A Day Trip on the Eaglete

[Bob Dylan]

I Decided to violate my pledge to Boycott the Texas Eagle until Traditional Dining and the Normal Consist was returned to the Route, by taking a Day Trip from Austin to one of my favorite places Temple, on Wed.8/27.

Booked a nice Saver Coach Fare of $14 Return for #22/#21 online( worked fine!), which is Rare, as this Train is usually Full with High Bucket Fares due to the Shortened Consist of 1 Sleeper,1 CCC and 2 Coaches.

The Eagletes ( and Sunset Ltds) have been experiencing Poor OTPs and Service Disruptions lately due to Equippment Problems,Freight Traffic, Derailments and Weather( Heat and Flooding)

Thankfully both #21 and #22 were running close to the Scheduled times when Wed morning arrived!( Amtrak Track a Train was working well!)

I woke up early as I usually do when taking a trip, had Breakfast and dressesd( Shorts,T-Shirt,Hat and Sandals due to the ongoing 100+ Heat Wave in Texas)then packed up ( a Day pack with needed Supplies).

The current Schedule for the Austin Amtrak Station( ex Mopac and UP owned) is 9AM-7PM with only 1 Agent on Duty.

I left home @ 815AM and arrived and parked about 8:45 AM after the 3 mile Trip (thanks to the usual Gridlocked Austin Traffic)

There was about 20 people sitting outside waiting on the Station to Open, including several with large amounts of Luggage.

The Agent and Relief Engineer( Austin is an Engineer Only Change spot )arrived about the same time , and the Station was opened and we all went into the nicely Remodeled Waiting Room to enjoy the AC as it was already getting Warm ( 92)with High Humidity.

All of the Announcements and Electronic Signage here are automated, which means they aren't in sync with the actual Train Arrival/Departure and needed info.

By this time #22, which had left San Antonio @ 7:15AM ( 15 minutes Late) had reached the San Marcos Stop South of Austin and the Agent announced it was going to arrive about 30 minutes Late ( 10AM) due to UP Freights clogging the Single Track that runs through the Heart of Austin.

The Passengers were busy getting Tickets, and those with Luggage to Check were busy putting Tags on and Checking it( the 45 Minute Deadline doesn't apply here with the Station Opening @ 9AM and #22 carded for a 9:31 AM Arrival.

I got my e-ticket ,which I use as a Backup in case my Phone doesn't work and then waited inside while talkeing with several Passengees that were asking questions about Amtrakand the Route.

Finally @ 950AM, the Announcement was made that #22 was Arriving, and that Passengers should Line Up outside under the Canapoy in 2 Lines, Sleepers on the Left,Coach on the Right.

The Eaglete came chugging around the Bend through the High Rises that surround the Tracks after crossing the River ( aka Lady Bird Lake) on the 1881 Trestle that is the Oldest one in Texas still in use.

The consist was the usual with 1 P-42, (#68 )and it was a sad sight with Dents, Dirty as a Wild Pig that had been Rolling in the Mud ,and puffing Black Smoke onto the Revenue Sleeper directly behind it!

The rest of the Consist was the CCC ( Diner/ Cafe) and 2 Coaches.

The Conducter( an old friend and one of the Best!) and Coach Attendant ( Ditto)came to the Lines, scanned the Sleeper Tickets First( 4 ) and then the Coach Tickets as the Attendant made out Seat Checks and directed Passengers to the Correct Coach( Long Haul in the 1st Coach/ "Shorts" in the
2nd)We were allowed to pick our own Seats since our Coach wasnt very full.

I boarded, climbed the Stairs and was thrilled to find that the Car had been recently rehabed in Beech Grove and looked Brand New!

I found a Window Seat in the middle of the Car ( on the Shady West Side)and walked the Train as far as the CCC, discovering that the 1st Coach ( everyone North of Texarkana)was almost Full and that the Diner Crew ( 2 LSAs!!!)were both Vets and among the Best on this route.

I was invited to have a Cup of Coffee and chat since Austin is Last Call for Breakast for Sleeper Passengers, and thus the Cafe wouldn't be Open until after the Taylor Stop.

The All ABoard Call was given, the Horn was Sounded and we Rolled out @1015AM, 45 minutes Down!

