The Trans-alpine experience

Up at six for what had been promised as help yourself buffet and bring your own coffee early breakfast, only to discover that as there were five of us on an earlt departure, the staff were in and we had our normal full service, including eggs and bacon!
We were collected by the shuttle at 07:30 and taken to the station to check-in for the train.  We had managed  to squeeze everything into our 4 suitcases, with just a few bits and pieces in our backpacks.
Our suitcases were loaded into the guards van and we went to our allocated seats on the train, which departed on time at 08:15.
The staff came around with headsets, which were complimentary, to enable us to listen to the GPS-intiated commentary slots throughout the journey.  We passed through some stunning scenery ove impressive viaducts and through countless tunnels. until we reached the summit of Artur's Pass.
By this time, the observation car was four deep each side!  We were allowed off for five New Zealand minutes to take photographs.
We then passed through the 15-minute tunnel linking Arthur's Pass to Otari, which, when built was the third longest rail tunnel in the world (it now ranks 45th).
After Otari there were fewer people in the observation car and we were able to get some better photographs.

We were half an hour late getting into Greymout becasu we had to wait in passing loops for a coal train, a works train and because of speed restrictions due to maintenance following the recent storms.
We collected another car at Greymouth and made our way along the winding and very scenic road towards Fiox Glacier.  We stopped en route to try our hands at some gold panning, but were too late!
Alison chose to do the driving in teh most challenging parts, which included a very narrow bridge which was shared with the railway line, much to her surprise!  Fortunately not many trains use that route!
We arrived at our hotel, again with faultless navigation, and were given a spacious room which is very comfortable, except for the lack of air-conditioning.
After a very pleasant dinner at the hotel, the clouds cleared just in time to be able tro take a picture of the snow-covered peaks of Mount Tasman and Mount Cook in the gathering gloom.

No sunset tints tonight!