The Ghan inaugural journey has begun!

[jseal]

The Ghan

I just discovered that there is now a train running between Adelaide and Darwin! How delightful! I suspect that it competes in length with the Orient Express. Not that I’ll be in the neighborhood anytime soon, but if I do, I’ll be certain to see if I can organize an itinerary to incorporate it!

No, I am not a train aficionado, but I do prefer to travel that way when I can - particularly now that flying has beet transformed into a dehumanizing ordeal.

Where did they get the name? Seems a bit odd, but I presume that there is a story behind it.

[LixyChick]

Well...you can certainly bet I won't be riding it anytime soon! I could say..."stranger things have happened"...but I'd be fooling myself if I thought I would ever make a trip such as that in the near...or even the distant...future!

Does sound intriguing though jseal!

[Sharni]

Why it's called The Ghan (http://www.southaustralianhistory.com.au/ghan.htm)

[Sharni]

A bit of history (http://www.wilmap.com.au/magazine/ghan.html)

[PantyFanatic]

VERY interesting! Thank both of you. :)



(even though I ended up as "INVALID USE");) lol

[jseal]

Sharni,

Doubly delightful! To this American’s ear, the sound and flow of the words “The Mixed Ghan at Puttapa Gap” has a three dimensional quality that demands a myth behind it! Add that to the story of occasionally being stuck at a flooded river crossing and a competent writer should be able to cobble together a decent adventure novel or perhaps a mystery of some sort.

That’s a substantial investment in fixed assets you have there. The sum of the numbers was 1.425 billion rather than the 1.2 billion mentioned, but either number is a substantial debt. I hope that the purported economic benefits come to pass. It certainly seems like an attractive proposition.

[Catch22]

The trans Australian is a longer trip. Sydney to Perth.

[Catch22]

Originally posted by jseal
Sharni,

Doubly delightful! To this American’s ear, the sound and flow of the words “The Mixed Ghan at Puttapa Gap” has a three dimensional quality that demands a myth behind it! Add that to the story of occasionally being stuck at a flooded river crossing and a competent writer should be able to cobble together a decent adventure novel or perhaps a mystery of some sort.

That’s a substantial investment in fixed assets you have there. The sum of the numbers was 1.425 billion rather than the 1.2 billion mentioned, but either number is a substantial debt. I hope that the purported economic benefits come to pass. It certainly seems like an attractive proposition.
Some of the native Australian names for things are very interesting.

[Sharni]

Some info on Australian Trains (http://www.australian-trains.com/)

[Sharni]

Newly acquired info on The Ghan

It is the worlds longest south-north rail trip at 2,979km

The Ghan itself is 1.069km in length...a bloody big train *L*

[PantyFanatic]

Originally posted by jseal
Doubly delightful! To this American’s ear, the sound and flow of the words “The Mixed Ghan at Puttapa Gap” has a three dimensional quality that demands a myth behind it! Add that to the story of occasionally being stuck at a flooded river crossing and a competent writer should be able to cobble together a decent adventure novel or perhaps a mystery of some sort...... You are going to have to have a train for a loads like that JSeal.;)

Please don't write research reports. :rolleyes:

LOL:D

[jseal]

PantyFanatic,

I beg your pardon.

What are you talking about?

[PantyFanatic]

I'm sure there is some information about the rail in there somewhere. I was just chuckling at the pattern of the camouflage.:D

Purely my personal inadequacy. I still am unable to get past the first 40 pages of The House of Seven Gables.:eek:

Carryon good sir.:)

[jseal]

Sharni,

Thanks for the links. At 60+ kph, the Ghan moves along smartly. I apologize for PantyFanatic's outbursts. They appear to have nothing to do with the thread.

[PantyFanatic]

(I will apologize for my own outbursts if you please.:cool: )


I still find all of this thread of interest and fascinating.:) I recently watched a PBS series of Oz train trips (http://mentura.com/Titles/Movie.aspx?Movieid=671) to which the Ghan would be a great addition.:) Thanks again Sharni.:D

[jseal]

PantyFanatic,

Ah, but you didn’t, did you? Do please try to control your outbursts. They add nothing to the thread in which you profess to find interest and fascination.

