SUMMER 1999 AMTRAK TRAVELOGUE

SUMMER 1999 AMTRAK TRAVELOGUE

PART V OF V

THE HIAWATHA

by Carol Larsen

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 30, 1999

After the excitement of being in the cab of Genesis P-42 #16, I didn't have time for the Metropolitan Lounge and headed straight to the boarding gate for the Hiawatha. In checking the board at the north end of the terminal, I found that the Hiawatha would be leaving from track 17. The first boarding announcement was being made, stating that the train was at the "far end of the platform". As I proceeded down the platform, I passed another train on that track and then saw the Hiawatha further down. It was indeed at the far end, the furthest I ever had to go for a Hiawatha.

The conductor, Mr. Landreth, boosted my suitcase aboard the train for me, much better service than I had on the day I left Milwaukee on the Hiawatha two weeks before. Being among the first to arrive, I still had my choice of seats in the car and took the seat nearest the end where I could place my suitcase in the space behind the seat. Most passengers on weekday Hiawathas at this time of day are commuters, who soon began to arrive. The train filled quickly and departed on time at 5:08.

It was then that I remembered Jay saying he hoped to catch the 5:08. I wondered if he had further duties to perform when the passengers had all detrained or if he could leave immediately. No sooner had that thought crossed my mind when who should enter from the car behind but Jay, looking for some other Amtrak employees who were riding this train. He sat down next to me long enough to ask about Don showing us the engine. Jay and his friend Steve had just barely caught the train, since Steve had to wait in line to claim his checked baggage. Another conductor coming through the car told Jay where the other Amtrak employees were, so Jay left to find them.

I spent the rest of the trip thinking about coming home and also listening to my radio where I heard the HBDs reporting 24 axles and 66 degrees. Not recalling the Hiawatha consist included that many cars, I pondered the axle count but was delighted with the temperature reading. After leaving home in cool weather and being in hot weather for two weeks, I was happy to be returning to cool weather again. If that prevailed in my home area, I could look forward to arriving to a cool house instead of one badly in need of being aired out after being closed up for two weeks.

The train pulled into the station in Milwaukee exactly on time at 6:45 PM. Although I was seated close to the door, I was one of the last to leave the car since other detraining passengers had filled the aisle before the train came to a stop. Mr. Landreth lifted my suitcase down for me as he had lifted it up when I boarded. Being among the last to enter the now full station, I thought it might be difficult to find my ride, Gary. However, he was standing by the wall in the area between the gate and the waiting room and spotted me immediately. As we left the station, I felt that I was taking the final step to leaving behind all the wonderful experiences of the previous two weeks.

On the way home, we stopped for dinner, as my stomach thought it was past time for another one of those wonderful Amtrak meals. It was probably surprised that what I ate didn't quite match up! During the driving time and dinner, I was able to regale Gary with the stories contained in this travelogue.

As I watch the NRHS convention and Railfair videos I purchased and look through my photo album, I will have to be satisfied with visualizing myself being there and having those experiences until the next time I can travel by rail.

CONSIST:

F40PH in push/pull mode

Horizon coaches

CREW:

CONDUCTOR Mr. Landreth

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