Having arrived at Union Station I made may way directly to the Amtrak check-in counter
to get rid of my luggage. I will see it again at the end of my journey in Whitefish.
As there was still plenty of time till departure I explored Union Station. A great building
with a imposing waiting hall but unfortunately I shadow of its former train glory. These days
the old hall is hardly used but new facilities are used instead. This used to be the main US
railway hub as almost all train lines began or ended here. A great shame.
Anyway. The time till departure passed and at about 40 min before departure my train was
called for embarkation: "Train 7/27 The Empire Builder”, consisting of two parts: the 7 to Seattle
and the 27 to Portland. Both on track 19.
My coach, no. 730, almost at the head of the train, just behind the dining car. Convenient !
My rosette situated on the first floor of the double-decker coaches was found quickly and my few items
unpacked.
On time we left Chicago and the conductor came to check the ticket followed by the dining car
steward for the dinner seating.
The train made his way first to the north . Several stops for picking up passengers and we reached Milwaukee
where the train headed into an north-westerly direction toward St.Paul-Minneapolis.
At 6:45 pm my seating was called for dinner. People are seated on an community basis, meaning the steward
places people upon arrival to get full four seated tables. A very social way and the people are all very communatiive
and very quickly lively discussions are starting.
Dinner is a la carte and three course. A nice glass of Pinot Grigio accompanied my salmon followed by strawberry
cheesecake and a good cup of coffee.
In the twilight we reached LaCrosse from where on the train followed for quite some time the Mississippi
before reaching at around 9:50 pm St.Paul-Minneapolis. 20 minute stop, enough time to stretch my legs on the
platform and go to bed after boarding.
Good night !
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