Gravel Season Is Here

Here's another from the archives over a dozen years ago. I like this shot because of its simplicity and that it provides a contrast to the endless stream of stunning scenic vistas. The Alaska isn't ALL towering mountains, glacial rivers, oceanside running, bridges, tunnels, and virgin forests teeming with wildlife....it's just mostly that! But this shot shows the little bit of railroad that is grittier and industrial and resembles the heavy duty double track mainlines found down in the lower 48.

Anyway, here is the caption I wrote years ago when I originally posted this on RailPictures.net:

You know spring has finally arrived in Alaska when gravel trains start running heralding the beginning of construction season. Here is the first train 155W of the 2009 season pulling down the Coastal Siding at MP 106.2. They are arriving at the AS&G (Anchorage Sand and Gravel) unloading pit in South Anchorage with 83 that were loaded 50 miles to the north on the ARR's Palmer Branch line.

Anchorage, Alaska
Friday May 01, 2009