Upon reaching Denver, our first task was to take on the Rocky Mountains that laid patiently in the background. With a number of powerful engines pulling us along, we carefully wound our way up into the mountains. It was an amazing feat, considering how long the train had become.

Looking back, one could see the last remnants of the Great Plains as they receded into the distance. On their horizontal pastures, cows quietly grazed as we motored into the higher elevations. The transition from smooth to rugged terrain was inspiring to look at.