Mistral (wind) prehistoric site called Terra Amata, at the foot of Mount Boron in Nice, showed that in about 40,000 B.C. the inhabitants had built a low wall of rocks and beach stones to the northwest of their fireplace to protect their fire from the power of the mistral. The "mas" (farmhouse) traditionally faces south, with its back to the mistral. The bell towers of villages in Provence are often open iron frameworks, which allow the wind to pass through. The traditional Provençal Nativity scene usually includes a figure of a shepherd holding his hat, with his cloak blowing in the mistral.
Illinois Zephyr and Carl Sandburg a few hundred feet from this train's route. The morning westbound/evening eastbound schedule complements the opposite schedule of the "Illinois Zephyr". During 2010, Amtrak contacted officials from communities in northeastern Missouri and western Illinois regarding the feasibility of extending the "Illinois Zephyr", plus "Carl Sandburg", southwards to Hannibal, Missouri and St. Louis. While a study for the expansion was not conducted, the project could be funded with a mix of both federal and state money. Today, a normal Amtrak "Illinois Zephyr" or "Carl Sandburg" consists of: Illinois Zephyr and Carl Sandburg The Illinois Zephyr and Carl Sandburg are a pair