It was peeing down on my drive from Durban north to Westville but fortunately being Saturday, the traffic seemed less intense. My old TV friends had arranged a trip on the Umgeni Steam Railway. They had filmed this delightful train a couple of times but had never done the sunset trip so we made our way to the quaint station in Kloof. I'm really enjoying all these unusual experiences that seem to happen all over the Durban area.
Steam train means steam power means steampunk so I plucked up the courage to dress steampunk-like, although I forgo the wig.
The train arrived in the busy station and bar area amidst much excitement from the families who had been patiently waiting. There was cheering and laughing and lots of hustle and bustle as we made our way to the compartments. Geoff knew some of the dedicated train volunteers so he chatted while we nipped to the off limits side for a picture of the engine.
Horn blowing, we set off and I was extremely excited. The track is only fit for steam trains and the international rules for train tracks don't apply to the KZN region, because of the mountains. We weaved our way up steep inclines over a very familiar part of the country which I have seen 9 times on foot on the Comrades marathon as we chugged up Bothas hill into the Valley of a Thousand hills.
We climbed higher while kids waved from the homes on the sides and pulled into the delightful Inchanga station right on time. There was market on the go, and a brilliant Railway museum and of course the weather played along and gave us the promised sunset pictures.
I love trains.
I love experiences like these.
And I am going to sleep in my friend's bed with a very grateful heart.
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