Empire Builder to Lakeshore Limited (PDX, CHI, BUF, CHI, PDX)
Portland, Oregon (PDX) departure
Chicago, Illinois (CHI) transfer
Buffalo, New York (BUF) arrival
Business
Buffalo, New York (BUF) departure
Chicago, Illinois (CHI) transfer
Portland, Oregon (PDX) arrival
We arrived at the station and took care of the remaining ticket changes (this is a COMPLETE other story)
We left right on time at 4:45pm on the east bound #28. Got our cold dinners (these are served as no diner car is connected to the train until Spokane), Joleen had shrimp and I had steak. It was actually pretty good considering they where "cold" meals, literally. We also received our complimentary champaign and relaxed for a short time. At 5:07pm we arrived in Vancouver Washington and departed soon thereafter. After a few minutes Joleen and I took a stroll to the observation car to hang out and watch whatever movie they had coming on. So the new Herbie movie came on. We made good time but then a freight train delayed us a few minutes just before Bingen-White Salmon. The power also popped off and on three times while sitting there, so in the process the movie kept stopping. No worries from us as we where more than enjoying ourselves. Jollen was absolutely enthusiastic about the roomette, but demanded we get a bedroom next time. I don't blame her because the bedrooms are REALLY nice! We got into Bingen-White Salmon about 20 minutes late at 6:41pm.
Shortly after departing we arrived in Wishram (The Dalles) at 7:21pm. The engineer gave everyone a few minutes to grab a smoke break and upon completion we departed at 7:27pm. I'm sure at some point we'll gain some time. There is the hour wait at Spokane for the pending link up of these cars to the Seattle east bound cars to form the final Empire Builder for the remaining stretch of our trip to Chicago. Next stop is Pasco Washington (Kennewick, richland) at 8:57pm. From what I remember during Joleen and my trip to Sturgis/Rapid City South Dakota by car we came through Pasco and it seemed a nice small town. Hopefully we'll be able to see a little bit of something.
Around 8:05pm the later movie started; Batman Begins. It was a rather calming experience sitting in the observation car while moving along smoothly with just a few other people in the car at that time. I wondered how many people where on the train. I know the sleeping car was definately not full. I think there was about 3-4 other rooms occupied. I'm sure a decent bit more will become occupied. The coaches when we walked through had about 8ccupancy. I also assume that the ridership in these cars will increase. Just at the few stops so far a few people have started taking up more of coach.
Joleen and I got up rather early (8:00am) and caught the next station to enjoy some outside air. Then we took a few car trip up to the diner car to eat some breakfast. I wasn't sure what they where having these days for breakfast, but found out shortly. Joleen got the omelate and I got the scramble. The scramble was really good, it had sausage, gravy, egg, and more. Joleen's was good too, it even had "fake ham" in it so it's "vegetarian compatible".
The Empire Builder traveled on making good time since last night. They must have cut the Spokane station stop short to prevent further trip time loss. Now as I enter this section of my log it's 2:04pm and we're in Havre, again about an hour late. Not too bad there are some points we can make up some time. In Havre they had a beautiful steam engine of the old Great Northern Railraod at the station. The engine was preserved fairly well too. At 2:05pm we departed with some gusto.
I must say at this point I much appreciate the BNSF and they're track sharing methods. They've only sidelined us one time since we've been on our way. They've had more than ample chance to slow down our route but they haven't, instead sidetracking several freights so we can zip by real quick. If the Union Pacific would do this they might actually have some more timely trains on the routes where the freights of the UP hog up the main line. Then of course I know they're just coming out of their issue with FRA retirement rules and them losing a large part of their engineers to retirement at an unseemly time.
Around 3:00pm we where called to the diner for some wine and cheese tasting. This was Joleen and my first wine and cheese tasting. We love cheese but aren't really that interested in wine. But it was a blast. We sat with the same couple that we sat with at Breakfast. I must say, it was a blast. We might have to do this again, not just on the train. Another facet of this trip, definately without doubt this is a must do again trip, even if not for work. I'm hoping that I have weekends to travel to and fro' Buffalo for this project as it would work out great! Another thing I was thinking was about setting up trips for people and doing some of my own publicity on this. I seriously think people could and WOULD enjoy doing this. There is no comparison in any other form of transit. It's relaxing, laid back, and gives a business person ample time to knock out some weekend work. I don't know, we'll see how it goes.
