Day 3. MP 1473.
I awoke in Del Rio, Texas about 7 am. Somehow we had lost about an hour of time during the night, but I never found out why. I dozed a few minutes longer then made my way to breakfast. This train was very crowded, as just about every coach seat was taken. For breakfast I had a cheese omelet with grits and raisin bread. It was pretty good. After breakfast I took a nap back in my room. It was a quick nap as there is not much to see west of Del Rio. But I also didn't want to miss the crossing of Pecos River and Lake Amistad. This bridge is the highest railroad bridge in North America and is quite impressive. It comes and goes quick if you're not looking though.
Throughout the morning, the terrain get hillier and you can tell you're in Big Bend country. The train makes a stop in Alpine which is a neat little town in West Texas and claims itself to be the gateway to Big Bend National Park, even though its still quite a ways from the park. I was able to step off there for a few minutes and get some pictures. Alpine has a nice new platform, since I had been back. Many station have gotten new things added over the last couple of years, while there are still a few without so much as a "wide spot" in the track bed.
Soon it was already time for lunch, so I went and a had the Cuban sandwich. It was pretty good and had some nice conversation with some people who lived near Houston. Throughout the afternoon, I either sat in my room or went to the lounge car to do some typing. The lounge car proved to be quite popular, as there were screaming kids, and people playing cards who don't quite know how to keep their voices low. Nonetheless, I'm still glad to see so many people enjoying the train. Knowing that I have a sleeping car is refreshing so that I can escape to silent bliss.
I stepped off in El Paso for a few minutes to enjoy the heat. I didn't enjoy it for very long though. From the El Paso station you can easily see Cuidad Juarez across the Rio Grande. It stands there in stark contrast to what you see on the US side. It's still an interesting thing to see though. After El Paso, the train crosses the Rio Grande into New Mexico traveling just a few feet from the US/Mexican border fence. As it climbs up the grade, there are great views of El Paso behind. I was now finally out of Texas for the rest of the trip. Fun fact though: El Paso is actually closer to the Pacific Coast than it is to Houston.
Deming and Lordsburg came and went. Those are both stations I mentioned that have just a wide spot in the tracks and perhaps a small shelter to wait under. They are otherwise known as an "Amshack." New signage, however, is in place at most of these stations.
New Mexico was passed by quick and soon we entered Arizona. As the sun began to set, there were thunderheads all around. Thunderstorms in the desert just look really cool and after dinner, we were treated to some thunder and lightning and a little sprinkle of rain showers while stopped in Tucson. One of the coolest thing I saw was a full rainbow form right over the end of the train. I tried taking pictures, but a picture wouldn't do it justice. You just would have to be there.
For dinner I had the roasted half chicken. It turned out to be nice and moist and the potato and vegetables turned out good too. I also enjoyed tiramisu for dessert. This was my last meal on the Texas Eagle, so I savored it. After Tucson, I had shower and then went to bed.