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Hasn't been much new activity here in the last 4-6 weeks or so.
-------------------- David Pressley
Advocating for passenger trains since 1973!
Climbing toward 5,000 posts like the Southwest Chief ascending Raton Pass. Cautiously, not nearly as fast as in the old days, and hoping to avoid premature reroutes. Posts: 4203 | From: Western North Carolina | Registered: Feb 2004
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Looks like Amtrak Unlimited is getting all the action these days.
Posts: 2236 | From: Evanston, Ill. and Ontonagon, Mich. | Registered: Feb 2007
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It's the in between season. Too late for Summer trips and too early for those planning a Winter get away.
Posts: 460 | From: North Central CT | Registered: May 2004
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I read every day but for a few weeks I had nothing to contribute. I guess some exciting news, for me at least is, if the final stage of my visa application goes through okay (and there should be no reason why not... famous last words) then I'll be in southern California later this year or early next year working on rail software. Not necessarily jumping on the HSR bandwagon but rail nonetheless.
-------------------- Geoff M. Posts: 2426 | From: Apple Valley, CA | Registered: Sep 2000
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Geoff - hope it goes well and you have a great stay. I, too, read this every day but like most others I have nothing of any interest to say.
Posts: 211 | From: Norfolk England | Registered: Sep 2007
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Well, we were on a non-AMTRAK vacation for a couple weeks (car trip) and just got back last Tuesday (went to Michigan then to my 45th high school reunion in the Chicago suburbs) -- other than that, I've had nothing to say.....
Posts: 2428 | From: Grayling, MI | Registered: Mar 2002
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Well...... hello again friends. Glad to see that we're lurking about even though we aren't generating much chatter.
Sojourner.....I'll reply to your wi-fi post just to roll that stone down the trail a little more!
Henry - I do lurk and sometimes chime in over at Amtrak Unlimited but that board sometimes gets a little too snarky for my tastes.
-------------------- David Pressley
Advocating for passenger trains since 1973!
Climbing toward 5,000 posts like the Southwest Chief ascending Raton Pass. Cautiously, not nearly as fast as in the old days, and hoping to avoid premature reroutes. Posts: 4203 | From: Western North Carolina | Registered: Feb 2004
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Just be patient, david. Sooner or later one of us will open Pandoras' box and we will be "off to the races". In all fairness to A U they do have some interesting travelogues
Posts: 1577 | From: virginia | Registered: Jun 2005
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I too have simply been lurking. Although, my wife returned from a cruise to Spain and Italy with my daughter (I absolutely refuse to fly that far for anything), and I've got the bug for another train trip now. Carl Morrison's post on SLO has given me an idea seed...
Posts: 406 | From: La Grange, CA | Registered: Sep 2007
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I also lurk most days. Having just retired, I have discovered someone in our neighborhood plays bagpipes around noon here every day. This of course reminds me of the trainweb glory days, and when I see a pony I shall take it as a sign the prodigal son should return.
But I have to admit with trains that don't run for weeks or are 15 hours late, serious crashes, and another round of budget cut rumors, it is difficult to be an upbeat foamer lately
Posts: 1572 | From: St. Paul, MN | Registered: Dec 2002
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Ponies and bagpipes....... the spirit of those days has been co-opted by the recent series of Dairy Queen commercials!
Any snow yet in the Twin Cities and how is SPUD coming? How about the light rail extension? Ate an omelette that was nearly the size of a basketball in Mickey's Diner in 2010.
-------------------- David Pressley
Advocating for passenger trains since 1973!
Climbing toward 5,000 posts like the Southwest Chief ascending Raton Pass. Cautiously, not nearly as fast as in the old days, and hoping to avoid premature reroutes. Posts: 4203 | From: Western North Carolina | Registered: Feb 2004
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Checking in after another road trip. Yes, David, I've noticed a decline in new topics and lack of comments on others. Nothing like some good news though to revive interest. Maybe the new Viewliner diner will make some trips down our way.
Speaking of good news, train activity was alive and well at Williamsburg - very nice Intermodal station there. Also Wilmington station looks great even if the waiting area definitely has a modern feel - but hard to disguise those massive bridge girders for the tracks above that are waiting room/ticket office ceiling.
Also at a stop at Burlington, NC. I was amazed. As you probably know, NC has totally restored the old North Carolina RR engine house, c. 1870, complete with a small museum and 'n' scale diorama of the NC RR shop complex. The waiting area is nicely done complete with replica wooden benches for those using Piedmont or Carolinian service. Wish those guys did all Amtrak stations.
Posts: 2397 | From: Camden, SC | Registered: Mar 2006
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quote:Originally posted by TwinStarRocket: Having just retired, I have discovered someone in our neighborhood plays bagpipes around noon here every day.
Since retirement, Mr. Rocket, have you also been hearing voices? Does anyone else in the neighborhood hear bagpipes or these conversations? Are there ponies in your happy place?
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I agree with you Palmland, the job NCDOT has done converting the old Burlington, NC engine house into a modern railroad station is stunning. When I was there last in late July work was underway to increase the length of the platforms. Apparantly the Carolinian was losing time having to double-stop the Burlington station.
