Hexpass eco-train trip - June 2010 By George & Susan Thank you to all the brave souls who cladded up warmly to join us on this train-trip up the old Hex river railway pass, on Sunday, 13/06/2010. In spite of the cold weather, I'm sure everybody who joined us will agree that it was actually a most enjoyable day. After we all met at the Veldskoen padstal (their breakfast is highly recommended), we all loaded up on an old Bedford truck and were transported to the Hexpas station. This probably brought back some memories to those of us who were privileged enough to be hosted by our armed forces for 2 years in their youth. Some of us might even have travelled this old pass in a troop train during those years. From there we transferred to the "train" which consisted of an old vintage tractor and two "coaches" that had been modified to travel on the rails, ably driven by Japie. Stephaan, our host was very interesting and discussed the flora along the way as well as the history of the old railway line and the various bridges, tunnels and stations. He also told us about previous train accidents that had occurred, and illustrated them with old photos taken at that time. Japie also entertained us with his stories of how they found shelter in caves along the tracks while doing maintenance work. We eventually arrived at Tunnel station(Japie's birthplace) where we disembarked for a picnic lunch while the "train" was being turned around. There was a little "zoo" with peacocks, zebras, springbuck and tortoises at the station to entertain young and old alike. After lunch we took the same route back to the station and back to the farm stall, where Stephaan warmed us all up with a shot of "soetes". Although the weather was cold and overcast with a slight drizzle in the beginning it was not really a damper on the day and I hope everybody enjoyed it as much as we did. Thank you George and Susan