At 4:22pm we stopped in Glasgow (Mountain Time). Just a few more hours and we'll be in central time zone.
At 7:00pm we have reservations for dinner. There is the option of having it delivered to our roomette or going to the diner. We've opted to head to the diner, as it is a nice view and nice to just be out of the room a while.
Well the Emprie Builder got in on time, actually about 10 minutes early at 3:30pm but it still just counts as on time.
Joleen and I decided we'd venture out and find the train out to where the original Uno Pizzeria is. We trekked out and started to get on the elevated rail line, but realized that we needed to get on the red line subway. We walked down a few blocks thinking we might even just walk out to Ohio and Wabash. Well after a few blocks we decided we where going to hit the red line anyway. We fumbled around with the CTA Machines for some ticket cards and finally got it figured out. $1.75 each way, not bad at all. We boarded and deboarded about 1 block away from Uno Pizzeria. Walked down and over to Wabash and Ohio and saw the crowd of people waiting. To our non-sports watching selves we came to the conclusion that the Bears game was letting out. Well we went across the street to the second Uno Pizzeria called Due Pizzeria. Cute eh, Due and in two. We flew in there and where seated right away. We got our order in and ate a great thick crust pizza pie.
After eating and heading out at around 5:30 we boarded the red line for the trip back. Deboarded at the appropriate stop, swung down a block to Adams street and headed to the Union Station.
We got back and headed to the Metropolitan Lounge. We plunked down in some comfy chairs and I headed to walk around the station for a bit. I wanted to check out the main hall of the Union Station.
I walked into the Union Station Main Hall and WWWOOOOOOWWWW what a main hall it is. This is what true, privatized, powerful, people serving, reliable trian service can build. This station as in the true fashion of the gilded age was AMAZING! Of course us being here a bit later in the evening on a Sunday there where not that many people here. On our trip back though it should be interesting as there will be the Friday crowds herding in and out of the station. I kind of look forward to seeing the station in all it's glory with throngs of people all over the place!
Right now it is 7:32pm and I'm not sure where our train is. It hasn't arrived even though we have a 7:55pm departure. My response can only be, "Who is John Galt?"
ARRRGH. They did announce that they have a problem with the road power, aka - the engine is broke or without power for some reason. They don't know anything about what is actually wrong but at least they provided the information.
Well hopefully it will get here soon so I'm not horrendously late Monday morning.
As I sit here a large mother stands with her child on her chest telling another older couple about a train adventure where the engine failed and they had to get the local freight (probably CSX) to push the train back into the station. Then they had to wait for the next road crew to get ferried to the trian to switch crews.
8:49pm we're on our way after departing at about 8:35pm. Not too badly delayed. So far we're on coach, a mistake I'm not making again. We're surrounded by a cell phone talking girl in front, a wierd quacker couple next to us with a woman that looks horrifically depressed, and a guy that just looks pissed at the world as he probably beats his wife cuz she's nice, and behind us, well fortunately they haven't made a peep.
The quacker couple, when the car attendant was bringing pillows ran out and only gave them one. The guy immediately took the pillow and stuck it behind his head. Wow, she asked kindly if she could get one too but didn't get much of a response. Wow, not to be nosy but that is rather disgusting for a "religious" person of that type. Ow well, what can I do, what would I want to do about such behavior.
Anyway, we're on the way, and at that I leave the travel log at that, with the dinner and food call, the only call being made tonight.
Sleeping in coach on this particular train was horrible. In the car we where on it was way to hot (80 degrees), then they turned off the heat and it got down to about 60 degrees, then finally about 3:00am turned the heat back on. We got a "little" bit of sleep. Maybe a total of 2-4 hours. Other problems abounded including non-working toilets on our car, the other toilets on the next two cars where nasty and desecrated. I couldn't believe we went from the wonderful Empire Builder to this joke of a trian.
