First, a cab ride on the Eureka Southern arranged by a gentleman by the name of Moungovan; wadda great day! Second, another cab ride arranged by Mr. Mongo on the Grand Canyon RR 4960. This was like one of those stories from the good old days I often read about where some kindly steam era engineer would invite kids up to the cab for a ride. There I was, after a photo run-by on the GCR railfan excursion, walking back toward my coach when the hogger leans out the window and says, "hey fella; wanna come up?" I was halfway up the ladder after he uttered the word "up." Riding this particular engine was that much more special because the GCR 4960 was a former CB&Q engine and I spent alot of my youth watching the CB&Q as my Mom worked for the company. Third, Mr. Moungovan arranged for a cab ride on a shay which included a brief stint in the right hand seat. Fourth, a cab ride on Via Train #2, the Canadian, aboard F units eastbound over kicking horse pass and the spiral tunnels. Finally, more than a just a "cab ride"; my first trip as a marked up engineer. Thanks to some very patient craft instructors I managed to complete training succesfully and got my card. Thanks to a very patient Conductor I handled a vehicle train over the road making good time, no mistakes, and virtually walking on the clouds account living the dream. Thanks Mongo, and thanks to the masters of the craft who trained me.