The Journey Tops The Destination

Episode Transcript

Speaker 1 (00:00):
Hey y'all and welcome.

Speaker 2 (00:01):
Welcome to All Things Trains, the podcast where we ride
the rails through history, technology, and breath taking journeys from
the early days of steam engines and the bold men
who laid the tracks to the golden era of locomotives
that shaped nations. We're diving deep into the story of trains,
but we don't stop there. We cover modern freight trains

(00:23):
hauling across America, sleep passenger trains, gliding through cities, and
the return of luxurious rail travel that turns the journey
into the best part of the trip, whether it's a
scenic ride from Chicago to California or a local rail
adventure with unforgettable views. We're here to celebrate the power

(00:43):
of beauty and wonder of trains. Sit back, relax, and
enjoy the ride. This is All Things Trains. Hey y'all
and welcome. We're going to talk some more trains. You know,
So I do all kinds of different informational podcasts, trying
to educate, make things more stress free, bring some information

(01:08):
or some some things to your attention that maybe you
wouldn't think about otherwise. So trains, you know, before this
the only thing I thought about a train was when
I get stuck at the you know, the railroad tracks,
and I have to wait forever. I'm like, good lord,
what year is this and I'm waiting thirty minutes for
a train to go by.

Speaker 1 (01:28):
Man, I'll tell you what.

Speaker 2 (01:30):
When they first presented me this, well, let's do one
on trains, I'm like, are you kidding? I mean, that's
that's I'm already bored and I hadn't even started it,
you know, much less all the research and the writing
and all that kind of stuff that goes along with it.

Speaker 1 (01:44):
But I'm going to tell you something totally wrong.

Speaker 2 (01:48):
This has probably become one of my favorite podcasts that
I've done, and that I do to the point where
I really want to go on a train. I'm got
to port care where it is. I just want to
go hop on a train. I'm to be like Frosty
the Snowman and just heading north head somewhere on a train.
Of course, I would prefer to be one of these

(02:08):
luxury trains that we've been talking about in the past
couple of weeks. But you know, I'm dead serious because
I don't ever remember thinking, oh, wow, you know, Amtrak
might be an option or this is so. I mean
I've heard like the Orient Express and things like that,
but never in the US.

Speaker 1 (02:28):
I thought those days were over with.

Speaker 2 (02:30):
But I'll tell you what, I am way wrong and
I cannot wait, cannot wait until it is my turn
to go on a train trip. Unfortunately, I get so
booked up so ahead of time it's hard to break
away and just change. I'm gonna tell you something, it
is going to happen, and when I do, I'm probably
gonna do some podcasts from the trains about to train

(02:52):
and how wonderful it is. And it better live up
to my dreams. I mean it better and I think
it will. Just just doing the re search on this
just really makes me just, you know, salivate the thought
of getting on a train with my wife or my
family and head and cross country and enjoying every cliff

(03:12):
klack along the way.

Speaker 1 (03:14):
Right. Yeah, I know it's a little cheesy, but I
like it. So.

Speaker 2 (03:17):
You know, last time we were talking about the Rockies
and you know, all the snow capped peaks and all
that kind of stuff. Well now we're going to talk about.

Speaker 1 (03:28):
Some desert dreams. And what we're going to talk about
today is the Southwest Chief.

Speaker 2 (03:35):
My father in law used to call me chief, you know,
and at first I didn't like it, and then I
liked it, And now that he's gone, I sure miss
being called chief anyway. So the Southwest Chief, it's Amtrak's
route connecting Chicago to Los Angeles, offers a captivating journey

(03:57):
through the heart of the American Southwest. This isn't a
journey of towering mountains and rushing rivers. It's a tail
whispered in the wind across the vast desert, etched in
the ancient canyons, and painted across the vibrant sunsets. It's
a journey of contrasts where the dark beauty of the
desert landscape meets the vibrant culture of the Southwest, diverse

(04:21):
cities and towns. I can picture this in my mind
right now. I think it's really good. We've been watching
a lot of Westerns lately. I don't know why, but
we have, and I can totally picture, at least in
my little mind, how this would look, with the deserts
and the little towns. And you know, maybe doesn't look

(04:42):
that way now, but that's what I'm picturing. So let's
just go with it so, boarding the Southwest Chief in Chicago,
you leave behind the bustling city scape and embark on
a three day odyssey. The initial leg, traversing the plains
of Illinois and Missouri, is a gentle prelude to the
dramatic scenery to come. The train a comfortable cocoon of

(05:07):
rolling rhythm and gentle sway allows the landscape to unfold slowly,
inviting reflection and contemplation. This initial section, while not as
visually stunning as later portions, is nonetheless integral to the
journey's character. It's a transition of preparation for the stark

(05:30):
beauty and vibrant history that awaits. The rhythmic clatter of
the wheels, it becomes a hypnotic accompany that a constant
reminder of the journey's progress, a comforting lullaby against the
changing vistas outside the window. As the train rolls westward,
the landscape gradually transforms. The lush green fields give way

(05:54):
to the rolling hills, then to expansive planes of Kansas
and Oklahoma. Here the sky seems to stretch endlessly, a
canvas of varying shades of blue, occasionally punctuated by dramatic cloudscapes,
and a shift and morph with the relentless movement of
the sun. The towns, often small and unassuming, offer glimpses

(06:17):
into the heartland of America, their quiet lives unfolding alongside
the train's steady passage, just a journey that lets you
witness a slower pace of life. Being a Southerner, I
sure can't enjoy that, a welcome contrast to the hectic
energy of larger cities. You'll see fields of wheat stretching
to the horizon, reminding you of the vastness and aging

