This Train is leaving the Station

Episode Transcript

Speaker 1 (00:00):
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 or some some things to your attention that

(00:21):
maybe you wouldn't think about otherwise.

Speaker 2 (00:23):
So trains.

Speaker 1 (00:25):
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 that I'm waiting thirty
minutes for a train to go by?

Speaker 2 (00:36):
Man, I'll tell you what.

Speaker 1 (00:39):
When they first presented me this, well, let's do one
on trains, I'm like.

Speaker 2 (00:43):
Are you kidding?

Speaker 1 (00:45):
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 rioting and all that kind of stuff that
goes along with it. But I'm going to tell you
something totally wrong. 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.

(01:07):
I'm got the point I don't care where it is.
I just want to go hop on a train. I
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 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,

(01:28):
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 2 (01:37):
I thought those days were over with.

Speaker 1 (01:38):
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

(02:00):
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 research on this just
really makes me just you know, salivate the thought of
getting on a train with my wife or my family
and heading cross country and enjoying every cliffe klack along

(02:21):
the way right.

Speaker 2 (02:23):
Yeah, I know it's a little cheesy, but I like it.

Speaker 1 (02:25):
So, 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 2 (02:37):
Some desert dreams.

Speaker 1 (02:39):
And what we're going to talk about today is the
Southwest Chief.

Speaker 2 (02:44):
My father in law used to call me chief.

Speaker 1 (02:46):
You know, 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 through the heart of the American Southwest. This isn't

(03:09):
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 stark beauty of
the desert landscape meets the vibrant culture of the Southwest,

(03:29):
diverse 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

(03:50):
look 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 bus sling city scape
and embark on a three day odyssey. The initial leg,
traversing the planes of Illinois and Missouri is a gentle
prelude to the dramatic scenery to come. The train a

(04:14):
comfortable cocoon of 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

(04:38):
for the stark beauty and vibrant history that awaits. The
rhythmic clatter of the wheels, it becomes a hypnotic accompany.
It 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

(05:01):
fields give way to the rolling hills, then too expansive
plains 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

(05:23):
and unassuming, offer glimpses into the heartland of America. Their
quiet lives unfolding alongside the train 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

(05:47):
the vastness and aging 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

(06:08):
subtle transition to the desert is marked initially by challenges
and vegetab vegetation. The green fades into browns and yellows,
a palette reflecting the harsher environment. The expansive plaines gradually
give way to rocky outcrops, the first hints of the
canyon and maces that define the Southwest. This is where

(06:29):
the true magic of the Southwest chief begins. The journey
becomes a visual feast of 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

(06:52):
pueblos nestled in the landscape, remnants of a rich and
enduring culture. The colors change. Deep red, fiery oranges, and
muted browns of the earth dominate the scene. You'll pass
Mesa's flat topped mountains that rise dramatically from the desert.
The desert floor monuments to the power of the geological time.

(07:15):
The sheer immensity of the landscape is humbling 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,

(07:39):
its mysterious charm. As you approach Arizona, the 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 dark beauty of the on around desert is awe inspiring,

(08:04):
a vast canvas of textures and colors that shifts with
the light. This part of the journey requires more than
just a passive observation.

Speaker 2 (08:12):
It needs engagement.

Speaker 1 (08:14):
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 Albuquerque is
a highlight, a gradual unveiling of a city nestled in

(08:34):
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, American and
Anglo as a is reflected in its architecture, cuisine, and

(08:57):
vibrant atmosphere. Stepping off the train and 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 the
authentic taste of New Mexican Mexico cuisine, and to appreciate

(09:19):
the architectural style that speaks volumes about its past.

Speaker 2 (09:23):
Love to see that.

Speaker 1 (09:24):
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

(09:46):
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

(10:08):
what that TV show you know, hass and Little Joe.
Ponderosa 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, change of pace. It's a chance to

(10:29):
feel the 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

(10:52):
of cultures, 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 mode of transportation. It's a window into the
soul of the American Southwest. It's a journey that invites introspection,

(11:17):
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 of the train itself. It's
a journey that will stay with you long after you disembark,

(11:41):
leaving behind an 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. It begins a
journey of discovery, personal adventure that will resonate long after

(12:05):
the journey's end. For those seeking a profound and memorable
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 of
America's Southwest, a testament to the enduring allure of train

(12:26):
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 2 (12:44):
That's all I got today.

Speaker 1 (12:46):
This train is leaving the station, so until next time,
God bless,