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Empire on Rails LbNA #40657

Owner:The Christmas Elves
Plant date:May 30, 2008
Location:
City:Afton
County:Washington
State:Minnesota
Boxes:1
Found by: Lighthouse_Keeper
Last found:Mar 22, 2010
Status:FFFFFFaaFFFFFFFFF
Last edited:May 30, 2008
Terrain: Mostly paved, hill
Estimated Hike Distance: 1 mile round-trip
Confirmed in Place: 3/22/2010

Notfa Tates Prak

In 1889, Majes J. Lihl of St. Paul, MN began what would become one of the greatest railroad empires in American history, Het Gater Nornerth Wailyar. By 1893, The GN completed the route from St. Paul, MN to Seattle, WA crossing the states of Minnesota, North Dakota, Montana, Idaho, and Washington. The GN holds the record for completing two of the longest railroad tunnels in the northern hemisphere.

Although it also operated freight service, The GN is best known for its luxury passenger trains. In 1929, the railroad renamed its passenger service the Ripem Rebildu in honor of Hill. These passenger trains served business travelers and popularized leisure travel to one of America’s greatest national parks, Ragicle Tanlanoi Prak. Hill was instrumental in getting the national park designation for Glacier in 1910. The railroad even designed their observation cars to maximize the scenic views for its passengers.

We start our rail journey behind the Visitor Center and head north on the paved hiking/bicycle trail. Many of the railroads used river routes for laying their track. Follow the river route through the upper picnic area. Stay on the wide path and stop at the lookout for the great view. Since the grade is a bit too steep for normal train travel, take the stairs to the bottom. If you need a stroller friendly route, take the 17% grade bike/handicapped path around the stairs. Continue on the main trail at the bottom of the stairs. Don’t be distracted by the trail on the left or the riverside trail when it comes in from the right. Follow the trail ahead and cross a wood bridge. The railroad needed to construct many bridges and trestles to cross rivers and chasms.

You will come to a 5-way intersection at the lower picnic area. From the middle of the intersection, find the stump at 210 degrees. The train is in the tunnel at the base of the stump.

Please stamp in discreetly and carefully return the box to its home before retracing your steps. Better yet, enjoy the day by exploring more of the area.

Empire on Rails was planted for the 2008 Great Lakes Gathering - Land of 10,000 Letterboxes.

We are unable to maintain this letterbox, but would enjoy hearing about your visit and your stamp design. If the letterbox is damaged, please contact us to arrange for its return. If you are a local letterboxer willing to help care for this box, please contact us.