Waiting in sub-freezing temperatures for the beast to wake from its slumber, and power up Donner pass I was rewarded by this amazing showing of smoke in my first main-line steam experience.

With the truss bridge over the Truckee River standing tall, UP 844 battles up the 1.6 percent grade through the Truckee River Canyon, at a location known as Iceland.

UP 844 storms upgrade at Iceland, while crossing the Truckee River. She was doing about 40MPH and the diesel helpers were in idle going up the 1.6% grade.