Ok, everything booked although I'm missing out on seeing friends in both directions.

On the way out one of my favorite FTers I would normally meet up with on the 5 hour layover in Chicago is out of town. Due to arriving a day later than originally planned (due to booking snafu outlined above) no longer meeting with friends when I arrive at SFC because they have plans that night vs. being available the day before. Thought of staying over an extra day but hotel rates during the week in both San Francisco and Chicago are quite high (convention maybe).

So when I get to SFC bus stop I'll then need to get out to SFO airport hotel where I'll stay overnight and then take morning flight to ORD, then blue line to CHI, then back to HOM. Once I realized I was going to be at airport, called cousin who live in San Jose to see if they wanted to meet up for drink or meal at my airport hotel, but they're in SEA then. So no joy with friends or family on this trip.

I did book coach on the return CHI-HOM but went w/ the flex rate (a couple bucks more) so that if my flight is delayed or cancelled I can switch to the next day's train back to HOM.

We're having a cold snap in the Midwest which reminds me I need to check weather (example, DEN layover) to figure out what to wear. Also, does the train usually run cold, warm or hot in the roomettes or observation/dining car?

Cheers.