As the train continued on towards Denali, I couldn’t help but smile. I realized the feeling I was feeling. I felt like I had finally found where I belonged.

Here I was with a rail car full of employees who (in my opinion) don’t fit the mold of society. We’re not desk people. Not 9-5 clock punching employees. We’re free-spirits who fly by the seat of our pants. Don’t follow rigid rules.

On a side note, as a left handed person, I’ve noted more lefties during training for the rails than I ever have in one place. Perhaps that’s because lefties tend to be artsy and creative. And creative people struggle to conform to society. It’s difficult to earn a living when you’re artsy. Or at least it has been for me.

The train continued north. The skies were clear. I continued to be amazed by the scenery.

I was relieved that I didn’t get motion sickness from the train moving. Something that has happened to me as I’ve gotten older and because of my chronic illnesses. I was able to serve drinks on a tray and still keep myself steady with the three points of contact rule.

Passengers chatted with me and I with them. Some stories were long and I listened. People often just want to be heard. And I definitely know how to hold a conversation.

We were closing in on the final destination. Denali. It was time to close out tabs and cash out passengers. Even if they were vouchers since this was practice.

Suddenly several people wanted to purchase merchandise. Lucky for me I was training with a “sitter”. What I call someone who isn’t working but expecting you to do everything. Only appearing busy when a higher up appears. So I cashed in on this, given that we get a bonus for sales. Karma, aka God, is good all the time. My sales were epic for a first run.

I scanned in all the merchandise and checked people out. The tips started rolling in. People were handing me cash while shaking my hand and thanking me for taking care of them.

I was made for this.

God created me to enjoy serving people and listening to them. To enjoy talking and to be funny.

We arrived at the station and the passengers disembarked. I finished up my closing duties.

Soon I was off the train and headed to a night out in Denali.

It was nice to be treated to a luxurious overnight in Denali. Complete with dinner, entertainment and lodging.

Stay tuned for the details on a lovely evening. And for now, enjoy these beautiful scenes.