To Be Continued:

 

[Bob Dylan]

Part II: Day Trip To Temple,TX on the Eaglete

We rolled up the Middle of the Mopac Expressway past the Bumper to Bumpef Traffic, thru the White Lime Plant @ McNeil,thru Round Rock, Hutto and into the Taylor Stop about 11:15PM, 45 minutes Down.

The Taylor Amtrak "Station " is a Shed with 2 Picnic Tables located next to the Taylor UP Distruct Headquarters( ex Mopac/ Katy Station).

We made 2 Spots, 1 for the Sleeper and 1 for the Coaches. Lots of Folks in Central Texas use this Stop for Amtrak since the Traffic isn't nearly as bad as trying to reach the Austin Station which is hidden in the middle of Downtown, and Parking is Free and Safe as it's well Lighted and UP uses it 24/7.

Rolled out @ 11:25 heading through Farm Country with the small Towns of Holland, Bartlett,Granger and Little River/Academy along the way.

Due to the Record draught and Heat Wave we're having, I has never seen this area so dry and burned up in the Summer( except for the Cotton which is irrigated).Usually this area receives much more Rain than Austin and has been quality Farming Land for over 180 years!

As we approached Temple, I noticed that Houses,Roads and Commercial Buildings are being built on both sides of the Tracks due to the ongoing "Boom" in Temple.

We passed the Huge VA Hospital,Temple Community College and the Big Solar Farm and City Park om the Outskirts, merged with the BNSF Tracks that head West,North and East from Temple.

Pulled into the Ex Santa Fe Ststion ( now City Owned) @ 12:15am, 50 minutes Down.

I said goodby to the Crew and climb down to be met by 97 degree Heat and Humidity, went into the Amtrak Waiting Room to use the Loo and say hello to the Ex- Agent and now District Agent Friend who has an office there.

She told me about a BBQ Joint that wasn't far from the Station called "Pit Stop BBQ, "and said that it was as good as anything in Austin or Central Texas which is famed for its BBQ!!

I walked over there,( 2 Bocks across the Tracks on S 1st St ) only to discover they were "Cosed for Vacation!"

So I headed for my Go to Place for Lunch in Temple, the "Bird Creek Burger Company," my favorite Mom and Pop in Texas!

It's good to see that downtown Temple ( and Taylor too!) has had so many of the old Historic Buildings reopen with new Businesses, Cafes etc as people return from Loopland and the Burbs back to the Heart of these Towns and Cities.

I was really suprised how much Growth has occurred since my last trip here a year ago. Hope it Continues!

To Be Cont:

 

[Mystic River Dragon]

Wonderful, Jim!

I’m so glad you can do a same-day turnaround trip and that you decided to do it after all.

You are the first passenger I’ve ever heard of who was invited to come and join the crew for coffee!

Have a great day out on the trains (or Eaglettes?) Looking forward to the rest of your report.

 

[Bob Dylan]

PART III: A Day Trip on the Eaglete to Temple

Stepped into the Beautiful and Cool AC @ Bird Creek Burger Company and was Seated ,and given Water and a Menu .

I ordered the Bison Burger with Mushrooms that comes with Sweet Potatoo or Home Fries, and a Local IPA Draft that was Ice Cold and Delicious!( Use Google for the Menu and Info on this Cool Joint)

Quick,friendly service, the Food as always Delicious!( Large Amounts for what in Austin would cost twice as Much)

I ordered Bourbon Pecan Pie with Vanilla Ice Cream for Desert( their Bread Pudding is Excellent too!)

By this time it was 130pm so I headed a couple of Blocks to the Public Library (which is in an Ex-Bank High Rise) and went to the Well Stocked Periodical Floor to enjoy the EZ Chairs and Cool AC as I waited to return to the Amtrak Station @ 430PM for the so far On Time #21 ( Carded for 4:45PM)

Had a pleasant afternoon catching up on the latest News in the Papers and thumbing thru Magazines ( I'm Old!)

At 400pm Amtrak Track A Train was showing a 500pm Arrival @ Temple due to Freight Traffic, so I headed fof the Station @ 430pm,( its only 3 Blocks)

Arriving in the nicely ACd Waiting Room,which has been Remodeled with New Decor, Seats and Vending Machines, I said Goodbye to my Amtrak friends( the New Agent is very friendly!), enjoyed a Diet Coke and read the latest Edition of the Texas Park and Recreations Magazine which features Texas Rivers!

