Welcome aboard the Trains–Special Interest Tours 2024 Alaska by Rail adventure. Please join us as we travel on the Alaska Railroad for 9 days from Sept. 8 to 17, heading south from Fairbanks to Anchorage, Alaska.
Jump back to yesterday when we were bounding along Park Road inside Denali National Park and Preserve observing wildlife and discovering the Great One’s untouched wilderness beauty. At the higher elevations it was snowing. Down at our lodge, it rained all night, but up in the mountains, the snow continued to fall. This morning as the sun melted away the cloud cover, the major peaks around the park entrance were topped with a fresh fall of snow. One could hear the locals speaking softly that winter had arrived in and around Denali. In fact, this week concludes the tourist season with preparations for winter beginning by the weekend. Virtually all facilities in an area called Glitter Gulch, the small town just outside the park entrance, will close for the season over the next week and not reopen until May 2025.
We boarded the Denali Star for a 5 1/2-hour, Gold Star-service ride to Talkeetna, which is 121 railroad miles south. Our over-height (18 feet, 1 inch) touring coach was the “A” car, meaning that we were the first car after the two SD70MAC locomotives and the baggage car. Our forward view looked out past these first three units giving us virtually a 360-degree view of the landscape.
Proceeding south, the bright sun and snow-capped peaks gave way to gray clouds and more rain. Considering we were leaving winter and receding to the beginning of fall the weather change seemed appropriate. While Denali north will most likely see more snow in the next few weeks, places south, like Talkeetna have yet to reach full fall color.
Beyond the Alaskan scenery, watching the railroad operate has also been interesting. The railroad accepts checked baggage, which is handled in an interesting manner. At the checking depot bags are placed in large plastic bins. The bins are then folk-lifted aboard the baggage car, eliminating multiple manual movements. About 90 minutes south of Denali, the north- and southbound Denali Stars met, exchanged crews, and continued in their respective directions.
On Monday — Day 2 — we enjoyed the efforts of the on-board kitchen crew for breakfast. Today, boarding the Denali Star at 12:30 p.m., lunch was served. The menu included Alaskan cod tacos and delicious Alaskan salmon chowder. The meal was another good dining car experience.
Good experiences on this trip don’t end with the food, scenery, or interesting railroad operations. The Alaska Railroad on-board crews make the extra effort to ensure everyone is accommodated. The over-height coach we have been riding aboard is equipped with an elevator permitting those with mobility concerns access to the entire car. If someone needs a lift to the domed upper level or a safe descent to the restrooms, all they have to do is ask.
It was another good day on the Alaska Railroad.
Day 5 — There is a hurricane brewing here in Alaska, and we are going right across it. Ride along tomorrow as we visit one of the superlatives on the Alaska Railroad. It will blow you away.
Loving your Trains/Special Interest Tours journey insights thus far, Bob! Very helpful to know that mobility issues are not an impediment to enjoying some of the finest natural beauty on the planet. I know it’s double/triple duty to post these when you’re out in the field, but please DO keep’em coming – thanks!