archipelago. As a result, the Malay Peninsula is dominated by the British, while Sumatra and Java and surrounding areas are dominated by the Dutch. 1842 – The Female Relief Society of Nauvoo is formally organized with Emma Smith as president. 1860 – The First Taranaki War begins in Taranaki, New Zealand, a major phase of the New Zealand Wars. 1861 – The Kingdom of Italy is proclaimed. 1862 – The first railway line of Finland between cities of Helsinki and Hämeenlinna, called Päärata, is officially opened. 1891 – SS Utopia collides with HMS Anson in the Bay of Gibraltar and sinks, killing 562 of the 880 passengers on board. 1901–present 1921 – The Second Polish Republic adopts the March Constitution. 1942 – Holocaust: The first Jews from the Lvov Ghetto are gassed at the Belzec death camp in what is today eastern Poland. 1945 – The Ludendorff Bridge in Remagen, Germany, collapses, ten days after its capture. 1948 – Belgium, France, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom sign the Treaty of Brussels, a precursor to the North Atlantic Treaty establishing NATO. 1950 – Researchers at the University of California, Berkeley announce the creation of element 98, which they name "californium". 1957 – A plane crash in Cebu, Philippines kills Philippine President Ramon Magsaysay and 24 others. 1958 – The United States launches the first solar-powered satellite, which is also the first satellite to achieve a long-term orbit.[ 1960 – U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower signs the National Security Council directive on the anti-Cuban covert action program that will ultimately lead to the Bay of Pigs Invasion. 1960 – Northwest Orient Airlines Flight 710 crashes in Tobin Township, Perry County, Indiana, killing 63. 1963 – Mount Agung erupts on Bali killing more than 1,100 people. 1966 – Off the coast of Spain in the Mediterranean, the DSV Alvin submarine finds a missing American hydrogen bomb. 1968 – As a result of nerve gas testing by the U.S. Army Chemical Corps in Skull Valley, Utah, over 6,000 sheep are found dead. 1969 – Golda Meir becomes the first female Prime Minister of Israel. 1973 – The Pulitzer Prize-winning photograph Burst of Joy is taken, depicting a former prisoner of war being reunited with his family, which came to symbolize the end of United States involvement in the Vietnam War. 1979 – The Penmanshiel Tunnel collapses during engineering works, killing two workers. 1985 – Serial killer Richard Ramirez, aka the "Night Stalker", commits the first two murders in his Los Angeles murder spree. 1988 – A Colombian Boeing 727 jetliner, Avianca Flight 410, crashes into a mountainside near the Venezuelan border killing 143. 1988 – Eritrean War of Independence: The Nadew Command, an Ethiopian army corps in Eritrea, is attacked on three sides by military units of the Eritrean People's Liberation Front in the opening action of the Battle of Afabet. 1992 – Israeli Embassy attack in Buenos Aires: Car bomb attack kills 29 and injures 242. 1992 – A referendum to end apartheid in South Africa is passed 68.7% to 31.2%.

[tiffanyspalacellc11]

Beyond the Set: Unveiling Unique Film Venues in Los Angeles

Los Angeles, often referred to as the entertainment capital of the world, is not just a city; it's a sprawling canvas of diverse landscapes that have set the stage for countless cinematic masterpieces. Beyond the traditional studio lots, there exists a world of unique film venues that contribute to the richness and versatility of Los Angeles as a filmmaking hub. This exploration takes us beyond the set, unveiling some of the distinctive and evocative film venues that have left an indelible mark on the cinematic landscape of the city.

The Enchanting Greystone Mansion: A Palace of Narratives

Nestled in the heart of Beverly Hills, the Greystone Mansion is not just an opulent residence; it's a palace of narratives waiting to unfold. Its sprawling gardens, grand interiors, and timeless architecture make it a captivating backdrop for films spanning various genres. Navigating the corridors of Greystone Mansion is like stepping into a different era, where each room whispers stories of glamour, intrigue, and drama.

Watts Towers Arts Center: Urban Elegance in Watts

In the Watts neighborhood, the Watts Towers Arts Center stands as a testament to urban elegance and creative resilience. The iconic Watts Towers, constructed by Italian immigrant Simon Rodia, provide a striking and unconventional backdrop for filmmakers. Navigating this unique film venue introduces a blend of artistic ingenuity and cultural richness, offering a visual contrast to the glitz and glamour associated with more traditional Hollywood settings.