At :5:10 the Agent announced that #21 was approaching Temple so we went out to the newly built Platform ( it was now 101 outside) and he opened the Gate to the Boarding Platform as the Eaglete rolled in with 2 P-42s( Rare!) and the usual consist of 1 Sleeper,CCC and 2 Coaches.

After the deboading Passengers were cleared, the Agent took the Bagage Cart to the Coach/Bag and the Conductor scanned about 10 Boarding Passengers tickets and we were told to Board either Coach and the Coach Attendant would give us a Seat Check and to pick a Seat ( I usually ride in the Sightseer Lounge on short Trips since there's not one on the Eaglete now I picked a Window Seat on the Shady Side in the half full Remodeled 1st Coach!)

Since Dinner service had started for Sleeper Passengers ( Austin is Last Call for Passengers) @5PM., the Cafe in the CCC was Closed. Until Taylor!

We Highballed @ 530PM, 45 minutes Down, rolled South thru Farming Country and the Small Towns ( one unusual feature of these Towns is that they are laid out with the Main Commercial Street Perpindicular to the Tracks instead of Paralell like most Railroad created Towns).

As we approached Taylor the Sky Grew Dark to the Southeast and a Large Thundershower blew across the Tracks, hardest Rain I'd seen in several Months!

By the time we made the Taylor Spots @ 6:30PM, it was gone and the Setting Sun was back out!

We rolled out @ 640pm and passed the Gridlocked Traffic on US 79 that parallels the Tracks from Taylor to Round Rock as the Area grows like Topsy due to Centex Expansion around Austin! ,( Samsung is building a plant in Taylor that will bring 10,000 more people to the Area,)

We rolled along about 60 MPH thru Round Rock, into Austin, down Mopac whee we had to stop in the siding @ Sneed to await a 200+ Car UP Freight to chug up the Hill from the Austin Station heading North.

Finally the Freight cleared, the Horn Sounded and we Rolled down the Hill, around the Corner into the Austin Station, and stopped @ 730pm, 1 Hour Down!

I jumped off, got into my Car and headed home thru the "Rush Hour Traffic", it took me only 20 minutes to go the 3 Miles since I caught Green from many of the Untimed Lights in Austin!

A nice Day Trip on the Eaglete, I'm considering making a couple of more to other Cities since it's so nice to ride the Train and visit other places!

Sorry there's no Pictures, I'm still a Luddite and High Tech Changelled!

 

[Mystic River Dragon]

Don’t worry about the pictures, Jim—your word pictures are excellent!

I can see that pie and ice cream!

I got the days mixed up—was this yesterday? I realized it wasn’t today when you were talking about getting in at 7:30 p.m. and it’s several hours earlier than that here back East now.

I hope you do take more day trips on the Eaglettes. If we wait for everything to be perfect, in Amtrak as in life, we’ll be waiting forever and never go anywhere..

 

[Bob Dylan]

Don’t worry about the pictures, Jim—your word pictures are excellent!

I can see that pie and ice cream!

I got the days mixed up—was this yesterday? I realized it wasn’t today when you were talking about getting in at 7:30 p.m. and it’s several hours earlier than that here back East now.

I hope you do take more day trips on the Eaglettes. If we wait for everything to be perfect, in Amtrak as in life, we’ll be waiting forever and never go anywhere..

I'm gonna do the Texas State Railroad Steam Train next week Patty.

It runs from Palestine to Rusk in the East Texas Piney Woods, 4 Hours RT including Lunch and Drinks.

I'm booked in the Presidential Lounge Car, ( circa 1913)which is an Grand Old Remodeled PV like the Fancy ones you see on the back of Amtrak Trains!( $113 but Worth every Penny/ this a State Park and the $$$ helps Maintain this Jewel)

Will stay @ the Best Western + Inn in Palestine, which includes a Full Breakfast / I'm a member so I get a Special Rate of $89 Total!

4 Hour Nice Drive each way through the East Texas Piney Woods!

I told Alice about this and she loved it too! You would also!

 

[Mystic River Dragon]

I'm gonna due the Texas State Railroad Steam Train next week Patty.

