Caledon Goods Story - 4

[John Ashworth]

All photos and text by Chris Janisch, January 2008

From here it was a short journey to Elgin where we watched her coast through before commencing the assault on Sir Lowry’s Pass. On the top of the pass we crossed then road and were able to get a great view of the train rounding the bends and cresting the summit. A quick sprint across the freeway allowed a going away shot at the road tunnel. Today was perfectly still and the paragliders had invaded the mountain. I was able to include some of these extreme sportsman in my pictures, as they hovered up against the magnificent mountain backdrop.
PICS 12 AND 13

After watching some launching activity, we sailed down the pass and pulled into Sir Lowry’s Pass squatter camp. The old columns which lay on the ground for many years have finally been removed, and the crossing loops removed due to vandalism. The station building is still well-kept. After a 10 minute wait entertaining the local population with video equipment, the train rumbled through, the spectacular pass in the background. The last loco took a direct hit on the cab window as she ran through, and it was time to hastily escape the stone throwers. A final shot was obtained nearer van der Stel before calling it a day. It was then off to the nearest pub to quench a raging thirst in the good company of some local train fans!
PICS 14 AND 15

A fantastic day out, even for a steam man, proving that interesting railways and motive power provide great entertainment. Roll on Elgin Valley and Atlantic Rail, may we soon see steam up in the mountains again.

Chris Janisch
January 2008

[Kevin Wilson-Smith]

Chris - nice set of pictures of a nice subject.

Now you know the thrill of a throbbing diesel maybe we must go a hunt sometime?!1?

[John Ashworth]

That shot of a hang-glider in juxtaposition with road, rail and mountain is superb