Train Yard Sights

There was a lovely tea-room (café) selling delicious bacon and cheese pastries (as well as ... coffee) at the second station

Was this guy sitting on a heap of coal?

What a lovely vintage open goods wagon

Ooh, these nuts are lovely

Fire buckets

Train Spotting

We decided against riding the train between the two stations this time around so that we could observe it running 'in the wild,' and indulging in some trainspotting. Dale had selected a perfect spot en route that gave us quick and easy access to the railway line, including a parking spot that wasn't in the way of traffic. For most of our time there, this is what we saw as we waited,

and waited,

and waited. At least we had time to test out the best vantage point.

Eventually an elderly 'Farmer Giles'-type bloke pulled up, parked in front of a nearby gate and then started yakking incessantly to us. When we realized he was the local landowner, I offered to close the gate for him so he could continue on his way. "Oh, no thank," he said, "I've been doing this as part of my life for umpteen years. I've got it." This was his opportunity to do some socializing, and he wasn't going to skimp! Aargh! his thick Welsh accent made it so difficult to follow what he was saying. I gave some appropriately interjected responses (I hoped), and then eventually had to shut him up by shouting "Here it comes!" Look at this magnificent sight - it was well worth the wait - so beautiful!

And then it was back into the car to await its arrival at the other end.

People Playing With Steam

We had a full and fun day watching people operate steam trains and tractors at the Welshpool & Llanfair light railway last week. Live steam always adds more interest and drama to the experience. The volunteers running this heritage railway put on a fantastic show - all volunteers were dressed in 'costume' and performed all the manual train running duties of the period confidently and skillfully.

I was pleased to have inadvertently captured the moment of passing the baton from the driver to the signalman, as performed in days of yore.

Operating these steam tractors was an exercise in athleticism! The active labor involved in steering and maneuvering these beauts was unbelievable.

There was a real carnival, festive atmosphere to the entire display, especially seeing as a fairground organ was playing at the destination station, seen here between two steam tractors.

Juxtaposed

These effects, by taking pics through a window while lights were on, are quite interesting. The first one is a view from our living room onto the hills across the valley with our room lighting superimposed on the scene

I took this one through our dining room window just before sunset - I love the way the lights are hovering like an alien specter.

And then there's this: dusk through our conservatory