It runs from Palestine to Rusk in the East Texas Piney Woods, 4 Hours RT including Lunch and Drinks.

I'm booked in the Presidential Lounge Car, ( circa 1913)which is an Grand Old Remodeled PV like the Fancy ones you see on the back of Amtrak Trains!( $113 but Worth every Penny/ this a State Park and the $$$ helps Maintain this Jewel)

Will stay @ the Best Western + Inn in Palestine, which includes a Full Breakfast / I'm a member so I get a Special Rate of $89 Total!

4 Hour Nice Drive each way through the East Texas Piney Woods!

I told Alice about this and she loved it too! You would also!

Sounds wonderful!

We will eagerly await your trip report on that one!

 

[Asher]

Was the total Price you paid for Our trip $14.or $28.0?
Whatever, I enjoyed it and thanks for taking us along.

 

[Bob Dylan]

Was the total Price you paid for Our trip $14.or $28.0?
Whatever, I enjoyed it and thanks for taking us along.

It was $+14 Total which is the Lowest Fare I've seen in years for this Trip!

 

[PVD]

I am curious as to what was done in the SL coach refresh, I have only seen the Amfleets.

 

[Bob Dylan]

I am curious as to what was done in the SL coach refresh, I have only seen the Amfleets.

Recovered Seats, ( Grey instead of Blue)New Carpets and Curtains, Digital Lighting,New Electrical Outlets and Remodeled Bathrooms.

Everything Deep Cleaned and Smelling New!

Mechanically everything seemed to work smoothly ( ie Doors,Brakes,Toliets etc) and the ride seemed Smoother without Swaying,Bouncing and the Clunks and Rattles you usually hear on this Route.

 

[PVD]

assuming the grey was the same synthetic used on the AM-1. Thanks for the update, sounds good.

 

[Bob Dylan]

assuming the grey was the same synthetic used on the AM-1. Thanks for the update, sounds good.

I haven't been on an updated AM-1, only seen pics, they look the same!

 

[JayPea]

Loved your report, Jim!! It leaves me a bit jealous, though: there are no real good options for day trips to and from Spokane. Seattle and Portland aren't great; by the time you spend 8+ hours on the train after boarding at 0 dark 30, you're too wiped out to enjoy the few hours you would have there. I have done a day trip to and from Glacier Park, but that's tiring too and you can't just stay in Glaciet a few hours and do it justice. Such is life with the scheduling of the Empire Builder here.

 

[Bob Dylan]

Loved your report, Jim!! It leaves me a bit jealous, though: there are no real good options for day trips to and from Spokane. Seattle and Portland aren't great; by the time you spend 8+ hours on the train after boarding at 0 dark 30, you're too wiped out to enjoy the few hours you would have there. I have done a day trip to and from Glacier Park, but that's tiring too and you can't just stay in Glaciet a few hours and do it justice. Such is life with the scheduling of the Empire Builder here.

But you get to visit Seattle and Portland Jeff, which are ahem, Much Better than Taylor and Temple !

And your Road trips have been great too, I'm envious of those for sure!

Glad you're enjoying Seattle and getting to visit your Sister!

 

[20th Century Rider]

PART III: A Day Trip on the Eaglete to Temple

Stepped into the Beautiful and Cool AC @ Bird Creek Burger Company and was Seated ,and given Water and a Menu .

I ordered the Bison Burger with Mushrooms that comes with Sweet Potatoo or Home Fries, and a Local IPA Draft that was Ice Cold and Delicious!( Use Google for the Menu and Info on this Cool Joint)

Quick,friendly service, the Food as always Delicious!( Large Amounts for what in Austin would cost twice as Much)

I ordered Bourbon Pecan Pie with Vanilla Ice Cream for Desert( their Bread Pudding is Excellent too!)

By this time it was 130pm so I headed a couple of Blocks to the Public Library (which is in an Ex-Bank High Rise) and went to the Well Stocked Periodical Floor to enjoy the EZ Chairs and Cool AC as I waited to return to the Amtrak Station @ 430PM for the so far On Time #21 ( Carded for 4:45PM)

Had a pleasant afternoon catching up on the latest News in the Papers and thumbing thru Magazines ( I'm Old!)