Eventually we arrived in Buffalo at about 9:00am, about 2 hours later than our estimated time of arrival. Fortunately I had planned for this and just called in a stated I'd be in at noon for the remainder of the meeting for the week. At that I leave the log and will continue on the west bound train. I have my fingers crossed that I can get a sleeper on the way back. I'm also going to attempt to an east bound train that will meet closer in time to the west bound train just for kicks.
I must mention even with the nasty trip from Chicago (CHI) to Buffalo/Depew (BUF) the Sleeping Car Attendant Dennis Byrne was EXCELLENT. Very interesting and entertaining car attendant. We hope to have a person that is interesting like him, or we'd be perfectly happy to have him on the next trip! That would be rather entertaining!
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Work Week - Meetings went well. Explored about 2
blocks of Buffalo as it was freezing! But more about
that later.
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On with the return trip. It's 12:11am at the Buffalo-Depew Station and obviously the train is late. Usually it would arrive at 11:47pm, and depart at 11:55pm, but tonight it's run into some problems along the way. I'm hoping we don't get the same broke train as we did on the way over. But I'm not that worried because we do have a sleeper for this route. On another point the online reservation still shows up all whacky and I haven't been able to log in to view my miles. I digress. I'm curious to see what our sleeper is like as I don't remember a thing about viewliner cars. As long as we get a few winks between here and Chicago that will be a very good thing. I'm thinking with the oncoming snow storm and the delay as it stands, we might be even later and in a small hurry to board the Empire Builer if we get slowed anymore.
While here at the station we met some great NHRA members carrying on about their careers in the rail industry and other tidbits of this and that rail history and folklore. We spoke some about the magnificient, awe inspiring rail station that was built in the 20's but is currently not used. It still stands strong against the world, amid the horrid subsidized crap that exists today. If all the system where de-subsidized people would probably find prize and value in such a wonderful building even today. As it stands there alone and passed over, only a small minority of people admire it. Some for good reason, noble, some for self serving reasons. That small minority tries ever so hard to keep and maintain these types of amazing structures. But alas the same people trying to save it are many times the same people who are and did destroy it originally (politicians, specifically business destroying socialist politicians)
Well, I'll wait more and write later. Till then...
Well, the trip has not moved ahead very well at all. Truly, Who is John Galt! It's a disgusting feeling to sit here, know what is wrong, to feel the small part of humanit suffering because of this socialist manipulation and terror committed on the American Population. The rail systems need freed again. The subsidies for road, rail, and air need removed 100 They've basically destroyed any semblance of rail travel. The irony is I write this while viewing a grand dark a light blue schemed New York Central Passenger Train on display at a rail museum somewhere in Indiana where we sit, stopped at I believe to be Gary or South Bend. I'm not really sure. The New York Central Train ran on time, it was expected to, it had to, it needed to for the pure reason of perfection. It made money, as a privately owned railroad. It suffered when the Government started regulating and manipulating it even more and more and more. It suffered when there was a mismanaged merger. Then it all died, and Amtrak tried, failed, and failed, and failed to provide adequate service. The airlines stepped in, and performed the needed function, business continued.
It's all rather absurd.
Needless to say, as I rant on, we're really late. To write that we are really late is rather inadequate, lacking, and just misdirected. What we are is vulgarly late. Late to a point that we're sitting here at 2:32pm in Inidiana. Our Empire Builder leaves at 2:15pm. I'm sorry, LEFT at 2:15pm from Chicago. So now we're screwed. Amtrak now owes us either a flight to PDX from Chicago, or we'll have to catch tomorrow's Empire Builder. Neither option is acceptable, neither option is wanted. What was wanted was to meet the Empire Builder and take it, TODAY. Alas I digress. Who is John Galt? Fortunatley I know, and oddly enough I haven't gone on strike yet. I really honestly feel I should start a strike of the productive class, the entrepenuers, the thinkers, we all should just quite and let the Feds and Unions, and all those leaches see how it goes.
