Our train ride West was an exceptional surprise. We had no idea what to expect nor what to do or where to go. But, I am thinking maybe 2 minutes after entering Union Station in Chicago, IL we had everything we needed.
We departed from Rockford, IL by way of the bus system. Even the bus ride was different than what we were use to when going into Chicago's O'Hara airport. The bus was a Double Decker. Which was pretty cool in its self. In the front of the bus were a couple of tables. They were occupied by the business class of people, working on their computers, maybe preparing for their next meeting. Paula and I were very content sitting in our seats in the middle of the bus just people watching.
The curb service was great. We were able to get off the bus
right outside the big glass doors at Union Station. Walking down inside one only had only one choice.....get on the escalator. It only goes down. The information desk is right at the bottom of the stairs.....and since everyone else knew where they were going there was no line when we approached...since we were sleeper car passengers we entered right thru the next door. A porter was there to take our luggage for storage while we walked around the lounge or went out to get some lunch. We had showed the desk our tickets so now we were checked in.
Getting a little braver we decided to fine somewhere to get a sandwich. Out the door and up the stairs, as we walked we seen several waiting areas for the people riding coach. We arrived street level at a food court, ate, visited with a family from PA on their was to Portland OR. Their train was delayed by 2 hours due to a suicide on the tracks. It seemed that. Pick up truck pulled in front of the train as it approached the intersection.....the paper work was time consuming.
This family was riding the Empire Builder, the same train as we were, so our train was late departing since it was waiting for the train from the East.
Trying to figure out what stairs to enter was rather tricky.....since the stairs were posted with up and down times of use. And of course we didn't pay attention to what stairs we used.....
OK. So it wasn't that hard after all. We were back at the Lounge in just a few minutes, to wait. The lounge offered soft drinks and coffee. I did notice there were a lot of groups traveling together.
All aboard! Now that is what I was waiting to hear. We were second in line waiting for those big old sliding doors to open. Whow! What a rush, there we were walking onto the platform with at least 10 trains waiting. I heard was the noise, the brakes, the wheels halting to a stop with steel on steel, and the steam being released from the engines. They are so big, I was amazed while just looking up and staring in aw.
We were told we were in car 730.....wayyyyyyy down to the front of the train...we just followed the man in front of us because he also was in the same car. I could figure out right away he was a seasoned train traveler. So, we just followed along as if we knew exactly where we were going.
Finally, five steps up to the first level then another 12 steps to climb to our little home away from home for the next 47 hours. First thoughts oh my! Where does our luggage go...we were thinking maybe that was suppose to stay down on the first level... Well, can't be standing out in the hallway. So we better do something even if it's wrong! Since our luggage was carry on size it SHOULD fit under the seat.
Paula shoveled and kicked and persuaded this oversize carry on to fit. This was a job well done. Just hope she won't need anything out of that bag before we get to Seattle. Amtrak may have to get the Jaws of Life to extract her bag! The other bag had to be set next to Paula's seat there was a oversize armrest that severed as a shelf for Paul's smaller bag. OK, all set.....let's get on the road....oops down the track.
Well, we sat there for about an hour on the track waiting to depart. Our departure time was to be 2:30 PM and finally started out of the depot about 4PM. We loved it....slowly click clack click, clack, down the track. What was neat is we seen parts of Chicago that only could be seen from a train, now I now where people put their junk......of course along the fence line in the back yard, where no one from the street can see it.....it was like a Pickers Paradise!
My favorite town was soon coming up....Milwaukee WI. We rode for about an hour through small suburbs traveling rather slowly announcing at every intersection with one short, two, long one short whistle sound.
You see, car 730 was 7 cars away from the front. But, the dining car was the 8th car....
As we are slowly getting ready to approach Milwaukee's depot for our 3rd stop I will describe the living arrangements in berth 8. SMALL. But, very private. 2 seats facing each other. a small table that slides up and out from the windows...a closet, a very very small closet. Paula took her shoes off and in order to put her shoes in there she had to put one shoe on top of the other...and then close the door. Both seats had overhead lights and climate control. I haven't figure out yet how the top bunk situation is going to work yet.
OK, train is slowing down and we are starting to come into Paula's old stomping grounds...it just so happen that Paula lived right next to the Milwaukee Railroad train tracks so that is why she was so interested in this particular stop. Well, as it was we didn't pass right past her old house but, closer to Lake Michigan but, she was able to see Alan Bradley building and the famous clock on top.
She told me as a child she could lay in her bed and see that same sight every night. Again seeing a city from a different perspective was pretty grand!
I'll get back to you pretty soon on how our 1st night of "fine dining" and the sleeping arrangements went!
Good morning to all of my friends, as I have promised I would be sharing some the photos that Nora and I captured while in El Paso, TX last month. As you may remember or may have read from my last post that I had decided to enlist into the US Army. We deployed 2 weeks ago. I haven't quite figured out the system yet over here but, with the help from fellow troops I am sure I will catch on soon. 
I will try and post as often as possible but, please don't forget about our the men and women that are serving in the Military and fighting for our freedom!
g/b
