Riding the Cockle Train

I have always wanted to ride the Cockle Train, the heritage railway that travels between Victor Harbor and Goolwa. The railway first began in 1854 (the first public railway on steel tracks in Australia and the first line in the colony of South Australia) as an outlet for the River Murray trade, but only went as far as Port Elliot. It was extended to Victor in 1864. Much later, Victor Harbor holiday makers and fishermen used the train to visit Goolwa and collect the huge cockles found in abundance on the wide stretches of Goolwa Beach - hence its enduring name.

So, when sister Lyn came for a visit, it was the perfect opportunity. We arrived at Victor Harbor station (this one was built in 1926) in plenty of time.  Just beyond the station proper are manual barrier gates - the last remaining example of rail/road crossing gates in the state.  The train wheezed in.  It was a diesel engine pulling the train on the outward journey, but it would be steam on the trip back home.

We  settled into beautifully restored leather seats and admired the heritage light fittings and the coat racks (none of which are really visible in this photo unfortunately).

It felt good to lift the very heavy windows, let them click back into the allotted latch, then feel the fresh breeze blow by.  Soon we had left Victor and were skimming along the foreshore, with the line skirting the Southern Ocean for 3 kms before arriving at Port Elliot. It was such fun, especially being so close to the water.

The line then climbed through sand hills and trundled right into the heart of Port Elliot.

After a brief stop to let off some passengers, we continued on, passing sweeping vistas of Middleton's famous surf beaches ...

 agricultural land ...

...and finally into Goolwa.

 Here we visited the markets and purchased a plant ...

 Had lunch then strolled along the wharf, glimpsing the paddle steamer Oscar W as it set off on its daily tour along the Murray estuary...

Finally, we arrived back in Victor Harbor under full steam, with frequent bursts of whistle power followed by puffs of black steam.  I was so excited to see the huge lumps of coal in the wagon, I made sure Steve recorded them in a photo. It was the end of a lovely day, and one of my dreams realised.

[The astute among my readers may wonder how I have photos of the train arriving at Port Elliot when I was supposedly in the train, as well as the train arriving in Goolwa. Well ---, we visited Port Elliot station a few days before and got there just when the train was arriving. And when we were strolling along the Goolwa wharf waiting for the return trip, the train passed quite close to where we were standing. Mystery solved.]

A winery and a coastal walk

On Tuesday we visited Langhorne Creek wineries. This area is a favourite with us and we love to share it with others. Lyn and Col were looking forward to it.

As well as the wonderful wines to taste, I love looking at the gardens. Why are winery gardens so beautifully perfect?  Here at Bremerton Winery, the roses put on a lavish display.

Of course there was always time for Lyn and me to stop and pose!!!

Here at Rusticana Wines I even managed to get Steve and Col (both ardent camera avoiders) in the shot!

On the way home we passed Lake Alexandrina, so I experimented with a black and white view. 

The next day it was off to Port Elliot for the coastal walk. Once again, the weather was not particularly pleasant, with the sun being very reluctant to show itself.

 

It was good to have a rest and soak up the sea air.

Harsh conditions ...

Friends who visit us on the Fleurieu Peninsula are sure to be taken for a walk around Granite island, the rock land mass connected to Victor Harbor by a 900 metre causeway. The sun was attempting to shine so, with my sister Lyn and her husband Col we set off in high spirits (and weatherproof jackets)  to explore.

Before long the wind was howling and we were feeling a little cold. Lyn then noticed an interpretation sign that referred to the 'harsh conditions' on the island, and we had to agree we were definitely experiencing them. But not to be deterred we ambled on.

 It was fun to pass the horse-drawn tram that regularly trundles across the causeway with tourists.

Luckily we made it across to shelter before the first drops of rain appeared.

In the afternoon, in better weather, we visited the Nangawooka Flora reserve, not far from home. Both Lyn and Col are native flora enthusiasts and enjoyed comparing the plants with similar ones in their home state of Western Australia.

I smell the roses ...

Even though we've been having cool, cloudy and windy conditions lately, we've also had some truly spring-y days. And there are so many places to stroll to and savour the balmy weather. For instance, I always enjoy my walk to the library, and it's wonderful when all the flowers are blooming. With my backpack full of books hoisted over my shoulders I set off down Matthew Flinders Drive. Lots of spectacular gardens to ogle, with roses leading the way.

On this particular day I had my camera with me so did some more experimenting with the macro lens.

I love it when I come to the Inman River. I'm nearly at the library now.

Just around this bend and then I'm there. 

I always make a point of coming back via the estuary where the river enters the sea.

I dream of sailing away ...

Out with the camera again to capture some of the seaside plants.

Back on the path, with some competition from a group of tourists...

...and a duck.

Time for a couple more garden shots ...













... then one last chance to smell the roses and I am home again.