Day on the rails. Overnight border crossing from Zimbabwe to South Africa quicker than anticipated. Train can’t judge the Zimbabwean immigration. Some times it takes hours if they’re bored. Sometimes it takes minutes if they’re not. Coupled with the fact that South African rail network has routed the train along a shorter more scenic route we arrive in Louis Trichardt mid morning. Rather than this afternoon had the odds been stacked against them. Pick our way along a very scenic river gorge. Able to see the front and rear as the train snakes around the bends.
Lose the Sheltam engine drivers who have been with us since Dar Es Salam. They’ve been excellent.
Really smooth driving and take-offs. Soon realise how good they are. Sheltham drivers unable to continue driving in South Africa due to union rules. Now at the mercy of Transnet and the unions. If a driver doesn’t turn up it can take hours to wait for a replacement. And then he’ll only work upto his maximum shift hours. Welcome to South Africa. At least there’s now a 3G phone signal.
As stationary for a few hours given the option of popping into town for cash and odds & sods. Small shopping mall houses a unit selling “Guns & Ammo”. Canadian woman wants to donate spare clothes to a “a big Mama”…..for the simple reason she’s a “big Mama” as well. An unknowing local woman selling fruit by the roadside is the chosen one. Given a bag of clothes. You can imagine her surprise. Utter disbelief. Lots of thanks and smiles.
Sandwiches to be provided on the train for lunch at 1230hrs. Except. No one has told the chef. Action stations at 1230hrs when the penny drops.
Dinner whilst the train continues on its journey along the gorge. Engine’s headlights illuminating the way ahead around the twists and turns. Walk through the Swiss congregation and they all do my scary monster impression – shaking arms up in the air. One says, “You’re a legend”. Leg end more like.
