Riding the Southwest Chief from Chicago to Flagstaff

Union Station In Chicago.  

On Sunday morning we met the tour group at Union Station in Chicago to board the Southwest Chief Amtrak train for our trip to Flagstaff, Arizona where our tour of the National Parks would begin.

Jennifer, our Vacations by Rail Tour Director. 

Baggage with green tags ready to load on train. 

The Southwest Chief. 

We had several meals on the train.

My travelling companions, Gail on left and Pat. 

Gail in our tiny bedroom on the train.

In New Mexico.  

We arrived in Flagstaff around 10:00 pm Mountain Standard Time six hours late and after being on the train for some thirty plus hours.  Amtrak is certainly not like the Eurail in Europe or Britrail in England, but I'm glad to have made one train trip across the country. 

Gadding About in Chicago

The Bean Sculpture in Chicago. 

I flew to Chicago recently to take the Amtrak from Chicago to Flagstaff, Arizona to begin my trip to the southwest, and I had only a half day there.  I decided if I could see just one thing  I would venture out to Millennium Park to see the Cloud Gate sculpture known as "the Bean".  It is a large stainless steel work of art and is the most photographed attraction in Chicago.  I was not disappointed. 

Arriving at O Hare in Chicago.  

Me in front of The Bean. 

Millennium Park itself is beautiful to see.  

Millennium Park. 

Cannas in the Park. 

Butterfly on milkweed plant in Park. 

Chicago deep dish pizza.  Yum!

I did have a deep dish Chicago Pizza while in the city.