Effectively because of how late this train is, Amtrak will lose about $800.00 per person on this train because of altered plans now. Many will have to ride another train that might not have room for them, they might have to reschedule people on flights, and even get busses to take us the rest of the way to Chicago. Either which way, I can see why Amtrak is failing miserably. This is uterly disgusting. But so expected according to how the world works. It's sad, America, the once might, is now so God Damned pathetic. It makes me sick, sad, and disgusted. I'll be repeating that mantra for quit some time now. All I wanted was a good trip back to Portland, a good trip for jo, a good trip for me. Now I sit here depressed. Where am I supposed to go, what am I supposed to do. Not today, but tomorrow, and the day after. What is someone like me supposed to do about this? Am I supposed to just suffer through this inferiority, is there anything that I can do? I WANT to do something, I want to fix it all, but sadly I know I cannot at this junture. The politics, the stupidity, the lack of knowledge and insecurity of the poor, they've all just sat there and are watching it die, and bickering about ways to make it die slower. The passenger rail, and slowly and steadily the greatness that America once was.
Another really screwed up thing is that the crew, the passengers, basically everyone has no idea why we're late, the history of this situation, and none have any idea how to fix it. It's scary, all of these people vote. They are the ones that got the Government to take over the rail service. They are the reason it is late. They are the reason it is not run well. The Government cannot run something like this well, they'll never run it as well as it can be, even if they dumped 20 billion a year into it like Europe. Europe's isn't even that great. It's controlled at the whims of Unions, recently just shutting down in one area for several days. Completely cutting off an entire population. The same thing happened in Boston. The damned Union shut down the service over a few bucks, maybe amounting to some pathetic wages. News quote you greedy bastards, THE FARE BOX DOESN'T EVEN PAY FOR YOUR PROFESSION TO EXIST ANYMORE!!!! Public transit doesn't pay for itself ANYWHERE in America anymore. Passenger rail doens't either, mainly because the feds pay for about half the cost of air and road transit. How the hell is it supposed to make money?!?!?!
I'm done typing, I'm pissed now.
Ok, Saturday. After a good night sleep and grabbing a morning coffee Joleen and I headed downstairs in the Hyatt Regency we stayed the night at and began waiting for the bus that would return us to the downtown Union Station. It arrived at 11:00am and we boarded and began our downtown Chicago trip. It is kind of cool that we got to really get to see some of Chicago! We arrived back at the station, got checked back in, got our tickets fixed, upgraded to a sleeper bedroom instead of a roomette, and entered the first class passenger lounge to await train 27 boarding. We where both much more relaxed and I was no where near aggravated or ticked off now. It's amazing how much nicer one feels if there are plans already, and reservations on the train we needed to be on. If they had given us the reservations the night before instead of just shuffling us off to the hotel 20 miles away at the airport I wouldn't have been so perturbed yesterday. But I digress, we where set at this point.
We put our bags in the holding area and headed to the deli/resturant bar in the station. The Metro Lounge/Bar is located right inside the south eastern corner of the main hall. Once again I must say, WOW, to think the railroads built this station back in the day, it's impressive, very very impressive. I will have to do some research in regards to the station a little later in the coming days and learn the whole history of the station.
We ate, Joleen had a smoke (inside), which was really cool (even though I don't smoke - it's important to me that people are free to let people do this in THEIR establishment and not be dictated by the state what to do on THEIR property.) She also got a vodka and cran with lemon, and I ordered a bloody mary, extra spicy! The girl at the counter was rather embarrassed when several of her bar patrons spouted out that I'd have one of the best bloody mary's even because of her. I retorted with a cheerful, "Well then, I'm looking forward to it!" We ate, enjoyed our alcohol, her cigerette, and headed back to the first class lounge. Grabbed a seat and I finished up some work while we waited.
During the day I spoke to several other passengers and of course as always, they had great things to say about rail travel, and some nice and mean things to say about Amtrak. Namely it would be amazingly awesome if more than just 50% of the trians where on time. But that is as noted above in this travel log another whole sore point.
