Safari in Saxony
The Fichtelbergbahn Mountain Railroad steam train passes through some peaceful and “one-of-a-kind” fairytale-like settings, as shown here. Words and photos by John Clayton It could have been the opening for a James Bond movie, or even one of those wonderful black and white mystery movies of the ‘30s or ‘40s. The station was deserted. The mountain air was crisp and biting, and there was a slight hint of rain, as dark clouds scudded across the grey and leaden sky. She sat there alone and waited. Little bursts of steam shot out from her wheels now and then, and one could smell that magic aroma that only steam trains provide. The four old, wooden coaches that hung lazily behind her, all seemed to be waiting for passengers – yet none came. With a shrill blast from her whistle that wheezed from her innards, the sound reverberated throughout the empty station, bounced off the greener than green hillsides, and drifted down into the valleys and lakes that lay below. If some shady character had indeed boarded, then he or she must have done so in total secrecy, as the 50-plus-year-old steam engine, number 99-1608-1, emitted a thunderous huff and puff, and great clouds of white smoke surged…
Read this story on easyreadernews.com