The Bradbury Building: A Cinematic Architectural Marvel

Downtown Los Angeles houses the Bradbury Building, a cinematic architectural marvel that has graced the screen in numerous productions. Its ornate ironwork, Victorian-inspired design, and iconic skylit atrium create an atmosphere of timeless sophistication. Navigating the corridors of the Bradbury Building is like entering a living work of art, where the interplay of light and shadow adds depth to cinematic storytelling.

The Historic Angels Flight Railway: A Journey Through Time

The historic Angels Flight Railway, a narrow-gauge funicular railway in downtown Los Angeles, is more than just a mode of transportation; it's a journey through time. With its charming Victorian-inspired cars and unique hillside route, Angels Flight provides filmmakers with a distinctive and nostalgic setting. Navigating this film venue is akin to taking a visual voyage through the city's past, adding a touch of whimsy to cinematic narratives.

The Majestic Griffith Park Observatory: Celestial Cinematics

Perched high in the Hollywood Hills, the Griffith Park Observatory offers filmmakers a celestial setting that transcends earthly landscapes. Its iconic dome, sweeping views of the city, and proximity to the stars make it a unique film venue. Navigating the grounds of Griffith Park Observatory allows filmmakers to infuse their narratives with a sense of cosmic wonder, where earthly stories connect with the mysteries of the universe.

The Neon-lit Beauty of the Bradbury Building: Blade Runner's Legacy

While the Bradbury Building deserves a separate mention, its significance in the film landscape cannot be overstated. Immortalized in Ridley Scott's "Blade Runner," the Bradbury Building became an iconic symbol of futuristic noir aesthetics. Navigating its corridors evokes memories of the film's dystopian vision, showcasing how a unique venue can become synonymous with cinematic storytelling.

Conclusion: Los Angeles, a Mosaic of Cinematic Diversity

In conclusion, "Film venue in Los Angeles" emerges not just as a city of stars and studios but as a mosaic of cinematic diversity, where unique film venues contribute to the city's visual lexicon. Beyond the set, these venues become characters in the stories told on screen, adding layers of authenticity and charm to the narratives. From the opulence of Greystone Mansion to the urban elegance of Watts Towers Arts Center, the timeless allure of the Bradbury Building, the nostalgic journey of Angels Flight Railway, and the celestial beauty of Griffith Park Observatory, each venue weaves its own tale into the vast tapestry of Los Angeles' cinematic history.

Filmmakers navigating these unique venues find themselves not only crafting visuals but also engaging with the soul of a city that has been a muse for storytellers for generations. The exploration beyond the set is an exploration into the heart of Los Angeles, where each venue becomes a brushstroke in the ever-evolving painting of cinematic artistry. As the city continues to inspire filmmakers, these unique film venues stand as silent collaborators, enriching the narratives that unfold against their distinctive backdrops.

[andrewthomson8779]

The Road Less Traveled: Hidden Gems in Los Angeles Transportation

Los Angeles, with its sprawling urban landscape and iconic attractions, is known for its bustling traffic and congested highways. However, beyond the well-trodden paths and crowded streets, there are hidden gems within the city's transportation system that can offer unique and enjoyable experiences for both residents and visitors. In this guide, we'll explore some of these hidden gems in Los Angeles transportation service, from scenic routes to novel modes of travel, providing a fresh perspective on navigating the City of Angels.

Mulholland Drive: A Scenic Joyride:Mulholland Drive, a winding road that stretches along the Santa Monica Mountains, offers one of the most scenic drives in Los Angeles. While it's often associated with breathtaking views of the city and the Hollywood Sign, it's also an excellent route for a leisurely drive. Whether you're a car enthusiast looking to take your vehicle for a spin or a visitor seeking panoramic vistas, Mulholland Drive is a hidden gem that provides a unique transportation experience.

Angels Flight Railway: A Historic Ascent:Tucked away in the heart of downtown Los Angeles, the Angels Flight Railway is one of the city's oldest and most charming transportation attractions. This funicular railway, often dubbed "the shortest railway in the world," takes passengers on a brief but delightful journey up Bunker Hill. It offers a glimpse into the city's history and provides access to cultural destinations such as the Museum of Contemporary Art and The Broad.

