The grand Alaskan rail road

We had to get up early to catch a taxi and the train. After a questionable cab right at included 2 run red lights and an open trunk because the suitcases wouldn't fit, we arrived at the newly built train depot. The kids and chuck spent a lot of time checking out a highly detailed model of the trains and tracks in Alaska.

We boarded our car which was adventure class (aka coach) and settled in for the 4 hour journey. The weather cooperated for most of the trio, with only a few sprinkles. Almost immediately after we left the station, the dining room opened and we were allowed to get some real breakfast. I  enjoyed some salmon lox and fresh fruit while Steve devoured the breakfast tacos. The boys enjoyed light and fluffy Belgian waffles too. All around I thought the quality of food was surprisingly good.

Chuck immediately went upstairs to the domed car open to the public. The gold class customers have seats in domed cars but us middle classes have to share. That was never a problem, as there was plenty of room. As you might guess, the boys spent the majority of the trip upstairs with papa and papa chuck, listening to all their wisdom and stories. Chuck claims mt McKinley is a myth because he has never seen it. Unfortunately, that has still been the case and we were not able to get a view of the great mt at any point on the trip. We did see a wondrous amount of wild country, an impressive nuclear weapon alert center in the distance (with screens over 300 ft high), coal mining operations, rafters braving the rapids and a lot of trees.

Grady really enjoyed riding the train and especially liked some one on one time upstairs. Colby enjoyed reading his kindle and listening to music for a while.