Monday, April 2, 2018

EASTER MONDAY

Trains used to run from Auckland to Whangarei and further north but the service has been run down so that now there is just the occasional freight train that goes out to the port.

This weekend carriages hauled by steam engine JA 1275 have been running.  We have heard the toots of the engine all weekend.

This morning was our usual Parkinson walk which was around The Loop.  It was a beautiful day.








After the walk we decided to see if there were any seats available on the train.  We were not very optimistic and were not surprised that the seats had all been sold.  We had time to go for a quick iced coffee before heading to a good vantage point to see the train.  I have always loved steam.  (a couple of big kids)






We then came home where Doug did a little bit more on the house.  (He is finishing the outside before he starts on the inside and it is time consuming fiddly work.) and I did some gardening.

On the news tonight we saw the Red Arrows celebrating 100 years of the R.A.F.  lead by a New Zealander.

8 comments:

  1. The railways are such a wasted resource..at least there are logging trains to relieve the load on the roads a little.
    Its not quite so bad here,but people are put off by high ticket prices. The rot set in when massive cuts were made by Beeching...but mainly led by Eric Marples his boss...who was also MD of British Road Transport, so was putting money into road building...as everywhere, money talks in politics
    glad you had a good walk, even if you didn't manage a steam train ride!

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    1. The engine used to be on the Auckland to Whangarei run back in the day. It would be wonderful to have a service to Auckland once again not only for passengers but freight. Goodness knows whether it will ever happen again.

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  2. Too bad that you could not ride the train but you had a lovely sunny day with bright blue skies on your walk.

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  3. The Red Arrows, what a celebration, and to know one of our men is there, at the front, is fantastic. Steam trains, here there is one trip that goes up to National Park, have lunch, then return. A huge price, as the ticket has to include the lunch at The Chateau!! I would go if we could take our own, or lunch in one of the less expensive places. Guess it must appeal to so many.Maybe I am just too practical!!!

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    1. It is amazing where Kiwis turn up isn't it. Thje trip to National Park sounds great but, as you say, a huge price.

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  4. yes it's certainly been beautiful for us in the north island lately, we are up in Kerikeri this week doing a tour of the far north - the weather is stunning.

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    1. A perfect weekend for it. Hope the traffic wasn't too bad for you.

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