NYC to Montreal on Amtrak Adirondack and Couche-Tard

pre-boarding

After checking in at the Canada desk and getting onto the destination: Montreal line, we waited. For the next half hour before boarding, we were approached by at least 4 different people asking us for information about our line. Aside from that being a bit strange since no one else in front of us or behind us was approached, it’s a clear signal that there is not enough signage or information. We also watched and listened to the frustrated Amtrak team who were dealing with customers who had not been given basic, important information about boarding. We were lucky to have found a couple of helpful blogs, without which we would not have known that we needed to check in at the Canada desk. Many others had to lose their spot in line to go and check in, and came back two minutes later with a blue paper ticket and useless luggage tags, and took their places at the back of the line. If Amtrak would provide just a tiny bit more signage and information, all of this could be avoided. The workers wouldn’t be as frustrated, the customers wouldn’t lose their place in line, and everything would run much more smoothly.

boarding

Once we board, we hunt for a good seat. We look for babies, none. Loud talkers, not that we can tell. Good window – on the left side of the train so we get the Hudson Valley view, got it. We settle into our quiet, perfect seat. That’s when Thing 1 and Thing 2 sit in front of us. It’s a father and son and both have a bit of a cold. Then two girls sit to our right and they will not stfu. They are loud. Then two guys sit in front of the girls and across the aisle from Thing 1 and Thing 2. Not a good sign but after the girls settle in, they take a nap. For some reason, the two guys kept staring at me until I stared back long enough that they eventually stopped. Still don’t know what that was about. Then the coughing from Thing 1 and Thing 2 started. Nothing major but definitely annoying.

the view

The view was pretty good, so we just looked out the window for the first bit of the ride while we waited for the conductor to scan our tickets on Rich’s phone.

Pollepel Island and Bannerman Castle, which is severely deteriorated, are visible from the train. Here’s an interesting article featuring the island, the castle, and a creepy true crime story.

the cafe car

The cafe car is just okay. Lots of snacks and drinks but the only heating devices are a microwave and coffee maker. If you are gluten free and pescatarian, there are no meals here for you, so pack your food for the day.

The best part of the cafe car is the seating. During lunch and dinner times it can get a bit crowded but at breakfast, it was empty. It was also a great haven for us when Thing 1 and Thing 2 got to be too much to deal with in the later part of our trip.

thing 1 and thing 2

Without a doubt, Thing 1 and Thing 2 were the most annoying passengers on the entire train. What started off as some mild coughing from both of them got worse steadily throughout the trip.

The two guys sitting across the aisle from them, and diagonally from us, sat with their sweatshirts covering their nose and mouth in an attempt to avoid the germs. Because neither Thing 1 nor Thing 2 ever learned how to cover their mouths when they cough.

Eventually, we couldn’t take it and retreated to the cafe car. The constant, seat-shaking, hacking, wet coughing was too much.

After bringing all our stuff to the cafe car, I went back to do one last check to be sure we didn’t leave anything behind. That’s when I learned more details about Thing 1 and Thing 2’s trip. Thing 2, the son, was on the phone with his mom, telling her all about how he’d vomited on Saturday, and it was baaaad but he did not vomit on Sunday. Almost, but didn’t. Great.

The whole ride, the kid didn’t stop talking about Yugioh and the pharaoh and sliding his empty soda bottle across the tray, bumping it into the edges. And the father just sat there. Do not sit near these people if you can help it.

ticonderoga

Our train conductor after the shift change in Albany was much more animated and fun than the original conductor. He also pronounced Ticonderoga, Ticondewoga.

customs

Customs was moving along so quickly that it was estimated we would arrive in Montreal at 6:10pm. Exciting! Nope. One of the last people in last car was flagged and we ended up getting in late, at 8:00pm.

arriving in montreal: gare central

When we arrived at Gare Central, the station was pretty quiet, not too many people around. Got some directions from a security guard and walked over to the hotel. There were plenty of stores open on our short walk to the hotel, so we were able to pick up all of the essentials.

couche-tard: night owls

One of the stores we stopped at is called Couche-Tard. Seems like Canadians are big on Cheetos, Ruffles, and Munchos.