The Jacobite 2018

Two from the last day of the penultimate week, Borrodale having walked up in rain in hope that the out of sight clearance on the satellite would come in time saw it arrive 10 seconds before the train.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/146487151@N02/44704003794/in/dateposted-public/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/146487151@N02/44513136655/in/dateposted-public/


And thats a wrap from me!

 

Hope you havn't wrapped up the sun Karl

 

I'm sure I haven't. The forecast for next week at the minute is very similar to what I had for this week last Friday. Although I didn't have the prospect of snow at the end of the week!

 

In 18 years of going up there the forecast has been wrong every time.

 

We had a week on the Isle of Mull in August. The forecast was horrendous before we left, but in the event we had one day of rain and several days blue sky and temperatures of 18c - 20c. Quite often though the weather was different on one side of the island to the other, but that is true to any mountainous area, including where I live in Mid-Wales.

 

Not the best photo, but 45407 (as 45157) is ready to go...

James

 

Is that today?

 

It was today, yes.

James


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

Must be as I can spot myself in my Raith Rovers top on the platform!

 

Three shots from me today. Rather challenging day, but it wouldn't be a day in the Highlands if it wasn't... definitely a day for black/white. I've edited two of the images to remove the high-intensity lamp.





James

 

I must have just walked out of shot as I can see Rhys Jones there and you

 

Two shots of 45407 taken two and a bit years apart. One was taken while wearing a T-shirt, the other taken in the middle of a very heavy downpour and while wearing a rather leaky coat. Guess which one was taken today....!



(And before anyone says "But James, it's obvious... one was taken in Spring, one was taken in late October!", I'm blissfully aware. The shot I got today was so grainy, it was better to try something a bit different!)

James

 

The monochrome photo's more atmospheric!

 

All part of the attraction of the Highlands, you never know what you are in for. I got wet at the wetlands and Loch Nam Viaduct today, the best bit of the day was the Craigmill mild in the Grog tonight.

 

Guessing you won't be getting these conditions this week, like we had 6 years ago today!

 

That's cruel !

 

A forecast that was full of optimism, with only a Northernly wind to contend with, sadly didn't live up entirely to what was hoped. Even at 0930 this morning, the likelihood of a sunny shot in the bag appeared guaranteed but instead became a bit of a fight. If it was sunny, the wind was against you. If it wasn't sunny, the exhaust held perfectly.

But regardless, history was seen as Driver Alex MacDonald drove his finale Jacobite service to Mallaig before retirement. 1957-2008, a long and very varied career by all accounts and I'm sure we all wish him well in enjoying the following years off the footplate.

Black 5 No. 45157 - Glenfinnan Viaduct by Jonathon Gourlay, on Flickr

Black 5 No. 45157 - Arisaig by Jonathon Gourlay, on Flickr

 

The final week of the Jacobite took place in what can best be described as challenging weather conditions. The locations are, climbing away from the Wetlands, Loch Nan Umnah Viaduct, Polnish Tunnel, Loch Eil Outwardbound, crossing the Wetlands and Morar

 

As has been said the Friday train was the last turn of driver Alec Macdonald before retirement, he is probably the last link with the line in steam days having spent his entire career at Fort William and Mallaig. A commemorative headboard was made for the occasion and presented to him at the end of the day. The second picture shows three generations of footplatemen. From L to R, Alec MacDonald, driver and loco owner Ian Riley and the youngest driver on the Jacobite roster, Matt Earnshaw