The steam train was a hoot -- we think they have a minimum age for employees of at least 60... and they all seemed to be having a great time. The branch line from Taunton to Minehead was rationalized out of existence in the early 70's, resurrected as a "heritage" railway 5 years later, and now carries more passengers a year than it ever did during its days as an official part of the British railway system. It isn't fast, but it is very atmospheric, and the countryside is quite idyllic. Saw several pheasants, countless sheep and cows, little villages, copses, hills and valleys... a lovely start.
Also nice to be met on the train by our friends Franz and Ingrid, who came a few days early and have been enjoying the area by car. Christine arrived a couple of hours later (as I was in the midst of a 2.5 hour conference call), so we are all set for the first day of hiking tomorrow morning.
And the weather, you ask? Today, excellent -- sun and clouds, fairly warm -- tomorrow, I don't know yet... ask me tomorrow :-).
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