Here is the very beautiful Janet on her way to Boconnoc as we’d hoped to see when we went dashing up the road yesterday. Tonight I got lucky. I was sitting watching the TV and DM was outside shouting “Linda, come quick”. I poked my head out of the door, saw the smoke, grabbed my camera and raced out to the car. Even though they only travel at 4 mph, that’s still faster than I could get up the hill on my pins!
As I ran to the car, I could smell that wonderful smokey, oily, hot smell that they give off when they are on the move and I was transported to a good place! I dashed into the Hurlers car park in a spray of dust and cinders, leapt out of the car and got my position on the road. I only just managed to beat it there and here is my shot.
One of the things I feel relatively certain of is that I’d never have seen a traction engine in my own street anywhere else I’ve lived! In fact, I’m not sure I’ve ever seen one on the open road before. The owner was grinning from ear to ear as I snapped when he was going past and I realised that not only does he live in the next village but I’ve even seen him in our local pub. Next time I see him there, I fully intend to button hole him and grill him about the lovely Janet.
A couple of years ago, DM got very lucky and was invited onto a traction engine at Boconnoc to steer it around the show ring for the owner. I was GREEN with envy and remain so to this day. Does this make me weird? Probably but who cares!
As I type, DM tells me he thinks he can hear another one puff puffing up the hill so in a few minutes, if he’s right, I’ll be racing back up the road again! Oh joy.