77 replies to this topic

[PRR 60]

Just curious, how was the phone service in Canada? I have an iPhone and plan on purchasing an international calling card when I get to Toronto.

The big issue with iPhone outside the US is data. If you want to use things like e-mail, apps, or even just Google maps on the 3G system, then you should buy an international data plan. Otherwise, be sure that all your data-stuff, including e-mail fetching and push notifications, is turned off for 3G and only used when you have W-Fi access.

Earlier this year I was in Europe for a week. I purchased a 100MB international data plan from AT&T for $120 (price is now $50 for 125MB). I used 85MB in 7 days (being careful to not downloads videos and other data-rich stuff, and using Wi-Fi where I could). Had I used that same data on pay-as-you-go roaming, it would have cost about $1400. That would have been a rude wake-up call when the AT&T bill arrived.

[jis]

Just curious, how was the phone service in Canada? I have an iPhone and plan on purchasing an international calling card when I get to Toronto.

The big issue with iPhone outside the US is data. If you want to use things like e-mail, apps, or even just Google maps on the 3G system, then you should buy an international data plan. Otherwise, be sure that all your data-stuff, including e-mail fetching and push notifications, is turned off for 3G and only used when you have W-Fi access.

Earlier this year I was in Europe for a week. I purchased a 100MB international data plan from AT&T for $120 (price is now $50 for 125MB). I used 85MB in 7 days (being careful to not downloads videos and other data-rich stuff, and using Wi-Fi where I could). Had I used that same data on pay-as-you-go roaming, it would have cost about $1400. That would have been a rude wake-up call when the AT&T bill arrived.

Yep. And the other advantage of buying a international roaming data plan is that even the overage gets charged at a relatively modest rate per additional 10M blocks as I recall. Which reminds me, I better up my international roaming data plan for 3 weeks stay in India

[pennyk]

In CHI metro lounge and Wi-Fi is working. it is pretty quiet. The CZ and SWC have already arrived and I think the Empire Builder is arriving now. As always, it is way too warm in here and i have removed 4 of the layers I wore for my walk to Whole Foods. I will be boarding the CL in about a half hour,

[jimhudson]

In CHI metro lounge and Wi-Fi is working. it is pretty quiet. The CZ and SWC have already arrived and I think the Empire Builder is arriving now. As always, it is way too warm in here and i have removed 4 of the layers I wore for my walk to Whole Foods. I will be boarding the CL in about a half hour,

Glad you made it on time Penny! #6 had been really late the past week or so! Have enjoyed the up-dates re your fellow pax/the snow/scenery etc. Nice pics! Hope the Cap has a Good Sleeper, Good OBS and runs On Time! Enjoy the Diner, hope there's something you can eat, bet youre ready to be back in Orlando, its 40s and cloudy/drizzly here! Know the trip has been Loooooong but still Memory Book stuff! All aboard! Jim

Edited by jimhudson, 11 December 2011 - 06:08 PM.

[pennyk]

On CL now, still in station. I'm in a Superliner II, room B, with the couch facing forward, for the 3rd time this trip!!

[pennyk]

One additional comment about the CZ - on my first trip (westbound in 2010), our train was "mooned" by people canoing on the Colorado River. Since the river is almost frozen, that would be very cold. Yesterday, right after our train emerged from the Moffat tunnel, we were mooned by some men who had stopped by the side of the road. Everyone in the lounge car was amused!


As a current note, I am on the CL now and we are running over an hour late and we are still in Indiana. I hope we will not have a bustitution.

[manchacrr]

Just curious, how was the phone service in Canada? I have an iPhone and plan on purchasing an international calling card when I get to Toronto.

The big issue with iPhone outside the US is data. If you want to use things like e-mail, apps, or even just Google maps on the 3G system, then you should buy an international data plan. Otherwise, be sure that all your data-stuff, including e-mail fetching and push notifications, is turned off for 3G and only used when you have W-Fi access.

Earlier this year I was in Europe for a week. I purchased a 100MB international data plan from AT&T for $120 (price is now $50 for 125MB). I used 85MB in 7 days (being careful to not downloads videos and other data-rich stuff, and using Wi-Fi where I could). Had I used that same data on pay-as-you-go roaming, it would have cost about $1400. That would have been a rude wake-up call when the AT&T bill arrived.

Yep. And the other advantage of buying a international roaming data plan is that even the overage gets charged at a relatively modest rate per additional 10M blocks as I recall. Which reminds me, I better up my international roaming data plan for 3 weeks stay in India

Thanks for the information.

[AmtrakBlue]

I just went outdoors for a few minutes when it was 6 below F. I did not last long even though I was wearing long underwear, jeans, t shirt, turtleneck, sweater, down vest, wool peacoat, wool scarf, glove liners, mittens and lined hat with ear flaps. I also was wearing wool socks and boots and had hand warmers in my pockets . Everything was fine except for my face.

We still have about another hour + here, so i might try again and cover my face with my scarf.

Anything below, say 20 F, and the only skin you can see on me is around my eyes...if I don't have sunglasses on.
I live in Delaware, so I am "used to" the cold...as long as I dress for it. And I do wear the layers like you posted.

[Devil's Advocate]

One additional comment about the CZ - on my first trip (westbound in 2010), our train was "mooned" by people canoing on the Colorado River. Since the river is almost frozen, that would be very cold. Yesterday, right after our train emerged from the Moffat tunnel, we were mooned by some men who had stopped by the side of the road. Everyone in the lounge car was amused!

