Thursday, October 11, 2012
10/8/12
Prior to my return train, I decided to get in a cheap 2x point run PHL-PAO-PHL. Then after spending some time in the CA, I boarded my Regional home!
10/5/12
We arrived at the Airport Marriott around midnight. Thus we could join the gang for all the Friday activities.
10/3/12
Upon our arrival, I gave our SCA her tip. It was her 1st solo trip as an SCA after training. When she received her tip, she hugged me! I have never been hugged by my SCA. I didn't mind, as she was young, blond and cute! It also helped that I assisted her at times.
The ride into CHI was again almost on time. We again went to the Lounge to leave our bags. We met up with other AUers there.
Due to no rooms left on the Cardinal or CL, Jim & I had to take the LSL to NYP. I got a great AGR agent who found us a room on a sold out train. We had to take 448 to SDY and then change to 48.
The ride into CHI was again almost on time. We again went to the Lounge to leave our bags. We met up with other AUers there.
Due to no rooms left on the Cardinal or CL, Jim & I had to take the LSL to NYP. I got a great AGR agent who found us a room on a sold out train. We had to take 448 to SDY and then change to 48.
10/2/12
We met 2 very cute Aussie 20-something girls! Enough said.
The ride over Raton Pass may be the last trip for us, if the SWC switches to the trans-con.
The ride over Raton Pass may be the last trip for us, if the SWC switches to the trans-con.
10/1/12
The SL/TE is scheduled for a 5:35 am arrival. But (as usual) it arrived EARLY! Another 4:30 am arrival into LAX! After a short rest, Jim walked over to Phillipe's for some food, while I stayed at the station with the bags.
After we ate, we decided to do a 2x point run to VNC and back. Instead of carrying the bags on the train (and not paying the $4 per bag for day checking them), we checked them to VNC. Upon our arrival, because we had over 1 hour to wait, we checked them to LAX. At LAX, we did not retrieve the bags until shortly before 4 departed. Thus we did not have to deal with the bags during the layover or pay to day check them!
During the afternoon, things went really downhill. Eric arrived by bus from LV!
We all boarded 4 to CHI about 6:30 pm.
Jim & I had been assigned room 3 from LAX to ABQ and room 7 from ABQ to CHI. After explaining this to our SCA, Lorna, she allowed us to remain in room 3 thru out the trip.
After we ate, we decided to do a 2x point run to VNC and back. Instead of carrying the bags on the train (and not paying the $4 per bag for day checking them), we checked them to VNC. Upon our arrival, because we had over 1 hour to wait, we checked them to LAX. At LAX, we did not retrieve the bags until shortly before 4 departed. Thus we did not have to deal with the bags during the layover or pay to day check them!
During the afternoon, things went really downhill. Eric arrived by bus from LV!
We all boarded 4 to CHI about 6:30 pm.
Jim & I had been assigned room 3 from LAX to ABQ and room 7 from ABQ to CHI. After explaining this to our SCA, Lorna, she allowed us to remain in room 3 thru out the trip.
10/4/12
Because our new room on 48 was available in SYR, we were allowed to switch early.
Our arrival into NYP was a little late, but spending time in the CA made up for it!
The departure was something else. Due to signal problems in NJ, the Regional departed about 30 minutes late. I was hoping not too late to PHL to make the last train out to the airport and hotel.
We made the SEPTA train with about 15 minutes to spare!
Our arrival into NYP was a little late, but spending time in the CA made up for it!
The departure was something else. Due to signal problems in NJ, the Regional departed about 30 minutes late. I was hoping not too late to PHL to make the last train out to the airport and hotel.
We made the SEPTA train with about 15 minutes to spare!
9/30/12
At SAS, as usual, 421 is combined with 1 for the trip west. Jim & I had a Roomette on 421 to ELP and then a Roomette on 1 from ELP to LAX. We had hoped to switch rooms during the day prior to ELP. Jim talked to the Conductor and SCA in SAS. They informed him that our room on 1 was not sold, and that we could occupy it right out of SAS!
Thus, Jim woke me up about midnight after the 2 were connected. (Either I was very tired or they were gentle, because I didn't feel a thing during the switching.)
The main thing about switching early is that the 421 sleeper is the last car on the train, and the Dining Car and sleepers from 1 are at the front of the train.
