BC takes the Train
On Board the Silver Star
June 16, 1999 6pm
Dining On Board the Silver Star
WOW!!! This is AMTRAK? Looks more like a
5 star restaurant. Forget anything you've ever heard about the mediocre cuisine
on board AMTRAK. Things have certainly been
changing. Crisp white linen, fine china and excellent food and service awaited
in the Dining Car. Not to mention the great scenery.
Since I'm traveling 1st class, all meals,
beverages, and snacks are included in the price of my ticket. And I was not to
be disappointed. My dinner companion for the evening was "Dora". Dora
was traveling home after visiting her family in South Florida. We enjoyed a
pleasant dinner with excellent service. As soon as we were seated, crisp salads
were delivered to the table by the friendly staff. Dinner selections included
something for everyone: Roasted Chicken with Fresh Vegetables, Grilled Grouper,
Vegetarian Lasagna, and Prime Rib. Dora had the fish while I chose the Prime Rib
with Garlic Mashed Potatoes and fresh Green Beans. Both dinners were excellently
prepared and served by a staff that amazingly never spilled so much as a drop.
The dessert menu was extensive as well but I was more than full at the time.
Decadence would have to wait until another time.
The Lounge Car
While I was up and about, I thought I would make my way to the Lounge Car to
see if they had any AMTRAK postcards.
Unfortunately, they were out but the friendly car attendant assured me I would
be able to pick some up at Union Station in Washington, DC.
The Lounge Car is usually the social center of the train. Located between the
Coaches and the First Class Sleepers, the Lounge Car is open from 6am
-12midnight, depending on the train's schedule. The Lounge car sells sandwiches,
snacks and beverages, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, and AMTRAK
souvenirs such as blankets, playing cards, and postcards. On all Silver
Service Trains, as well as most overnight VIEWLINER trains, smoking is
prohibited in all areas of the train except the Lounge Car during specific
periods. Because this in the only place onboard where passengers and crew can
smoke, even for limited times, the car has a very strong odor. While kept
relatively clean, the odor is unmistakable. If you find the odor of stale
cigarette smoke extremely offensive, I would strongly suggest avoiding the
Lounge Car as much as possible.
Navigating onboard the
Silver Star
Even at the best of times, I'm not exactly steady on my feet even on solid
ground. Needless to say, walking around on a moving train proved to be quite a
challenge. Luckily, there are numerous handrails as you move from car to car and
the hallways in the cars are narrow enough that there's not much room for error.
Unless of course, you stumble into someone else's room. (Yes, I did)
Moving from car to car takes practice. MOST doors have a panel at both hand
and foot level to push to automatically open the doors between cars. For those
doors without, just turn the handle, push or pull, and hang on. Good shoes with
a non-skid sole are a definite must. Closed toes are highly recommended as the
platforms between the cars move independently of each other and gaps do appear
as the train moves over uneven track or makes a turn. Children should never be
left to roam unaccompanied.
Approaching Jacksonville,
Florida
As we made our approach to Jacksonville, the weather deteriorated
considerably. The skies darkened as the clouds descended on the City. The winds
picked up and it began to rain heavily as we circled the city on approach to the
station. The pictures show just how bad things got...
The skies get ready to open up at Jacksonville, FL 
Lightning
Strikes Near the Star
Mother Nature was definitely being unfriendly toward Jacksonville. High
winds, torrential rain, lots of lightning and thunder, and hail greeted us as we
approached the station. Jacksonville is a fuel and mail stop. Several mail cars
were to be added during our stop here. Operations were halted because it was too
dangerous to have the crews moving about in the severe weather. As things
improved, we were quickly refueled and the additional cars added to the rear of
the train. Nearly 30 minutes behind schedule we pulled out the station, but we
would not go far.
Just outside of Jacksonville, we pulled off onto a siding to wait. But wait
for what? While we were waiting, the Chief of On-Board Services made several
announcements about the delay but they were not heard in the Sleepers. She
finally came on to apologize again for the delay and then said we would be
moving again shortly. Just as she finished her announcement, we did indeed begin
to move. But very SLOWLY.
As darkness had finally descended for good and the slow motion of the train
was lulling me to sleep, I called Paul to make up my bed while I went for a
short stroll to the Lounge Car.
| 