Down here in Texas "mooning" can be charged as indecent exposure and can provide you with a lifetime membership to the sex offender registry. Or at least that's what I've read.

[pennyk]

I arrived in WAS a couple of hours late on the CL.

My sister, who lives in Maryland, took MARC and met me at Union Station. We were on our way to walk around outside when we ran into none other than our Anthony - just hanging out in front of Barnes and Noble. What a treat and what a surprise!

I am waiting to board the Silver Meteor, the last train of this epic trip. It will be very strange returning home to 70°+ temperatures.

[pennyk]

I am on the Silver Meteor, still sitting in WAS. There was a bad axle in the 9710 car and the pax and car had to be removed. I am in 9711, which has 1 room available. Some pax went to 9712, others to coach.

[manchacrr]

On 12/2, very early in the morning, I made my way to NYP, by cab, to catch the Maple Leaf for Toronto. I was in BC and used a red cap so I could board early and get my choice of seats. I was on the left side in a single seat - and had a full window.

How early were you able to board with the red caps?

[pennyk]

On 12/2, very early in the morning, I made my way to NYP, by cab, to catch the Maple Leaf for Toronto. I was in BC and used a red cap so I could board early and get my choice of seats. I was on the left side in a single seat - and had a full window.

How early were you able to board with the red caps?

I was in the Acela Lounge (I am Select Plus) and i believe I boarded about 20 minutes early, I cannot remember - that was about 7 trains ago. I was the first to board and i think I got the best seat - which someone else took after customs in Niagara Falls.

[jis]

On 12/2, very early in the morning, I made my way to NYP, by cab, to catch the Maple Leaf for Toronto. I was in BC and used a red cap so I could board early and get my choice of seats. I was on the left side in a single seat - and had a full window.

How early were you able to board with the red caps?

I was in the Acela Lounge (I am Select Plus) and i believe I boarded about 20 minutes early, I cannot remember - that was about 7 trains ago. I was the first to board and i think I got the best seat - which someone else took after customs in Niagara Falls.

So is it fair to surmise that you are not still sitting in WAS and in fact are getting close to home by now?

[pennyk]

On 12/2, very early in the morning, I made my way to NYP, by cab, to catch the Maple Leaf for Toronto. I was in BC and used a red cap so I could board early and get my choice of seats. I was on the left side in a single seat - and had a full window.

How early were you able to board with the red caps?

I was in the Acela Lounge (I am Select Plus) and i believe I boarded about 20 minutes early, I cannot remember - that was about 7 trains ago. I was the first to board and i think I got the best seat - which someone else took after customs in Niagara Falls.

So is it fair to surmise that you are not still sitting in WAS and in fact are getting close to home by now?

I am in the Silver Meteor and we are moving at a rapid pace somewhere near the Georgia/Florida boarder. We made up a lot of time and we are down less than a half hour.

There were some unhappy pax who got on after WAS that were informed they had to travel in coach. One pax opted not to get on the train. The crew members had to give up their roomettes - I do not know where the slept. A feisty older woman, with whom I ate dinner last night, mentioned jokingly that she would not mind if one of the SCA's shared her room. Her sister, and roommate, did not like that idea.

[JoanieBlon]

Hi Penny ~ WOW! That was some ambitious trip! How many total miles were you on the train? I know that you were able to get bedroom F on the VIA train. Hope you liked the location by the shower and the fact that it's about 2 feet larger than other bedrooms. Thanks for the trip report. Are you still planning a get together in Orlando in January 2012? My husband and I live in Tampa, so I'm sure will head over for the event....

[pennyk]

Hi Penny ~ WOW! That was some ambitious trip! How many total miles were you on the train? I know that you were able to get bedroom F on the VIA train. Hope you liked the location by the shower and the fact that it's about 2 feet larger than other bedrooms. Thanks for the trip report. Are you still planning a get together in Orlando in January 2012? My husband and I live in Tampa, so I'm sure will head over for the event....

I loved bedroom F. There were 3 of us on the train that had F - the other 2 couples were seasoned VIA travelers and then there was me - an AU member with intelligence at my fingertips. Thanks again for the heads up. I look forward to meeting you and your husband next month. The mini gathering is Jan 14 (I think). I am still on the train with no calendar.

I have not added up the miles and kilometers yet - but will after I get home, unpack, do laundry and lose 5 pounds of desserts.

[the_traveler]

I have not added up the miles and kilometers yet

Admit it! You're just trying to beat some of my epic mile trips!

[pennyk]

I have not added up the miles and kilometers yet

Admit it! You're just trying to beat some of my epic mile trips!

Dave - that sounded like a challenge, so I just took some time out from opening my mail and added up the mileage:
6905 Amtrak miles and 4466 VIA kilometers (2775 miles) for a total of 9,680 miles. How does that compare with your epic mile trips? My guess is that you have me beat since I pretty much took direct routes, where you take the longest distance between 2 points.

[the_traveler]

Close, but no cigar! I usually try for at least 10K!

I've even have gone CHI-CHI on a return trip - via CVS, NOL and SAS! (I didn't have time to go to LAX on that RT!)

Edited by the_traveler, 13 December 2011 - 10:37 PM.