Los Angeles River Bike Path: A Cyclist's Paradise:For those seeking an alternative to the city's traffic-clogged streets, the Los Angeles River Bike Path is a hidden gem. This 32-mile-long route follows the course of the Los Angeles River, offering cyclists a peaceful and scenic ride through parks, wetlands, and urban landscapes. It's an oasis for outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore the city on two wheels while escaping the hustle and bustle.

Metro Art: A Subterranean Gallery:Los Angeles Metro's underground subway stations are home to an impressive collection of public art installations. These artworks transform the stations into unique underground galleries that showcase the city's vibrant cultural scene. From murals and sculptures to mosaics and interactive exhibits, these hidden gems add an artistic touch to your daily commute, making your journey more visually stimulating.

Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook: A Panoramic Perspective:While most travelers are familiar with Griffith Observatory as a prime spot for sweeping city views, the Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook offers a lesser-known yet equally captivating vantage point. The overlook provides a 360-degree panoramic view of Los Angeles, including downtown, the Pacific Ocean, and the surrounding neighborhoods. It's an ideal location for a scenic hike or a picnic while taking in the breathtaking vistas.

Downtown Art Walk: A Pedestrian Paradise:Los Angeles' downtown district has undergone a cultural renaissance in recent years, and one of the hidden gems of its transportation system is the Downtown Art Walk. This event takes place on the second Thursday of every month and allows pedestrians to explore the neighborhood's art scene. You can stroll along the historic streets, visit art galleries, and enjoy street performances while navigating the area on foot.

Red Car Trolley: A Nostalgic Ride:The Red Car Trolley, located at the Pacific Electric Lofts in downtown Los Angeles, offers a ride back in time. This vintage trolley car takes passengers on a short but charming journey, providing a glimpse into the city's transportation history. The Red Car Trolley is a hidden gem that offers a unique experience for those interested in the bygone era of streetcars in Los Angeles.

Water Taxi: A Seaside Escape:Los Angeles boasts miles of beautiful coastline, and one of the lesser-known transportation options is the water taxi service that operates along the coast. These water taxis provide a scenic and relaxing mode of travel, allowing passengers to enjoy stunning ocean views while avoiding traffic on the city's streets. It's a hidden gem for those looking to explore beach communities like Marina del Rey, Santa Monica, and Long Beach from a different perspective.

The Last Bookstore: A Literary Journey:While not a traditional form of transportation, The Last Bookstore in downtown Los Angeles offers a unique journey through the world of literature. This independent bookstore is housed in a historic bank building and features a labyrinth of bookshelves, art installations, and hidden reading nooks. It's a destination that invites visitors to get lost in the world of books and imagination.

Historic Union Station: An Architectural Marvel:Union Station, Los Angeles' main transportation hub, is often overlooked as a hidden gem due to its iconic status. However, the station's stunning Art Deco architecture, lush gardens, and historic ambiance make it a must-visit location for anyone interested in history and design. Take a moment to explore the station's nooks and crannies, admire its intricate details, and savor the nostalgia of train travel's golden age.

Conclusion

Los Angeles is a city of hidden gems, and many of them are found within its transportation system. From scenic drives along Mulholland Drive to the artistic treasures of the Metro subway stations, these hidden gems offer a fresh perspective on navigating the city. Whether you're a resident looking to explore your hometown from a different angle or a visitor seeking unique experiences, these transportation-related gems provide opportunities to discover the lesser-known, but equally captivating, aspects of Los Angeles. So, the next time you find yourself in the City of Angels, consider taking the road less traveled to uncover these hidden gems in Los Angeles transportation.

[tomorrowusa]

Parts of Europe are currently baking in temperatures over 40° C/104° F. Despite this, travelers on the continent currently are able fly much more cheaply than go by rail – a far more climate-friendly option.

