Departing Stratsfield – Rail to Byron
8/26/00
Saturday
Australian Raven
Ooah! I think I saw two ravens! It was probably too far away to call, but I’m checking off the Australian raven, as opposed to the Little Raven. It was a big bird.
But I digress. On my first choo-choo train. Not a bad way to travel. Of course I still have nearly 13 more hours on this thing. I wonder if I’ll be able to get off to eat. Water would be good, too. Oh, wait. Chilled water is available in Car C (I’m in G). My deepest fears have been resolved.
At the moment I share the car with 7 other people. I’m really not looking forward to the Olympic sized crowds next month. It just better be warmer! I heard last night from the German guy in my room that there was recently snow in the Blue Mountains. Last night folks were walking around in coats, and it was dark just after six! I need to pull out my Garmin 12 and see how many hours of daylight there are currently. Now we’ve stopped in Hornsby. Like the cider. Mmmm. Hornsby. Oooh. Rock Dove! Train birding is cool.
Had an early start today, and an early finish yesterday. Had dinner at the Central Cafe last night. Decent food. That place is really nice. Used the internet facilities to give Marc an ultimatum. Turned in around 7:30 or so. Met a German and an Asian (from Melbourne, he said. His English tells me he wasn’t born there) I shared the room with. Nice blokes. Up this morning at 5:30 after a good night’s sleep (finally!). Showered, shaved, and out the door. This ride will be both pleasant and relaxing, I believe. Some nice rolling hills out to the east of us at the moment.
This is great. Riding the rails in Australia! What a trip! If only I had more time over here. There’s just so much to discover here. A whole different culture, history, climate, time….. but I guess that’s what world travel is all about.