| We pick up the journey across the Columbia River in Vancouver, where the Builder stops on top of the diamond for an industrial spur. |  |
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Looking down the platform at Vancouver, a few more passengers are added to the manifest. |
| As the sun begins to set, we stop briefly in Bingen. A short time later, the attendant comes through the sleeper to deliver our box dinner, as the Portland Section lacks a diner. |  |
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The following morning, the combined Empire Builder stops in Whitefish, Montana. |
| Whitefish is also the crew change point for the transit of Marias Pass. As the engine crew swaps greetings, snow-capped Big Mountain looms in the distance. |  |