Just past the ELP station, #1 passes within 30 feet of the Mexican border.
Desert scenery in NM, AZ and CA - enough said!
Thus, Jim woke me up about midnight after the 2 were connected. (Either I was very tired or they were gentle, because I didn't feel a thing during the switching.)
The main thing about switching early is that the 421 sleeper is the last car on the train, and the Dining Car and sleepers from 1 are at the front of the train.
Just past the ELP station, #1 passes within 30 feet of the Mexican border.
Desert scenery in NM, AZ and CA - enough said!
9/29/12
The morning got somewhat "exciting"! There was a medical emergency on the train. (Possible stress or heart problem - I never heard.) 421 met the EMTs at a grade crossing (a dirt road) out in the middle of nowhere.
The EMTs first stabilized the passenger before taking her to the ambulance. As I was in the Dining Car on the side where the ambulance was, I saw the woman was alert when put into the ambulance!
This (necessary) delay put 421 back about 1 hour. This occurred prior to Longview, but due to padding and being given green signals, 421 pulled into FTW right on time!
Then it went downhill when we stopped in AUS. Jim Hudson got on board for the remainder of the trip!
The EMTs first stabilized the passenger before taking her to the ambulance. As I was in the Dining Car on the side where the ambulance was, I saw the woman was alert when put into the ambulance!
This (necessary) delay put 421 back about 1 hour. This occurred prior to Longview, but due to padding and being given green signals, 421 pulled into FTW right on time!
Then it went downhill when we stopped in AUS. Jim Hudson got on board for the remainder of the trip!
9/28/12
49 was almost on time arriving CHI, not late enough to even mention. I then went to the Metropolitan Lounge to check in and stash my bags. Then I walked over to CVS to pick up some items I forgot to pack.
Upon my return, I grabbed a drink and enjoyed a few hours of rest before the departure of the TE/SL 421.
I enjoyed my final night alone!
Upon my return, I grabbed a drink and enjoyed a few hours of rest before the departure of the TE/SL 421.
I enjoyed my final night alone!
9/27/12
Finally back on the rails again! I planned to go from KIN to CHI via BOS, however due to track work between BOS and ALB I would be bustituted. I instead went via NYP. I figured 2 hours in the Club Acela was better than 3 hours in a bus on the Mass Turnpike and the NY Thruway. Growing up in that area, I have seen both too many times to count!
As an added bonus of taking 49 out of NYP, I got to enjoy Dining Car 8400 sooner. And because I had the H-Room in Car 4911, 8400 was less than 10 feet from my door!
8400 is a beautiful car - I wish all Dining Cars were that nice!
As an added bonus of taking 49 out of NYP, I got to enjoy Dining Car 8400 sooner. And because I had the H-Room in Car 4911, 8400 was less than 10 feet from my door!
8400 is a beautiful car - I wish all Dining Cars were that nice!
Thursday, August 16, 2012
Saturday, May 19, 2012
5/17/12
Final day of the trip! After a light breakfast, we caught the hotel shuttle to the station for #682 to BON and then the Orange/Red Line shuffle to BOS. I caught #173 - which was boarding when we got there! Jim was catching #449 to CHI and went to the CA to wait. I arrive at KIN at 12:16 pm. Now I must wait for the next trip! (PHL again?)
5/16/12
Stopped at KIN in the HEAVY fog, but we continued on to BBY. Then we did the Orange Line shuffle up to BON to continue to POR. Although it was my 1st trip to POR (not including the Gathering trip) staying in POR in over 30 years, due to fatigue and illness, Jim & I only walked 1 block from the hotel to have Chinese for lunch and McD's for dinner. Real Maine meals, huh?
5/15/12
Due to track work, #92 bypassed RGH and proceeded to Rocky Mt, where those going to/from RGH were bustituted. This resulted in a stop of about 30 minutes, due to our early arrival. Nice old station just remodeled. It also has an old heavyweight observation car on display! #92 then continued on it's way to WAS. The only incident was that a passenger got I'll (or something) just before ALX. It was my first time that I heard over the PA "If there's a doctor or nurse aboard, please report to the cafe car!" announcement. The train continued on to WAS, where it was met by Amtrak Police and EMS with a gurney! (I don't know what happened!) We waited in the CA for a few hours for the departure of #66 a out 10 pm. However, the Red Cap took us out to meet #66 upon it's arrival before 9 pm. Slept some in the great 2X1 BC seats, but the conductor announced every stop over the PA prior to NYP (@ 2am)! The new conductor thankfully kept quiet until arrival @ PVD about 7 am.
