Adventures (Part 2)

[abqdan]

Today we took a train trip to Santa Fe. Several years ago, Governor Richardson pushed through his vision of a commuter train travelling from Los Lunas, south of Albuquerque, to Santa Fe. The idea was to reduce the traffic on I-25 between Albuquerque and Santa Fe. Surprisingly, the project was funded and built! The Rail Runner has been in operation for some time now, and this weekend it was offering a special service, with a $6 all-day pass.

We started off just after 9 this morning, and headed over to the SunPort Rail Runner station. Because the service was constructed using mostly existing track, the airport station isn't actually anywhere near the airport; they operate a bus shuttle between the station and the terminal. But it does offer a free park and ride, so we dropped the car there, and took the train up to Santa Fe. Somewhat reminiscent of the CalTrain from San Jose to San Francisco, the double level train plods gently along, taking about 2 hours for the 70 mile ride. However, it is very comfortable and quiet, and gives scenic views of the countryside. Running mostly west of I-25, this offered a perspective we hadn't seen before.




It passed through or close to several of the Native American Pueblos along the way. Most of the desert land between here and Santa Fe is Native American reservation land; and they ask that passengers on the trains honor their customs and not take photos or videos while passing through their territory. This of course doesn't stop the obnoxious and self-centered caucasians on the train doing exatly that. We refrained, because being the perverse people we are, we actually DO respect the rights of others. (These people are right up there for me with the people who talk through movies, leave their cell phones on in theaters, and take pictures of art exhibits which prominently feature "No Picture" signs. It's all about THEM apparently, and screw the rest of the world. Fortunately, I believe in Karma, and she can be a bitch when she wants to be...But I digress).

Arriving without incident in Santa Fe at the new Station Terminus, we took the equally trouble-free (and free) shuttle bus to the Plaza. If you haven't visited Santa Fe, think small town, not large city. Santa Fe is very walkable, with most things of interest contained in a relatively small area; the plaza is central to the town.

At the plaza, we initially decided on an early lunch, only to discover (after waiting for and securing a table at the Cafe on the Plaza) that they serve only breakfast until 12 noon. It was 11:50 when we sat down, and no, we couldn't see the lunch menu until the big hand reached the top, because the computer wouldn't let them enter lunch items until then. We left.

We had a short time to wander around, seeing a little Native American drumming exhibit at the opening of the new New Mexico History Museum. Unfortunately for us, although there were seats available the Grand Opening ceremony, it turned out they weren't starting for another hour (the Governor was probably delayed) so we opted not to wait. Ending up back at the Cafe, they now WERE serving lunch, at which point Bill was able to order a breakfast Burrito. I had a club sandwich - a known (and safe) quantity on this particular menu. (Though in this instance, the waiter ordered it with (we think) rye bread, not the whole wheat I'd requested; so the bread was left to one side, and I just ate the sandwich filling and fries. Oh well).

After lunch, a quick dash back to the station to get the train back to Albuquerque. Yes, a very brief visit. But had we missed the 1:20 train, we'd have had to wait until 4:30 for the next one. And the point of the day had been to ride the train, not spend time in the capitol.

We're now back home in our hobbit hole, writing songs we shall sing about today's adventure.

Comments

[joebehrsandiego.livejournal.com]

My Denver friend Byron/zedsled blogged about the new train service as well. I read that one of the main reasons for its institution was the fact that the freeway & other roads can't be expanded (due to the Native American communities you mentioned).

I love both Santa Fe & trains so will definitely do this the next time I am in NM. :>)

I took a slug of photos in Santa Fe, Gallup & Las Vegas, NM a few years ago. Here's the ones from SF.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/11438926@N00/sets/72157594404013417/

[pdxchuck.livejournal.com]

I remember taking a couple of field trips (when in grade school) we would bus our way to Lamy to catch the train to Albuquerque. I am sure, as school kids, we rode the train with great excitement and looked much like Bill does in his picture.

So, cool! Where does the train terminate in Santa Fe? Apparently not Lamy, eh?

And wait a minute. You were in Santa Fe and had a "Club sandwich?" No New Mexican food? Now that hurts!

[abqdan.livejournal.com]

They built a new depot for the Rail Runner - it's very nice. Shops, art studios, experimental theater, and a street market, all in that area.

I'm afraid my diet is very restricted. Being deathly allergic to milk protein pretty much rules out NM cuisine. I only eat very limited, very safe items from selected restaurants - places where I know they won't poison me. And in this case, they'd changed the bread in the sandwich, so I didn't even get to eat that!

[pdxchuck.livejournal.com]

I totally forgot! My apologies. I understand as Marty also has dietary sensitivities. For now the major items are wheat, gluten and soy. We think there are other things but but not fully sure.

Thanks for the "Rail Runner" information. I just looked it up. Great renovation. When you mentioned the train that is the spot I thought of. I didn't expect the other stops, but they make sense. Wow!