[PantyFanatic]

Originally posted by jseal
PantyFanatic,

Ah, but you didn’t, did you? .....
I do.:) ................................. whenever I feel one is due.;)

[jseal]

PantyFanatic,

If you remained on topic, no one would need to apologize for your postings. Do try to remain focused. Thanks.

...and good night

[Lilith]

Take it to PM or preferably just knock it off. TY

[Sharni]

I'm all for the odd outburst *LOL*

PF is just having fun....threads get hijacked occassionally...thats part of Pixies *LOL*

No harm is done

[rockintime]

Annnndddd...in THIS corner, weighing 187 pounds, in the red trunks....

:D


The derivation of the name of this train IS great...although I prefer camel trains. :)

[PantyFanatic]

LOL:)

The commentary of the sights seen from the lower window is for the benefit of the tourists seated beneath the royal observation car and come to you at no additional charge.:) Please enjoy the rest of your trip to Darwin and feel free move about. All scenery of note will be talked down to you.:D




;)

[Bilbo]

Originally posted by PantyFanatic
LOL:) All scenery of note will be talked down to you.:D
;)

mmmmmmm, Scenery between Adelaide and Darwin...
UMMMM nope none that I remember

[jseal]

Bilbo,

Not many sights of interest then?

[Bilbo]

Oh lots of places of interest, too many too mention, just the scenery doesn't change alll that much

[jseal]

Bilbo,

How long did the journey take you?

[SuzyQ]

My wine: I don't care..just wanna go :-)))))

[jseal]

SuzyQ,

You never know, some day you may. Grumble will be coming to the States and/or Canada; perhaps you'll get a chance to go to Australia.

[Grumble]

Ohh I hope so, looking forward to my trip so much

[Catch22]

Adelaide is nothing to write home about. It is such a boring place. People save their morning shit till the afternoon, just so they have something to look forward to.

[jseal]

Catch22,

Ah. Fair enough. Well then, I'll place Adelaide a row or two lower on the "must see" list.

[Sharni]

Adelaide is a beautiful place from what i recall of it....

Tourist Info for Adelaide (http://www.adelaide.sa.gov.au/)

Go to the above addie and the is a virtual tour of Adelaide there for those interested :)

[jseal]

Sharni,

Ah. Fair enough. Well then, I'll place Adelaide a row or two higher on the "must see" list.

[Catch22]

Originally posted by Sharni
Adelaide is a beautiful place from what i recall of it....

Tourist Info for Adelaide (http://www.adelaide.sa.gov.au/)

Go to the above addie and the is a virtual tour of Adelaide there for those interested :)

You should be telling them how great Queensland is. :)

[Sharni]

Why is that?

All parts of Australia have their beauty

[jseal]

Catch22 & Sharni,

I thought about your different perspectives on Adelaide. On the face of it these differing opinions seem difficult to reconcile. How about if, when sometime in the distant future my wife and I make the trip, one of us sees the sights of Adelaide and one of us reads a book instead?

[Sharni]

Do as you wish jseal

Wether you like a place or not is up to each individual...but before one dismisses a place...they should first judge it for themselves anyway...not take the word of others :)

[jseal]

Sharni,

I am sure we agree that here are times when one must rely upon input, information, or, yes, opinion from others to help make a decision.

As for dismissing a place, I’m uncertain that anyone in this thread has. You and Catch22 have expressed different opinions about Adelaide, but I presume that you have both been there.

[dicksbro]

I will add a thank you for the information on the Ghan and the history that went with it. Very interesting.

Sharni, you're just a fountain of information. Thanks. :)

[jseal]

dicksbro,

Yes, let me second that. All I had to start with was a reference to "a new Australian train, The Ghan, is making its inaugural run between Adelaide and Darwin."

Going to the source has real value.