5/14/12
After a filling breakfast, we boarded Tri-Rail for the short trip down to FTL to catch #92 north. Here at FTL was (I think) the only real negative of the entire trip! At the station, Jim asked the baggage handler outside where do the sleepers stop. His answer (and it is a direct quote), "I can't tell you. I need to see your tickets before I answer, because you are not on my manifest!" 3 things are wrong with this!
#1) Why could he not tell us to wait? I know the Star only has 2 sleepers, and only the door between them is opened. All we requested was do we wait at the end of the platform, near the end or 1/4 of the way back.
#2) We did not want to check any baggage, so why did he need to see our tickets?
#3) He did not know our names (we never did show our tickets - even though he came find us again), so how was he so sure that we were not on HIS manifest?
(Yes, he will be reported!)
We boarded #92 (without his help we found THE open door - the station agent even announced over the PA where to wait and didn't even ask to see our tickets) and headed north again. I chose #92 in order to do the TPA dogleg for the 1st time.
Friday, May 18, 2012
5/13/12
We arrived to Orlando and said goodbye to Penny. Then Jim and I continued down the rails to FTL, where we caught a Tri-Rail train back north to Boca Raton. An overnight stay was made at the Embassy Suites.
5/12/12
We took #152 from BWI up to PHL for NTD and to see the AU gang. Since it was or will be covered by others, I will not describe it - except for 2 things. First, the AGR MasterCard fast line was a BIG improvent over past years! Our group of 17 were in line for 3 minutes - if that long! The other thing is that I hope everyone enjoyed seeing my "spare" east coast set of the Penthouse Suite cars that I brought down to PHL! (And you thought those old cars were regular PV!)
After a short rest, many of the AU gang took a short ride on the Keystone out and back to Paoli to earn some cheap 3X points. Thus the total AGR points earned for this day was 900 points!
Then on #97 for a "short" turn to FTL. I enjoyed the company of Jim, pennyk and the very own Anthony for dinner On 97! Anthony got off, but Penny, Jim and I continued down to FL. We had the pleasure of having Leo as our SCA. As mentioned by others, I can confirm that Leo is the best of the best!
5/11/12
I had arrived In ALX aboard #67 @ 7:47 am. Then it was a VERY short walk to the METRO station (right next door) for a ride on the METRO to my next train of the day. After one transfer, I arraived in Rockville, MD. (As a side note - it is humorous to me to take a subway/train to/from Rockville. My sister is the Postnaster of Rockville, RI - very small town without any trains. In fact it's so small that of you blink, you'll miss it!)
I then caught #30 for the short trip to WAS and to meet up with jimhudson, who would be my traveling companion for the next week. Jim was on #30, however unknown to me at the time he upgraded to a sleeper, and his Sprint phone did not connect in Rcckville. (My AT&5 phone did however work.) We connected on the platform @ WAS, and proceeded to the CA for the wait for the next segment of the trip.
We had a couple hours layover until #178 about 4 pm for the short haul up to BWI airport rail station. We stayed overnight @ Embassy Suites, which has pickup @ the train station (& the airport next door) - but also free booze for 2 hours at night and a full (real) cooked-to-order breakfast in the morning!
We stayed in the "Penthouse Suite" (what did you expect from me!) - the 8th floor of the 8 story indoor atrium!
The total AGR points earned today were 600 AGR points!
5/10/12
On the way to PHL the LONG way, I took #176 from KIN to BOS at 6:39 pm to return south on #67 @ 9:45 pm from BOS to ALX that evening. I had used 2 separate trains ticketed to get to BOS - and thus earned with the 3X points 600 AGR points! I then redeemed a 4K Northeast Region award to travel on #67.
Monday, January 16, 2012
1/16/12
Woke up about 2 AM by the announcement of the upcoming stop at NYP and the change in crews who would be checking ticket stubs after departure. This is done on every Regional, except 66/67! I would not like to be made to wake up at 3 AM to have my ticket stub checked!
