After a couple days off, we catch the bus Friday morning at 9:45am. We will bus up to Denali, stay overnight and work the southbound train to the Whittier Port on Saturday.

Sunday, we will take a 4:45am bus to the port where we will take passengers up to Denali. The route is called the “DEX”. As this two day shift has brutal 16ish (train hours often end with “-ish” as the rails can hold surprise obstacles such as animals.) hour days, the train kids have nicknamed it the “Dirty DEX”.

Saturday we are at the train by 6:30am.

The rail guide I am scheduled to work with wants to work with her boyfriend and offers to switch cars with me. I agree and am excited to be paired with Derek as the rail guide on my car. This has been the plan all along. We were waiting for it to happen.

We work well together! It is enjoyable to hear his narration. He’s worked on it for so long. I’m not surprised that he’s good at this.

Late afternoon we are passing a meadow area near Turnagain Arm when we see a black bear. It stands up, looks at us and then runs away. I’m happy to have seen a bear, as I hadn’t seen one yet this year. (It’s small in the picture below).

I’m surprised at the number of passengers who don’t know now long the train ride is. It’s not an inexpensive ticket. So I think you’d pay attention to the timing. I’m asked often if we’re almost there.

I’ve connected well with a group of three couples and laugh often with them. They are drinking any alcoholic drink they can. I’m happily serving them.

We arrive at the port around 8:30pm. This time, we’ve missed the tunnel by a good chunk of time. We don’t get home until 10pm. Neither of us have eaten today and we snack quickly before heading to bed.

Tomorrow is Sunday. The dreaded 4:45am bus.

Yes. That is before the birds.

This is one time whereas the sun’s schedule here in Alaska is helpful, because it rises at 4:36am so it doesn’t seem as bad.

I plan to sleep the hour bus ride. But as we get to Turnagain Arm, the tide is out and the eagles are feasting. I have never seen so many eagles in one place. It was beautiful to watch.

Soon we are through the tunnel and onboard the train. Getting ready for the day.

Passengers that are headed up to Denali are a bit low key. Maybe because they’re nearing the end of vacation. Those headed to the port tend to be more active and drink alcohol.

The day passes by and we’ve seen plenty of wildlife. I have seen a Moose the closest yet. My picture is ok. Remember the train is moving and I didn’t have much time!

We arrive in Denali at 8pm. Again, we eat some dinner and go to bed. Completely exhausted from these two days.

The next morning, Monday, we bus home. This gives us time to nap. We then are scheduled to have three days off!