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A Steamy Ride


On what is one of the most boilacious days Aberystwyth has to offer, Rose, Si, Tom and I decide to take one of the ‘Great Little Trains of Wales’, the Vale of Rheidol steam train from Aberystwyth to Devil’s Bridge.

Si, with great foresight, suggests we sit in an open carriage, an idea which I poo-poo, ‘because it might be cold’(hah!), besides the best seats are already occupied by canny Silver Steamers who seem to have staked out their territory hours in advance. But, never mind, we have comfortable seats by the open window and are looking forwards to our trip through the picturesque Rheidol Valley. Then, just as we are about to leave the station, two passengers climb aboard, sit behind us and suddenly the air is filled with the rank cheesy aroma of wet dog. ‘It’s a bit hot for her,’ her owners tell each other, ‘good job we gave her a thorough soak first!’

Him and Me before the wet dog arrived.
Wah! The dog is large, hairy and restlessly pants doggie breath at everyone. To add the mix, no sooner have we set off when the couple open glistening packs of stinky sandwiches. Behind Rose, a Silver Steamer has slipped off her sandals and is resting her gnarled feet on the seat, while at the other end of the carriage a group of folks old enough to know better are exchanging innuendos. Bad behaviour, it seems, isn’t ageist.


Fortunately the scenery is truly breath-taking (not that we’ve got much breath left as we’re trying not to inhale the fumes inside the carriage) and travelling on a steam train is really rather lovely – apart from the black smuts that fly in through the window covering us with fine dots of soot. 

 
At Devil’s Bridge we eschew the busy station café and cross the road to some tea rooms which offer a lamentably dire selection of tired old cakes and, after much digging round, an Earl Grey teabag which may once have been appeared on Time Team. I know they have a guaranteed captive audience twice a day, but does that really justify the lacklustre service, chunky old crockery and an utterly dreary, depressing atmosphere? I hate being critical, and I’m sorry if the café owners read this – but, for goodness sake, would it kill you to buy fresh teabags? Or make a sponge that wasn't iced with something tasting of fish paste?  With a bit more effort and a cheery smile or two, the place could be a gold mine!

Me, Rose and Si get ready to grab seats.

Ah well, I have plenty of time to cool off on the return journey. We know the system now, so rock up early to beat the competition (just) and secure our seats in the open carriage. It’s all very pleasant, a gentle unwinding simply enjoying the view… only this time without the stench of wet dog. 


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Comments

Jane Lovering said…
Ah, I know the feeling well! I have resident stinky dogs, so I don't mind that smell but yes, being trapped in a confined space with people who have no sense of smell sounds just like my day job... I'm glad that the scenery made up for the trip. It all looks lovely.
10 September 2013 at 05:00
Fennie said…
It's a lovely ride and doesn't appear to have changed at all since we rode it with the children thirty or more years ago (perhaps when they bought that tea-bag).
10 September 2013 at 06:45
Frances said…
Chris, I love the photo (pre-dog) of you and Tom!

May I also say that your excellent writing took me right along for the ride in the carriage of many smells, with the beautiful views through the windows somewhat alleviating that sooty stuff blowing in from outside.

Jeepers!

Wonder why some enterprising someone has not set up a competing tea shop of some sort to welcome the regular visitors? Even if it was a seasonal pop-up kind of place.

How great that the return trip allowed you all to truly enjoy all that you surveyed.

xo
10 September 2013 at 07:35
Pondside said…
You had me - right there in the car with you, Chris. I could have done without the dog, rank sandwiches, gnarly old feet and nasty conversation, but I'm sure the view and the company of your little group would have made up for it. The tea bag? It could be worse - there could be a line out back for drying old tea bags for re-use!
10 September 2013 at 16:40
Unknown said…
Ah - so that's where I left that tea-bag back in 2001 when was in Wales.
Despite the wet dogs, it's a lovely part of the world. You are so lucky to live there.
J X
11 September 2013 at 01:41
Flowerpot said…
Well the scenery looks great! And I guess I'm quite used to stinky wet dogs.....!
12 September 2013 at 04:47
Deborah Carr said…
What a shame your trip was ruined by thoughtless people! It sounds ghastly, but love the picture of you both before the wet dog arrived! x
17 September 2013 at 02:56
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