I fell asleep prior to NYP, so I do not know if it was done. However it was not done in BC as far as I know!
One more thing about this conductor is that he sounded just like the one on the Surfliner when the AU gang returned to LAX during Gathering II, for those who remember who I mean! " Four seats, four seats, four seats, ..."!
I woke up about 6:45 AM, just as we prepared to stop at PVD! That meant I slept thru KIN! (How could that happen?)
I turned at BBY due to the short layover at BOS. (Get off one train and walk over to the other boarding and ready to depart!)
My impressions of #66 and the 2X1 BC are it's more comfortable for sleeping. However, due to the cafe counter being right behind BC separated by only a curtain and open throughout the trip, it may at times be noisy! Personally, I may prefer the Quiet Car in coach - the car right behind! Although it is an Amfleet I, it is quiet (no cell phones allowed) and no loud talking from the cafe behind the curtain.
The return trip on #95 from BBY was a normal Regional ride.
I fell asleep prior to NYP, so I do not know if it was done. However it was not done in BC as far as I know!
One more thing about this conductor is that he sounded just like the one on the Surfliner when the AU gang returned to LAX during Gathering II, for those who remember who I mean! " Four seats, four seats, four seats, ..."!
I woke up about 6:45 AM, just as we prepared to stop at PVD! That meant I slept thru KIN! (How could that happen?)
I turned at BBY due to the short layover at BOS. (Get off one train and walk over to the other boarding and ready to depart!)
My impressions of #66 and the 2X1 BC are it's more comfortable for sleeping. However, due to the cafe counter being right behind BC separated by only a curtain and open throughout the trip, it may at times be noisy! Personally, I may prefer the Quiet Car in coach - the car right behind! Although it is an Amfleet I, it is quiet (no cell phones allowed) and no loud talking from the cafe behind the curtain.
The return trip on #95 from BBY was a normal Regional ride.
1/15/12
Awoke "on time" at 6 AM (both me via cell alarm and #92) around Rockingham, NC. We remained on time until just before RVR. We lost time due to freight traffic and the need to get around some of the traffic by running thru the yard at the yard speed limit - 5 MPH!
This caused us to lose some time, but under 30 minutes. However, due to all stations north of RVR being "D" stations, arrival at WAS was only 14 minutes late.
At WAS, I went to the CA to charge my phone and to wait for the 10 PM departure of #66. I wanted to experience the ex-Metroliner Club with 2X1 BC seating before they disappear for good.
Had dinner in the food court of Union Station. Too cold to go out!
Boarded #66 from the CA (with a Red Cap ride) to BC. It was a ex-Metroliner BC/cafe with 18 BC seats. Departed WAS on time with 8 occupied!
Announcements were made for station stops, which is surprising. My other trips on 66/67 did not have any!
More to follow.
This caused us to lose some time, but under 30 minutes. However, due to all stations north of RVR being "D" stations, arrival at WAS was only 14 minutes late.
At WAS, I went to the CA to charge my phone and to wait for the 10 PM departure of #66. I wanted to experience the ex-Metroliner Club with 2X1 BC seating before they disappear for good.
Had dinner in the food court of Union Station. Too cold to go out!
Boarded #66 from the CA (with a Red Cap ride) to BC. It was a ex-Metroliner BC/cafe with 18 BC seats. Departed WAS on time with 8 occupied!
Announcements were made for station stops, which is surprising. My other trips on 66/67 did not have any!
More to follow.
Sunday, January 15, 2012
1/14/12
Overslept due to cell running out of power. Awoke at 7:45 instead of 6! Went for breakfast - omlette, potatos and sausage.
After breakfast, joined others in group (Bill, Jishnu and Alan) for an AU group meeting in the H-Room!
Due to 97 being late, it was decided to have lunch on the train. Thru texting, we discovered that 91 was even later, despite leaving NYP over 3 hours earlier.
After arriving at WPK about 1 PM, the gang had to wait about 1 hour for 91 to arrive, so we waited at the station. While waiting, 98 (northbound) arrived first!
When 91 finally arrived about 2:45, it was decided that we would take a boat tour at 3 PM. (This was perviously scheduled, but was cancelled due to the late trains!) Because we had 3 cars, we could make the 4 blocks to the dock!
