Illinois is a way point on our Grand Tours, but it’s not insignificant. I love passing through the Home of Abraham Lincoln, Springfield, Illinois, on the Texas Eagle. Chicago’s Union Station has a wonderful Metropolitan Lounge where all sleeping car passengers await their escort to the train. We check our … Continue reading →
We stayed at Harrah’s in Reno because it was across the street from the train station. We like to gamble a little. Nothing serious. We pick a slot machine or two and play them. We set an amount of money we’re willing to spend for entertainment that evening, and when … Continue reading →
During our unexpected stay in Chicago, we wound up staying at the Grant Park Best Western. This turned out to be very good for our purposes. We were a block off the bus route with the direct line to the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry, which was where we … Continue reading →
Since we have to go through Chicago when we travel nearly anywhere on Amtrak, a visit to family living in South Central Wisconsin is almost always in order. This trip was no different. We spent a few days catching up with my parents. While visiting with Mom and Dad, my … Continue reading →
I worked with Ellie when I was stationed at the crypto school at Lackland Air Force Base from 1983 – 1987. She left the Air Force shortly after that, and we stayed in touch. I visited her a few times when she lived in Michigan, but then we lost touch. … Continue reading →
The dining car is one of the highlights of riding the train, especially if your meals are pre-paid with a sleeping car ticket. Even with a pre-paid meal ticket, train etiquette recommends tipping the dining car staff. You can do so after each meal or once for the entire day. … Continue reading →
When you have eight cats, you need to have someone reliable to watch them when you’re out of town. We’re fortunate that our veterinary clinic does boarding. Dr. Val and her staff take wonderfully good care of our crew when we’re out of town for more than a couple of … Continue reading →
I have a confession. The first four days of A-Z posts were written in advance, because we’re still on the Grand Tour. Yesterday, I realized the critical thing I missed when dealing with Amtrak is the need to be ready for changes. Because of that, those posts were written in … Continue reading →
The first stop on our trip was Chicago. We got a rental car here and drove to Wisconsin to visit my parents as well as a couple of friends from my early days in the military who have settled here. We went through Chicago twice on this trip. On the … Continue reading →
When flying, baggage becomes an issue. On Amtrak? Much more leeway. Each passenger can check two 50 pound bags free, and two more for an additional $20 per bag. Carry on is limited to two 50 pound bags, but personal items don’t count toward those bags. What are personal items? … Continue reading →
