Zephyr to Denver

-Samuel James

For years living in the Midwest I fantasized about taking the California Zephyr–Amtrak’s line from Chicago to San Francisco. Never did it.

Fast forward to late 2023 and I was spending Christmas in Phoenix with free time to get back to Colorado. As a way to finally get some time on the Zephyr, I conspired to slingshot myself west to California from Arizona and catch the train back east from there to Denver. All in all it was a four day, three night journey and packed full of memorable moments.

I think the strongest memory I have is spending almost all day in the lounge with a little community of us who were sharing the trip together. Every stop we’d head outside for some fresh air (and cigarettes..) and for a day we had nothing to do but enjoy each other’s company. Seems like some of the magic in riding the train is just that: nothing at all to do but enjoy your surroundings until you have to get off. That and eat and drink endlessly from the snack car.  

see more from this trip at Samuel James’ page

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