Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.

Winter has arrived in Otago! 
I was on the road heading into work in Dunedin just after 6 am this morning listening to local radio stations talking about the heavy snow falling in Dunedin. State highway one between Palmerston and Karitane  was clear and it wasn't until I hit the Kilmog that I came across snow. It was settling but it wasn't too bad. Snow was falling to sea level at Waitati and the line of trucks lined up at the bottom of the northern motorway (sounds a lot more grander than it is) told me that maybe the toyota wasn't the best choice of vehicle for the conditions. A number of cars that had passed me and headed up the hill returned covered in snow with the drivers looking a little sorry for themselves. It was about then I decided that it was time to head home. Good choice because I only just made it back over the Kilmog. 
Sitting in front of the fire with a hot milo was great but its not often we get snow like this so I thought I'd get out and catch 937 Middleton - Dunedin freight as it come into town. The snow was coming down heavy but wasn't really settling except on the hills. I missed 937 but I did get this shot of the Bushey TWC sign as a snow flurry came through. 
As the day went on the novelty wore off and the opportunity to go chasing in the afternoon just couldn't match the nice warm wood fire at home.

And that's about it. 

A few shots from the archives

The weather here in Otago has been awful the last few days. Constant rain and cool temperatures has been the norm. Not good conditions for train chasing. So instead of some new photos I've delved into my rather limited archives to bring you some random shots of the past.

DJ 3096 and DFT 7239 on shed at Whangarei. The DJ was transferred to Northland to work the Dargaville branch. The DJ returned to South Island and currently powers passenger services for the Taieri Gorge Railway. 16/09/06. 

Another photo taken on one of my trips to Northland. Hitachi rail tractor TR 822 sits in the empty Maungaturoto yard. On my first visit to Maungaturoto the yard was full of container wagons loaded with dairy products from the nearby Fonterra factory. Later visits found the yard empty. I guess Fonterra got a better deal from a trucking firm. Not long after taking this photo TR 822 was transferred to Westfield. 14/11/05.

Hillside built rail tractor TR 897 rests in the late evening sun at the Canterbury Malting Company at Marton. 24/06/06. The TR shunts CG grain and container wagons within the plant complex. 24/06/06. 

DFT 7117 and an unknown DC bring a train of milk powder through Burnside as it approaches its destination of Dunedin. 11/12/09. 

And that's about it...

A few shots for your Wednesday

Just a quick post today before I head out the door again. I managed to head north and catch 923 Middleton - Dunedin freight as it made its way through East Otago. Nice to see some sun and blue skies again. Enjoy.

DXB 5143 drifts through Katiki with 923 Middleton - Dunedin freight. 08/05/13. 

DXB 5143 cruises into Bushy. 08/05/13.

It was a short, sharp chase but I was pleased to catch one of my favourite loco's on the business end of 923.

And that's about it.