Train Ride

 We went on a steam train ride from Pickering to Whitby and back.

 The engine was turned the wrong way for the whole run from Pickering to Whitby.

 The train is operated and serviced by volunteers.

 A view of the country along the way. It wasn't very scenic to be honest.

The conductor told us about the bog that the track crosses at the summit of the trip. He says that the water is 30 feet deep there. When the track was laid back in the 1800s, the designer decided that the track bed could be floated on sheep skins stuffed with bracken. It was one of the earliest railroads to be built. We asked the conductor if the sheep skins have been replaced. No. 

"Nothing ever rots in a bog."

 I think it's a water tank.

 Grosmont, where we transferred to another train.

 We arrive by train in Whitby. The ruined abbey is visible in the background. More shots, future post!

Part of the return trip was pulled by this vintage diesel electric engine. It had a stronger pull than the steam engines, even though it sounded like an ill tuned lawn mower.