Sixteen lives cross paths as they confront lifeas problems, reminisce old times and realize dreams as they travel on Amtrakas transcontinental train, the Empire Builder, during Christmas. During the three-day trip from the Puget Sound, across the Cascades, arid Eastern Washington, through the Rocky Mountains, onto the great western plains and finally into the Midwest Heartland, you will meet passengers and crew from different walks of life. Join the engineers as they feel the power from the cab of the locomotives, learn the hardships of the locals who use the train for transportation, experience the joy of pleasure travelers, and become part of the lives of the Empire Builder, past and present. This is not a travel book but an experience. Live the route through different peopleas eyes and emotions.