Monday, August 5, 2019

Alaska Cruise: Alaska Railroad GoldStar Dome Service (8/5/2019)

Monday, August 5, 2019 (continued)
At 17:00 we were able to board the Alaska Railroad Coastal Classic train. We had upgraded to the GoldStar Dome Service, meaning we had upper level seats in the new dome car, a meal, and unlimited non-alcoholic beverages.
Alaska Railroad Locomotive #4322 Model EMD SD70MAC (2004)
was tandemed with #3014 Model EMD GP40-2 (1979)
Passenger Car #655 M500 Ultradome (2008) with
an outdoor viewing platform just for passengers of this car
Unique metalwork at Alaska Vocational Technical Center/AVTEC
facility at 1900 Leirer Road
The first of at least eight tunnels
Some video of the train:
Crossing the South Fork Snow River
Trail Glacier
Looking down on the lower section of the loop that descends
a 3% grade; earlier steam locomotives could only
manage a 1% grade and required nearly a double loop
Completing the loop with Bartlett Glacier behind us
One of many waterfalls
Placer River Gorge below
Spencer Lake with icebergs
Across the middle are old telephone poles that used to
run along the face of Spencer Glacier, now behind the trees
Spencer Glacier
During a sit-down dinner with white tablecloths and real cutlery, we saw a young moose gallop away from the train.
Later we saw Dall sheep up on the cliffs along Turnagain Arm.
Sunset over Turnagain Arm at 22:00!
We arrived in Anchorage about 22:15, called Uber for a ride to the Home2 Suites near the airport.
Home2 Suites room
Home2Suites kitchenette
Home2 Suites bathroom
Home2 Suites bathroom
I think everyone crashed into bed after this long day!
Next: Reindeer Farm.

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