Why We Need Trains 5-Amtrak Southwest Chief and the Journey to Philmont Scout Ranch

Amtrak's historic depot at Raton, NM was built by the Santa Fe Railroad.  Raton is served by Amtrak's Southwest Chief, successor to the Santa Fe Super Chief.  Amtrak travels on the rails of Santa Fe successor BNSF.
Troops of Boy Scouts ride Amtrak from across America to Raton where they disembark to head to Philmont Scout Ranch.  At Philmont Scout Ranch, Boy Scouts from across America are able to network, make new friends, and learn about our vast country as they are challenged by the camp's rugged terrain.
The journey to Philmont aboard Amtrak has become a tradition passed down by generations.  Troop leaders, themselves once scouts, once again make this trek aboard the Southwest Chief.  This journey aboard Amtrak affords those eager to learn a chance to see the vast landscapes America has to offer.  Communities along the way show that America truly is a land where we are all neighbors to each other.  This is why we need trains.

Boarding The Amtrak Southwest Chief at Galesburg, Illinois

Here I am about ready to board the westbound Amtrak Southwest Chief in Galesburg, Illinois.  Every time I board Amtrak, I anticipate seeing the beauty of America.

The Southwest Chief crosses the Mississippi River and crosses Raton Pass  of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.  The vast landscape along the Southwest Chief is breathtaking.

Amtrak's Former Santa Fe Depot at Raton, New Mexico

Amtrak's historic depot at Raton, NM was built by the Santa Fe Railroad.  Raton is served by Amtrak's Southwest Chief, successor to the Santa Fe Super Chief.  Amtrak travels on the rails of Santa Fe successor BNSF.
Troops of Boy Scouts ride Amtrak from across America to Raton where they disembark to head to Philmont Scout Ranch.  The scenery along the Southwest Chief is truly spectacular.

The Amtrak Depot at Lamy, New Mexico

The Amtrak depot at Lamy, NM truly is historic.  As the Amtrak Southwest Chief stopped at this former Santa Fe depot, I felt as if we had stepped back into history.  The baggage cart stood at attention under a beautiful blue New Mexico sky.

Boy Scouts Make The Journey to Philmont Scout Ranch Aboard Amtrak

As I attended Amtrak Train Days in Galesburg, I watched as several troops of Boy Scouts prepared to board the westbound Southwest Chief for Raton, New Mexico with the ultimate destination of Philmont Scout Ranch.  In a few days, I would be taking the Southwest Chief to Los Angeles, and several additional troops of Boy Scouts made the westward trek to New Mexico aboard that day's Southwest Chief.
While drawing Amtrak logos in the lounge car, I asked them about their journey to New Mexico.  I learned that making the summer trip to Philmont Scout Ranch aboard the Southwest Chief is a long standing tradition for Boy Scouts across America.

Drawing a Santa Fe Super Chief aboard the Amtrak Southwest Chief

Drawing aboard Amtrak is truly an experience I cherish.  Here I am drawing a Santa Fe Super Chief F7 as the Amtrak Southwest Chief heads toward Albuquerque.  Much of the scenery and landmarks, and many of the stations and business remain as they were years ago.
This journey along the historic Santa Fe route helps me be at one with my muse.  Not only will this journey inspire this drawing, but it will inspire many drawings to come.