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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?
sbalax Member # 2801
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Have a great trip, Tom! And we'll be expecting a trip report.
Frank in dark, cool and quiet SBA
Geoff Mayo Member # 153
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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.
TBlack Member # 181
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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?
dns8560 Member # 15184
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Chicago Rapid Transit trains go directly to the loop, if I'm not mistaken.
MDRR Member # 2992
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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.
TBlack Member # 181
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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?
TB
dns8560 Member # 15184
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Looking online it appears United uses Terminal 1, which has its own Blue Line CTA stop, open and in service 24 hours a day.
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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.
dns8560 Member # 15184
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Boston's silver line goes to Logan. It closes around ten PM I think, though.
DS
Gilbert B Norman Member # 1541
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Mr. Black--
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.
RR4me Member # 6052
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I figure any route I haven't been on is interesting, at least once. Have a great trip.
TBlack Member # 181
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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.
Railroad Bob Member # 3508
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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.
Gilbert B Norman Member # 1541
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Thank you, Mr. Black, for "popping" at Miller's Pub today.
TBlack Member # 181
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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!
sbalax Member # 2801
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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 Philippe's!
Enjoy the rest of your journey and I'll be looking forward to reading your trip report.
Frank in cool, smoky (yes, another fire) SBA
train lady Member # 3920
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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
notelvis Member # 3071
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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'.
sbalax Member # 2801
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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
train lady Member # 3920
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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.
TBlack Member # 181
posted 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.
sbalax Member # 2801
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Tom--
It's about 2 1/2 to 3 hours but, hey, it's a train ride!
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