The joy of the chase…

“I think I’ll go and watch the log train tomorrow” I said to my partner, Janey, on Friday night. Yes, the facts aligned, good weather, delayed departure, daytime running - but there was more, a feeling, almost imperceptible at first that grew in the hours that followed…

A feeling. 

By morning it wasn’t “I think” anymore as I hurriedly made a sandwich with leftovers in the fridge, grabbed a quick breakfast and checked Real-time Trains. That feeling though had grown and I could tell what it was - a childlike innocent excitement… the best kind.

I figured if you’re going to watch a pair of Class 37s hauling 1000 tonnes there is no point heading somewhere flat. The line up the legendary Talerddig (Tal - er - thig) bank runs alongside the A470 and I had in mind somewhere beautiful to watch and listen for the train to arrive. 

It seemed the Up! GTI was as hungry for this road trip as I was, we’ve both become used to gentle pottering about to the shops or runs of Dad taxi. I had forgotten my days of long road trips in my French hot hatch just for the driving… as I turned right out of the village heading for Bala, Dolgellau and then Dinas Mawddwy the Up! and I retraced these familiar roads with a new purpose, one that encouraged a little more throttle accompanied by a sharp bark from the exhaust and the wonderful sound of her three cylinder turbo ringing around the cabin. An aside perhaps, but this trip reminded me of why I love this little car.

Whilst I was physically alone I’d been talking about the idea with good friend Chris in Canada the previous evening…

I want to be on this chase. 

I can hear the narration of it. 

I can feel the cold ground and the way a diesel’s bark makes all the air get out of the way.

Sadly the Atlantic stood between us on this occasion. I chose to create a series of voice messages along the journey to share with him afterward - so whilst we weren’t sharing a hot coffee on heated seats we were at least able to enjoy the trip in a secondary manner. 

Driving along familiar roads I was struck (without the hurry or purpose of heading to my Mum’s, or Ffestiniog, or the beach) at how beautiful this part of the country is and how much I take it for granted. I guess this is the peculiar effect of having a different, more personal purpose whilst traversing well worn routes has on your perception… as the road towards Corris peeled off and I headed south on the A470 over the pass, rugged hills became deep valleys and craggy tops… reminded as I arrived in Dinas Mawddwy of the former railway along this valley I headed for Cemmaes Road, formerly the junction for this unlikely branch before turning east and up the less familiar road back towards Newtown.

It was bright but cold, the cloud light and patchy. The deep valley meant I was in the shade yet when I arrived at my destination the line curving away from the over bridge was beautifully side lit by the low winter sun. 

I am afraid I’m not sure I can find the words, but I will try… I had been driving for an hour and a half but stepping from the car I felt refreshed, the scene before me was breath taking and what was that? On the air I could hear the distant sounds of a pair of 37s working hard… that feeling I mentioned? That feeling was reaching a wonderful crescendo.

The noise grew louder, initially quite tinny, just the higher frequency audible over the bird song and gentle road noise. A sort of ‘warm up act’, building the anticipation. I filmed a short introduction to what I was watching and looking back at that I can see the joy, the excitement building on my face. As the train edged closer the bass growl became part of the experience. My word… Even sat here a day later typing this I’m getting the same emotion, the anticipation growing with each character typed on the keyboard…

Then it roared and rounded the distant corner, headlights bright and the wonderful minute that followed will last a lifetime. The noise of two diesels working hard is impressive - even those without any connection to railways can’t fail to be impressed. This was much more to me… the noise, the vibration and the smell became part of my soul, the emotions welled up…

I was connected to my purest of being. I felt alive and I felt like me. I felt the purest of joy.

 

Once the train passed I bounced back to my car and the chase continued - but whilst the following few hours were equal to that first experience, that moment couldn’t be repeated. I managed to prolong the joy for a while longer but the real world crept back into my conscious as I headed for home. It was powerful to reflect on the positive experience this had been, the deep, deep recharge for my soul - arriving at just the point I needed it the most. 

Even better, captured forever on video (below) and written about here. A connection point to revisit at times of challenge.

Today I still want to pinch myself. Did I really experience that? Not just the emotional connection, but the fact it is even possible… The Class 37 were built in the early 60s. This pair have 120 years service between them yet here, in this Welsh valley they’re doing real work, heavy work, freight in 21st century. Pinch yourself too… this is pure magic!

But wait… there is more!

What better way to round the day off then with another chase! Janey and I headed out together at tea time to watch the Inter-City ‘Y Cracwr Nadolog’ on its return journey coming through Ruabon. Whilst the iPhone struggled to get a still photo the video is better… not quite the experience at Talerddig but one shared with someone I love added in a different way…

Trains.

More, connections.

Vehicles to my emotions.

Practice too, to bring this experience to the rest of my life.

Until next time, more soon…

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