Old School Train Travel

 I am so far behind on blogging I can't choose what to blog about, it should be tonight's peach cobbler, but seeing as I was in Maldon yesterday I am reminded of this beautiful school holiday outing. 

The day began on a regular fast V/Line train, a trip on the Bendigo line from home to to Castlemaine.  

 The Bowerbirds turn into zombies every time I photograph them

From Castlemaine we joined the Victorian Goldfields Railway, it was so hard to decide which carriage to board on our journey to Maldon.  So much vintage goodness. We have watched the Goldfields steam train pass our home on previous occasions, and been utterly enchanted   It is the sound of a bygone era chugging along, leaving a magical trail of steam in its wake. Unfortunately the day we travelled, they were not using the steam train due to the risk of starting a fire in these tinder dry parts, instead we had the Diesel train. It felt like an episode of Thomas the Tank Engine, only there was no fat controller, just an amazingly friendly train enthusiast who wandered through the carriages answering questions and ensuring we were happy. Which we were of course, abundantly happy. This certainly beats travelling all squished into our little Corolla.

 How good is that pressed tin? So lovely to have a compartment to yourself. The world was a much classier place when these trains had their heyday.

 

   

 A time when smoking on trains was allowed, and ladies had their own section of the train and toilet. Our journey was slow but delightful, with time to properly see what we were passing and to imagine how times once were, sometimes faster is not always better.  We could open the window and feel the breeze against our face, smelling Eucalypts as we passed through peoples backyards, many stopping their daily business to smile and wave.

 

 

 

 Bouncy seats, I'm not sure that the children's enthusiasm for them would be appreciated by the train restorers.

 A short walk and we arrived in the delightful town of Maldon.

 

 The Maldon shot tower.

 Vintage car enthusiasts seem to love Maldon, I have never been to Maldon without seeing a number of them.

 A delicious yabby burger and chicken pie for lunch.

Finally we enjoy it all again on the joyous journey home, this time in a new carriage holding some treats from Maldon's chocolate shop.

 

 

 

 

To Market to Market

There were no pigs, but I love this nursery rhyme.

Another day at the market, not as financially successful as the last, but just as fulfilling, a little easier the second time, I knew what I was doing, and I had two great helpers, and two good buddies to sit next to. I brought my camera along without it's memory card (don't you hate it when you do that!), fortunately Christine from Slow Living Essentials came to the rescue (she has some great pics of the day on her site). She and her daughter had the most exquisite hand crafted stall.

 I really need two spots to fit all my stuff! Unfortunately, on returning home, there is a lot still waiting to be unpacked from my car, perhaps one more market.

My daughter and her friend had some super funky face painting from a gorgeous and creative

 French lady. They were happy to do sales while I wandered, they got so excited when someone bought something.

 

 I got to chill out with good friends, people watch, and listen to music. I had some great chats with some of the other stall holders and had fun trading with them.

I also bought a beautiful vintage fabric summer hat.

I'd really love to create something for the next market, if only I was a little more crafty.