From: Johnlebl@aol.com
Date: Wed Feb 12 2003 - 20:46:38 CST
<<I got on line, got confused, so called and got phone rate with promotional
-
gave me that rate until Feb 13. So I guess train travel is a good idea,
especially at that rate? Would you suggest I take? Thanks! Jerry Bailey>>
<<IF you can still get that rate, definitely take it.
IF you fly, and IF you can get a fare of only 120, you STILL have to deal
with getting from airport to PTC, which is the real hassle and expense.
That said, like I said, coming from So. Cal, for PTC I'd drive, it's almost
exactly 1000 miles, there are just too many great places to stop between
here and there. Spend the night in Gallup or Holbrook. STop at Meteor
crater, Petrified Forest, Painted Desert, Colorado River, Laughlin, Phoenix,
Albuquerque, Petroglyph Natl Mon, Santa Fe, Taos, Cimmarron, Fort Union, the
list goes on and on. Even if you normally don't like that stuff, you'll be
surprised. Fort Union was a *huge* surprise for us how great it was to
visit.
Only when I have to deal with 1) a crew and 2) the longer time (and thus
more vacation days) of a trek that I'd go train, personally. Don>>
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*******
Driving 1000 miles is a 20 hour drive........plus stops. That is just about
the same drive as it is for me. Takes a full two days, three if you stop to
see the sights, but what is that attractive when driving across Texas that
you have done a zillion times when you want to just get to the mountains and
cool air? We actually have no choice in the matter. We drive or pay someone
to drive for us (bus).
Unless we want to go through Chicago or Kansas City as Calvin stated
previous.
Considering the above, I'd not fly unless you are really pressed for time.
Too many people alow themselves to be pressed. Stop adn smell the roses for
goodness sakes.
Two options look favorable to me.
First off, the drive looks attractive, but it's sort of like going fishing on
the morning of your wedding day. Stopping at all those places will make it
into a sight seeing trip. That just might overshadow PTC. You don't want
that to occur.
Now back to Jerry Bailey's original question.
Even though Don is correct about the sights, I'd take the train and I'd plan
on arriving at Raton on Saturday. A PhilBus will be there waiting for the
train in Raton. I'd ride the bus as far as Cimarron. Then I'd hole up there
in one of two hotels. St James or Kit Carson. Spare no expense, the old
rooms will only cost you a few bucks more, but so what? They are a very
unique experience.
Sitting in the lobby of the St James on a Saturday night is an experience all
in it's self. The place is just crawling wityh Scouts and leaders from all
over the world. For an adult, there are a few watering holes not available
to the youth.
I'd ply around town for a while in the evening. You won't need anything but
your feet to do that.
This list can list a million "must see" places in Cimarron.
Then on Sunday, I'd take the PhilBus to PTC and check in as early as I could
so I could spend time visiting with the others. This will be your last "slow
day"
The pace picks up on Monday.
I think a relaxing train ride for a thousand miles across the Southwestern
part of the United States would be well worth doing. If you pack the watch
in the luggage and just remember that you "get there when you get there" it
would even improve the trip.
Today we are so pressed to do travel as fast as we can.
I'd take the train.
And I'd remember that "all trains are late".
This not only applies to passenger trains but freight also.
I work for a company that ships out about 150 loaded tank cars every night.
A private switching company comes in and gathers the cars for about 5-6 jours
from various loading racks, weighs them across rail scales and gets them
ready for the main line company to pick them up and drop off another 150
empties to be filled. We repeat this process 7 days a week, 52 weeks a year.
The incoming train is due at midnight. Lately they incoming train has been
arriving about 4AM. All sorts of excuses are given. The other night I
worked the job that listened to those excuses. I stopped the agent in mid
sentence saying "hey, it's a train isn't it? They are just supposed to be
late. They have a reputation to uphold." We both laughed adn enjoyed the
rest of the night. Of course the company owner does not possess the same
sense of humor as we do.
Gone are the days that conductors ran trains by good wind up synchronized
watches. Computers can't even make trains on time. Just forget it and enjoy
the trip and an extra night in Cimarron rather than a new motel in Raton.
You won't regret it I promise you.
John LeBlanc
Eagle Class of 1959
Phirst Phil Ptrek 1959
PhilTrek 2002 630H2 Trek 16
My latest adventure was yesterday,
Today is not over yet!
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