(06:41):
and in agriculture role heart. Excuse me on that one
of this region. You might even spot cattle grazing peacefully
in the distance, a testament to the enduring connection between
land and its people. And then, as if by magic,
the landscape begins its metamorphosis. The subtle transition to the

(07:02):
desert is marked initially by challenges and vegetable vegetation. The
green fades into browns and yellows, a palette reflecting the
harsher environment. The expansive plains gradually give way to rocky outcrops,
the first hints of the canyon and maces that define
the Southwest This is where the true magic of the
Southwest chief begins. The journey becomes a visual feast of

(07:25):
spectacle of color and texture that shifts throughout the day,
from the pale hues of dawn to the fiery intensity
of sunset. New Mexico unfurls its beauty with the drama
of the vast emptiness. The train snakes through wide open spaces,
offering glimpses of ancient pueblos nestled in the landscape, remnants

(07:48):
of a rich and enduring culture. The colors change. Deep reds,
fiery oranges, and muted browns of the earth dominate the scene.
It'll pass maces, flat topped mountains that rise dramatically from
the desert. The desert floor monuments to the power of
the geological time. The sheer immensity of the landscape is humbling,

(08:10):
a reminder of the vastness of the American West. This
portion of the journey a meditative experience, a chance to
appreciate the quiet beauty of the desert, the dramatic play
of light and shadow on the ancient rock formations. You
start to understand why people are drawn to the Southwest
unique beauty, Its mysterious charm. As you approach Arizona, the

(08:35):
landscape transforms again. The desert takes on a new dimension,
tapestry of cacti, yucca, plants, and other desert flora uniquely
adapted to this aired environment. The stark beauty of the
Sunnaran desert is awe inspiring, of vast canvas of textures

(08:57):
and colors that shifts with the light. As part of
the journey requires more than just a passive observation, It
needs engagement. You'll find yourself drawn to the intricate details
the resilience of life in such a harsh landscape. The
desert is not empty. It is full of life, subtly
expressed in the diverse flora and fauna. The approach to

(09:20):
Albuquerque is a highlight, a gradual unveiling of a city
nestled in the Rio Grande Valley. The contrast between the
urban sprawl and the surrounding desert is striking, a visual
reminder of the delicate balance between human habitation and the
natural world. The city's unique blend of cultures Spanish, Native

(09:42):
American and Anglo as a is reflected in its architecture, cuisine,
and vibrant atmosphere. Stepping off the train in Albuquerque provides
a unique opportunity to explore this rich tapestry of cultures,
a welcome break from the vastness of the desert landscape.
It's an opportunity to get into the culture, to experience

(10:05):
the authentic taste of New Mexican Mexico cuisine, and to
appreciate the architectural style that speaks volumes about its past.

Speaker 1 (10:14):
Love to see that.

Speaker 2 (10:15):
Continuing onward, the train cuts through canyons, a testament to
the forces of nature. The Grand Canyon through not directly passed.
Though not directly passed, casts its powerful presence across the
entire journey, a silent guardian watching over the land. The
train itself becomes a participant in the vast landscape, a

(10:37):
tiny metal snake slithering its way through the immensity of
the natural world. The approach to Flagstaff offers another chance
in scenery. The high desert landscape designs to reveal its
own unique character, Ponderosa pine forest that reminds me of

(10:58):
a TV show Haws and Little Joe. Ponder Rosa anyway,
clinging to the mountain sides a welcome contrast to the
low lying desert Flagstaff, a town nestled at a higher elevation,
offers a different climate and different perspective, a cooler air,
a change of pace. It's a chance to feel the

(11:21):
contrast of the Southwest variety. It's diverse landscape compressed into
a single journey. From Flagstaff, the journey continues to the
final destination of Los Angeles. However, the essence of the
Southwest Chief isn't just about reaching the endpoint. It's the
journey itself, the transformation of landscapes, the contrasts of cultures,

(11:44):
and the sheer beauty of the American Southwest. It's the
quiet moments of contemplation, the stories whispered in the desert wind,
and the slow unveiling of the land as a train progresses.
The Southwest Chief is more than just a transportation It's
a window into the soul of the American Southwest. It's

(12:06):
a journey that invites introspection, a chance to connect with
the vastness of the landscapes and the rich history of
the region. It's an experience that blends the thrill of
adventure with the tranquility of rail travel, a perfect balance
between the dynamism of the landscape and the comfortable rhythm

(12:27):
of the train itself. It's a journey that will stay
with you long after you disembark, leaving behind then imprint
of images, feelings, and memories that will shape the way
you view the American West forever. The rumble of the tracks,
the vastness of the desert, the cultural richness of the Southwest.
These elements combined to create a narrative that transcends simple travel.

(12:51):
It begins a journey of discovery, personal adventure that will
resonate long after the journey's end. For those seeking a profound,
morable American experience, the Southwest Chief offers an unforgettable adventure
across one of the most dramatic and culturally diverse regions
in the United States. It's a journey into the heart

(13:13):
of America's Southwest, a testament to the enduring allure of
train travel, and an experience that will leave you breathless, enchanted,
and forever changed. I think we need a moment of
silence after that. That was awesome, and I would definitely
put that on my itinery. I've got a lot of
train trips to take here in the near future, so listen.

Speaker 1 (13:35):
That's all I got today.

Speaker 2 (13:38):
This train is leaving the station, so until next time,
God bless,