Hypothermia on the train platform

This morning, I decided to take the train into work (mistake #1). Basically, I park at a local station, and ride in. I park for free (vs downtown which is $8.00/day). And I am giving less emissions to the atmosphere via my Jeep. So, I see the train go by, and figure I will get on the next one (usually 5-7 minutes apart as this stop is near the end of the line). Usually ensures me of a seat anyway.

OK... 15 minutes later, we are all still waiting for the train. Oh, it was 34 degrees out there. I had my polar fleece on, and a cap, but no gloves (mistake #2).

Now, 25 minutes later, one train car goes by. Stops briefly, then continues on. We never see it again.

35 minutes later, a 4 car train arrives. We have approximately 150 people now waiting on the platform, all looking like me... shivering, slightly hypothermic, and darned greatful that the train was there. We all get in (Thankfully, it was warm inside!). I got a seat, NEXT TO THE HEATER along the wall. But many others ended up standing.

We got to the end of the line eventually, took on a lot more people, then headed back. When we got to the same platform we all got on at, the look of the people there was priceless. You could see them mouthing "Oh My God". But they got on anyway.

It was really cramped quarters in the train. We all took solace as we watched people with similar responses to the folk earlier... "OMG", "Holy moly", etc. It kept us laughing. About 10 minutes into the trip, the feeling came back to my fingers,

Finally got to my stop downtown. It was a mass exodus off the train. And there were still a lot of folk left on the train. Makes me wonder what the maximum occupancy and weight is in those cars...

And I HAVE TO put a pair of gloves in my backpack until the end of winter.