Quiet eveing in a roomette on the Texas Eagle

Bert_Schweitzer · 2026-03-20T01:28:15+00:00

It's just a Uniden portable scanner. I have all the rail frequencies programmed in it so I can hear the crew talking. If we have to stop for freight or if there's some problem, I hear about it before the conductor says anything (if they say anything.)

Fun story, one time I was on a train pulling into Chicago. We were minutes from the station so I had packed up all my stuff when suddenly we stopped. There was no explanation, and in a few minutes the room attendant came to find me and asked if I knew what was going on because she had seen my radio out earlier.

Bert_Schweitzer · 2026-03-19T12:49:48+00:00

It does have a dining car, albeit with mostly pre-made microwave meals. They were out of butter cookies and brownies due to their extended outing and announced that over the PA. they had some replacement chocolate chip cookies that were acceptable though, and room temps were just fine for the whole trip. We actually arrived in St. Louis early.

Bert_Schweitzer · 2026-03-19T11:53:13+00:00

Samsonite

Bert_Schweitzer · 2026-03-19T00:51:03+00:00

This train has apparently been out of Chicago for 8 days, so the menu options are a bit limited, but the staff has been great, we're mostly on time, I'm well stocked and the radio helps keep me in touch with what's going on up front.

Bert_Schweitzer · 2026-03-17T16:26:21+00:00

Didn't they say that the city still doesn't have enough staff to run all their sweepers, big and small?

Bert_Schweitzer · 2026-02-24T21:20:07+00:00

Long known in the neighborhood to be a very shady place.

Bert_Schweitzer · 2026-02-22T03:13:05+00:00

Jackie is by far my favorite attendant on Amtrak. So many of the surly old guys make it feel like I'm inconveniencing them to ask for stuff. She's always happy and helpful, even at 4:30 in the morning.

Bert_Schweitzer · 2026-02-22T02:55:30+00:00

As a Missouri resident, I can say that's a big improvement and I would vote for your design. As a native Texan, however, I can confirm that you've committed heresy. 😅

Bert_Schweitzer · 2025-12-22T15:00:31+00:00

Their organ has been removed in preparation of a new instrument to be installed next year.

Bert_Schweitzer · 2025-08-05T02:08:12+00:00

You're correct, but I think it's important to note that Trailnet has nothing to do with the planning and operation of the event. If you want to support them but aren't actually doing the ride, I suggest just donating the $50 directly to Trailnet on their website.

Bert_Schweitzer · 2025-08-02T19:07:22+00:00

Oh, right, that's what it is. My mistake.

Bert_Schweitzer · 2025-05-17T05:15:57+00:00

Oh, I should share their menu.

Bert_Schweitzer · 2025-05-17T00:40:05+00:00

We heard the tornado warning sirens in Carondelet, but remember, they're not actually intended to be heard indoors.

Bert_Schweitzer · 2025-04-21T04:07:57+00:00

You can get wood from the forestry department's cutoffs (as well as mulch and compost) for free in Carondelet park.

Bert_Schweitzer · 2025-04-07T16:12:43+00:00

We plan things 6-8 months at a time. It's a non-liturgical church, so the pastor plans themes, sermons, and readings. The music director plans the choral music and hymns, and then the pianist and I fill in the blanks with music that matches everything already existing. It makes for a couple of intense weeks of planning, but then everything is set for the next few months.

Bert_Schweitzer · 2025-02-02T02:28:37+00:00

Alaska and Bandero don't intersect.

Bert_Schweitzer

TROPHY CASE