I had tried to book the Crescent using "Julie", but since I was getting on at an unstaffed station, I was automatically transferred to an agent. Got a bedroom for the 1-1/2 hour ride...no coach seats available (again)!

At DC we got in about 10-15 minutes early, so I was able to pick up a Metroliner ticket for BWI. Love that high speed; the 10am Sunday departure flies through New Carrollton.

At BWI there isn't much to do but watch the trains come through...most were on time but the southbound Carolinian was running about an hour late. It included the "Vermonter" baggage car towards the rear, plus it had two express cars. Not sure if the express cars travel south of DC as I have never seen any when I've gone on the southern section of the route.

Returned to DC on #153, one of the northeast regional trains (or whatever they are called these days). [Note: the PA announced most trains but not this one!] Got back to DC just in time to join a quick evacuation of the building because of a fire alarm. People were pretty calm about it; didn't see any headless chickens, etc. It was warm outside by late November standards--it was in the 60s and sunny/cloudy. After about 10 minutes they let everyone back in.

Headed back out on the westbound Cardinal at 1:15 (actually I think it was a little late getting out). I had not ridden this train since it was (temporarily) set up with single level cars. There was a good size crowd that got on in DC.