Attending the Gatherings have given me the opportunity to meet many interesting people and connect with railfans from all over the country. I've attended them all since the original 2007 Gathering in Chicago and am looking forward to next month in San Francisco. However, I'll admit that I don't post or visit as frequently as many on the board.
Recently, I spent most of last week riding trains in Chicago and up and down the Northeast Corridor. I've always enjoyed the opportunity to meet new people during the day, while also appreciating the peace and solitude while riding the rails at long stretches during the late evening and early morning hours.
Last Thursday, I had some time to lounge in Boston's Club Acela, while waiting for #67 to Washington. J-1 3235 was gracious enough to come down that night and we had a chance to visit and share dinner.
It was an enjoyable evening, but I was unprepared when he told me that Patrick had passed away. As I was traveling from Chicago to Washington, earlier in the week, I was contemplating the Gathering in San Francisco and wondering if Patrick and Alice would be in attendance.
I first had the pleasure of meeting Patrick during the 1st Gathering in Chicago in 2007. I've always told people that it was fortuitous that the first Gathering was in Chicago. Being from Wisconsin, Chicago was pretty close by and the cost and time required were minimal.
Members of my family thought I was a little crazy, meeting and lodging with people I only knew from the internet. Yet, I decided to go anyway.
I rode the Metra for the first time, spent some time taking in Jazz at Buddy Guys, roomed with other railfans at the Hosteling International-Chicago and met this free spirited dude from California with a taste for fez, rails, and rock n roll.
We had a good mix of folks that first year, but I was impressed that someone would come all the way from California for what was, at the time, only a two day event. I had never been to California, but always wanted to go. Of course, I got my chance the following year and have Patrick to thank.
He may not have had the final decision in 2008, but once it was decided that AU would be meeting in Los Angeles, he went out of his way to fill the roll of gracious host for his out of town guests. He was close enough to lodge at home, but made a point to stay at the Metro Plaza to be part of the group, answer questions and just hang out and talk trains.
I fondly remember one of our conversations:
"Hey Patrick. I've never been to California before, but I've always wanted to experience an earthquake. Nothing too serious. Just something small, but it's a bucket list thing and I've heard you have some influence around these parts.".
"Let me talk to my people and I'll see what I can do."
Sunday morning rolled around and I was already thinking about my upcoming departure, back to Chicago on the Southwest Chief later that night. Patrick met me in the lobby of the Metro Plaza.
"I got some bad news for you. I wasn't able to pull that earth quake thing together, but would you be interested in taking a short ride to Oxnard on the Surfliner? I heard some reports on the radio and you may get to see some wild fires."
Just hearing him describe it, I figured I may see some orange in the distance, maybe a little smoke, as if it was all some kind of elaborate set for a movie.
Of course, the reality was, that winds had shifted, causing that little fire to spread, so much so that the Surfliner was stopped at Oxnard and unable to continue. When we finally got back to Los Angeles, I was concerned that the Chief would also be disrupted. It was, but only because of bad-ordered dining car. Luckily, it was only a minor delay and we left Los Angeles only down an hour.
Patrick, however, may have had real trouble getting back home, but Alice graciously offered to drive him home, though I believe they may have taken a less than direct route to get there.
Regardless, my first trip to California was a success and I owe that in apart to Patrick's generosity and sense of humor. He knew that physically I would often lag behind, yet he didn't seem to mind. I don't think I would've been able to get to and from Cantor's restaurant without his willingness to show me the way.
I passed up a chance to visit In&Out because of Patrick's enthusiasm and insistence that cruising Olivera Street, the birthplace of the City of Los Angeles would be more enriching. He was right.
Sometimes, it just takes the right person to encourage you to take the path less traveled.
I also remember going to Philippe's to have a sandwich, since Patrick mentioned it's long history and its famous mustard.
Being that it was right across from the Metro Plaza, I think I walked there 3-4 times over the course of a weekend. As Patrick said, it had changed little from the time that he went with his parents for the first time.
I am sure I'll also get to meet many folks at our upcoming Gathering next month. I am enthusiastic and no longer have the sense of trepidation I had when visiting California for the first time, yet it won't be the same, knowing that Patrick won't be there.
Patrick,
Thanks for your friendship, patience, and wicked sense of humor. Whenever I think of Philippe's, wild fires, horchata, and Olivera Street, I'll think of you, and, on the off chance the Bay Area experiences some minor shocks and tremors next month, I'll know whom to thank.
