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Just completed our *very first* train trip to Florida - to visit "The Mouse"
Apparently I've been missing something all these years. The trip was, in a word, *outstanding*. No airport hassles, no worries about what I could and could not pack in our carry-on's. No "security" and I didn't have to take off my shoes.
Our car attendant (Vic) was excellent. He showed us to our Roomette, showed us where everything was and how to operate things, etc. When he learned that we were "newbies" he explained everything in detail, told us about getting off to stretch our legs at various stops.
When we got to Union Station, in DC, he even took us on a short tour of the station while they changed engines! Beautiful station, great architecture.
Our daughter, her husband and our grandson drove to Orlando. As it happened, they got away later than they had hoped to and they ended up "paralleling" us all the way to FL. We exchanged the usual "where are you" cell phone calls on the way. We arrived at Disney World within 45 minutes of each other.
The return trip was equally good, but the car attendant wasn't like Vic. More "businesslike" but pretty good nonetheless.
Needless to say, we'll be taking the train again to Florida. Much more relaxed and leisurely. I'm "semi-retired" and my wife has enough vacation time, so travel time wasn't a problem.
One thing that noticed and that impressed me as we were traveling northward, was that in North Carolina we passed through the center of town, right down the middle of "Main Street." I don't remember the town. If anyone can tell me what town it might have been, I'd like to look it up on Google Earth.
Anyway, it was a very pleasant way to travel. we arrived in Orlando relaxed and ready to "take on" the Mouse (but that's a story for another day.
We arrived home relaxed and much less "frazzled" from traveling.
Henry Kisor Member # 4776
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Vic sounds like a great guy. Amtrak has many on-board crew like that. They often make the difference between a so-so trip and a splendid one.
Which train did you take? The Silver Star or the Silver Meteor?
And how was the dining-car cuisine?
Gilbert B Norman Member # 1541
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quote:Originally posted by Tom Conlon: One thing that noticed and that impressed me as we were traveling northward, was that in North Carolina we passed through the center of town, right down the middle of "Main Street." I don't remember the town. If anyone can tell me what town it might have been, I'd like to look it up on Google Earth.
Mr. Conlon, likely the town addressed is Rocky Mount NC
RRRICH Member # 1418
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Either Rocky Mount or Ashland, VA
notelvis Member # 3071
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Mr. Norman and Mr. Rich are both correct in identifying 'street running' locations for the Silver Service trains.
I'd add that if you were on the Silver Meteor, there is a section that appears to be street running in Fayetteville, NC. It would have been shortly after midnight but not a segment that would look like a Main Street as in Rocky Mount (where the Silver Service trains stop) or in Ashland, VA where the Silver Service trains roll through without stopping.
If you were on the Silver Star, it could have been Southern Pines, NC shortly after daybreak.
Tom Conlon Member # 9313
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After Mr. Rich & Mr. Norman replied, I took a look at my trusty Google Earth. I think that it was Rocky Mount, NC. I recall that I noticed the "street running" while we were having breakfast. A look at the schedule showed that we would be passing through Rocky Mount at about that time.
BTW we took the silver Meteor south and the Silver Star north.
Thanks to you for responding
sojourner Member # 3134
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I am delighted to hear of your great trip, Mr Conlon. On a few other threads we are hearing of some not so great trips this holiday season, owing to severe weather--so that makes me doubly glad yours went so smoothly!
I think I once had Vic as my room attendant too. He was the BEST.
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