I used to do the train/bus combination going back and forth to college. The only train straight through to Redding arrives in the middle of the night, and I really didn't want to force a family member to be waiting for the train in the wee hours of the morning. The train to Sacramento and then a bus ride up the valley was actually nice. I loved those trips. (Definitely better than Greyhound, which often had a transfer in Sacto anyway.)

These are lovely pictures. One of these days, I need to do the ride up the Sierra on the Zephyr.