Europe’s cheap flights and pricey train tickets promote dirty forms of transport, campaigners say, with “outrageous” tax breaks encouraging people to heat the planet as they head on holiday. Train tickets are double the price of flights for the same routes, on average, according to an analysis from Greenpeace published on Thursday. The campaigners compared tickets on 112 routes on nine different days. To get from London to Barcelona, they found, the cost of taking the train is up to 30 times the cost of jumping on a plane. Holiday destinations across Europe this week have been baking in deadly heat made hotter by greenhouse gases released from burning fossil fuels. “€10 airline tickets are only possible because others, like workers and taxpayers, pay the true cost,” said Lorelei Limousin, a climate campaigner at Greenpeace. “For the planet and people’s sake, politicians must act to turn this situation around and make taking the train the more affordable option.” Flying is one of the most polluting activities a person can do and also one of the hardest to clean up. Unlike eating a burger or driving a car – which have cleaner alternatives such as plant-based meats and electric vehicles – there is no way to fly without changing the climate. Experts have criticised schemes claiming to offset emissions from flying as flawed.

Europe has a decent rail transport network, so it's not like the air travel is all that necessary to get around.

Air travel is subsided far more than rail travel with public money. Airports and other air related infrastructure eat up a lot of funds which could go into making railways more efficient.

In Europe, airlines pay no taxes on kerosene and little tax on tickets or VAT. Their emissions are only priced for flights within Europe – at a level below the social cost of carbon. A study published earlier this month by Transport and Environment, a green campaign group, found European governments lost out on €34.2bn from poor taxation on aviation in 2022. The “tax gap” is set to rise to €47.1bn in 2025, the report found. “In short: if you fly, you are subsidised; if you take the train, you are punished by higher prices – as well as the fact that the journey is often longer,” said (Linnaeus University Prof. Stefan) Gössling.

If anything, the situation is worse in the United States where passenger rail travel has been taking it on the chin since the 1940s. Video producer Dean Peterson reports on a three-day rail trip he took from Los Angeles to New York in which he describes how passenger rail routes declined over the past century. Though with the recent Infrastructure bill encouraged by a pro-rail Joe Biden, Amtrak is planning major expansion — provided that climate-denying Republicans don't get a chance to derail it.

Improvements in passenger rail service and rail infrastructure are a necessary part of addressing climate issues.

[bunsakashitaamericapaintings]

I had plan for lunch today at Water Grill in downtown. It was quite close to Angels Flight station. So I thought I came early and did a sketch of this landmark. Beautiful warm, sunny and clear day like the L.A. that I know and love.

Angels Flight Railway Downtown Los Angeles, CA Watercolor on 140 lb paper 11" x 14" Sketched live on site, 45 minutes, 10:20 AM to 11:05 AM July 14 2023

[xtruss]

The "Daylight," which carried passengers on a 13-hour trip between Los Angeles and San Francisco, was sometimes called the "most beautiful train in America." This vintage postcard from Patt Morrison's collection shows a train on a coastline stretch of track.

Is California About To Lose Its Most Beautiful Train Ride?

— By Patt Morrison | July 07, 2023 | Los Angeles Times

The tale of California’s railroads is a tale of beauties and beasts.

The beasts are the muscle machines, the workaday haulers chuffing to and fro with the takings of forests and mines, fields and factories.

The beauties are the glamor routes, the passenger trains that, whatever shabbiness may have befallen their interiors, more than make up for it with the grandeur of what lies outside their windows.

In 1882, not quite 15 years after the Golden Spike married the nation’s eastern and western rails, the enticing views of the California coast begat the “Surf Line,” starting with the National City-to-Oceanside route in San Diego County — one of the earliest of the lines that would be laid not just for getting passengers from points A to B, but from “aaah!” to “beautiful!”

President Lincoln, a-slog in the Civil War in the summer of 1862, was still farsighted enough to sign the Pacific Railway Act for building the transcontinental railway.

He did not live to ride aboard it. But he would have liked to; California was to him an El Dorado of prodigious promise and beauty, and he often spoke to the Sacramento Union correspondent Noah Brooks about moving here, “to afford better opportunities for his two boys.” At the White House, hours before he was assassinated, he bade farewell to House Speaker Schulyer Colfax, who was heading to California for his own journey. Lincoln told him upon their parting, “How I would rejoice to make that trip!”

Once Americans had supplanted plodding wagon trains with swift rail travel, the drama and the grandeur of the California coast were irresistible for railroads and passengers. By 1893, The Times was promoting the ocean and mountain vistas of the “kite-shaped” route aboard “panorama trains.”

