I rode 1333(21) and 1340(22). The outbound trip was packed until Milwaukee. There was still a good size crowd the rest of the way to SPUD.
The consist was P42 82 in fresh phase VII, followed by Horizon coaches 54530, 54582, 54556, 54580, then Amcafe 48177, followed by P42 75 also in fresh phase VII. Its a shame they couldn't have come up with a Venture set for the inaugural run. 48177 was kind of rough inside.
I didn't keep detailed notes, just enjoyed the ride and listened to my scanner.
After we left Sturtevant outbound, the dispatcher called the engineer and informed him that there were dignitaries at the Milwaukee airport stop and that he should "keep that in mind when making his approach". There were camera crews and photographers and news reporters among those milling about on the platform.
The operating crews changed in Milwaukee with the new crew going all the way to St. Paul.
Between Winona and Red Wing the dispatcher warned the engineer of a high wind alert and a tornado warning. We were allowed to maintain speed but to keep a look out for funnel clouds. It was raining pretty hard at the time. Shortly after that the dispatcher said that the National Weather Service had cancelled the tornado warning.
There were some speed restrictions along the way and we had to go in the hole for 1340 and a very late 8. We arrived in St. Paul about 30 minutes late. Not bad.
The trip back was uneventful, with the same speed restrictions. We had the same train set with 75 leading. We did hit a tree around mile post 292, but there were no issues. We got held by a restricting signal at Bridge Switch until the bridge could be closed and secured after a tug with a barge went through. We went into the hole for 1333 and 7 after that. We also had to stop to flag a crossing at 3rd street in Watertown. Otherwise we did well.
We arrived at CUS 37 minutes late which was just enough to make me miss my scoot home.
"No matter what happens, somebody will find a way to take it too seriously."