Apple Express

I boarded the Apple Express at 09h30 this morning at Humewood Station in Port Elizabeth. It is the longest narrow gauge railway in the world. (285km)
It used to bring fruit to PE from the Langkloof farms - hence the name - and was constructed between 1899-1906.
It crossed the Van Stadens Bridge which is the 2nd highest railway bridge in S Africa and the highest narrow gauge bridge te Wereld! (156m long, 77m high.)
There were 3 compartments to a coach (I had one to myself)
The one I was in was made in 1902 and was in excellent condition. The service is run by volunteers.
(Unable to upload a photo - will try another time)

Happy Birthday Abigail Jo

My youngest Grand-child turns One tomorrow. I don't think she will be reading this though. Congrats Ian and Angela.

Port Elizabeth

Port Elizabeth

I’ve been in Port Elizabeth for a week now. The city was named after Elizabeth Donkin, the wife of the acting Governor who died in India. (Remember British Rule)
It is a clean well kept city. There are 3 lighthouses here which I have visited and been to the top of 2 of them. I managed to catch a baby African Oyster Catcher much to the parent’s disgust. They behave like the Kiwit – fly away to distract you from the chick and send signals to the young one on what to do. It was very obedient and played dead. I also went to “BayWorld” and saw the museum, Snake Park, Croc’s and aquarium. The dolphin show was good.
Work is doing audio grams and spirometry tests on industrial workers. It is in an office block and makes a change from the mobile units. There is another Lighthouse on Bird Island which I will try to get to while here. Not an easy one to get to as it is about 8 kms out to sea and protected by the National Ports Authority and various Environmental Organisations.

Harties

I am at Hartebeespoort Dam house sitting for the weekend.

I woke up at 10am today as all the early mornings in Jo'burg are getting to me, took a slow drive around the dam and of course shopped at "Jasmyn."

The dam is full and the sluices were open. (Pity I didn't have a camera with me)

I will be back in Durban in 2 weeks time to get more machines out and grow the business. Meanwhile I heard today that "They are making money"