A map published in The Times in 1893 shows the various train routes around Southern California. (Los Angeles Times archive)

But now — here’s that phrase that signals a change in fortunes — but now, what man hath joined by steel I-beams, climate change may put asunder. Along the gorgeous coastal rail ride through Orange and San Diego counties, the “Lossan” corridor train tracks are taking a pounding. (“Lossan” is brief for Los Angeles-San Diego-San Luis Obispo.) The bluffs are melting away like sand castles. The beach is receding like the Windsors’ hereditary hairline.

It’s an enormously popular route for commuters and leisure riders alike, as well as an indispensable corridor for moving freight. Anyone who’s been aboard knows there’s nothing as satisfyingly smug as flying along this rail route next to the frothy Pacific on a Sunday evening, and seeing miles of cars backed up on the 5 Freeway, trying to return home.

And still, humiliatingly, for almost 10 months now, the train service has been suspended off and on. At times the most scenic parts of the train route have been served by buses — buses! Some civic and transportation voices are saying perhaps the moment is here to move parts of the rail line inland, sacrificing beauty for safety and scheduling.

If it happens, it will have been a long time coming. The coast-flirting train lines have been beset by uncooperative nature almost from their inaugural runs. In the epochal storms of February 1914, the Lark — a swanky overnight train between Los Angeles and San Francisco — had to stop running for a time because of washouts, The Lark began in 1910 and made its last trip in 1968, by which time the commuter airline PSA had laid on a full schedule of commuter flights between Southern California and the Bay Area.

In March of 1906, a washout above Oceanside stranded about 150 northbound passengers. First a rescue ship tried to get them aboard in strenuous seas, but “the work of transferring the people to the [boat] was fraught with so great peril that after 18 had been dragged, wet and frightened, through the surf to the boat, the plan was abandoned.” The one hotel in town was taken over by the women passengers, and the men slept on the train, eating cream puffs and fudge for breakfast and dinner.

The peril has not always come from nature. Thirty years ago — and maybe even before and since — the boys of Carlsbad made a sport of defying death and the wrath of railroad law. They crouched on the wooden trestle’s inner rail and jumped away at the right moment as the train bore down on them. When the railroad put up fences to stop them, the boys tore them down and even dumped the debris on the tracks.

This country didn’t invent trains, but regards them as wholly American, from the plundering railroad robber barons of the Gilded Age to the notion that steel and steam can master a continent, no matter who or what had to give way. The great age of rail lasted until the greater age of the automobile, and the airplane, but even as we abandoned the train for our own wheels, we romanced it in our imaginations.

In 1978, Los Angeles County Supervisor Baxter Ward got his quixotic way: He persuaded the county and Amtrak to put eight 1940s railroad cars into regular service as the “El Camino,” along the San Diego-Orange County-L.A. run. It was called “El Camino” because, with some liberties, the path supposedly followed the camino, the route, of the mission-building Franciscan priest Junipero Serra.

Everyone professed to love the cars, and ridership took a happy 75,000-passenger bump. But it wasn’t enough to keep the old stock up and rolling, and six months later Amtrak put the cars into storage and put the modern “San Diegan” train cars back on the route.

Our excellent Times librarian Scott Wilson pointed out to me that the stories of coastal trains can be divided between the northbound from L.A. and the southbound from L.A.

Like many California trains, the San Diego-area Surf Line grew into its full length only by bits and fits, finally connecting San Diego to L.A. around 1888.

A train steams down an attractive track on this vintage postcard from Patt Morrison's collection.

Fifty whole years later, the diesel-powered San Diegan, blurbed as the “first streamline train service” between the two cities, made its maiden voyage in March 1938. Curiously, there seemed to be no VIP or movie star ballyhoo; instead, as The Times wrote, the inaugural passengers on the north-to-south trip were 150 L.A.-area schoolkids.

In 1971, Amtrak took over the San Diegan, and around 2000 replaced it with the Pacific Surfliner, a train that — with asterisk exceptions for interruptions such as landslides — makes its way through Ventura and Santa Barbara into San Luis Obispo County, 350 or so miles in total, above and below L.A.

Railroads were nothing if not ambitious. Tracks and routes came together piecemeal — railroad buffs know these by heart, every bend and curve of track, every name change and route alteration. By 1922, the triumphant Daylight Limited service between Los Angeles and San Francisco offered travelers a short-order diner, open throughout its 13-hour trip.

