Will be riding Souhthwest Chief from Flagstaff to Chicago soon. Would like to keep track of the towns we're passing by without carrying an atlas. Any suggestions?
I of late have been doing similar: but since I like to disconnect from the world while on the train, I leave my cell off (and typically in my baggage), but use a small handheld (backpacking) GPS which doesn't require cell coverage - and actually if one preloads it with map images, the little red dot just follows the rr tracks on the maps. And although the "app" is more primitive than what's on most smartphones (no finger gesturing - have to use the up/down/left/right arrows and in/out buttons): works well enough... though for some reason it can't "see" the satellites through the steel roof ;-) , but seems to still be able calculate the position well enough via what it can "see" though the windows to get the job done (though instead of on the trail +/- 6ft or 12ft, it'll quite often says +/- 32ft - which is still more than good enough for my needs).You can download a route guide here:
http://www.amtrak.com/ccurl/933/628/Amtrak-Southwest-Chief-Train-Route-Guide.pdf
That will give you some information about each area. I like to keep the Google Maps app open on my phone so I have a relative idea of where we are (the little dot will follow the train). It can be spotty when cell service is low/zero, but it's still pretty helpful most of the time. You can also see city names outside your window - not just actual city signs, but signs on buildings and such. It's fun.
Enter your email address to join: