101st Birthday of SL 58654 & Other Railway Adventures!

[SL58654号]

Today was a day I'm so glad that I didn't sleep in during! 🛌

Saturdays are rarely entirely free for me now, and that's not a bad thing, but there was no way I would've missed out on November 18th - Because it was my first and last chance to witness the 101st Birthday Celebration of my favorite Japanese Steam Locomotive (do I have to say it?) 58654, which needs no introduction! 😄

I was joined by fellow members of 肥薩線again at Yatsushiro Station bright and early, and despite the cold, chilly weather, the crowds soon poured in and needed barriers from crossing the yellow line to get photos. My friend and fellow rail fan Minki Hatashima was there to greet and farewell the gallant SL and even landed an interview on the spot with NHK. I did as well. You can see his name mentioned in this article (in Japanese) about the party events. 

She's a beauty, isn't she?

We know now for certain that the restoration of the Hisatsu Line to Hitoyoshi will be done. Next, we can only hope that this beloved steam locomotive will return there, too.

But the day's adventures did not end there...

 

Edited November 18, 2023 by SL58654号

[SL58654号]

An SL Hitoyoshi exhibition photo in the waiting room of Yatsushiro Station

Next, after waving goodbye to the SL Hitoyoshi from Yatsushiro Station so it could make it's way to Omuta Station, 肥薩線again and I, along with other attendees, went for a walk along the Hisatsu Line on the "JR Walk" to Dan Station, the first stop on the line south of Yatsushiro. We had beautiful weather with the sunshine in full bloom by that point. We also went past the exact same spot where we had volunteered previously.
Inside Dan Station there was green tea and snacks being served alongside a grand exhibition celebrating the Hisatsu Line and its precious memories. 
 The spot where I volunteered! 
It was a wonderful rest from the long but enjoyable walk, and we all spoke cordially (in Japanese) and no matter how many times locals ask where I come from, I'm more than happy to show them just how much a foreigner can love Japanese railways. A lady that I spoke with while having tea I later learned was the JR Kyushu Kumamoto branch manager no less! Such a small world! 

Edited November 18, 2023 by SL58654号