The hairy tip of a nose poked through the tree line. A cloud of vapour curled from nostrils in the freezing air. That’s how close it got.
Run! You might say. Find a makeshift weapon! But whatever plunged towards the bridge was seconds away.
You at home have time to think of a plan. Execute a thousand imaginary scenarios in your mind before choosing the best one.
I had to stand alone, and watch destruction appear in physical form.
A train screeched so loud I stepped back through instinct. Travelling at that speed they appear in your world for less than thirty seconds. But I will never forget that half a minute.
This was not an inner city diesel spotted with rust and dull colours. This was a locomotive. Apple green, with clean white smoke puffing like a huge cigar. Burning out dread, and turning this woods into a wonderland.
Even with death on the wind, I still marvelled at the gorgeous metal beast shooting through the countryside, sprinting fast enough to turn the carriages into a blur.
And when the machine was gone, not even a whisper disturbed the breeze.
The walk was over. But this was a chance to prove something. Down amongst the trees might be broken branches tangled with strands of fur. Paw prints sculpted into the dirt. I had my camera with me after all.
But to go down even a few steps was an impossibility. The thought of crossing the shadow of the first leaf took my breath away.
Another train shot underneath. Nothing like the majesty of the steam engine. I wondered again about the people on board.
Did any of them spot something bizarre out of the window?
A hint of teeth?
Or am I alone up here, is there anyo
What a place to visit. Tungol Brycg is the point where two behemoths of engineering meet. Not all my walks need nature to be beautiful. Make sure you experience the glory of humankind along the way.
::People Barbara. I need to go and see people.
Sitting in this house is the problem. My mind bounces around, with nothing to get it back on route. No-one to interrupt. When the slightest noise outside can have a million possible sources, you need someone to give you a decent reason.
Those trains gave me a solution. I need guaranteed interaction. Friendly local knowledge. I will end my next walk in a pub. Have a few pints, and chat about my project. The sightings. They will laugh, and explain about local wildlife, and I will be back on track.
But the what about the voice calli
I'm not going to let this beat me.::
