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Well, off we go again into what they are calling the Polar Vortex. We'll be on the CONO connecting to the SWC to Albuquerque, then Winslow, Phoenix/Tuscon and Dallas to visit family. Sorry, GBN, we'll pass on a meet up this trip as we intend to stay huddled in the Amtrak Lounge with our Kindles during the connection to the SWC.
Geoff Mayo Member # 153
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Enjoy! Out of interest, how are you getting to the CONO and where are you boarding? I didn't realize quite how close you are to the coast.
notelvis Member # 3071
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I did a quick pass through in Chicago last February and stayed huddled inside because it was 3 degrees outside.
That, apparently, was balmy compared to the current temperatures in Chicago.
TwinStarRocket Member # 2142
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Good luck. There seems to be some sort of weather related meltdown west of Chicago as of Mon night. Two Zephyrs and a Chief are not moving near Mendota, IL.
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CBS Radio news reported during the 5AM CT hour that 'trains coming from the Southwest were stranded in Illinois'. WBBM 780/105.9 then reported the trains by name.
Otherwise, the trash never made it yesterday, but to my surprise, the mail did. The windows in my house look like something from 'Dr. Zhivago' but my relatively new furnace is holding indoors at 70dg.
This is the worst cold I can recall (and by now anyone around here knows I'm not much into 'internet superlatives') - and I have been around these parts, off and on but mostly on, since 1961.
Mr. Palmland and Miss Mary, stay warm. It takes more gumption than I got to do any kind of discretionary travel under these conditions (I would have scrubbed, CANX charges be dammed). However, when I was in practice and before that with the MILW, 'the show must go on' and I had a good record of showing up when no one expected I would. But when retired, and the only thing for which you MUST get out are Doctors, your perspective changes.
TwinStarRocket Member # 2142
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At first when I read "the trash never made it yesterday", I thought Mr. Norman was referring to the state of Amtrak's equipment.
palmland Member # 4344
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An on time Southwest flight will have us into New Orleans soon. We'll enjoy some good food tonight and figure out our next move.
Gilbert B Norman Member # 1541
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It feels ever so little warmer today; no wind to speak of.
Allied Waste came today.
PullmanCo Member # 1138
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Kansas City, on Monday, was -10F, and got to +6.
Tuesday, the low in KC was midnight, at -4. The day warmed up to +34, and cooled to +17.
Today, when I went to work, it was +20, and is now +25.
In Lincoln, IL (I have friends served by that office, it never got ABOVE ZERO Monday, and it just crept above yesterday. Right now, my weather gadget on my PC says they are +17F.
palmland Member # 4344
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By GBN's town on No 3 about 3'15" late- waiting on power. Great trip on CONO arrived 10min early. New Orleans was so good.
palmland Member # 4344
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Made up time, departing LaJunta just 2'05"min late. Thank goodness for our SCA, Vincent. Got us out of our leaking mildewed bedroom last night into another then switch to family room after breakfast when that room had a reservation. If only all were like him.
Geoff Mayo Member # 153
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Keep up the en-route updates! It's fun reading "live" accounts.
palmland Member # 4344
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The saga continues. On 2/422 running about 5 hrs late: fire in the diner yesterday and UP freight with power problems ahead last night. Great crew though. Had very good carry out pasta last night (on board El Paso) - the wine helped. Long talk with qualifying engineer standing at the rearwindow of the Chgo sleeper. Hope to make Dallas at a decent hour.
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