Up at 5.30 am today and on to the Rocky Mountaineer for our train trip to Kamloops. One interesting feature of the rail line is the way they were able to flatten out the grade by excavating a figure 8 into the mountain to allow a drop of 160 feet and reduce the grade from the original 6.5% to 2.2%. This is known as the spiral tunnels, has saved countless lives, and stopped the need to use extra engines to push the trains up the steep line through the mountain. We passed through many tunnels excavated through the mountains, the longest of which was 6 miles.
The scenery is of never ending beauty and the food and drinks on this high class train are exceptional. This year is the 25th year since the Rocky Mountaineer began operating. The bar was open at 10 am when we were served tea and scones followed by a huge breakfast. By 2.00 pm we sit down for a 3 course lunch. As we have been told, this trip is all about views and food - they were so right. Our gold carriage has a domed see-through roof which gives clear and uninterrupted views of the awe inspiring land and mountains.
Our train in Banff ready for Kamloops.
All aboard !
The interior of the Rocky Mountaineer.
The views never stopped.
The front of the train is visible and a turquoise river flows beside the line.
A snow bridge to protect the highway traffic from avalanches.
Love the view from the train!
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