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Boarded the Lakeshore Limited in Springfield on 10/28/03. The W/B train had a completely different atmosphere from the E/B train. Staff was friendly and helpful, and passengers were interesting and sociable. Arrived on time at Chicago Union the next morning.
Waited about 6 hours in and out of the Metro Lounge in Chicago. Had an opportunity to watch Amtrak personnel deal with people. I must say that given the multitude of freaked out old folks and absolute panic about getting on their trains, the staff was patient and seemed to keep their sense of humor.
Boarded the Zephyr, W/B, about 30 minutes late. Was please to see the same sleeping car attendents that we had on the way out. Both were 30+ year men (Bob Heath and Dave Jeull) and worked their butts off the whole trip. There were many old folks with various disabilities requiring extra care and attention. These guys were terrific!
Left Denver about 1 1/2 hours behind schedule. Sitting in the dining car for lunch, when suddenly the train horn blew and we came to a sudden, jerky stop. Seems we hit a boulder that had just fallen on the track. Sat on the track for about 4 hours while the boulder was removed from the train and part of the snow plow that had been damaged was cut off the train. Our car attendants said this was a first for them. We had a couple on the train, the lady of which was on oxygen. The delay caused her husband to freak, because he was afraid that she'd run out of oxygen, so many phone calls later, an oxygen company agreed to drop a tank at the station for a quick pick-up.
The Sierra Nevadas received their first snow fall as we traveled through...lovely sight from a warm train. Arrived in Sacramento about 6 hours and 10 minutes late. Thanks to all of you here at this Forum, it didn't surprise me a bit. Overall, it was a great experience, and I'd board another train in a heartbeat!
Posts: 33 | From: Fair Oaks, CA US | Registered: Jul 2003
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quote:Originally posted by ladylawyer: We had a couple on the train, the lady of which was on oxygen. The delay caused her husband to freak, because he was afraid that she'd run out of oxygen, so many phone calls later, an oxygen company agreed to drop a tank at the station for a quick pick-up.
That's really odd. Amtrak has -very- specific rules about passengers travelling on a train with oxygen. They -must- carry enough oxygen with them to last -double- the time the train ride lasts. The couple does not appear to have listened to that recommendation/rule. I bet that won't happen again though.
Glad to hear you enjoyed your trip.
Posts: 19 | From: Pittsburgh, PA | Registered: Oct 2003
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As promised, I saw your train. Your westbound Lakeshore was: 15 (Serial 49334, Built October 1996) 71 (Serial 49609, Built April 1997 1755 62001 Atlantic View 25117 (my favorite coach) 25119 28002 25084 25098 25111 8559 (fairly nice diner, most recent to come out of overhaul) 62036 Skyline View 62014 Imperial View 2511 Pacific Park 1269 410100 460045 462175 FRED.
Initial Arrival: 11:24P, Eleven minutes EARLY Final departure: 11:54:56P, and your conductor let me call it.
------------------ F40PH #757099-8 March 29, 1976-August 17, 2001 Requisecat in pacis
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Thanks for sharing. 
