Problem #1: 10AM 8/22 – Received word that train segment from HTS to CHI was canceled due to equipment issues. The closest available train was in Cleveland -4 hours away. It leaves on 8/24 at 4am for Chicago.
Solution: Reserved Amtrak segment from CLE to CHI then reserved a one-way rental car online to be picked up at the HTS airport. I’d just drive to CLE.
New problem: Arrived at rental desk to pick up car. Learn they only accept debit cards for rentals if I also have an airline itinerary. Asked if I could be added as a secondary driver if someone else w/a credit card rented – No. Only possible if I were legally married and spouse had me on her insurance. Had to cancel reservation.
Additional related problem: Called different car rental company. They only rent to debit card holders with 24 hour advanced notice and a minimum score credit check. Since I needed car same day, my laughable credit score was moot.
Once I accepted the sh#tshow for what it had become, I decided to take a step back and rethink my next course of action before my growing anxiety dismantled me.
#1 Amtrak currently operates around 60% on time according to their website. That means there is a 40% chance the train will be late or be canceled… for each of my 9 remaining segments.
#2 Even if I make it to CLE on time, The train from CLE to CHI can still be late or canceled. The train from CLE arrives at 10AM and leaves for CHI at 3PM on 8/24. That’s a 5 hour window. Not enough for me to be comfortable considering I had 2 different people tell me they were no less than 5 hours late on their last train ride.
I had options to consider – Cindy said she’d drive me to Cleveland. I hated this idea, but it was an option. (I didn’t want her to drive back 4 hours alone in a car w/200k miles on it)
I could cancel the rail pass, throw my bags in Mel, and drive myself across the country.
I could bypass Cleveland and fly to Chicago to catch the train there.
I was in a deadlock for what to do. I called my father for advice. After an hour on the phone discussing options, we agreed I was in the exact same place I was before I called – except with his support. LOL (There’s no doubt I’m his son)
Amtrak pros = Someone else drives. See parts of the country unable to be seen from any highway. Meet people. Able to relax and write at any time. (with schedule anxiety)
Amtrak cons = Nothing is guaranteed, but everything is on the line. If the train fails to leave Chicago on time. It could easily wreck the entire remainder of my trip (which that early means all of it). I’m at the mercy of Amtrak once I’m on the train. If it continues to have problems, it just buries me deeper with my other reservations. (Trapped/Schedule anxiety)
Melisandre pros = I decide where I go and when. As long as I make it to my reserved hotels on time, my schedule is wide open. I’m in total control of my time. (Schedule anxiety)
Melisandre cons = Car has lived up to the name I gave her. After having to hobble 3 miles at 5am to get help, I’m not supremely confident she wouldn’t do it again – this time in the isolated and elevated Rocky Mountains. I also would not have extra time to write, but could do voice notes and such. (Stranded anxiety)
After careful consideration, I booked the flight to Chicago and canceled the train segment leaving Cleveland. Rather than the adventure beginning at 10pm tonight, it will begin at some point tomorrow.
At least for now, that’s the plan.
Off The Rails 