Rocky Mountaineer operates a world class train wtih good equipment, excellent on-board staff, great foods, and of course beverages. Additionally, the Mountaineer operates through some of the most spectacular scenery in North America, and perhaps the world. Typically, the train slows at some of the most scenic areas so guests can have a panoramic view of the breath-taking sights and impressive bridges that were crossed. Also when wildlife are spotted along the way, the train slows and hopefully passengers get to see bear, deer, moose and mountain sheep. Occasionally two-legged wildlife will pop-up and provide a "full moon."

It is worth noting that the Moutanineer, which was founded in 1990, is all about customer service. On one trip,, we were asked by RMR's on-board supervisor to stop the train at Lac La Hache because the galley had run out of a specific tea a passenger preferred. The OBS called someone in the area prior to our arrival, and a "rescue" box of tea was waiting at the small depot in Lac La Hache.

As for my role, I had the seniority to work the summer seasons 2006 to 2008 as an engineer on the Rocky Mountaineer "Fraser Discovery" over the "former" BC Rail between Prince George and Whistler BC, (640 km / 400 miles) and return. There were two crews, conductor & locomotive engineer, assigned to the "luxury liner," working alternate trips. The roundtrip journeys were four days, departing Prince George to Quesnel, stay the night, and next day was long Quesnel to Whistler to spend the night. During the night layovers, the train was cleaned, serviced and re-stocked. The return trip was Whistler to Quesnel and then next day to Prince George. A CN crew would board and take the train east to Jasper Alberta. Every third trip we would lay over in Whistler, two nights instead of one and then run back north to Quesnel and then onto Prince George. The trip between Quesnel and Whistler were lots of rail miles and 12 to 14 hours on duty. The jaunts between Quesnel and Prince George was short mileage wise and short time on duty. After completing the round trip, A five-day break was enjoyed.

For the record, my view from the right-hand seat was the best on the train. I never tired of the scenery and was paid to enjoy it trip after trip.