Two contrasting days in Exmoor, with a little extra bit at the end.
Saturday 4th
Stormy Lynmouth. While we didn't have the more extreme weather of the north, it was still pretty rough in the wind.
Lots of white water out there and the boats are dancing
50-60 mph winds create lots of airborne spray
Sunday 5th
The weather has significantly improved and although still breezy, is ideal for a relaxing day on the L&BR.
Looking much better than when first viewed just over two years ago, the new engine is a fine replacement for when "Lyn" isn' t running.
"Sir George Newnes" runs into the station with the second train of the day.
A close up of the loco.
An oil round before another run to Killington Lane.
A number of the wagons have been freshly painted.
Just needs some black MIO to finish off the solebar and underframe. Alex and I had some short runs in the little brakevan during one of the Autumn Galas.
I love our view from Winchcombe Station, but this is something else.
It's 1/50 to Killington Lane, Woody Bay being the summit of the line at just under 1000 feet.
The view is always excellent .........
....... and even better from the comfort of First Class.
From Killington Lane, a good view of the sea and Wales in the far distance.
The run round.
Back on for the return to Woody Bay. The line at 1/50 curves into the distance.
In the excellent tea room, yet another new (to us) feature is the very large screen showing a brief history of the line and all the main aspects of the L&B today. Yet another recent addition is Henry, the collecting dog who is on the station every Saturday and Tuesday. He continues the 130 year old tradition of LSWR collecting dogs, the most famous being the generations of "London Jack black retrievers" (a book has now been published on these). The stationmaster at Barnstaple Town Station, the joint LSWR/L&BR station, also had a collecting dog.
A nice collection of L&BR memorabilia.
"Yeo" - live steaming.
The Woody Gate outdoor railway which runs during galas and certain weekends. It looks part dismantled after the Autumn Gala.
So that's why all the cream teas were being laid out. Today there is a visit from the MG Club.
Maybe one day Paracombe? I hope I get to see it.
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I have often been asked why over 42 years I keep returning to Exmoor.
I absolutely loved that, Dave. As a L&B trust and YVT member, there is something which the railway inadvertently tapped into, and that something is almost spiritual.
ReplyDeleteIt's a landscape which talks to us, if we are still enough to listen.
Mark.
Never been to the L&B. Probably never will now due to my partner of 2o years being in a nursing home after a fall down stairs in2021, breaking her neck and back. Never did do things by halves, my Carole!!, and I would not wish to leave her even for a day as without her there to share the visit, it would mean much less for me. However, I really enjoyed looking at your photos. Really great, and almost as good as being there. Thanks for sharing them with us all.
ReplyDeleteRegards, Paul.
I've never visited the L&B and must do so. What a lovely line, and one that was truly resurrected, at least in part, from oblivion. Your last batch of photos are excellent too. Lorna Doone Country! Thanks for the show. Toddington Ted.
ReplyDelete