Burlington alone would be really impressive, but given that the NCDOT has done equally stunning depot makeovers in Hamlet, Southern Pines, High Point, Greensboro, Durham (a converted tobacco warehouse), Selma, Wilson, and Rocky Mount..... well, I believe you would have to say that the NCDOT has raised the bar in railway depot renovation.
-------------------- David Pressley
Advocating for passenger trains since 1973!
Climbing toward 5,000 posts like the Southwest Chief ascending Raton Pass. Cautiously, not nearly as fast as in the old days, and hoping to avoid premature reroutes. Posts: 4203 | From: Western North Carolina | Registered: Feb 2004
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Nice to know I can bring Zephyr out of hiding. My friend the six foot rabbit has also heard the bagpipes, and the ponies in the happy place have wings. The Desert Wind and the Pioneer run daily there, and the Sunset Limited runs all the way to Miami.
Posts: 1572 | From: St. Paul, MN | Registered: Dec 2002
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Now that you're retired and hangin' out in your happy place, you should consider changing your moniker to TwiLightZoneRocker.
Posts: 445 | Registered: May 2002
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Smitty, I was in Vegas Monday to Wednesday (MGM) for our annual exec meeting. I bet $1 and won another $4.
That said...
Life has been busy. I'm on a s_l_o_w diet (3-4 pounds a month, for the past 3 months), I have new fun toys with laser sights, and bow season starts tomorrow.
Posts: 1418 | From: Houston, Republic of Texas | Registered: Jan 2001
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quote:Originally posted by Mike Smith: Smitty, I was in Vegas Monday to Wednesday (MGM) for our annual exec meeting. I bet $1 and won another $4.
Ah, I missed you by just a few days. The weather was perfect, was it not? It was 98 every day I was there--loved it! I drove out to Hoover Dam so that I could walk over the new bridge/bypass. What an incredible experience!! I highly recommend this free trip to everyone. You are SO HIGH when standing out on the middle of the bridge---ridiculous. I can't believe they were able to build it in such a location. Definitely a modern marvel.
BTW, when you checked-in at MGM, did they try to entice you with an "upgrade" to the West Wing?
Posts: 2355 | From: Pleasanton, CA | Registered: Apr 2007
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And while I'm off-topic and we've discussed a few movies lately, I'll put in a quick blurb for a new movie that opens today: "Courageous". It's done by the same group that did "Fireproof", which starred Kirk Cameron as a fire department battalion chief who loses sight of what is truly important in life. This new movie follows a similar plot line, but instead follows the lives of police officers and the crap that they bring home from the job and how it effects their personal lives. It won't win any Oscars or be a blockbuster, but I think it will have a nice message.
Posts: 2355 | From: Pleasanton, CA | Registered: Apr 2007
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I'm back. Earlier than expected. While on our first cruise (Vancouver to Honolulu) I started having some knee/leg problems so I went to the on board acupuncturist. I got some relief but ALSO got a nasty infection on my right calf. The doctors in the Medical Center STRONGLY suggested we not continue. We disembarked on Tuesday and flew home on Wednesday.
Doctor visits on Thursday and Friday confirmed the infection and we started treatment. Luckily, we had purchased travel insurance so will be out a minimal amount of money.
From e-mails from friends still on board we have heard that the dread Norovirus has appeared and there have been major precautions put in place (Cabin Quarantine for people with symptoms, no self-service at the buffets, lots of deep cleaning, etc.) There is some talk that they will not be allowed to dock tomorrow in Papeete, Tahiti.
Frank in sunny and warm SBA
Posts: 2160 | From: Santa Barbara, CA, USA | Registered: Oct 2003
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What a disappointment, Frank. And what a pity about the virus too. Is that something common?
Posts: 2642 | From: upstate New York | Registered: Mar 2004
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It IS a disappointment but, at this point, we are out very little and are not under the restrictions that are currently in force on board Radiance of the Seas.
Norovirus does turn up from time to time on ships -- and in hospitals, nursing homes, camps, or any other enclosed environment. We have only seen the tail end of it on one cruise. The voyage before ours had it and they were easing back into full service the first couple of days of our cruise.
Speaking of cruise ships, Sapphire Princess is currently moored off of Santa Barbara on what is probably its last visit of the year. It's on a 7 night LA/Santa Barbara/San Francisco/San Diego/Ensenada itinerary.
Frank in sunny and very warm SBA
Posts: 2160 | From: Santa Barbara, CA, USA | Registered: Oct 2003
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I hope you get the infecton cleared up soon. they can be nasty. Was it the result of the acupuncture or just an added attraction. Maybe it was a blessing in disguise.You might hav been caught by the virus.
Posts: 1577 | From: virginia | Registered: Jun 2005
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Frank, my friends took that California cruise last week and enjoyed it. But her knee acted up and she was unable to go ashore in SBA. Luckily it improved and SF and SD were able to be visited. Those knees are the pits.
