Johannesburg Jacarandas

With the arrival of spring Johannesburg’s Jacaranda trees come into full bloom along the streets in suburbs such as Houghton and Rosebank. Native to South America they have been declared invasive plants and it is now illegal to plant them, but with their long lifespan residents will be able to enjoy their display fro many years to come. Joined #joburgphotowalkers for an early morning walk to photograph the trees, felt more like winter with temperature around 10 degrees and overcast skies. I find Jacarandas very challenging to photograph and truly capture the displays.

Class 44 diesels on the Belfast Lydenburg Line

I ticked off a bucket list item and got to photography the ore trains on the Belfast Lydenburg line. These chrome ore trains are hauled by four Transnet Class 44 diesels built by GE (Class 44 details) The line was opened in 1910 and has steep grades with an almost continuous climb from Lydenburg (1376 m) to Belfast (2025 m). This line was one of the last stomping grounds of the class GO Garratts in the steam days.

Load of empties passing through Santa siding the highest siding in South Africa

Vermont siding on the way to Lydenburg

Almost at journey’s end approaching Belfast

Famous stone bridge just outside Santa siding

Spring has arrived with a display of wild flowers beside the line

Was really great to see diesels working hard on a proper branch line without wires. Over the weekend I was there was a early morning up train passing Santa around 06:00 am or later with the return working from Belfast leaving around mid-day definitely worth a visit if you get an opportunity.