NERF previous discussions
#1
Posted 11 October 2012 - 12:38 AM
As discussed in other threads as well as Sunday chat, a round trip over the entire new segment of the Downeaster is not practical for a group event due to its limited initial schedule. We will try to do it at a later date once more trips are operating. For now, the only possible Boston-Brunswick round trip includes a 5-1/2 hour layover, which is too long especially if it's cold, windy, or snowy.... all definite possibilities in the state of Maine in the winter. The other trains that serve Brunswick with much shorter layovers would involve staying over in Portland either the night before or after visiting Brunswick.
The latest itinerary I've worked out would involve a short turn on the Downeaster over the previously travelled portion, turning at Wells. This turn is about 40 minutes and I'm assuming that being an intermodal transportation center, that it will be open and provide shelter from the elements.
Also, doing Lowell and the Downeaster turn would not be possible if we went all the way back to North Station, but the transfer between them can be done at Anderson Station in Woburn. In the risk of sounding like I'm repeating myself, this turn is about 40 minutes and I'm assuming that being an intermodal transportation center, that it will be open and provide shelter from the elements. Gotta love copy/paste.
I had an idea for Friday in order to garner another 100 cheap AGR points. Rather than taking the T commuter train all the way from Boston to Wickford Junction, we could do an Amtrak Regional to Providence which leaves South Station 5 minutes sooner. We would then have to wait in the Providence station for the same T train to get there. For now, the Regional in coach class is $11, or $9.90 AAA rate. Coming back from Wickford Junction to Boston, there is no Regional in a convenient timeslot, so we would just remain on the T train to Boston.
The TENTATIVE itinerary now shows both Friday options, either a full Boston-Wickford Junction round trip, or the second option shaded in yellow which substitutes Amtrak in the BOS-PVD segment.
The past couple of winter Fests we've done "Request Fests" whereby we get some ideas of what people want to do -- perhaps personal segments they have not yet achieved. With the faces changing in our group, perhaps you wish to ride a particular line not currently on the itinerary that we've already covered on previous visits. I've left Sunday unplanned for now, as it may be a departure day for some who need to begin travelling home. If you want to ride any transit or commuter lines in the area AND plan to attend (AND they still run on weekends), let me know and perhaps we can coordinate that into a Sunday program.
But you've got to communicate. No discussion means no interest. If you want these Fests to continue, you need to participate in the planning so we can try to accommodate your wishes.
Kevin Korell
OTOL Board Leader
Lakewood, NJ
#2
Posted 11 October 2012 - 05:21 AM
Nashville needs Amtrak!
#3
Posted 11 October 2012 - 11:19 AM
Kevin Korell
OTOL Board Leader
Lakewood, NJ
#4
Posted 17 October 2012 - 09:57 PM
Edited by the_traveler, 17 October 2012 - 10:00 PM.
#5
Posted 17 October 2012 - 11:42 PM
Take care and take trains!
#6
Posted 18 October 2012 - 12:14 AM
But agreed I'm looking to appease those who haven't yet done some of the lines with us. The only definites so far are Wickford Junction (which is new) and Lowell (which we didn't yet do officially).
Mattapan is a good idea too... of course with it comes the "A" branch of the Red Line to access it. We did it on an impromptu basis killing time before dinner at our Boston "T" Party 2008 event, which took place in November of that year. Therefore it would be 4 years 2 months between then and January 2013. IIRC at that time they were wrapping up construction of the new loop in Ashmont; the new alignment was already in place but the station was still under heavy construction. So seeing it completed would be a novelty too.
I see above that we have one vote on each side for Amtrak vs. MBTA between South Station and Providence. There is nothing wrong with the group splitting into portions and doing what each person sees fit. I realize Amtrak may not be in everyone's budget as the cheaper alternative exists. We've had "simul-Fests" before; my only inner crisis is that I can't split in two and be at both. Imagine two of me...
Kevin Korell
OTOL Board Leader
Lakewood, NJ
#7
Posted 18 October 2012 - 08:47 PM
#8
Posted 18 October 2012 - 09:16 PM
Your calendar is correct. MLK day in 2013 is January 21 (the third Monday).I have a question as to the dates that are being considered. My calendar indicates that MLK day in 2013 is January 21st. I just received a text from a friend who thinks it is the prior weekend.
#9
Posted 20 October 2012 - 11:32 PM
Technicalities suck and legal name changes are a mess after it happens.
#10
Posted 22 October 2012 - 10:19 AM
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