At 400pm Amtrak Track A Train was showing a 500pm Arrival @ Temple due to Freight Traffic, so I headed fof the Station @ 430pm,( its only 3 Blocks)

Arriving in the nicely ACd Waiting Room,which has been Remodeled with New Decor, Seats and Vending Machines, I said Goodbye to my Amtrak friends( the New Agent is very friendly!), enjoyed a Diet Coke and read the latest Edition of the Texas Park and Recreations Magazine which features Texas Rivers!

At :5:10 the Agent announced that #21 was approaching Temple so we went out to the newly built Platform ( it was now 101 outside) and he opened the Gate to the Boarding Platform as the Eaglete rolled in with 2 P-42s( Rare!) and the usual consist of 1 Sleeper,CCC and 2 Coaches.

After the deboading Passengers were cleared, the Agent took the Bagage Cart to the Coach/Bag and the Conductor scanned about 10 Boarding Passengers tickets and we were told to Board either Coach and the Coach Attendant would give us a Seat Check and to pick a Seat ( I usually ride in the Sightseer Lounge on short Trips since there's not one on the Eaglete now I picked a Window Seat on the Shady Side in the half full Remodeled 1st Coach!)

Since Dinner service had started for Sleeper Passengers ( Austin is Last Call for Passengers) @5PM., the Cafe in the CCC was Closed. Until Taylor!

We Highballed @ 530PM, 45 minutes Down, rolled South thru Farming Country and the Small Towns ( one unusual feature of these Towns is that they are laid out with the Main Commercial Street Perpindicular to the Tracks instead of Paralell like most Railroad created Towns).

As we approached Taylor the Sky Grew Dark to the Southeast and a Large Thundershower blew across the Tracks, hardest Rain I'd seen in several Months!

By the time we made the Taylor Spots @ 6:30PM, it was gone and the Setting Sun was back out!

We rolled out @ 640pm and passed the Gridlocked Traffic on US 79 that parallels the Tracks from Taylor to Round Rock as the Area grows like Topsy due to Centex Expansion around Austin! ,( Samsung is building a plant in Taylor that will bring 10,000 more people to the Area,)

We rolled along about 60 MPH thru Round Rock, into Austin, down Mopac whee we had to stop in the siding @ Sneed to await a 200+ Car UP Freight to chug up the Hill from the Austin Station heading North.

Finally the Freight cleared, the Horn Sounded and we Rolled down the Hill, around the Corner into the Austin Station, and stopped @ 730pm, 1 Hour Down!

I jumped off, got into my Car and headed home thru the "Rush Hour Traffic", it took me only 20 minutes to go the 3 Miles since I caught Green from many of the Untimed Lights in Austin!

A nice Day Trip on the Eaglete, I'm considering making a couple of more to other Cities since it's so nice to ride the Train and visit other places!

Sorry there's no Pictures, I'm still a Luddite and High Tech Changelled!

Gosh darn it Jim! You should write a book 'Soaring on the Eagle.' I'll be first in line to buy a copy!

Best wishes to you my friend!

 

[Eric in East County]

This well-written trip report does a superb job of conveying all the fun and excitement of taking a train trip. If after reading it you’re not motivated to want to travel by train, then we don’t know what would. (If Amtrak could somehow find a way to make reports like this generally available, there would be no need to do any other advertising.)

This account also sets the standard for what a world class trip report should be like. Thank you for submitting it.

 

[Railpaxscott]

Bob, thoroughly enjoyed the description of your day trip on the Eagle! This is one where a few hundred words are worth way more than a picture!

 

[20th Century Rider]

Recovered Seats, ( Grey instead of Blue)New Carpets and Curtains, Digital Lighting,New Electrical Outlets and Remodeled Bathrooms.

Everything Deep Cleaned and Smelling New!

Mechanically everything seemed to work smoothly ( ie Doors,Brakes,Toliets etc) and the ride seemed Smoother without Swaying,Bouncing and the Clunks and Rattles you usually hear on this Route.

There is hope!

 

[20th Century Rider]

I'm gonna do the Texas State Railroad Steam Train next week Patty.

It runs from Palestine to Rusk in the East Texas Piney Woods, 4 Hours RT including Lunch and Drinks.

