This cache was placed in commemoration of the Outeniqua Choo Tjoe Train.
The Outeniqua Choo Tjoe was the last passenger steam train in Africa, and its route between George and Knysna in the Garden Route was possibly one of the most picturesque in the world. Visitors to Knysna and the Garden Route can still see the remains of the track as it skirts the seaside, passing through the towns of Wilderness, Victoria Bay, and Sedgefield. Countless tourists also photograph the iconic bridge over the Kaaimans River.
The train travelled between George and Knysna on a 52 km route that took roughly three hours. Along the way, passengers were afforded spectacular views of the Indian Ocean as the train ran alongside the cliffs, beaches, forests, farmland, and lakes of this beautiful area. Several tunnels through the cliffs were enjoyed on the route, as was a brief stop at Wilderness Station and Sedgefield Station after crossing the largest lake on its journey, Swartvlei.
The train also passed through the beautiful Goukamma nature reserve and past the shoreline suburbs of Brenton-on Lake before crossing the Knysna lagoon to rest at Knysna station next to the harbour. Here passengers had two hours to enjoy lunch and a leg stretch before heading back to George to enjoy the spectacular scenery in the reverse direction. While passengers could get off at any station, many decided to enjoy the entire journey to really appreciate the magnificent views.
The Outeniqua Choo Tjoe ran on its route between George and Knysna for 78 years and was a big player for tourism on the Garden Route and in the Western Cape. In 1992 when the Choo Tjoe was declared an officially preserved railway, it carried about 40,000 passengers a year. However, fast forward about ten years later, and the railway was carrying a whopping 115,000 passengers a year, with the majority being foreign tourists taking in the breathtaking scenery along the route.
In August of 2006, severe floods and massive landslides around the Kaaimans River caused serious damage to the line. The cost of replacing the track would run into the millions, and the train was rerouted to run between George and Mossel Bay. In 2007, the South African government-run organisation Transnet looked to sell the train as it no longer formed part of their core business, but after failing to find a buyer, they ceased operations. The train ran its final journey in September of 2010.
See many historical pictures of the Choo Tjoe in the attached photos!
The Choo Tjoe Museum in George can be visited to see the old steam trains and other memorabilia, a miniature Choo Tjoe has been erected by engineers at a local Farm Stall, at Totties (see cache nearby: GC9KBFW) that runs on market days usually Sundays for the little ones and young at heart.
The cache is placed at a farmstall which is next to where the local train station used to be.
The owner and staff know about the placement. Still please use some stealth if workers are around outside the shop!
You are looking for a smaller-than film canister sized container. Bring your own pen!
(credits for text: beautifulknysnavillas)