-------------------- Vicki in usually sunny Southern California Posts: 951 | From: Redondo Beach, CA | Registered: Aug 2006
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Wow, Frank, I'm sorry to hear about that. I've never "cruised" so I've never heard of this before. It's a good thing that you both have travel experience to know enough to buy the insurance---whew! I feel badly for all of those people on the ship are now stuck in their cabins. When I take a cruise (someday), I sure hope that doesn't happen to me.
I have the same question as train lady: Was it a dirty acupuncture needle or is this all related to the norovirus?
Posts: 2355 | From: Pleasanton, CA | Registered: Apr 2007
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We suspect that the infection was something already on my skin. We are all living, walking petri dishes. Normally alcohol swabs are used by acupuncturists but I do not remember her doing that. The needles are sterile and one-use only. The two doctors onboard and my own doctor came to the conclusion that it was most likely caused by the introduction via the needles because the site of the needle insertion was the same as the infection.
I'm not generally a litigious person but this one has me thinking that I may want to see an attorney for an opinion.
Smitty --
I've always been a strong advocate of travel insurance if the amount is more than you could comfortably walk away from.
The insurance should cover the cancelled cruise but the enjoyment of the first cruise was materially affected. It did give me a new compassion and respect for people who see things from a wheelchair or walk with a cane.
Frank in dark and still warm SBA
Posts: 2160 | From: Santa Barbara, CA, USA | Registered: Oct 2003
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Frank - glad you got it treated quickly and there will always be another cruise. One of our sons worked on a small cruise ship. As he was responsible for the hotel operations a norovirus was something they dreaded more than inspections by various government agencies on cleanliness/food prep etc. - was an American flagged ship. Fortunately never happened on his watch.
Posts: 2397 | From: Camden, SC | Registered: Mar 2006
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Well, I'm still here and look in on the forum once a week or so, but haven't been over to the States for a couple of years now.
Having done the CZ, SWC, EB, CS, SL and Capitol I suppose the TE will be next but having been laid off last year (my job was outsourced to India) the funds got seriously depleted, not helped by the falls in the stock markets, so unless I win the lottery a transatlantic trip will have to wait until the savings get replenished.
At the moment I can content myself in the fact that over here we're having the hottest October on record. At this time of year the temperature should be in the low 60s but for the past week it has been in the mid 80s. Sadly, it's due to break tomorrow and by Wednesday we'll be back to gloomy cloud and rain but it's been a gorgeous few days.
Posts: 395 | From: england | Registered: Sep 2002
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I've been lurking, too. No train trip in 2011 except for a quick run Milwaukee to Elkhart to see my daughter. I had hoped to take the Zephyr, but this was definitely not the year for that trip. I am contemplating taking the WB Zephyr next summer, but I am unsure where to go from there. I suspect it will be north to Seattle or portland & then home on the Empire Builder, but I have done that so many times, I almost think i'd like to explore other options. I'd like to take the ZW Chief to LAX and then north on the Coast Starlight & home via the Zephyr, but I am afraid of missing the Colorado scenery in the dark if the train is late.
Meanwhile, in January I am heading Milwaukee to Rochester NY on the LSL to see the grandchildren. They are now 12, 15, and 17 - really so grown-up. Amazing - how did that happen?
-------------------- My new "default" station (EKH) has no baggage service or QuikTrak machine, but the parking is free! And the NY Central RR Museum is just across the tracks (but not open at Amtrak train times. . ..) Posts: 337 | From: Goshen, IN | Registered: Jun 2006
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Not whining about the weather at all Mr. Williams, but it is difficult to envision temperatures in the UK being 80 degrees when I awoke to 36 degree temperatures at my home in the Blue Ridge Mountains this morning.
We'll have some warm sunny days in the next few weeks to be sure...... but this morning was a reminder that winter is coming.
-------------------- David Pressley
Advocating for passenger trains since 1973!
Climbing toward 5,000 posts like the Southwest Chief ascending Raton Pass. Cautiously, not nearly as fast as in the old days, and hoping to avoid premature reroutes. Posts: 4203 | From: Western North Carolina | Registered: Feb 2004
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My annual spring trip always includes rail, but the connections between Toronto and Cleveland are too inconvenient. So I began my baseball trip by Greyhound and found the US bus stations surprisingly clean and modern. (compared to Canadian ones) Greyhound-Cleveland to Pittsburg to Washington to Charlottesville. Toured Jefferson's estate in Charlottesville in late May. Caught the Crescent to Atlanta. The thing that sticks out in my mind is how pokey and understaffed the Atlanta train station is-quite odd since Atlanta is a large city.
Posts: 33 | From: Ontario, Canada | Registered: Nov 2001
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The only Canadian Bus Stations I have been inside are at Victoria and Nanaimo, BC following a service disruption on VIA'S Malahat. Victoria reminded me of the old Trailways Station in Asheville, NC (ie: reasonably OK) but Nanaimo was in an unused corner of an old fleabag motel... so dejected that they had even thrown up a chainlink fence to keep the hotel riff-raff and bus riff-raff separate.
Agree with you regarding the Atlanta Amtrak Station. That building was intended as a suburban stop, not the main terminal for a city Atlanta's size.
Posts: 4203 | From: Western North Carolina | Registered: Feb 2004
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