I left CLE at 2:20am on Friday 7/9 after an hour and half drive from my home. CLE lot is free and gated and so I stayed in my van, with the windows down, avoiding mask wearing in the station. Watched several NS freights move through including an interesting 3 train unit of former GP 50s doing yard switching.
Fell asleep until PGH, then watched the remaining route to Cumberland, Md where we were permitted to detrain for the double spot and re-board in coach a few minutes later. We made good time and my concerns with making the connection to 171 were allayed as we arrived just a few minutes late. The previous day's #30 had been over 4 hours late and did not make that connection. Overall a good ride on #30 in roomette, a decent breakfast and nice scenery along the way.
I stored my bag at the lounge in WAS and took a ride on the Circulator Bus around the mall and attempted to do some walking, but the heat index was around 100 and so took the bus back to the station and watched some TV until 171 was finally called around 6 pm, over an hour late. I had a seatmate until Lynchburg, a rather childish 20 year old girl who had been sleeping in my seat before I boarded in WAS and was upset that I had ruined her sleep at 6 pm. She changed seats off and on, but my main concern was the late arrival time into RNK.
Tried the Am Cheeseburger on the 171 train, which was not up to quality I remembered.
Edited by Railroad Bill, 14 July 2021 - 01:39 PM.