February, 2021
The Southwest Chief runs between Chicago and Los Angeles. I'll be catching the early morning #3 train at Newton, Kansas with the same-day destination of Winslow, Arizona. In Winslow I'll be staying at La Posada Hotel, which is trackside of where the train stops--it could not be easier.
This is the second time I've made this trip to Winslow, but I've ridden the Southwest Chief as part of the journey to the Grand Canyon (and therefore passing through Winslow) many times.
Kansas
Newton, Kansas. The schedule says it will leave at 2:45am; it did.
Naturally, Covid-19 masks are required on the train and on the platform. I've booked a closed roomette and will stay in my room the entire journey. Three meals are included, and they are delivered to my room. In normal times, I'd often be in the lounge car (or the dining car), but that's not the case for this trip. The food is fine--things are what they are.
Colorado
The Amtrak route (mostly) follows the same route as the famous Santa Fe Super Chief. This is the John Martin Dam on the Arkansas River.
La Junta, Colorado to change the crew an give passengers a moment to step outside the train. It's still pretty cold.
I've had breakfast at that cafe on the right many times on other trips (usually by motorcycle), but this stop isn't nearly long enough to consider it from the train. The train will never wait for you.
The Spanish Peaks are one of the easiest landmarks to spot, and were an important sighting for those on the early Santa Fe Trail.
New Mexico
We're climbing up the north side of the Raton Pass, then crossing into New Mexico just before the summit tunnel.
Now, coasting down the south side of the pass. The week before, the snow and severe cold weather was enough to cancel this train. But, that's all behind us, now.
Another fresh-air break and passenger stop at Raton, New Mexico. These stops never last long, but it's nice to step out even for just a few minutes.
Following the old Santa Fe Trail...
...through the canyon of the Mora River, through tiny Waltrous, New Mexico...
...and following south along I-25 to Las Vegas.
Stopping at Las Vegas, New Mexico next to the Hotel Castaņeda. This hotel is owned any operated by the same people who run La Posada in Winslow. Both were built as Harvey House Hotels for the Santa Fe Railroad. I've stayed here more than once and it's recommended.
Crossing Tecolote Creek--most always dry.
Over the Pecos River--it's never dry.
The tracks follow Galisteo Creek and through the narrow Apache Canyon. The bridge within the canyon is a remarkable bit of railroad civil engineering.
Lamy, New Mexico. For the entire day, I'd be seeing quite a few photographers near the tracks. It seems the lead engine of the train has a special paint scheme that was only recently freshened, but more importantly (to these photographers) it has not been a lead engine until today.
This photo of the train I'm on was taken by the photographer shown above, on the right.
We're out of the mountains and heading south towards Albuquerque.
Albuquerque, New Mexico is a fuel stop and there's enough time to get out and do some walking and even step into a store for some groceries--but, I didn't.
Arizona
La Posada in Winslow. The hotel is not only on the tracks, it is also on Route-66. This is the view from the road. Who is to say which is the front? I'll be staying two full days (three nights).
The TransCon is the major BSNSF route across the western United States. Consequently, there is a great deal of rail traffic day and night.
Unfortunately, my roomette going east (on the #4) is on the north side of the train, just as it was coming west. Neither side is really better than the other, but of course it's preferable to have a room on the other side for the return trip.
New Mexico
A view of a BNSF freight.
Albuquerque, New Mexico. Some of the artwork is pretty good. Not many will have seen them as well as train passengers looking out their west-facing windows.
Running at a good clip north towards Raton Pass as the sun sets.
It was just an out-and-back trip to Winslow, but a nice break, just the same.