Marguerite
Active Member
What a day we've just had! headed out early to catch a sunrise train into the city. From Central station we caught the Heritage Express to Newcastle. Flags flying everywhere, marquees everywhere, Australia Day celebrations in full swing. The trip to Newcastle took about three hours, then we spent three hours wandering around Newcastle where they had a Maritime festival on. Scorching hot, the heritage trains do not have air conditioning (not in our section despite it being the top of the market). We got fed a five course morning tea/afternoon tea, served as we crossed the river systems. We had the observation car, luxury, lots of fresh air and 180 degree views.
Yes, it rained. Briefly. A massive storm front rolled in and we got about 90 seconds of heavy rain which nobody troubled to get out of. We then commenced to steam gently. It is very hot.
We got back to Newcastle station early, I was very tired after all the walking I had done. They were very kind and loaded me onto the one air-conditioned carriage they have (it's an old one from the interstate train from 40 years ago - one of the more modern carriages). husband took the opportunity to get a personal guided tour of the locomotives, from one of their engineers.
We got back into Sydney at 7 pm, then headed for our train connection home. Halfway there there was a power fault on the track and all trains were stopped. We sat in the station for 90 minutes.
I'm tired, windblown, a bit sunburnt (it will be brown in the morning) but we've had a lovely day.
There are storms forecast for tomorrow, but whether they bring any relief from the heat - we'll just have to wait and see. We're supposed to be heading for the Wollongong mini trains track but we're both very tired and will probably stay home. if it's hot, we can take the time for a relaxing swim. We need to spoil difficult child 3 - he did a marvellous job today looking after his grandma, despite it being his birthday and we abandoned him. We need to spoil him a bit. It's nearly 10.30 pm and he's still at his grandma's, watching the tennis on TV.
Enjoy your Saturday. Ours was really special.
Marg
Yes, it rained. Briefly. A massive storm front rolled in and we got about 90 seconds of heavy rain which nobody troubled to get out of. We then commenced to steam gently. It is very hot.
We got back to Newcastle station early, I was very tired after all the walking I had done. They were very kind and loaded me onto the one air-conditioned carriage they have (it's an old one from the interstate train from 40 years ago - one of the more modern carriages). husband took the opportunity to get a personal guided tour of the locomotives, from one of their engineers.
We got back into Sydney at 7 pm, then headed for our train connection home. Halfway there there was a power fault on the track and all trains were stopped. We sat in the station for 90 minutes.
I'm tired, windblown, a bit sunburnt (it will be brown in the morning) but we've had a lovely day.
There are storms forecast for tomorrow, but whether they bring any relief from the heat - we'll just have to wait and see. We're supposed to be heading for the Wollongong mini trains track but we're both very tired and will probably stay home. if it's hot, we can take the time for a relaxing swim. We need to spoil difficult child 3 - he did a marvellous job today looking after his grandma, despite it being his birthday and we abandoned him. We need to spoil him a bit. It's nearly 10.30 pm and he's still at his grandma's, watching the tennis on TV.
Enjoy your Saturday. Ours was really special.
Marg
