During the trip, I spent time reading, relaxing, playing video poker on my mini poker machine, listening to music on my portable headphones, and watched the amazing Southwest pass by. The Southwest Chief consisted of eighteen coach cars, and four sleeper cars. I got some great shots of the train when I was in Albuquerque. But it would be worth it. He had someone picking him up in Chicago.
Coach class is ok for shorter train trips.
I was able to see the Hopi, Apache, Zuni and Navajo Indian reservations. I was in awe of the scenery in New Mexico as it is breathtaking. She is an Indian herself, although I forgot which tribe she is a member of. We crossed the Continental Divide and the Rio Grande River. The Southwest Chief pulled into the Albuquerque station, I believe in the early afternoon, on December 20 th .