tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5283797880847544275.post2427241895609342306..comments2023-05-12T02:44:24.858-05:00Comments on Healthy Gopher: and they wonder?Gopher MPHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04164727896040737732noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5283797880847544275.post-14890611118743713492009-10-21T00:43:46.390-05:002009-10-21T00:43:46.390-05:00> MSP - LAN: . . . Northwest Airlines: there &a...> MSP - LAN: . . . Northwest Airlines: there & back = $475<br /><br />MSP - Los Angeles: . . . Northwest Airlines: there & back = $334<br /><br />Can you tell which connection has competitors of Northwest (now Delta) flying and which has not? Oh, how lovely to own a monopoly.Peter Tnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5283797880847544275.post-13625534331993965242009-10-19T09:39:58.395-05:002009-10-19T09:39:58.395-05:00I took the train from here to Lansing on one trip ...I took the train from here to Lansing on one trip with Jr.Gopher #2, who was about 4 months old at the time. It was wonderful. I could change diapers without pulling off to the side of the road; I could nurse him without stopping. I could sleep, sleep sleep ... I really enjoyed it. Big, big seats. Great view on the observation deck. Sooooo much nicer than the car.<br /><br />It's about 10-12 hours by car to get from here to my place in Lansing. (10 hours by my self; 12 with the kids). <br />But - after going by train, I would still need to rent a car (there being no real mass transit in Michigan). <br /><br />So the issue is the convenience of the train balanced by the added financial cost of local transportation.<br /><br />At some point, yes, I would be willing to pay extra for the comfort. Because Amtrak is *definitely* more comfortable than flying.<br /><br />If the train went overnight, rather than sucking the whole day ... I would *definitely* take the train. <br /> 6 p.m. St Paul --> 6 a.m. Lansing? <br />Sign me up! <br />But 7 a.m. St. Paul -->11 p.m. Lansing? <br />nice trip, but a really, really long day.<br /><br /><br />You certainly meet more people on the train. Some really nice Amish/Menonnite women were helping me manage Jr.#2 and my luggage while transferring between trains in Chicago.Gopher MPHhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04164727896040737732noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5283797880847544275.post-22267767057309581542009-10-17T16:36:09.870-05:002009-10-17T16:36:09.870-05:00Amtrak takes a whole day from St. Paul to Lansing....Amtrak takes a whole day from St. Paul to Lansing...how long did it take you to drive it? Add the Amtrak benefit of not having to drive, worry about finding a rest stop/restroom/gas, and being able to sleep in that comfy seat and I think the time invested might be worth it. Especially if you can work on the way....(smile)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com