Its time for Amtrak Winter Excursion #2 as brother Pete and I boarded Lake Shore Limited #448 in Cleveland for a cold and snowy trek across Pa. NY & Massachusetts for a layover in Springfield MA. We were in Boston sleeper 4820 and since boarding was at 5:50am, we planned not to use the beds. But the room had not been cleaned, towels on the floor, upper bunk still in used mode. Our car attendant was seen at the beginning and end but not overly useful to clean up the disorder. We had hoped for a Viewliner 2, which had been common, but not this trip. Despite some frozen brake lines, and snow-covered platforms we arrived around 8pm found our Lyft driver and off to Holiday Inn Express.
Hotel was nicely kept with friendly staff. A restful night sleep and morning breakfast before Lyft returned us to Springfield Union Station for a 7am Hartford Line train #495 to New Haven, CT. Had a little time to explore the newly renovated Springfield station with modern signage, lots of historical art and displays. Some new trackage for my Amtrak records as we traveled along the Connecticut River via Hartford to our connecting station at New Haven.
Arrived about 10 minutes ahead of Amtrak Regional 95 and had no time to check out the NH station. Met some friendly Amtrak conductors who gave us some pins for our collection. Got a quick video of 95 as it arrived for our day trip to Washington DC. Used an upgrade coupon to move to business class. Car was crowded and was a bit loud with one passenger wanting everyone to know of his business transactions.
We made good time and a nice view of the New York City skyline, quick stops in Philly, Baltimore before our 2pm arrival at Washington Union Station. Escalator was not working so we decided to climb up the steps. (Have to remember we are not spring chickens anymore..
) Turned out to be a longer wait in the Metro Lounge for our Amtrak Floridian #40 as weather delays in Virginia and freight blockages slowed its arrival. Lots of snacks & beverages in the lounge. Amtrak police training some new dogs in the lounge.
Boarded around 6pm with Siemens #324 & #345 leading the consist. We had a great steak dinner and blueberry cheesecake in the dining car, conversation with a couple heading to Chicago and a friendly train crew put the beds down at 10pm. Unfortunately, a police incident occurred in coach whereby a passenger was removed in Connellsville Pa and another two hour delay. We arrived back in snowy Cleveland around 7am, just in time for rush hour and several accidents along the way slowing traffic. Enjoyed most of the train rides and meeting some interesting people and Amtrak staff and train crews. Think we will wait until spring comes before future trips. Some photos below of our trains and scenes along the way. Passed the 120,000 mile mark for riding Amtrak since retirement. Still crazy after all these years......
Hotel was nicely kept with friendly staff. A restful night sleep and morning breakfast before Lyft returned us to Springfield Union Station for a 7am Hartford Line train #495 to New Haven, CT. Had a little time to explore the newly renovated Springfield station with modern signage, lots of historical art and displays. Some new trackage for my Amtrak records as we traveled along the Connecticut River via Hartford to our connecting station at New Haven.
Arrived about 10 minutes ahead of Amtrak Regional 95 and had no time to check out the NH station. Met some friendly Amtrak conductors who gave us some pins for our collection. Got a quick video of 95 as it arrived for our day trip to Washington DC. Used an upgrade coupon to move to business class. Car was crowded and was a bit loud with one passenger wanting everyone to know of his business transactions.
We made good time and a nice view of the New York City skyline, quick stops in Philly, Baltimore before our 2pm arrival at Washington Union Station. Escalator was not working so we decided to climb up the steps. (Have to remember we are not spring chickens anymore..
) Turned out to be a longer wait in the Metro Lounge for our Amtrak Floridian #40 as weather delays in Virginia and freight blockages slowed its arrival. Lots of snacks & beverages in the lounge. Amtrak police training some new dogs in the lounge.Boarded around 6pm with Siemens #324 & #345 leading the consist. We had a great steak dinner and blueberry cheesecake in the dining car, conversation with a couple heading to Chicago and a friendly train crew put the beds down at 10pm. Unfortunately, a police incident occurred in coach whereby a passenger was removed in Connellsville Pa and another two hour delay. We arrived back in snowy Cleveland around 7am, just in time for rush hour and several accidents along the way slowing traffic. Enjoyed most of the train rides and meeting some interesting people and Amtrak staff and train crews. Think we will wait until spring comes before future trips. Some photos below of our trains and scenes along the way. Passed the 120,000 mile mark for riding Amtrak since retirement. Still crazy after all these years......
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