Travelling by Train

     Standing on the platform I'm excited, nervous and I wonder when was the last time I was on a train? It may have only been in January but I was distracted by pretty German girl that I was helping to find her way to Dundee from Edinburgh airport and it was the final leg of a journey I wanted to finish. Today on the other hand I am going cross-country, last week a bit of Facebook correspondence alerted me to the fact my sisters would be together, one travelling up from London to Dalbeattie and without a moment's thought for my constantly dwindling finances I booked tickets. 

     

     The smell of grease, iron oxide and hot mechanics is sending my brain into overdrive; first to the cycle ride down to the docks I enjoyed last week, the orange dust spread across the road, images of abandoned mills and factories clash with the feeling of being so small amongst great constructions of industrial ages, huge smooth bearings and grease! I am a young child walking around Beaulieu or the National Transport Museum or I'm rooting through my parent's garage, pulling out old pots and pans, objects with history and charm.

     I suppose I was always a little bit steampunk from a young age. Plastic is such a boring material, yes it is fantastically strong and versatile but the class and character of metal: brass, steel, aluminium - shining, dull, brushed - cold and clinical but gorgeous (probably half the reason I own an all aluminium mac. If I could have a laptop or a phone made of wood I would.)

     I'm looking out the window and I remember why I love catching trains, despite the expense its a fantastic way to see the scenery and Scotland is a great place for scenery, every time I head down to Edinburgh to catch a plane, I'm reminded of the gorgeous country I live in, the coastal line is grand and fantastic, particularly with bright blue skies and hot sunshine but just as impressive with imposing, brooding clouds darkening the sky with their equally gorgeous purple bruising the landscape. Every time I come back to Dundee I'm just as equally reminded of the fantastic place I have returned to.

     

     Today, however I am taking another of my favourite routes, not only because it means I will see my sisters, and it would usually mean festival time too but because the scenery changes, I get so close to where I lived for the first nine years of my life so I see Perth Swimming pool, the Ochils, Stirling Castle and the Great (Bright!) Hall, Glasgow, Carlisle …… and Dumfries. (I didn't mean for this to become an episode Great British Rail Journeys, although maybe I could do that, any volunteers for the voice over?)

     I always see wildlife, eleven o'clock, one hour and eight minutes in and I have seen rabbits, foxes, lambs and their mothers (no gambolling today) and the rare breed of contented train traveller (maybe it was just my reflection in the window). And last time I did this journey I was also greeted with hawks, pheasants and probably more that I simply can't remember. The scenery streams past and lulls me into moments of dozing. I perk up to realise the sun has returned as I near my destination, the heat revives me and the great tunes pumping into my ear refresh the excitement I felt this morning, awesome times are going to be had , it'll be great to see my sisters! :D

     Just as I was thinking about that last sentence I looked out the window and was pulling into Dumfries station. Ah! almost missed my destination, but it was quite ok as I quickly stuffed my laptop away and got off to meet my wonderful sisters. 

     We went for a little drive, deliberated over some new technology for my entrepreneurial sibling, a quick visit to a nicely converted farm for summery drinks and a play on the swings before munching on half a pint of prawns with a local beer, Criffel, enjoying the relaxed scenery of the Urr Estuary, blue skies and warm conversation.