After 6 months of basically leaving the Apartment just to pick up needed Supplies, today Wed 9/23, I booked a RT Value ticket ( $15/ Double Day Points)on #22-#21-#421from Austin to Temple, my favorite Day trip spot in Texas.
I boarded #22 only a few minutes Late in Austin, along with about 10 other folks, all wearing Masks and Social Distanced.
The consist was the usual #22 one with a P-42, Transdorm, Revenue Sleeper, CCC/Sleeper Lounge, Sightseer Lounge and 3 Coaches, with the 3rd One Closed off.
The Diner/ Lounge was already finished with Breakfast( usually Last Call is in Austin).The Cafe was closed for the LSAs meal break.
We ran into a couple of 5-10 minute delays due to UP Freights, which is common on this route.
Arrived into Taylor about 30 minutes down where 6 people boarded into Coach.
I walked the Train and found that there were 54 people aboard, including 12 in the Sleeper.I didnt know any of the OBS, but both Conductors were Old Timers and Friends.
For the first time in many years of riding this route, there were wasnt anyone heading to Chicago, with St. Louis being the farthest destination on the train out of Taylor.
There was plenty of Social Distancing in the Coaches and everyone had on face coverings!
In the Sightseer Lounge the Downstairs tables were Closed, all purchases had to be brought Upstairs or taken to your seat.
Upon arrival, only 22 minutes down, I noticed that the New Platform, Fencing and Construction around the Station was FINALLY Finished after several years of a mess around this Jewel of an ex-Santa Fe Station.
4 peoplr boarded in Coach in Temple, and the Baggage, as is usual now, was loaded/unloaded in the Coach/Bag Car.
I told the ex- Agent Charity, now one of the Route Mansgement hello, and and one of the Austin agents was on duty, which is usual when the regulars arent on duty.
I then headed off for Lunch @ one of my favorite Mom and Pops, the Bird Creek Burger Company a few blocks from the Station.
(to be contd/ sorry no pics)
I boarded #22 only a few minutes Late in Austin, along with about 10 other folks, all wearing Masks and Social Distanced.
The consist was the usual #22 one with a P-42, Transdorm, Revenue Sleeper, CCC/Sleeper Lounge, Sightseer Lounge and 3 Coaches, with the 3rd One Closed off.
The Diner/ Lounge was already finished with Breakfast( usually Last Call is in Austin).The Cafe was closed for the LSAs meal break.
We ran into a couple of 5-10 minute delays due to UP Freights, which is common on this route.
Arrived into Taylor about 30 minutes down where 6 people boarded into Coach.
I walked the Train and found that there were 54 people aboard, including 12 in the Sleeper.I didnt know any of the OBS, but both Conductors were Old Timers and Friends.
For the first time in many years of riding this route, there were wasnt anyone heading to Chicago, with St. Louis being the farthest destination on the train out of Taylor.
There was plenty of Social Distancing in the Coaches and everyone had on face coverings!
In the Sightseer Lounge the Downstairs tables were Closed, all purchases had to be brought Upstairs or taken to your seat.
Upon arrival, only 22 minutes down, I noticed that the New Platform, Fencing and Construction around the Station was FINALLY Finished after several years of a mess around this Jewel of an ex-Santa Fe Station.
4 peoplr boarded in Coach in Temple, and the Baggage, as is usual now, was loaded/unloaded in the Coach/Bag Car.
I told the ex- Agent Charity, now one of the Route Mansgement hello, and and one of the Austin agents was on duty, which is usual when the regulars arent on duty.
I then headed off for Lunch @ one of my favorite Mom and Pops, the Bird Creek Burger Company a few blocks from the Station.
(to be contd/ sorry no pics)
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