After waiting until boarding time we see the Empire Builder is delayed departing because they're waiting for the crew from another train to board this train. We go ahead and board about 1:55pm, and happily jump into our new bedroom that we'll have for the trip. The car attendant also cheerfully swings in to fix our stuff up since it wasn't ready (he didn't have it ready since no one had reserved it until we did just before we boarded). He quickly got us all stocked up and we had a great introduction and conversation for a few minutes about our train riding. After he departed we sat and waited there on the train in the station for a little while longer, and finally got rolling about 2:45pm
It is not 5:45pm, we took a detour around Milwaukee today, as there is bridge work going on between Chicago and Milwaukee. We're now just north I believe of Milwaukee. This detour that we're on I'm going to have to check out sometime as it is interesting to know, we can take a bypass north here but we couldn't when there was the derailment yesterday. I'd pay good money for a ticket on privatized rail where they had some type of vested interest in actually getting you to your destination, like actually making some bloody money! It's always a great motivator!
Anyway, at this point I can't really complain, getting work done, playing sim city 4, working on the travel log, and a few other things here and there. I should have the work done that I plan on having done by the time we get back to Portland, and hopefully I can just jump of in PDX and head straight to work and get the tasks I have needing done knocked out ASAP. Well, we shall see, as I belive at last review we where about 1 hour late. It's entirely possible we make that up enroute though. The other trains for the last few days have been on time, early, or within a few minutes of arrival time.
9:24am Sunday the 11th of December, 2005. We're just pulling into Devils Lake North Dakota. Original arrival time was 6:25am. We stop here at 9:27am. Just a little time is needed to make up! Needless to say I'm enjoying myself this stretch of the trip, it's a lot more relaxing than the other since all of that mess occurred.
Pulled out of the Devils Lake Station at 9:30am on the dot. Pleasant looking little town. Probably the same problem as most little towns though, they've lost most of their business and everyone ran to a suburb. But then of course, who knows?!
Departing Rugby North Dakota at 10:22am original arrival time was 7:19am. Well, the Empire Builder does good making time once it gets out of Chicago. If it weren't for the "go - round" around Miwaukee we would be right on time.
6:20pm. Joleen and I did the wine tasting again. Our car attendant Larry Ray was in there assisting with the wine tasting. We met a Canadian lady who was coming all the way from Montreal! She was great, not-pro-union, not anti-union, not pro Wal-Mart and not anti, a teacher and now retired, she was by far a very smart person. She's traveling all the way to Seattle and then grabbing the Amtrak bus up to Vancouver.
So far we're still about the same amount of time late. A little ahead, maybe 15 minutes ahead of what we where. We'll see tomorrow if we have gained any time at Spokane. That is a good spot for them to gain about 20-30 minutes since it is usually about an hour and five minute time point.
Well, we'll be off shortly to dinner, so we'll see how much time we gain.
As on the trip out on the Empire Builder the westward trip has also been great, Larry our Car Attendant has been awesome, and the other staff have been great too. This trip is definately worth taking even if we just go somewhere to spend the night & then come back the next day!!
Monday morning 9:20am. I sit in the lounge right now somewhere between Pasco Washington and Portland Oregon. We're down to about 2 hours and some odd minutes late. Major improvement compared to how behind we where. Joleen and I got to see some sights last night that are only possible on the train. The winding tracks and the engine out ahead of us all the way around a turn. The mountains, lights, and darkness. We also saw the BNSF steel colored passenger cars sitting at idle with an engine.
We made really good time enroute. Stopped at Wishram, and the stops accordingly along the way. We pulled into Vancouver and I found it rather interesting that the station is right smack in the wye between the north bound and west bound tracks. So the Empire Builder stops on the west bound tracks, while the north and south Coast Starlight and Cascade Trains stop on the north south. I had always kind of wondered where the Empire Builder takes the turn as I did not recall.
Well we arrived at 12:03pm. This is really good being we made up an entire hour enroute after that silly Milwaukee delay. We met my mother and brother at the train station. Stood around a bit, and then departed via the street car to the apartment.