The Zephyr to California

The plan had always been to start in Chicago. Not one but two itineraries were drawn up. None materialized. Time intervened. Then Denver beckoned – I had never been. Others who had journeyed previously between that pair of cities convinced me there was nothing to see but the Prairies. Apologies, Midwest! Welcoming, unfussy and visually exciting, the Mile High City took no time to impress me. Amongst its lengthy list of attractions – Denver Union Station. Perhaps one of the most desirable venues from which to catch a train. A stunning mash up of historic and contemporary. A model for urban renewal and transit-oriented development. And one that’s brought the oomph back to a much-maligned mode of transport in this country. A fitting place then, from which to start our journey.

Continue reading “The Zephyr to California”

Four Corners, and a Bounty of Steam

Gallup is the most populous town between Flagstaff and Albuquerque in the state of New Mexico. But that’s not saying much at all. The town itself is unremarkable and highly unlikely to feature on any itinerary through this part of the country. Regardless of all that, the four of us have made our way here, having left Albuquerque at the crack of dawn, to receive a posse of equally rail-obsessed individuals, due to arrive from the somewhat far away state of California, on board the Southwest Chief, the only passenger train to call on Gallup!

IMG_3902 IMG_3900

Continue reading “Four Corners, and a Bounty of Steam”