Yesterday was my first visit to Porthmadog this year. A trip on the 'Woodland Wanderer' to Tan-y-bwlch, a browse of the shop and a few coffees and cakes in Spooners...
The Ffestiniog Railway never disappoints - the weather was dull and overcast, a little rain at times but the views were beautiful, the smells, the sounds and the experience wonderfully relaxing, almost magical.
Merddin Emrys on the 'Mountain Spirit' service to Blaenau Ffestiniog.
James Spooner, about to run around onto our 'Woodland Wanderer' service to Tan-y-bwlch.
My son enjoying the view traversing the cob.
Atmosphere by the bucket load as we pass Boston Lodge.
Sylvan setting at Tan-y-bwlch.
James Spooner running around our train.
Crossing 'The Quarryman', with Linda at the helm.
Linda about to depart Tan-y-bwlch with 'The Quarryman' from Blaenau Ffestiniog to Porthmadog.
Down at Porthmadog again and WHR and FR services meet and congregate.
NGG16 number 143 runs back to her train to take the 'Snowdonian Star' service to Beddgelert.
Linda waits to return to Blaenau.
Four trains in steam, on a boring weekday at Porthmadog. What a wonderful wonderful place. I love the Ffestiniog.
Being here, beside the sea, surrounded by beautiful mountains and gorgeously restored but working steam locomotives feels almost dreamlike. My relationship with the railway is beyond a casual interest, it is a love affair, a romance even - something that has transcended the models I have owned and sold, and the physical experience of visiting too - it has become part of me, a ritual to visit, a pilgrimage even... restorative and relaxing, always something new to see yet so much the same. Safe hands to soothe a busy mind...
I love this railway.
I recorded the sounds from our carriage so I could sit back with my eyes closed and enjoy the experience again... this is now part of my 'audio-scapes' on YouTube...
... and before you say 'its just a black screen' - that's the point. This is a pure audio-scape. Enjoy.
Until next time, more soon...
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I too love the Ffestiniog. I can't resist pictures of the line, they make me feel like I'm there. I have so many happy memories from childhood onwards. After watching things on the railway webcams over the past couple of years, my wife and I have decided to come over for Bygones weekend in October.
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I too love the Ffestiniog. I can't resist pictures of the line, they make me feel like I'm there. I have so many happy memories from childhood onwards. After watching things on the railway webcams over the past couple of years, my wife and I have decided to come over for Bygones weekend in October.
ReplyDeleteFantastic Ian, I’ll try and arrange to meet you - drop me an email.
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