Last Saturday I took train 302 from STL to Chicago and transferred to train 27 to MSP. 302 was half an hour late departing because it had been late arriving the previous evening and the crew "needed their rest." Lots of people waiting and inconvenienced by this. By my observation of quarter-mile posts I ascertained that the train never exceeded 79 mph much less 110. What a disappointment for a lot of money spent! Of course the train grew later and later til we arrived in CHI a little over an hour late. This put my anticipated lunch at Pierogi Heaven in jeopardy, but I took my chances and hustled over there and got my food to go. I was surprised that everything was served off a steam table but it was quick. I barely made it back to Union Station in time for boarding. Of course I was instructed to sit in a particular car - this was an 11 car train. Deborah was a very active and personable coach attendant. She said she'd been working this route for 15 years and had only 18 trips more until retirement about which she was very excited. She handled all the unexpected situations presented to her with aplomb. We arrived MSP on time; downtown St. Paul and Minneapolis were very very busy even for a Saturday night with an art event called Northern Sparks I believe. I enjoyed my train ride for the most part and visiting these 2 cities again.
PS: My return on Thursday on United Airline (ugh!) was fubar-ed which I did not know until I arrived at checkin at the airport. Checkin the previous day had no warning. Fortunately it was no problem for me to stay another day so I did not have to spend the night at ORD where I was transferring to the cancelled leg of the trip. :giggle:
PS: My return on Thursday on United Airline (ugh!) was fubar-ed which I did not know until I arrived at checkin at the airport. Checkin the previous day had no warning. Fortunately it was no problem for me to stay another day so I did not have to spend the night at ORD where I was transferring to the cancelled leg of the trip. :giggle:
