Hodgepodge

mood: chipper

I am a train nut and so is Janice so since we were in town, Janice and I took the L (how appropriate) to the Loop and headed to Union Station for the festivities.

To my joyful surprise there were a LOT of people there and a lot of kids. It is nice to see such an interest in trains. The Great Hall was filled with tables and exhibits not only from Amtrak but from resorts, train clubs, and even the National Park Service had a table. Did you know they actually have rangers on certain trains to act as a guide to the parks the trains go through or near. I didn’t.

After roaming the hall for a bit we then headed over to tracks 1 and 3 where they had a representative Empire Builder parked and open for tours. It was quite nice with a much improved dining car, the sightseeing lounge had plenty of seat facing out for viewing and the sleepers looked very comfy. I have taken Amtrak to St. Louis a number of times but they just have coach cars and a club car. These double decker cars are nice.

The real treat though, was a tour of two private rail cars. They are owned by A guy named Patrick Henry and he uses them for family and friends and occasionally charters them. Janice asked what the two cars were worth and he replied about $1 million. In case you are curious he said Amtrak charges $4.5 a mile to hook them at the back of train. These cars were posh with full bedrooms and baths in the sleeping car and a posh lounge and gorgeous dining table. the wood trim was very exquisite.

Now I want to go on a long train ride. First we have to finish the house and get moved though.

<sigh!>