That is because people actually use the train to get to and from work out here in the east bq.

Don't count on WiFi across North Dakota they don't even have radio yet in most parts of that state.

Moving to Sunday wasn't an option as there is a US Open Cup game scheduled for that Tuesday.

USMNT and the STARS!

Maybe we should do a raffle for an all expense paid trip that weekend. 250 tickets, $10 each.

For just the Stars game, or both? If we did both the raffle might have a bigger pool of people to draw on and possibly introduce someone else to the Stars that might be just a USMNT fan at the moment?

Forget the raffle. I think we should create a special prize of an all-expense paid trip for the reigning JotY each year. Provide some incentive to put a lot of effort into your tifo.

Can we make that retroactive?

Well I haven't been to Hooters but I have followed the Thunder/Stars out west, in part, by rail a few years back.

I took amtrack out to Portland where I was picked up by KJ, Bruce, Andy, Neal and our color commentator. We saw a match in Portland (great fans), headed north to Mt. St. Helens (great park,) and then on to Seattle (also great fans).

Everyone went on to Vancouver while I stayed on in Seattle and saw the Twins the next day with my brother and his buddies (great ballpark).

I'm not saying I'm doing a Stars road trip this year (USMNT in Sept and/or Oct looms) but here is a thought for a rail trip to Edmonton in April.

Take amtrack on Fri, April 20, from MSP to Shelby, MT (SBY). It costs $127 one way for reserved coach seator or lower level ("estimated"), leaves at 11:15 pm and arrives at Shelby on Sat., April 21, at 5:17 pm. 19 hours.

Rent car, pick up in Shelby upon arrival, and take I-15 north to border, then take Hy 4 to Lethbridge, then Hy 2 to Calgary, then on to Edmonton on Hy 2. Calgary to Edmonton is 182 miles. Should be able to make the match on time Sun.

Going back you could fly or take amtrack again. Train leaves at 11:43 am (tight for Mon, Tue would give a little time to do a bit of Jasper or Baniff Nat Parks or Glacier),arrives MSP at 7:05 am next day. Given drive, customs and dropping off car, I would suggest Tue.

Going out this would not be a party train given that alot of folks would be already asleep at 11:15 pm. Also, you could get a sleeper for two for an extra cost of $140 (probably one way but maybe round trip). Very cool and you get free meals and shower.

Finally, once you start thinking about the parks, the trip could get real long.

Donovan

It is one of the better mountain areas of the world. I would definitely stop at these places. It would not take all that much time to experience some great stuff. Banff or Canmore are a great place to stop for the night. After many years I still remember driving that beautiful road.

Take a motorcoach tour on to the glacier itself...

-Columbia Icefields, Athabasca Glacier tour
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Columbia_Icefield

Two of the best mountain and lake views on the planet...

-Lake Louise, The view from Chateau Lake Louise
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Louise,_Alberta

-Waterton NP, the view from Prince of Wales hotel
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waterton_Lakes_National_Park

As a Nike add once said: If you don't go, you won't know.

Just got accepted to a conference in South Carolina June 3-7. Stars play in Cary on the 9th so I am planning on going to that one.

I'm headed to PDX for the PDX/SEA game on June 24th, so I'll be tied up for trips that month.