4 AUG 2015 DAY ONE
~6 AM Got onto the Capitol Limited in Toledo, catching up with Mr. Z.We had an amazing breakfast and I (of course) got the omelette. Mr. Z and I caught up along with some stories, and we made our way back to our rooms. I enjoyed the scenery (up until Gary, IN...) and sat in my Roomette.
We arrived in Chicago around 10 AM CST. I got to the Metropolitan Lounge and was greeted by Steve, the red cap that is very nice and remembered me, He knew I liked to run so he told me some good places to go running. I dropped off my stuff, talked a bit to Mr. Z, and went on my way. I ran from the station around the block, across the river and past Sears Tower ( I will not call it the other name...) and to the Loop. I found a small farmers market where they had 50 cent apples, and bought one and ate it. It was actually pretty good. I ran back, and saw a fire truck. The firefighting side of me triggered as I saw it returning to its station, so I tried to follow it back. I got back to Greektown and realized what station it came from. I went in, talked to them, and they gave me a T-Shirt. It was about 12 PM, so I went back to the station and talked to Mr. Z.
I told Mr. Z tat I would take him to a food court a couple of blocks down the road, so I did. We ate at a place called "Burrito Beach". I had a corn tortilla taco with Baja beef, and he had a quesadilla. The food was very good. We stopped at a Walgreens, and went back to the station to await the next train.We boarded the Southwest Chief at about 230. I got into my bedroom, and I am extremely excited because it has so much room! I may actually be able to do push ups and some exercises in here. I was very tired, so once I got my dinner reservation, and talked to Mr. Z some, I took a nap. Every time I woke up, I saw my door was open, I shut it, woke up again and saw it was open again. I assume that (Because the curtain was still closed) the door opened itself unless I were to lock it.
At 5:30 I went to dinner with Mr. Z, and I talked to another person about HAM Radios and shortwave radios. I had the seafood catch of the day, which was Salmon. It was very good. The waiter also put a refill drink on his own bill because I asked for another one but he didn’t want me to pay for it! I am so happy to be on this train.
We were crossing the Mississippi River, and I was trying to get the consist of the train, and I asked the conductor what the engine numbers are. He couldn’t find his paperwork, so he told me he would find it and then come to my room and tell me! I waited about 20 minutes, and he came! He gave me one of the engine numbers and the consist list and told me he would try to figure out the other engine number. Amazing service. I think I am going to go to bed soon, so I will keep you guys all updated tomorrow!