The Winelander

A really beaut day today, topped off by seeing a passenger train pass Whistlestop on it's way to Wallangarra.  It was the Winelander, a QR train chartered by the Australian Railway Historical Society.  The Granite Belt region is well known for excellent wines, including some unusual varieties.  Most people got off in Stanthorpe for the winery tours, but the train needs to continue to Wallangarra to turn around, as Stanthorpe doesn't have a turntable or turning-Y.  We went down to the track just below our cottage, and I took a photo, but unfortunately my snap and shoot camera wasn't up to the task and the loco is blurred.  Oh well, it was fun, anyway.

I've made a good start with mowing up the top of our block, near the cottage.  Our favourite picnic area is here, under some big old trees, and it is now nicely mown.  We had Christmas here in the year 2000, and plan to do the same this year with all our family.  Jenni had to have a small fire today, which was also helpful with burning some of the  dead sticks etc.

While I was mowing and raking this area I was amused by a couple of magpies who thought all their Christmas's had come at once, with all the insects that the mowing stirred up.  They didn't seem to be frightened of me at all.

Saturday afternoon for me is traditionally 'train time', and it was very enjoyable indeed seeing the Winelander today.  I hope it's not too long before we see another one!