Stranger in a strange land: An MRL Officer Car Special cruises along Puget Sound at Carkeek Park near Blue Ridge, WA, running from New Westminster, BC to Missoula, MT via Seattle and Stampede Pass. Running along waterways is nothing new for MRL 4312, but salt water is certainly different! Beachgoers take note of the unusual sight on BNSF's mainline -- though the accompanying helicopter likely helped attract their attention. Distinguished guests on board were Dennis Washington, owner of Washington Companies (which in turn owns MRL), and BNSF CEO Matt Rose; singer Sarah McLachlan provided entertainment en route. Warren Buffet and Bill Gates were originally scheduled to be on the train but canceled and, despite rumors, were not on board.
