I had a more enjoyable experience on the Alaska Railroad than I did back in 1996. I think we may have ridden the McKinley Explorer last time, whereas this time I rode the standard Denali Star. The former is probably supposed to be nicer with its double deck and ceiling windows, but I hated the confinement and uncomfortable seating arrangements. This time, I had a huge seat and the forward compartment of our car to myself. I could also freely wander all over the train.

The view back along the rear of the train as we passed over Hurricane Gulch.

I think the big white cars are the McKinley Explorer cars I rode last time. Somewhere behind us were the Princess cars that are owned and exclusively used by that cruise ship line. We unhitched those cars before we pulled into the Anchorage Rail Depot. With their own boats, train cars, buses, and hotels, I think you can spend an entire Alaska vacation without ever setting foot off Princess property.

I spent a lot of time hanging out of the windows of the junction compartments between the rail cars. That's a great way to take in the Alaska landscape.