Work sent me to Virginia for two weeks, but gave us the weekend off. So I decided to take a little ride on the NEC. At 6:30 this morning I boarded Amtrak's Northeast Regional #164 headed north. Departed on the advertised, currently admiring the sunrise as we speed through Northern Virginia. I can't help but wonder why more people don't take the time to ride the rails. Added plus, Amtrak's quiet car.
On time through Quantico, Va. Just spied an Alco RS-1 at the Possum Point power plant. Appeared in stored/derelict condition.
8 minutes early into Washington...On time departure. Forgot to mention AMTK 186 brought us to DC swapped for new ACS-64 #625. Spotted 11 ACS 64s in/near DC and 4 toasters. Virtually no one on board into DC. Train is packed full on the way out.
North of Baltimore, near gunpowder state park and the GPS on my phone says were hitting 120mph. Thus making this the fastest post I've made on Trainboard.
10 minutes down coming out of Philly... North of PENN station spied 7 old PCC tolleys in faded SEPTA colors behind a warehouse...hopefully they'll gain traction again some day.
Had a great day in New York, walked About 50 blocks, great weather plus personal reasons, to the 9/11 Memorial and museum which is phenomenal. Then took the Staten Island Ferry round trip which is a great way to spend an hour, see the skyline, lady liberty and its free. Then headed to Times Square for some great people watching. Its 3:00Am and I'm recreating my own version of the Federal/Night Owl and catching some needed zzzzs on the way back to Washington Union Station. ACS-64 on the point.
While on our way back to DC we tripped a dragging equipment detector at about 445am. Due to the magic of the new City Sprinters, Amtrak padded schedule, or both, we still arrived early into Union Station. I purchased coffee and a bagel in the station and enjoyed it in the grand concourse area. Rode the Metro over to Arlington Cemetery and paid my respects to a few close brothers in arms that are laid to rest there. Walked from Arlington back to Union Station stopping by a number of major sights along the way...even spied Obama's motorcade. After a long two days I am drained physically and somewhat emotionally. This evening I boarded Amtrak 99 with GE #186 at the helm. Time to ride into the sunset and back to work. All in all a great trip. As a side note: Spied a new baggage car at Wash. Looks nice, if only Amtrak could get the USPS to fill them with bulk mail again....