The more streamlined version, the Coast Daylight, hit the tracks in 1937 and called itself, with reason, the “most beautiful train in the West,” and even “in America.” (In 1999, the “Daylight” got its own 33-cent stamp as part of a postal series of legendary American trains.)

A display ad that ran in The Times in March 1937 shows a $14 round-trip fare between Los Angeles and San Francisco — "the most beautiful train in the West." (Los Angeles Times archive)

Finally, in 1971, Amtrak took it over and it became the Coast Starlight.

Its day-and-a-half-long journey between L.A. and Seattle couldn’t hope to compete with the swiftness of plane schedules or the versatility of a car; the nickname “Coast Starlate” caught on for good reason. So in the 1990s, the Coast Starlight, for too brief a time, offered first-class culinary luxury unmatched even on the Orient Express, and a Vegas array of live music and comedians.

The food — local and regional delicacies, wine tastings to match — earned a rave review from a food magazine for such offerings as halibut in a pesto crust. On one trip in the early 2000s, The Times heard that the Dalai Lama had recently taken the Coast Starlight, with bodyguards and his own chef.

But again, in spite of the Coast Starlight’s popularity and loyal ridership, it had to pool its box office with the entire system, so its success could not save it, and the lavish deluxe trips and the train “experience” went back to the utilitarian.

One coastal train trip the railroads could never offer was a route along one of the most gorgeous pieces of earthly real estate, Big Sur.

The flighty Highway 1 through Big Sur has been vulnerable to the elements since it opened in 1937, and storm damage shut down its trickiest section in January (that bit is unlikely to open until the end of summer). The manager of Deetjen’s Big Sur Inn told SFGate that “we’re America’s most beautiful cul-de-sac right now,”

When a narrow asphalt thread of highway can barely cling to the Big Sur cliffs, a railroad — even a narrow-gauge railroad — would have been logistically impossible and environmentally catastrophic. The best the train can do is to deliver you to a car rental company in San Luis Obispo or Salinas, wish you luck, and await you in the Bay Area to connect up for the rest of the ride north.

Now, back to the frayed Southern California coast, and the fortunes of its surf-skirting trains.

If we must abandon the trains’ coastal beauty trips for sturdier railbeds inland, the least that the disputed new technology of AI can do for us is to give train riders traveling through scrub and subdivisions a real-time virtual reality cruise along the old surf-and-shoreline route.

[snapytips]

Understanding Time Zones: America Mein Kitna Time Ho Raha Hai and India Mein Time Kitna Ho Raha Hai

Modern living requires time zones to synchronize time worldwide. The number of hours ahead or behind Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) distinguishes each of the world's 24 time zones. This essay will discuss time zones and focus on America and India.

The US has six time zones: Eastern, Central, Mountain, Pacific, Alaska, and Hawaii-Aleutian. India has two different time zones, but only Indian Standard Time (IST).

Asking for time in America now requires "America Mein Kitna Time Ho Raha Hai." Eastern Time is five hours and thirty minutes behind Indian Standard Time. In New York City, 5:00 PM in India is 11:30 AM.

If you asked about the Pacific Time Zone, the discrepancy between India and America would be even greater. The Pacific Time Zone is 12 hours and 30 minutes behind Indian Standard Time. Therefore 5:00 PM in India is 4:30 AM in Los Angeles.

International calls, virtual meetings, and travel require timekeeping. Timing mistakes can cost you opportunities, flights, and plans.

In the late 19th century, railway companies used the standard time to synchronize timetables, creating the first time zones. Time zones have evolved into a regular part of existence.

Time zones keep us connected worldwide. India's time zone is one, unlike America's six. For American time, select a time zone. India Mein Time Kitna Ho Raha Hai will reveal the Indian time. The time difference is important while traveling or doing business abroad. Internet and smartphone apps let you switch time zones and manage your calendar from anywhere.

[wancy]

at Angels Flight Railway https://www.instagram.com/p/Cm8FiWCLYq9/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[jacksondreynolds]

At only 298 feet in total length, the Angels Flight railway on Hill Street in Downtown Los Angeles, California, is the shortest incorporated railway in the world. A one-way fare is only $1 (or 50¢ if you have an LA Metro TAP card)! (at Angels Flight) https://www.instagram.com/p/ClHwCJqP7NL/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=