GO 2575 was waiting and ready with a mixed train at Elgin, and
the weather was promising sunny patches. Just out of Elgin station
we had a runpast, brilliant in sun with a cloudy background. A
little further on near Patryslaagte simliar conditions prevailed.
When we arrived however a sudden downpour gave the cameras another
good wash, before clearing into brilliant sun. There were gricers
wandering around the paddocks with the livestock, each taking his
(or her) own "master photo", using trees, grass or whatever to
compose an interesting shot. A number of runs were done with some
excellent results.
After rolling down through Houhoek Pass, we paused at Bot River to
take water and cross the afternoon freight, hauled by two 35's.
Thereafter, 2575 settled into the long climb to Die Vlei and the
crew were not taking it slowly. Showers of char were raining down on
the coaches, seeking the eyes of the unwary. The Garratt's exhaust
reached the point where individual exhaust beats from the engine
units blended into a single roar as we scaled the grades and curves.
We disembarked at the Villiersdorp road bridge just beyond Die Vlei
and headed back to Cape Town. Question: why is a place called Die
Vlei at the top of a big hill?
All pictures Copyright © 2002 Trevor Staats |
