Bill Harrison
Train Attendant
- Joined
- Feb 9, 2010
- Messages
- 16
Well, took my trip from Cleveland to Buffalo, got back this morning. Had alot of fun on the train, few small things.
Day 1: Train supposed to leave Monday at 5:20 am and arrive in Buffalo at 8:30. As I came around 2 to the Amtrak station, saw flashing lights of an Ambulance and a Fire truck, and a train at the station, this was probably 4:50am or so. I thought wow thats kinda early for my train. I went inside to pay for my tickets, and found out that was the Chicago bound train, and there was a medical emergency so it was delayed. I didn't think much of it and paid for my tickets, and checked them out. They had me returning on the wrong day! I brought it to the attendants attention, and she shook her head and said I will try to fix them. She had quite a bit of trouble so she had to call someone to help her so I went outside to get some fresh air while I waited.
By now it was about 5:30 and the Chicago bound train was still there. I was standing behind the building near the baggage area and I believe the conductor came off and was talking to the station employees and the Cleveland Fire Fighters. Someone had Passed away on the train and they were arguing about who had the responsiblity of getting the body off the train. The fire department said not us, the ambulance said not them, and they both left. Finally the city mortician showed up with a minivan. Then they argued about how to get the body off the train to the waiting van. Finally they unloaded the luggage cart and took it up to one of the cars. About 15 minutes later it drove back down with a sheet covered body. They loaded the body in the van, and it left. By now it was close to 6:30. They announced our train was in fact there, just waiting for the chicago bound train to pull out. Half hour later our train pulled in finally and we boarded. Interesting morning!
Trip was great. My son (3yo) found out they had a candy / food car and insisted on multiple trips for drinks and snacks. He was good though and loved the ride. We had french toast in the diner, really good also! Made good time, got in around 9:30.
Spent the night on the NY side of niagra falls. Falls is beautiful in the snow / winter, but found out nearly everything is seasonal and very few attractions or restaurants were open. No wonder the hotel was only 44 a night! Stayed at the Quality inn on Rainbow, newly remodeled, very nice especially for that price. Son enjoyed a dip monday night in the pool while it was basically a whiteout outside... a little wierd swimming while you watch it snow through the glass.
Day 2 saddled up in the rental car and went to Buffalo. Intresting city with cool architecture, the City Hall was worth a visit, has an observation deck on the 25th floor and free tour at noon. 3 yo was too rambunctious for the tour, but worth the visit. Drive around for a few hours, had wings at the Anchor Bar (Claim to have invented the "Buffalo Wing") and tried a "Beef on Weck" which I quite enjoyed. Found out Loganberries are a regional favorite, and sampled some loganberry soda.
Went to a mall, played some games at dave and busters, then returned the rental car around 10:30pm and got a shuttle back to the station. 11:59 departure, turned into 12:30. Not too bad, got some sleep on the train and arrived to find my car safe and sound where I left it. Son missed most of the second trip it was just too late for him.
Definitely enjoyed it, thanks for the ticket, and looking forward to a longer trip in the future!
Pics are a bit shakey / Sorry
Coronor van at Station W/ Body on luggage cart:
Son Excited to be on train:
Dining car:
Waiting for Breakfast:
Eating / French toast (Tasty btw!):
American Falls w/ Horshoe Falls in the back:
Buffalo City Hall:
Anchor Bar "Home of the Buffalo wing" (Good wings btw, go figure!):
View from City Hall building over Lake Erie:
Day 1: Train supposed to leave Monday at 5:20 am and arrive in Buffalo at 8:30. As I came around 2 to the Amtrak station, saw flashing lights of an Ambulance and a Fire truck, and a train at the station, this was probably 4:50am or so. I thought wow thats kinda early for my train. I went inside to pay for my tickets, and found out that was the Chicago bound train, and there was a medical emergency so it was delayed. I didn't think much of it and paid for my tickets, and checked them out. They had me returning on the wrong day! I brought it to the attendants attention, and she shook her head and said I will try to fix them. She had quite a bit of trouble so she had to call someone to help her so I went outside to get some fresh air while I waited.
By now it was about 5:30 and the Chicago bound train was still there. I was standing behind the building near the baggage area and I believe the conductor came off and was talking to the station employees and the Cleveland Fire Fighters. Someone had Passed away on the train and they were arguing about who had the responsiblity of getting the body off the train. The fire department said not us, the ambulance said not them, and they both left. Finally the city mortician showed up with a minivan. Then they argued about how to get the body off the train to the waiting van. Finally they unloaded the luggage cart and took it up to one of the cars. About 15 minutes later it drove back down with a sheet covered body. They loaded the body in the van, and it left. By now it was close to 6:30. They announced our train was in fact there, just waiting for the chicago bound train to pull out. Half hour later our train pulled in finally and we boarded. Interesting morning!
Trip was great. My son (3yo) found out they had a candy / food car and insisted on multiple trips for drinks and snacks. He was good though and loved the ride. We had french toast in the diner, really good also! Made good time, got in around 9:30.
Spent the night on the NY side of niagra falls. Falls is beautiful in the snow / winter, but found out nearly everything is seasonal and very few attractions or restaurants were open. No wonder the hotel was only 44 a night! Stayed at the Quality inn on Rainbow, newly remodeled, very nice especially for that price. Son enjoyed a dip monday night in the pool while it was basically a whiteout outside... a little wierd swimming while you watch it snow through the glass.
Day 2 saddled up in the rental car and went to Buffalo. Intresting city with cool architecture, the City Hall was worth a visit, has an observation deck on the 25th floor and free tour at noon. 3 yo was too rambunctious for the tour, but worth the visit. Drive around for a few hours, had wings at the Anchor Bar (Claim to have invented the "Buffalo Wing") and tried a "Beef on Weck" which I quite enjoyed. Found out Loganberries are a regional favorite, and sampled some loganberry soda.
Went to a mall, played some games at dave and busters, then returned the rental car around 10:30pm and got a shuttle back to the station. 11:59 departure, turned into 12:30. Not too bad, got some sleep on the train and arrived to find my car safe and sound where I left it. Son missed most of the second trip it was just too late for him.
Definitely enjoyed it, thanks for the ticket, and looking forward to a longer trip in the future!
Pics are a bit shakey / Sorry
Coronor van at Station W/ Body on luggage cart:
Son Excited to be on train:
Dining car:
Waiting for Breakfast:
Eating / French toast (Tasty btw!):
American Falls w/ Horshoe Falls in the back:
Buffalo City Hall:
Anchor Bar "Home of the Buffalo wing" (Good wings btw, go figure!):
View from City Hall building over Lake Erie:
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