Wednesday, 29 December 2021

Santa Steam Trip

So just before Christmas we did a steam train trip (you may remember me mentioning it), an old fashioned real restored train, pre WW2 vintage. We had a carriage to ourselves, it was in excellent condition and even had a working heating system better than some modern trains I've been on.

But - the funny thing - our granddaughter, for whom the trip was a 'treat', as she's been asking to go on a train for ages, was underwhelmed and, in the innocent way children do, asked when we'd be able to go on a real train like one ones we see travelling fast sometimes when we're out. Hmm I could have arranged that for a fraction of the cost and without the Christmas kiddy show (which was actually quite good for the children) or the sickly sweet goody boxes. I wished I taken a picture of one. It contained a sausage roll, 5 cakes (yes 5 cakes) a scone withj jam and cream and, oh yes a sandwich. Far too sickly to eat.

This is a picture of a commemorative mug we were given which included a hot drink of  choice to drink on board.


Ah well, the men, granddads and dads, seemed happy snapping away close-ups of the engine and clustering round when the crew, who were great, explained how it all worked and giving periodic blasts of steam to prove it was the real deal, as if that was necessary. P said he trusted it was smokeless coal they were shovelling into the furnace but either no one heard him or didn't give a monkeys, they could have been burning half the forest for all they cared:)

Everyone enjoyed it but we'll have to make sure we take our granddaughter on a fast train:)

Stay safe.

Ronnie
xx

8 comments:

Roz said...

Hi Ronnie, wow, it sounds like an amazing trip, even if your granddaughter was underwhelmed. Maybe she was too young to fully appreciate it. I love that they put on a kiddie show and gave out goodie bags and a commemorative mug. The goodie bag sounded awesome to me lol

Hugs
Roz

Anonymous said...

Those misfires are so unfortunate but SO real for us all. I think the only way to avoid some of them is to ask first. My own experience is that a clearly agreed-upon treat succeeds more often than the well-intended "surprise". Still......I know I would have been up there with the other guys asking questions and snapping cellphone shots. I love old historic trains!

morningstar said...

LOL I love that your granddaughter was underwhelmed.. it happens so often with lil ones

AND that treat box would have had me squirming... so many sweets!! The men enjoyed it - but what about the ladies???

Though I am glad you did actually get to take the trip - family adventures are so much fun!!

Aimless Rambling said...

Kids are something else - at her age she has no appreciation for the 'old"things but glad the "older' folks enjoyed. She'll have pictures to remember and someday in the future will probably take her children and reminisce.

PK said...

Once when we got back from Disney I asked Mollie to tell me her favorite part. She was three at the time. After thinking for a minute she said, "I liked the elevator at the hotel." Sign...

But I imagine the family had a great time and that's all that counts.

ronnie said...

Roz - When we go back on the train there was a present for each child. Granddaughter got a teddy which she was happy with. Thanks.

kdpierre - I'm not really interested in trains but I loved the separate carriages with all the old fittings. Granddaughter asked about a particular item, it was an ashtray:) I didn't take a picture of the train,not sure if P did. Thanks.

Morningstar - We ladies had a lovely time. I enjoyed the kiddy show:) I do love when we go places with granddaughter. Thanks.

SG - Yes took a lot of pictures. I love looking back at old photos. Thanks.

PK - That's something son would have said:) We did have a lovely time. Thanks.

Love,
Ronnie
xx

Anonymous said...

Fun surprise adventure, but not every surprise is a winner. At least you got special time with your granddaughter. I guess we should ask before booking, but then the surprise is gone.
bottoms up
Red

Hermione said...

It does sound like fun fro the big boys. Now granddaughter has something to look forward to - a fast train ride!

Hugs,
Hermione