After meeting up at the Peg Hotel in Belfast, North Canterbury, a good turnout of Club members undertook a spirited car run to Glenmark Railway Station, just inland from Waipara. This is the departure point for the Weka Pass Rail Excursion.
The excursion runs on 12.8 km of historic rural rail lines using a vintage 'A' Class steam locomotive and passes through the unique, scenic limestone beauty of the Weka Pass between Waipara and Waikari.
Along the way we met up with an interesting group of travelers decked out in 'period' costume (top hat & tails for the gents and long frilly dresses for the ladies). It turned out that they were part of a group called 'Home Schoolers' who, as the name implies, have taken their children out of the State system to educate them in their own style and religious beliefs
Also along the way we sighted an, at that time, unknown Lotus Plus 2 which appeared to be following the train. It turned out that the car belonged to a new member - Wylie Evans - who had decided to 'take the long way' and meet up with us at Waikari. The boys just had to pour over the new car to see what made it tick!
All in all it was a great trip enjoyed by all - well maybe slightly less so by one member who had to make a sizeable contribution to 'The Policeman's Other Ball' for slightly over enthusiastic use of his non-Lotus automobile (serves him right!).
Gathering at the Peg
