Bear Creek Canyon, Montana [May 2003]

On the final day of Essexpress Weekend 2003, we chased the eastbound Empire Builder up and over Marias Pass, along Bear Creek. We begin the chase at Java East, where the GE P42s chug past.
	At the east switch Summit, the Builder "tips over" and begins the rapid descent of the eastern slope.
Glacier Park station is open all year, thought the park itself won't open for at least another month. The Empire Builder provides reliable, year 'round transportation for the communities along the northern tier of Montana. On schedule, even in the harsh Montana winter, Amtrak #8 comes to life again, thundering out of the station.