Still cool here – but the days are starting to get longer and the daffodils are out; spring is close to springing!

Took a trip with Steam Incorporated last weekend up to the Raurimu Spiral, renown among train buffs as an engineering feat to overcome steep grades on the NZ Main Trunk railway line.  Steam loco as far as Palmerston North, then electric up to the Raurimu Spiral, passing through the Manawatu and Rangitikei districts and up onto the central volcanic plateau, past Mt Ruapehu covered in snow.  Long day out – we left Paraparaumu at 7:30am and didn’t get back until 10:30pm, but some wonderful views of the landscapes of the central North Island and John got to just sit back and relax, rather than focus on the road. The carriages on the train were vintage – read: no heating – so we came prepared with layers and a blanket, but not as well prepared as some of our fellow travellers, who supplemented the buffet car with their own supplies of sparkling wine, beer and nibbles.

Some pics below.