I awoke about 6:15 am as we were just arriving into TOL. #49 lost some time during the night and was now over 1 hour late. While the train was stopped, I walked to the Dining car (which was the next car) for breakfast. This also allowed me to "beat the rush" for breakfast.
Since breakfast is served on a "first come, first served" basis, early risers can usually be seated when they enter. Most passengers do not come to the Dining Car until after 7:30 am - and then a wait list is compiled, and you are called when a table is available.
#49 arrived into CHI about 10:15 am, just a little late due to the extra padding. We went to the Metropolitan Lounge to await our departure on #421. Since the temperature was 30°' a biting wind of 12 MPH, a wind chill below 20° and snowing, we decided to stay in. We ate lunch in the food court of Union Station.
#421 departed CHI on time. However, it took a different route to the first stop of Joliet. Jim said he thought part of that route is the route used by the City of New Orleans (CONO). Because I have not ridden the CONO, I must defer to Jim's knowledge of that portion of the route. Between Joliet and STL, we took the normal route.
We ate dinner before STL. The approach to STL was impressive, as always, with the skyline lit up. However, there was one disappointing feature. The Gateway Arch was not lit up!
There is a scheduled 40 minute stop in STL. Normally, I would take a "stretch break", but because it was 30° out and a long stop, I decided to stay aboard and take a shower while the train was standing still.
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