The Burlington Northern of My Youth Part 1

I stand at Java creek bridge. I heard a thunder growing louder and louder from Essex up the grade. Below me flowed the Flathead River as I waited to see what kind of train would appear from behind the spruce and pine. Always eager to see the Burlington Northern, I was. And here is the power. Four SD40-2's and a heavy lumber train working its way up the west slope of Marias Pass. I wave at the conductor as the train rolls by and onto the bridge. A light rain falls on the July day. Box cars laden with lumber from the Cascades and the Rockies roll by. This is the Burlington Northern of my youth.