It’s the Harry Potter Steam Train Day!!

We are up early on this beautiful sunny day and have time for a wee walk down the trail and up the trail to a Celtic cross from the 1700’s.  Although discovered in three sections, it was put back together and raised not 200 yards from it’s original placing.  Who has gone here before us???

Such incredible countryside surrounds us!  Sheep are EVERYWHERE in this country!

Here’s a little one that seems to be separated from mama.  

Soon it’s all aboard the touring van, with Brian at the wheel, we are on our way to Fort William to board the Harry Potter Jacobite Steam Train.  We enjoy a walkabout in town and manage to find a picnic spot on a bench with only one “other.”

Our train departs at 2 p.m. so we arrive at the station a little early to snap a few photos.  Or, actually, a lot of photos.

There are two trains a day making round trips to Mallaig..  The Royal Highlander takes about two hours to run the 41 miles.  This railway between Fort William and Mallaig, which opened in 1901, has been voted THE great railway journey of the world.

Lots of special care for this train!  Not a dull moment for the train crew as they are constantly up to some task.  Once we leave the station these “Firemen” will be shoveling the coal.  When asked how much coal???  ....the reply was “Three tons!”

Here’s Lynette and Jennifer again...twin “sunshine girls” for sure!

As the train approaches the Glenfinnan Viaduct, a filming location for Harry Potter movies, Steve  is positioned with his phone (camera) out the window and gets some great shots!

We pile out at Glenfinnan Station (15 minute stop) to check out the train museum and, mostly, the “Harry Potter broom”...which happens to be waiting for photo opportunities!  

Seems there is no flying for Nan today.  Probably a good thing.



We have time to play some rousing songs on our ukuleles and most of the people in our coach join in!  Those Ukulele peeps can bring infectious energy!

Arriving in Mallaig, we have about an hour to find some good pub food and....BEER.  

Careful not to miss the train!  Now for our sunset ride back down the hills, through the tunnel, past the lochs (lakes and inlets), over the bridge and viaduct and back to Fort William by 8:30 p.m.

All that coal...loaded in so carefully, and shoveled into the fire box....all put to use by the time we return.

Mary is ready to enjoy her Harry Potter chocolate frog.  Yes, she is!

Our last stop of the day is on the van trip back to the farmhouse.  There is a beautiful castle, surrounded by water...waiting for us to take a picture.

Looks like Scotland to me!

Back to the farmhouse by dark!  (Ha ha...that would be almost 10 p.m. this time of year in Scotland!)

It was a good day!