Eighteen of us boarded Amtrak last Monday evening in Pasco and stepped off in Essex, Montana, at the foot of Marias pass, the next morning. A van from the Izaak Walton Inn met us at trackside to haul our gear to the hotel. This hotel is next to the main line because it was used to house railroad workers. All of the hallways are decorated with railroad photos and other interesting posters, and railroad memorabilia abound throughout. After breakfast, cross-country skiers and snowshoers took to the outdoors on the multiple groomed trails. Over the next 2 days, half of the group took lessons or guided trips to the summit of Marias Pass in Glacier Park for backcountry skiing in deep powder. Joanne even went out night skiing on the lighted Starlight trail during a light snowfall. When we weren’t enjoying the outdoors, we enjoyed socializing or reading while sitting around the fireplace that Gail kept stoked up. All meals were taken in the Dining Car room and Montana specialties such as elk sausage, trout, buffalo, and huckleberry desserts were enjoyed. The pool table got used, card games were played, and Diana and Andrew even played Ping-Pong. We enjoyed the company of Judy’s guest, Annette, from Baton Rouge, LA, who experienced skiing and snowshoeing for the first time (and did remarkably well). By Thursday night, many of us were ready to go home, so we again boarded the train at Amtrak’s only flag stop to return. Thanks to Pam and Scott for setting this up for us.