The Aurora Winter Train is considered one of the most scenic rides for good reason. The twelve-hour train ride from Fairbanks to Anchorage passes through Denali Park, over massive bridges, by frozen lakes and rivers, and right through the snow-covered mountain peaks of the Alaska Range. On the day we travelled, even the sky seemed white. I kept the official moose count for train car A. I can hardly believe it—we saw fifty-two moose. When we hit forty everyone clapped. When we reached fifty there was wild cheering. One even walked in front of the train for a while. The train had to slow right down. We asked the conductor what would happen if the moose didn’t move. He said that occasionally he has to go out front and whack the moose on the rump with a broom so they can get the train moving at full speed again. Mostly they are running very quickly away from the train, but one of the other passengers managed to snap a picture on his phone. The train is for more than just tourists. Along a sixty-mile stretch, Alaskans that are living off the grid with no road access can flag down the train to catch a ride. At one of these flag stops Shannon Cartwright, author and illustrator of children’s books, hopped on the train along with her dog. Shannon has lived in the Alaskan bush for over forty years. She hauls water from a nearby spring, heats with firewood, and runs her house and shop with solar and wind power. She even has a dish for wifi. She happened to have a few books along so Ray was able to buy Alaska's Three Bears. Can you guess what the three bears are? (Check below to hear the story) Staying Warm. You are Always in my Prayers. Love Mom.
2 Comments
NPW KB
3/22/2023 11:47:33 am
We enjoyed listening to "Alaska's Three Bears." Which book is your favourite from the ones you bought on the train?
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Diane
3/23/2023 03:29:24 pm
We loved the illustrations in all of he4 books, but we especially loved the Three Bears because our granddaughter is interested in Polar Bears.
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