Amtrak to Winslow, AZ

Journal Entry.

June 19, 2012, Las Vegas, NM.

We are on a new adventure/journey. The Wallaces and we decided to do a train adventure. We are on our way to Winslow, AZ! Here is the story to date.

We left Fort Collins after church on Sunday and drove to La Junta, CO where we spent the night in a Super 8. Debbie Walters and David Ortega met us for dinner at the Boss Hogs restaurant. Weather was hot. Dean and Eva drove their car.

We met our train. On time. At 8:15 am. What a joy to ride on a train. We were on it for 4 hours and got off in Las Vegas, NM where we were going to spend 24 hours. We spent the night in the Plaza Hotel. Interesting this used to be considered West Las Vegas, the Mexican side of town. The hotel has been refurbished and was wonderful to stay in. We were in Room 322 and Wallaces were in Room 304.

This morning I checked the train status of Amtrak. I was shocked to learn that the train would be about 3 hours late. Now, as I checked it, it will be 4 hours late. So we are spending time walking around “East” Las Vegas. We went to the local museum and read about the early history of Las Vegas. Rough Riders of Teddy Roosevelt era were from this area. The old El Fidel is also being refurbished. It now has 9 rooms available for rent. Now we are enjoying coffee and sweet rolls at Charlie’s Spic and Span. After our time here we will spend time at the Depot and read and wait. Maybe I will write more in this section of my life.

On Train. The Amtrak, Southern Chief finally arrived in Las Vegas at 4:30 pm, 4 hours late. I understand there was a problem with one of the Pullman cars and they needed to replace a pump.

The “downtime” allowed me to read most of the book, “The Traveler’s Gift” by Andrews. It talks about seven characteristics for being a happy and successful person. I’m not too impressed about it but it will be a good discussion at the family reunion.

While at the station in Las Vegas, I took a long walk down the track. There was a large round house no longer in use by trains but is being used by BNSF or the city. I would like to have seen it in operation.

I thought the trains could make up time but that doesn’t seem to be the case. Speed restrictions seem to be common because of bad track or sharp corners. We are now climbing over Gloretta so speed is very slow. Not much hope to gain on the 4 hours lost.

We are enjoying the observation car. Marcia and Eva are playing cards. Dean and I are just drinking coffee and I’m working on the computer.

Albuquerque, NM. We just finished dining in the dining car. A good experience. Cost not much different than regular restaurant. We are now on our way to Winslow but we probably won’t get there until midnight or later.

June 24, 2012

Well, Winslow and the La Posada were great. We relaxed for a full day and then left early the next morning. Amtrak was only 30 minutes or so late.

We enjoyed walking through the town of Winslow. Took photos at the corner where the song “Take it Easy” was depicted.

The meals at La Posada were terrific though expensive.

One of the most relaxing aspects of the hotel was just sitting. I spend long periods outside along the RR tracks watching trains go by. It sounds ridiculous but that was comforting to watch and think about how everything works.

We headed back to La Junta and arrived about 30 minutes late. Not too bad. We got our rooms at Super 8 motel and then headed to dinner at McDonalds.

We arrived back in Fort Collins around noon on June 22, Friday. Marcia and I immediately packed our Corolla with a tent and basic camping gear and headed to Hayden, CO where we would get together with some retired CSFS employees on Saturday at Terry and Rebecca Wattles’ place. We camped at Yampa River State Park just west of Hayden.