My wife and I took Amtrak to Denver from Galesburg Illinois several weeks ago. This is our 14th trip out to Denver on Amtrak. On our first trip west, we rode in a coach and it wasn't unpleasant, but semed long because we weren't used to sleeping in a coach seat. On the return trip, I asked if we could get an upgrade to a roommette, and was pleasantly rewarded with one. Wife and I agreed that this was the way to go. The car attendant (porter) carried our bags to the room and asked if we'd had dinner, and then escorted us to the diner, where we had a great dinner! We were hooked on bedrooms! The train hasn't always been on time, but I don't remember one time that we weren't treated curteously. 1 car attendant for 14 or so bedrooms has to be tough. Their job can be tough, even on a good trip, but if the train is late (through no fault of Amtrak's), it has to raise their stress level. We've had the car attendant bring us coffee, or water without being asked, wakened us at breakfast time so we could get to the diner early, and other extras. We've thanked them at the time of this service, and also when we've arrived at our destination. Our last trip home, middle of this June, we left Denver, and when i awoke about 2 AM, there was lightning and thunder and a torrential downpour outside, and the train was stopped. The conductor came through and saw we were up and told us that severe thunderstorms, high wind warnings and tornado warnings ahead and that was why we were stopped. He informed us that all the way east were severe thunderstorm watches and flood warnings. He said we could be 6 to 8 hours late getting to Galesburg. As it turned out we were about 9 hours late. Meanwhile the dining car had to scramble to prepare another (unplanned) dinner meal at Noon. We were so late that that Amtrak called ahead to Ottumwa, and ordered KFC dinners for everyone for the 6 PM meal. A schedule planner came on board and everyone who had connections in Chicago to points elsewhere, gave them plans and schedules to meet other trains. I realize this doesn't happen every day, but the stress level for the whole train crew had to be high as hell. I give my regards to the crew also. You know that every one has bad days, so I try to remember that when I'm on the train (the wife says I'm a First-Class Grump). We'll remain Amtrak fans.