I'm booked in the Presidential Lounge Car, ( circa 1913)which is an Grand Old Remodeled PV like the Fancy ones you see on the back of Amtrak Trains!( $113 but Worth every Penny/ this a State Park and the $$$ helps Maintain this Jewel)

Will stay @ the Best Western + Inn in Palestine, which includes a Full Breakfast / I'm a member so I get a Special Rate of $89 Total!

4 Hour Nice Drive each way through the East Texas Piney Woods!

I told Alice about this and she loved it too! You would also!

Oh my... what a rail fan's dream! Ya got my mouth watering for eating in that elegant dining car and smelling the nostalgic aroma of the smoke from the engine wafting by! Yer gonna have a very very fun rail trip!

You have definitely motivated me to get up and rail running once again; I persevered with Amtrak res 'wait times' and booked a trip out East once again... will spend some time in Roanoke VA where I ventured as a college kid... was a rail fan way back then... venturing on I believe it was Norfolk and Southern through Cincinnati to visit a college friend.

Is this the car you will be traveling on? BTW if I can request a favor Jim... please do have an extra drink for me... and enjoy!

 

[Bob Dylan]

Oh my... what a rail fan's dream! Ya got my mouth watering for eating in that elegant dining car and smelling the nostalgic aroma of the smoke from the engine wafting by! Yer gonna have a very very fun rail trip!

You have definitely motivated me to get up and rail running once again; I persevered with Amtrak res 'wait times' and booked a trip out East once again... will spend some time in Roanoke VA where I ventured as a college kid... was a rail fan way back then... venturing on I believe it was Norfolk and Southern through Cincinnati to visit a college friend.

Is this the car you will be traveling on? BTW if I can request a favor Jim... please do have an extra drink for me... and enjoy!

View attachment 29003

Yep, that's the Car!

 

[20th Century Rider]

Yep, that's the Car!

Oh my... I'm fired up just at knowing you'll enjoy that ride for all of us!

Is that an original CONO car just in front of what appears to be you looking out the window as yer sipping champaign in the Presidential Lounge Car???

 

[Bob Dylan]

Oh my... I'm fired up just at knowing you'll enjoy that ride for all of us!

Is that an original CONO car just in front of what appears to be you looking out the window as yer sipping champaign in the Presidential Lounge Car???
View attachment 29005

I'm not much of an equipment ,"foamer" but do love the "old stuff" that was ""Mainstream Equipmemt" in my youth!

The Texas State RR has acquired equipment from all over the Country that ran on various Rosds thru the Years, with the Majority being from the T&P, and Texas and New Orleans( SP).

The Dome Car came from the Iowa Pacific Operation and I think was used on the CONO when they contracted with Amtrak to run between Chicago and New Orleans.

I booked the trip I'm taking so as to have a Steamer for Power, since usually the trips are Diesel Powered.

This will be my 5th time to ride this Jewel with Diesel Power on 2 and 2 Steam Powered.

I have ridden in the Engine twice ( Steam and F-7) , in the Open Window Coaches once, and in the Dome Car last August.

Really looking forward to this get a way trip to the Piney Woids!

If you want to ride the Best time is in April when the Dogwoods are in Bloom, or the Fall, when it's Cool instead of the Swampy Hot Humid conditions that prevail in the Summer!

I will raise a glass to you and all Train Lovers as we roll through the Piney Woods!

 

[Sauve850]

PART III: A Day Trip on the Eaglete to Temple

Stepped into the Beautiful and Cool AC @ Bird Creek Burger Company and was Seated ,and given Water and a Menu .

I ordered the Bison Burger with Mushrooms that comes with Sweet Potatoo or Home Fries, and a Local IPA Draft that was Ice Cold and Delicious!( Use Google for the Menu and Info on this Cool Joint)

Quick,friendly service, the Food as always Delicious!( Large Amounts for what in Austin would cost twice as Much)

I ordered Bourbon Pecan Pie with Vanilla Ice Cream for Desert( their Bread Pudding is Excellent too!)

By this time it was 130pm so I headed a couple of Blocks to the Public Library (which is in an Ex-Bank High Rise) and went to the Well Stocked Periodical Floor to enjoy the EZ Chairs and Cool AC as I waited to return to the Amtrak Station @ 430PM for the so far On Time #21 ( Carded for 4:45PM)

Had a pleasant afternoon catching up on the latest News in the Papers and thumbing thru Magazines ( I'm Old!)

