Pontiac IL to Fort Worth TX round trip on the Texas Eagle

[MccfamschoolMom]

At the Pontiac IL station, waiting to board today's southbound TE. Similar to my hometown station, this is unmanned and trains barely stop for passengers. Amtrak claims the Eaglette will be 6 minutes late arriving here; we shall see. There's an interactive TE schedule online, with links to hotels and points of interest at each station, including Pontiac.
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[MccfamschoolMom]

Boarded pretty much on time. Going upstairs to the bedrooms was tricky with luggage in hand and on the back. Our SCA is Andre, and is very polite. Some new choices on the Flex Dining menu; I'm trying the Beef Paprikash tonight.
Just left Bloomington a few minutes ago; there was a brief fresh air break there (only 5 minutes, so we ordered supper instead of getting off the train).
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[Eric in East County]

We’ve never ridden on the Texas Eagle. In order to better follow this trip report, we just rewatched Jeb Brooks’ YouTube video of his trip on the T.E. so that we can better appreciate what all you’ll be seeing and the stations you’ll be stopping at.

Eric & Pat

 

[MccfamschoolMom]

A little bit later at each station from Lincoln to Alton, the train made up some time between Alton and St Louis -- just in time for us to walk the length of the train to the dining car! Supper presentation was microwave entree, but high quality and imaginative. The Beef Paprikash wasn't as spicy as I had feared; we had to eat quickly, though, so we could return to our bedroom while the train was stopped. Brought dessert back with us to the room, but no coffee until morning. Moved our bags to the side by the bathroom and jump seat after supper, so we can access them once the beds are made up.View attachment IMG_20241006_190502_399.jpg