Leaving the station, I was expecting the MILW 261.

The Empire Builder heads towards its next stop at Winona, MN as it enters the CP River Subdivision. (Canon ESO20D, 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM)

Stretching in front of the river front, a UP train waits to let Amtrak pass into the sunrise.

An A-B-A set of ex-GN Big Sky Blue F-units lead Amtrak's eastbound Empire Builder by Dayton's Bluff.

The Empire Builder plies the magnificent bridge just west of Java Siding.

Amtrak's Empire Builder is seen from high on the cliffs at Frontenac on ex-Milwaukee Road trackage.

Amtrak #8 blasts east on the CP/SOO main headed towards La Crosse.

Amtrak #8, the Empire Builder, blows by Canadian Pacific #589, parked in the Frontenac siding, at about 65 mph.

Railfans with cameras and kids watch as #8 pulls up to the La Crosse Depot. (Canon EOS20D, 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM)

Canon EOS20D, 400mm f/5.6L USM

Canon EOS20D, 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM