The Train to Denali.4

We continued to ramble southbound. Our cozy car and domed roof allowed us to see panoramic views. The glass is tinted and in the summer months, air conditioning is available for a comfortable ride. Ribbon rails have been installed for a relatively smooth ride.

The windows have a tendency to show reflections from inside the car, so we had the option of standing outside on the platform to shoot photos. Every other car has a platform and we were so lucky to ride the last car. It made shooting some of the photos a breeze.

There was a time though, where I had to squeeze myself in among a railing full of tourists with cameras who, like I, were craving that perfect Nat-Geo picture. It was cold and the wind whipped my hair around my face, so when I was brave enough to get the picture that I desperately needed, I stayed with it. 

I was able to capture some river rafters, peaks and valleys, summits and gorges and countless golden leaves. Wild life was scarce, but the guide was able to point out Trumpeter Swans, a mother with her babies. Trumpeter Swans  pair up when they are young, about three years old. The pair stays together throughout the year, and migrating together. They are the last to arrive in the spring and the last to leave in the fall. Once they depart, winter is a 3 short weeks away. Trumpeters are assumed to mate for life. These bright, white, graceful birds were too far away for me to photograph.

Our guide pointed out a small, old miner's cabin that had grass growing on its roof. I managed to get that in a photo, but it is a bit of a puzzle to identify it.

Several miles and moments passed and I kept asking myself "Am I really in Alaska?" We were in constant awe of the monumental views.