The Empire Builder passed through Shelby, Montana.
Below in the dome car, a number of
local and state officials are visible. From left to right, Shelby
Mayor Larry Bonderud and his wife, Craig Thorpe, Larry and Lynda
Vielluex, owners of the Izaak Walton Inn in Essex, Montana, a flag stop
on the Empire Builder route, Ray Lang from Amtrak, and Montana State
Senator Larry Black.
Below left, in the distance, the
Rocky Mountains are finally visible. The plains were
beautiful. Since sunrise, the Empire Builder has traveled about
700 miles. I was captivated by the distant view of the
mountains. Once we got to them, there was an air of excitment on
the train. I had no idea of how amazing the ride was to
become.
I wandered back to see what was
happening in Beech Grove and found that people were at the rear of the
car, outside. I joined them and started taking as many
photographs as possible. This was to be a once in a lifetime
opportunity, and I am happy to share it with everyone.
The Empire Builder is on the eastern
slope of the Rocky Mountains. Soon we are to cross the Two
Medicine Trestle. Since I had enjoyed lunch in the dining car, I
made an 8 o'clock reservation for dinner.
