ALASKA 2019: THE TRAIN (June 5-9, 2019)

Grandview , Alaska, Hiking Stop (End of the line)

Spencer Glacier

After disembarking from our ship in Whittier, Alaska we shortly boarded the Alaska Railroad train for an excursion to Spencer Glacier and Grandview.  This short but beautiful rail trip would bring us back to Whittier later in the day and then continue on to Anchorage where we would spend the night.

Thanks to an Alaska friend, who works for ARR, we had been given "family passes".  These passes allowed the four of us to travel 1/2 price for one continuous booking.  Sherry figured out a way to get us on every inch of passenger track with the exception of the spur to Seward.  All told, we spent about 36 hours on the rails.  I would highly recommend that any trip to Alaska include at least a short trip on the ARR.  I would recommend the run to Grandview or the run from Anchorage to Hurricane Gulch and back.

Time on the train can be spent reading, sleeping, or enjoying the scenery from the upper level of the observation car.  From this vantage point we saw eagles, swans, beavers, moose, bears, homesteaders, mountains, valleys, passes, waterfalls, rivers, lakes, and so much more.  It is an excellent way to get from Anchorage to Fairbanks and back without the hassle of driving.

REFLECTIONS

There is an old gospel song entitled "Life Is Like A Mountain Railway" and I would have to say after spending such a long time aboard the Alaskan Railroad that the journey did remind me a little of my life.

There were times of weariness as we chugged through the final hours of a twelve hour ride.  There were times of excitement as we watched a moose run along side the tracks.  There were times of awe as we encountered breathtaking scenery and the high waterfalls splashed down the mountainside.  There were times that were good to be shared with others and times when it was right to just be alone and drink it all in.

Put it all together and it was an interesting and enjoyable experience.

Such is life.  There will be together times and alone times.  There will be times when we get caught up in all the beauty of the things that have appeared along the track of our life.  And, yes, there will certainly be times when we are just weary; warn out!

Put them all together.  See them all as a wonderful tapestry and, as you look back, you will understand what a beautiful adventure you have been on.

Keep on rollin' and be blessed.