The Coastal Classic pops into view as it nears Portage on its run north from Seward to Anchorage. The tracks diverged away from any road system some 33 miles ago in Moose Pass, and this is the first opportunity one has to photograph a train on this line without being on the train itself, having been dropped off by a train along the way at a whistle stop, or having to hike in a heck of a long ways to get a shot. Sadly, this is the final train photo taken from my Canon Digital Rebel XSi and 70-200mm f/4.0L IS combo as the duo decided to commit mutual suicide when they leapt five and a half feet from my camera bag and onto a paved parking lot just 3 days later. R.I.P., fellas...
