Chugging along in the choo choo to Inchanga
Trains run from Kloof Station (Stokers Arms), departing at 8.30am and 12.30pm to and from Inchanga Station, and 10.30am and 3pm, on the last Sunday of each month along the edge of the picturesque Valley of a 1000 Hills.
I WISH there were more trains available for daily commuting as my trip on The Unchanga Choo Choo Steam Train on Sunday, reminded me how relaxing train travel is.
The rhythmic clickety-clack of railcars over a stretch of track is almost hypnotic and the fact that you are not dodging taxis and other errant motorists, is blissful.
We waited for the train at Kloof Station until its sweet whistle alerted us of ‘his’ arrival. Yes, our train had a sexual orientation and a name, Wesley.
Umgeni Steam Railway marshalls herded us into our respective coaches, and we were soon chugging along, enjoying the scenic views, chatting, and indulging in a snack or two.
During the journey the marshalls, as is tradition, sang Happy Birthday to a passenger, young Luke Sandiford, who turned five. His birthday treat was the train ride, and armed with a lovely train cake, enjoyed the celebration with family and friends.
Then, blow me down, if train manager, Chris Brown, did not punch everyone’s tickets the old fashioned way. How authentic and memories of past train trips, including those daily commutes to the Cape Town CBD some years agao, came flooding back.
Our arrival at Inchanga Station was welcomed with waves and cheers. Some lugged picnic baskets or ordered from the variety of food stalls available. The ambience is festive with music, and particularly the reggae band of locals provided great sounds to bop to.
After a browse along the platform laden with market wares, a whistle shrieked, calling us back to the train.
All too soon it was over. But a great experience with shared memories. Train travel is just so civilized compared to the stress and drama of road travel where nerves are frazzled and accidents abound.
Wiil see you again soon, Dear Wes….
More than 35 years after its foundation, Umgeni Steam Railway is still run by volunteers and the train now carries more than 550 each running day.
Enjoy a train trip on Sunday, 24 September from Kloof Station to Inchanga station on The Inchanga Choo Choo Steam Train.
Trains run from Kloof Station (Stokers Arms), departing at 8.30am and 12.30pm to and from Inchanga Station, and 10.30am and 3pm, on the last Sunday of each month along the edge of the picturesque Valley of a 1000 Hills.
Additional trains are run during school holidays and during the December/January holiday period.
To book online visit www.umgenisteamrailway.com or call 082 353 6003 for details.
Do you want to receive news alerts via WhatsApp? Send us a WhatsApp message (not an sms) with your name and surname (ONLY) to 060 532 5409.
You can also join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
PLEASE NOTE: If you have signed up for our news alerts you need to save the Highway Mail WhatsApp number as a contact to your phone, otherwise you will not receive our alerts
