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I have an opening in my schedule next week and decided that I should ride the rails again. I haven't been on an extended trip for years! But where to go? I thought south would be available and cheaper, but you can't get on the Cresent to save your life. Nor can you get a bedroom to Chicago from Boston or New York or DC. The Empire Builder is full as is #5. Well, I ended up getting a flight to Chicago to get on the SWC and there to join the Texas Eagle back to Chicago. I've not been on the route from San Antonio northward or tried the delights of the cross country cafe. Not the perfect trip, but what's a guy to do for excitement after GBN's birthday is over for another year?
Posts: 518 | From: Maynard, MA, USA | Registered: Sep 2000
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The Texas Eagle north of San Antonio is rarely mentioned as a good trip but I beg to differ. Sure, it doesn't have overhanging cliffs, nor does it cling to mountainsides. But it does wander through some varied and interesting scenery. Sit back, relax, and enjoy.
Posts: 2426 | From: Apple Valley, CA | Registered: Sep 2000
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Geoff, Thanks. Coming from New England, I find the Texas landscape, as well as all of the southwest, so different from my own that it is eternally intresting to me too. Furthermore, I lived in Texas for 8 years during the '80's, so it's a little reunion.
Got a general question: my plane arrives at ORD at 10:00 AM; the train leaves at 3:15, what's the best way to get to CUS?
Posts: 518 | From: Maynard, MA, USA | Registered: Sep 2000
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Chicago Rapid Transit trains go directly to the loop, if I'm not mistaken.
-------------------- Everybody has to believe in something. I believe I'll take the train! Posts: 230 | From: Ithaca, New York | Registered: May 2009
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Take the rapid transit to I believe Clinton St (?) It is about 2 blocks west of Union station and no need to change trains. Pick up right in ORD.
Posts: 332 | From: Long Island, NY USA | Registered: Jan 2004
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Dave, Tom, OK. Just a couple of more questions, 'cause I'm nervous: can I find the rapid transit easily from my United AA arrival? And is the fare structure understandable?
-------------------- Everybody has to believe in something. I believe I'll take the train! Posts: 230 | From: Ithaca, New York | Registered: May 2009
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Dave, That's a fabulous website. I wonder if we have one of those in Boston. It tells me that, including walking to the station at 11:00 AM, the trip will take just an hour for $2.25. I'll get to CUS in time for lunch. I wonder if that hot dog place in the food court is still there.
Posts: 518 | From: Maynard, MA, USA | Registered: Sep 2000
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Boston's silver line goes to Logan. It closes around ten PM I think, though.
DS
-------------------- Everybody has to believe in something. I believe I'll take the train! Posts: 230 | From: Ithaca, New York | Registered: May 2009
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Clinton Street is the stop for Union Station. $2.25 is the fare; cash is accepted and change made at the slot machines. CTA trains leave from basement of O'Hare Terminal 2; United uses Terminal 1; the route is well marked - used it many a time myself.
quote:Well, I ended up getting a flight to Chicago to get on the SWC and there to join the Texas Eagle back to Chicago.
While not specifically noted at any posting, it would appear that your rail itinerary is CHI-3(12)-LAX-422(?)-CHI.
Posts: 9980 | From: Clarendon Hills, IL USA (BNSF Chicago Sub MP 18.71) | Registered: Apr 2002
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I figure any route I haven't been on is interesting, at least once. Have a great trip.
Posts: 406 | From: La Grange, CA | Registered: Sep 2007
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GBN, To fill in the blank: CHI-3(12)-LAX-422(14)-CHI. Interestingly, the price of each leg is identical even though 422 takes the longer route and provides more meals and services.
Posts: 518 | From: Maynard, MA, USA | Registered: Sep 2000
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Just a little further "El" info; if you are on any train that is physically in the Loop-- the stop for CUS is West Quincy-- and then an easy walk past the ex-Sears Tower to Amtrak. Done it many times with light luggage. That's my favorite EL stop; I love the wood-paneled walkways and interesting old design...it's like you have been transported back to old Chicago. But coming specifically from O'Hare, it's Clinton as the others have said.
Posts: 588 | From: East San Diego County, CA | Registered: Oct 2004
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Thank you, Mr. Black, for "popping" at Miller's Pub today.
Posts: 9980 | From: Clarendon Hills, IL USA (BNSF Chicago Sub MP 18.71) | Registered: Apr 2002
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Gil, Thanks for coming in town and showing me "your" pub. It was a fun lunch, but I can't say anymore about it until I do my trip report homework for professor Frank, who has already handed me my assignment!
Posts: 518 | From: Maynard, MA, USA | Registered: Sep 2000
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Frank I have been reding about the new firee. What a season youv'e had. How close is this one to you ? I hope you and Norm don't have to evacuate again.Keep us posted
Posts: 1577 | From: virginia | Registered: Jun 2005
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Let me be the next to note how much I enjoy the information, friendship, and genuine empathy shared among the regulars here. This forum is always a 'first line' resource when I'm putting a trip together.
Frank, I too hope you don't get 'smoked out'.
-------------------- David Pressley
Advocating for passenger trains since 1973!
Climbing toward 5,000 posts like the Southwest Chief ascending Raton Pass. Cautiously, not nearly as fast as in the old days, and hoping to avoid premature reroutes. Posts: 4203 | From: Western North Carolina | Registered: Feb 2004
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Thanks for the concern. This one has now burned close to 50,000 acres in the backcountry of Northern Santa Barbara County. That would be the area east of Santa Maria if you are familiar with Southern California.
Mostly we have been getting fine white ash and not too much heavy smoke although the afternoon light has been oddly orange the last two days.
Frank in
Posts: 2160 | From: Santa Barbara, CA, USA | Registered: Oct 2003
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Frank the pictures you sent of the one last year was also "orangy" as I recall. I asume that is reflections of the fire? Thankfully the only fire and ash we get here comes from the CApitol building when congress is in session. Isn't the knowledge that fire can spring up so rapidly a little unnerving? Or do you really get used to it? I know after 9/ 11 we got letters from the county telling us how to prepare for terrorist attacks and BTW fire, snow storms etc. That left all of us uneasy but now we don't even think about it.
Posts: 1577 | From: virginia | Registered: Jun 2005
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Tom-- "Professor Frank" must have missed the post of your final route choice. I would have met you and "popped" for lunch at Philipp's!
Damn! I'll just have to come back! I had thought the distance between LAX and SBA was measured in hours and I didn't want to put a burden on you.
Posts: 518 | From: Maynard, MA, USA | Registered: Sep 2000
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