Train Trip 2013 - Los Angeles to Tucson

We spent only five hours in Los Angeles and it was all at the train station. Andrew has a bad cold and not feeling well so, while waiting to catch the train to Tucson, we hung out in big comfy chairs that fill the cavernous space of the station. But if you have to hang out somewhere, Los Angeles' Union Station is not a bad place to be. Although it was a bit cold with the big doors open and a breeze going through, it definitely has the most "wow" factor of the train stations we've been in thus far. Not as old as some, it opened in 1939. The decorative high ceilings, iron chandeliers, marble and flooring and walls, and two beautiful outdoor courtyards are a fabulous "combination of Spanish Colonial, Mission Revival and Art Deco designs".

Looking straight up at ceiling in Union Station, Los Angeles

Outside of Union Station

Courtyard

Dad & Elaine drove down from Apache Junction to meet us in Tucson and we went to the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. "Museum" is a bit of a misnomer as there are many live animal displays, a small aquarium, hummingbird aviary and nature trails.

This old piece of mining equipment was filled with rocks.
It brought back childhood memories and I thought Dad was going to make me pick rock!

Dad & Elaine on a turtle statue.

Andrew, of course, got more great photos!

Next, we're off to Alpine, Texas. Really looking forward to hiking for a few days in Big Bend National Park!