Shake, Rattle, and OMGoodness!

Well...we just experienced our first earthquake. Around 11:30 today, Rennie and I were sitting in our bedroom discussing what we needed to get accomplished today, when all of a sudden the door to the bedroom rattled as though someone was jiggling the handle. We looked toward the door, then the lamp, mirror, and floor begin to shake (at least six or more seconds). Amazed at what we were seeing, we both looked at each other, laughed and said at the same time, "I guess that is an earthquake!" Just as we began to walk out of our bedroom, the shaking stopped. We quickly jetted out of the bedroom to check on our housemate, Richard, to verify we were not going crazy and asked him if he felt that. Of course he did and we all just stood in amazement that we were all ok.

Later in the day we had to go to the rail office to drop off some paper work and they said that the quake had temporarily shut down all the trains on the rail due to them being in the general area of the epicenter. All the rails had to be inspected before they could continue their journey. I am extremely glad I was not on the train today!

Here is some news about it:

http://www.aeic.alaska.edu/Seis/recent/sub/quakes/2009173_evid109810/evid109810.html

Rennie and I are very thankful to the Lord for his protection for ourselves and others we know. This will be a most memorable moment in our Alaskan adventure!!!

Until next time...Pamela

Train Lung

Cough, cough, hack, hack, hack....that is what I've been doing for the past two weeks. Tour guides on the train call it "train lung". Breathing in all the fumes from the train, dust from the open air viewing areas, and not to mention guests germs that they bring seems to hop on us which creates a wonderful array of lung and throat congestion. Hopefully I can shed this junk soon and be back to normal - and actually sounding like myself and not a bass toad!

We are off for two more days, then back on the train for another two days. On our next three days off - next week, Rennie and I plan to visit Talkeetna for several days. We are looking forward to being tourists instead of tour guides. Talkeetna is a quaint little town and one of the stops of some of our passengers. I will tell you more about it and add photos when we return.

Until next time...Pamela

Beginning To Have Fun

We have been working on the train for almost a month now, and I have to say it is beginning to be more fun. I have the privilege of meeting guests from the United States and all over the world. I have had several guests in my car from Jacksonville!

Yesterday, I had a wonderful tour group from Georgia in my car and they were such a blast!! We were all laughing and having a fantastic time, you would have thought it was a party train. They were so kind to me as they were getting off the train - each one insisted on giving me a hug - southern hospitality at its finest!

Rennie and I are now trying to figure out where we want to go on our excursions when we have three days off. There are so many things to choose from - we have to plan carefully as to be able to fit it all in.

We're back on the train tomorrow for another two day run. Hopefully I can update you more then.

Until next time...Pamela