Monday 15th April was the penultimate meeting before the Summer recess. Club Vice Chairman, Cherrie Temple and husband Dave presented a programme of travel images entitled 'Alpine Highlights', a collection of digital images taken on several journeys through the Alps.
Cherrie started with a visit to the Bernese Oberland area of Switzerland with it's famous peaks of Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau. From Grindelwald by rack railway up to Kleine Scheidegg and then on to the Jungfraubahn for the trip through the mountain to the summit of the Jungfraujoch. Wonderful views were had from here down the length of the Aletsch Glacier.
Taking Gondolas, Cable Cars, Trains and Post Buses, we were able to visit some very picturesque places such as the Schilthorn with it's revolving restaurant, First with views across to the Upper Grindelwald Glacier and then by cog raiway up to the Schynige Platte with it's famous Alpine Garden. Down again to the twin lakes of Thun and Brienz for a relaxing cruise along the lakes.
Following the break, Dave who is passionate about steam trains, took us to some of the wonderful preserved lines in Austria and Switzerland. It was very interesting to see the unusual 'Kneeling Cow' loco's used on the steep inclines of some routes. These are so called as the rear of the engine is raised up to keep their boilers level when climbing.
Some of the viaducts and tunnel traversed by these little trains are breath taking and incredible feats of engineering.
We visited many famous lines such as Ringauer Lokalbahn in Zell Am See, Zillertalbahn in Jenbach and Schefsbergbahn with it's
unique double cog tracks in St Wolfgang.
We also visited the famous Krimml Waterfalls and the Archensee.
Cherrie and Dave's enthusiasm for their trips were shared by the members and another enjoyable evening was had by all.