We easily made it to the dock for the 3 PM tour. This was the 1st time I took this boat tour in 25-30 years or more! The ride was good, but not in 50 degree weather. (Our resident Floridian - Penny - had 2 shirts, a vest, a scarf, a coat, a hat and gloves and boots on. The "real" people - from the north - wore a thin coat or a sweater!)
After the ride, we drove back and spent a couple of hours at the Eola Wine Bar to "warm up"! Then we went the 1 block or so to the station. 4 of the AU gang were returning north that night on #92. (Except for the 3 Floridians, the other "northerners" were spending another day or more in FL.)
#92 arrived on time, and my day in FL was over! I traveled both directions on the Silvers in the H-room. (They are the biggest room on the Viewliners, and for AGR awards are the same "cost" as a roomette if you qualify!)
Dinner was Salmon, rice and the cheesecake.
More to follow.
After breakfast, joined others in group (Bill, Jishnu and Alan) for an AU group meeting in the H-Room!
Due to 97 being late, it was decided to have lunch on the train. Thru texting, we discovered that 91 was even later, despite leaving NYP over 3 hours earlier.
After arriving at WPK about 1 PM, the gang had to wait about 1 hour for 91 to arrive, so we waited at the station. While waiting, 98 (northbound) arrived first!
When 91 finally arrived about 2:45, it was decided that we would take a boat tour at 3 PM. (This was perviously scheduled, but was cancelled due to the late trains!) Because we had 3 cars, we could make the 4 blocks to the dock!
We easily made it to the dock for the 3 PM tour. This was the 1st time I took this boat tour in 25-30 years or more! The ride was good, but not in 50 degree weather. (Our resident Floridian - Penny - had 2 shirts, a vest, a scarf, a coat, a hat and gloves and boots on. The "real" people - from the north - wore a thin coat or a sweater!)
After the ride, we drove back and spent a couple of hours at the Eola Wine Bar to "warm up"! Then we went the 1 block or so to the station. 4 of the AU gang were returning north that night on #92. (Except for the 3 Floridians, the other "northerners" were spending another day or more in FL.)
#92 arrived on time, and my day in FL was over! I traveled both directions on the Silvers in the H-room. (They are the biggest room on the Viewliners, and for AGR awards are the same "cost" as a roomette if you qualify!)
Dinner was Salmon, rice and the cheesecake.
More to follow.
Friday, January 13, 2012
1/13/12
Finally after 7 months, I'm back on a train! "I'm headed to Florida to get some sand in my shoes ..."
Train #83 departed KIN on time at 10:37 AM. Arrival in NLC on time at 11:17 AM. So far so good.
Train #83 is still on time at STM. It looks to be an on time arrival into NYP!
Just crossed Hell's Gate Bridge at 1:35 PM. Wouldn't you know it - my power at my seat does not work and I need a charge!
Boarded 97 about 2:50, and THEN they realized the baggage car (on the rear) was off the platform and they could not load bags! So they had to move 97 up further on track 15!
Remaining on time or early thru PHL.
Dinner from before WIL to BAL. I had the steak - not flat iron but good enough. Desert was Florida Orange Cheesecake - kind of like an orange Popsicle. Saw Bill who boarded at BAL.
Arrived in WAS early. Must wait 30 minutes and switch locomotives.
Departed WAS and ALX on time.
More to follow!
Train #83 departed KIN on time at 10:37 AM. Arrival in NLC on time at 11:17 AM. So far so good.
Train #83 is still on time at STM. It looks to be an on time arrival into NYP!
Just crossed Hell's Gate Bridge at 1:35 PM. Wouldn't you know it - my power at my seat does not work and I need a charge!
Boarded 97 about 2:50, and THEN they realized the baggage car (on the rear) was off the platform and they could not load bags! So they had to move 97 up further on track 15!
Remaining on time or early thru PHL.
Dinner from before WIL to BAL. I had the steak - not flat iron but good enough. Desert was Florida Orange Cheesecake - kind of like an orange Popsicle. Saw Bill who boarded at BAL.
Arrived in WAS early. Must wait 30 minutes and switch locomotives.
Departed WAS and ALX on time.
More to follow!
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