Rail Runner Express

I took a day trip up to Santa Fe on the Rail Runner Express, our local commuter train that runs up and down the valley from Belen to Santa Fe...about 100 miles. People use the train to commute to work in Santa Fe and Albuquerque and to simply travel for some event or for shopping.

I've been wanting to take the Rail Runner up to Santa Fe for a long time but never got around to it. As it turns out, it is cheap, easy and very convenient. Since I'm a "senior" I get a discount and since I bought my ticket on-line I got another discount. My round trip day pass cost me $5.00. No one can drive to Santa Fe and back for $5.00.

Santa Ana Pueblo is just north of Bernalillo

Most interesting spot in the world. The most interesting man in the world doesn't always stop at Santo Domingo Pueblo but when he does he visits the trading post.

The Trading Post at Santo Domingo Pueblo burned down a few years ago and was rebuilt as it was.  Santa Domingo is now known as Kewa Pueblo but the old name lingers on.

While on the platform in Bernalillo waiting for the train I met Mary, an Indian lady from Santo Domingo Pueblo. She was going to Santa Fe to sell some of her jewelry on the plaza. She showed me what she had and I bought Jill a small pair of beaded ear rings -- "black jade and coral" Mary said. They were very simple. I paid $8.00.  She could catch the train at Santo Domingo but she can make a sale in Bernalillo that will pay for her trip.  Not a bad way to start her day. I enjoyed talking to her.

The desert between Bernalillo and Santa Fe

The rail line runs in the median of the interstate as it climbs
to Santa Fe

Santa Fe depot and the Rail Yard

The train puts you out at The Railyard -- a shopping and art district. In January it was very quiet and cold (in the 30s)  but in warmer weather it should be a fun spot.  I spent the afternoon there instead of taking the free shuttle to the plaza.  I just wanted to stay at the Rail Yard. I couldn't afford to buy more jewelry.



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