Well.... It seemed like a good idea at the time.... So Brad & I embarked on a
42 hour Amtrak train trip from Chicago to Tampa!
We needed to get to Siesta Key for the surprise 90th Birthday Celebrations for my Mom! So on Thursday May 8, Brad and I boarded the Metra NW train to Chicago's Union station for our 6:40 PM departure on the Amtrak Floridian in our upgraded Roomette in the Sleeper Car. Kathy, Tina & Brett decided they would rather fly! They missed out!
Prior to our departure, we were entitled to the use of the Metropolitan Lounge, which featured complimentary beverages, snacks & separation from the Rif Raff. But more importantly, it had the cleanest Potties I have EVER seen! A good omen if our On Board potties would be as spotless.
The Roomette was billed as a luxury cabin that allowed us to sit during the day - looking at each other with our knees touching - but at night our seats transformed into bunk bed style lie flat beds. My berth on the bottom featured a whopping 24 inches of width, while Brad upstairs had to make do with a paltry 22"!
Our route took us from Chicago east to Washington DC and then south down the Confederate coast until we hit Tampa. Scheduled arrival was 1PM 2 nights later on May 10th.
We pulled out EXACTLY on time and Brad and I decided to hit the Diner Car for our Dinner - all of which was included.
Brad had the Flat Iron Steak and I had a Pasta dish - should have had the Steak. Food on the trip was generally quite good.
When we returned to our Roomette, the attendant had transformed our seats into our spacious bunks. I waddled down to the back of the car to use the Private Sleeper Car Restroom and came back to leg-up Brad up to his bunk.
Brad fell asleep quickly, but I struggled with my 24 inch wide berth. After maybe 3 hours of staring straight ahead while flopping side to side, I had to use the bathroom again. To my HORROR, both bathrooms had red lights on them saying they were INOPERABLE. So after tinkling into a plastic water bottle, I settled back into the luxury of the bottom berth. Ahhh the Luxury! I had maybe 4 hours of sleep, but the next night was even worse.
Day 2 had us traverse thru Pennsylvania & Maryland until we hit Washington DC around 1pm. After a 45 minute stop there to stretch our legs and enjoy a couple Digmens, we reboarded.
Then we pushed south thru Richmond, Raleigh, Savannah and All Points south. Once we hit Florida you could see the change in vegetation from the Pine Trees to the Palm Trees. Home Stretch!
Here's the summary on the trip.... Probably not a great idea for a Jumbo sized claustrophobic Grandpa - a few months shy of 70 - to stuff himself into a sardine tin with inoperable restrooms for 42 hours. (We got to use the Loo's in Coach)
But it was great fun just being with Brad and seeing the countryside glide by as we traveled.
We are already planning our next trip to Hollywood on the Southwest Chief - which is 52 hours one way.
Had a great time with Brad!
Thanks be to God for giving us this opportunity.
I love my Son!
Visit www.rickyjohn.com for more about our family!