Ode to the Rocky Mountaineer

TV Producer and Director Michael Mulford from Cupar, Scotland achieved a lifetime dream of riding the Rocky Mountaineer in 2014 (arranged by his daughter Elise) and was so inspired he hastily jotted down this ode

“The piano did tinkle, the pipes they did play

As we checked in for the train on a nice summer’s day
By a great crew, nice food and fine wine were stored
Then came that famous cry, “All Aboard!”

Through tall trees, past falls and above Hell’s Gate
Watching the Fraser roar by in big spate
With twenty-two coaches the engines strained but slightly
As through B.C. we trundled quite brightly
The crew worked hard to avoid the greatest of sins –
Not dispensing all of two thousand napkins

Along the tracks with a rhythmic hum
Hearing of friendly salmon they call ‘the Chum’
Marvelling at nature in all her glory
And listening to the crew telling their story

In Kamloops town it is always dry
As the sun sears down from a cobalt sky
But for us the heavens opened and rain persisted down
Bringing a year’s water to that arid town
So why with such a torrent had the weather man scored?
‘Twas simple homage to the Scots onboard!

So when you go home, tell all those you love
That a trip on this railway is like heaven above
And before they meet the grim reaper on the final gurney
Ride the Rocky Mountaineer for life’s greatest journey!”

 Copyright Michael Mulford 2014