to albuquerque 5.13 & 5.14

Don't know if this is day 1 or not, it's all relative, but i'm on the train.  currently riding through se colorado, close to my path last year, my infamous 70 mi. ride through sage desert with not enough water.  i see the snow caps of the sangra de christo mountains in the distance.  it's very different from cyling it, the quiet cocoon of the train blocks out everything but the vision.  makes me realize how critical the other senses are to the experience.

last night, suzi, elaine, stuart, and daniel drove me to union station in k.c.  good barbaque meal first,  lamb ribs and burnt ends, then the long night on the train.  even with the two, wide seats, it took awhile to figure out how to get comfortable.  finally realized i had a blanket and a pillow in my gear and managed to sleep most of the night.  no idea if i snored - apologies to my fellow travelers if i did.

when i got on at 10:30pm, the train was littered with bodies spread out, trying to sleep.  the seats are big, two to each side and with covid everyone gets a pair to themselves.  they recline about 1/2 way, there's plenty of leg room and there's a short seat extension for the legs.  passengers are a mix of young travelers, retirees, some families and even amish (or related).

however, it's interesting how little information there is about how to board, how to get your seat assignment, etc.  not a very sophisticated operation. you still slip your identifying tag, complete with destination noted, on the metal clip above the seat.

lovely suzi is on her way back to knoxville with guiness as her company.  she's got a 12 hour ride ahead of her.  she's a special person, my wife.

a little nerves creeping in last night, but it still doesn't feel real, yet, so i'm pretty calm.

albuquerque.  i've gotten pretty good at spelling it over the last two years.  just outside of town, to the ne are the sandia mtns.  they pop out of the ground and are massive, rugged and steep.  we were greeted by them coming in and the train stopped with a good view, waiting for the santa fe rail runner to clear the track.  suddenly, the wind picked up and clouds moved in.  dust blew up and within 5 minutes we couldn't see the mountains at all. 10 min later, it was all clear.  hope i don't run into one of those on my bike.

brian recommended i eat at el patio restaurant for good sw food.  so after checking in to my motel, i took the local bus, rte 66, 15 min ride crosstown.  practically door to door.  got a table outside immediately.  a solo musician was playing spanish guitar quietly.  green chile chicken enchiladas with potatoes and beans was wonderful.  then i strolled the campus of university of new mexico.  it was empty except for a dozen graduates in robes walking around having pictures taken.  plenty of outdoor walking areas, but the landscaping was weak and the architecture didn't connect at all.  very disappointing. 

one beer at the thirsty eye and started to walk to a second brewery when i realized i needed to just pack it in and get a good nights sleep.  tomorrow it begins.  i'm anxious, as usual.  this first week to flagstaff will be the hurdle to get over.  so let it begin.