At 400pm Amtrak Track A Train was showing a 500pm Arrival @ Temple due to Freight Traffic, so I headed fof the Station @ 430pm,( its only 3 Blocks)

Arriving in the nicely ACd Waiting Room,which has been Remodeled with New Decor, Seats and Vending Machines, I said Goodbye to my Amtrak friends( the New Agent is very friendly!), enjoyed a Diet Coke and read the latest Edition of the Texas Park and Recreations Magazine which features Texas Rivers!

At :5:10 the Agent announced that #21 was approaching Temple so we went out to the newly built Platform ( it was now 101 outside) and he opened the Gate to the Boarding Platform as the Eaglete rolled in with 2 P-42s( Rare!) and the usual consist of 1 Sleeper,CCC and 2 Coaches.

After the deboading Passengers were cleared, the Agent took the Bagage Cart to the Coach/Bag and the Conductor scanned about 10 Boarding Passengers tickets and we were told to Board either Coach and the Coach Attendant would give us a Seat Check and to pick a Seat ( I usually ride in the Sightseer Lounge on short Trips since there's not one on the Eaglete now I picked a Window Seat on the Shady Side in the half full Remodeled 1st Coach!)

Since Dinner service had started for Sleeper Passengers ( Austin is Last Call for Passengers) @5PM., the Cafe in the CCC was Closed. Until Taylor!

We Highballed @ 530PM, 45 minutes Down, rolled South thru Farming Country and the Small Towns ( one unusual feature of these Towns is that they are laid out with the Main Commercial Street Perpindicular to the Tracks instead of Paralell like most Railroad created Towns).

As we approached Taylor the Sky Grew Dark to the Southeast and a Large Thundershower blew across the Tracks, hardest Rain I'd seen in several Months!

By the time we made the Taylor Spots @ 6:30PM, it was gone and the Setting Sun was back out!

We rolled out @ 640pm and passed the Gridlocked Traffic on US 79 that parallels the Tracks from Taylor to Round Rock as the Area grows like Topsy due to Centex Expansion around Austin! ,( Samsung is building a plant in Taylor that will bring 10,000 more people to the Area,)

We rolled along about 60 MPH thru Round Rock, into Austin, down Mopac whee we had to stop in the siding @ Sneed to await a 200+ Car UP Freight to chug up the Hill from the Austin Station heading North.

Finally the Freight cleared, the Horn Sounded and we Rolled down the Hill, around the Corner into the Austin Station, and stopped @ 730pm, 1 Hour Down!

I jumped off, got into my Car and headed home thru the "Rush Hour Traffic", it took me only 20 minutes to go the 3 Miles since I caught Green from many of the Untimed Lights in Austin!

A nice Day Trip on the Eaglete, I'm considering making a couple of more to other Cities since it's so nice to ride the Train and visit other places!

Sorry there's no Pictures, I'm still a Luddite and High Tech Changelled!

Bourbon Pecan Pie with Vanilla Ice Cream! That sure sounds tasty!

 

[20th Century Rider]

Bourbon Pecan Pie with Vanilla Ice Cream! That sure sounds tasty!

Ok... I gotta chime in with a really true story of an indulgent memory of Bourbon Pecan Pie with real pecan ice cream. Back in my college days in northern Wisconsin, I remember treating myself to a day long round trip on the NP Gopher to MSP just to ride the rails as the rain swirled around the northern forests and I sat snug in the car. When I got off at St. Paul, there was just enough time to walk around the downtown before the return trip. I remember stopping in some little restaurant by the rail station indulging in a slice of pecan pie warming my belly with rich sweetness as my mouth felt the giddy gooey rich yumminess going down.

I was so depressed... truly sad, after I had wiped my plate clean... but batteries were again recharged at the thought of boarding my chariot for another ride north through the woods and small towns. Only to be let down once again when disembarking and walking back to to the noisy cinder brick dorm at WSU Superior. But I do carry to this day the memory of that soujourn to St. Paul on the Train... a true getaway... with a confectionary treat never to be forgotten.

Long live the Great Northern, and the beautiful Minnesota forests, with that long gone little restaurant by the St. Paul train station!