Blossom, sunshine and trains, Chynów

Ah, most gorgeous day. Blossom under blue skies. Chynów station stands between Chynów and Jakubowizna; a few passengers await the 09:19 train to town.

Below: the morning sun illuminates the pedestrian tunnel linking the platforms, linking Jakubowizna and Chynów.

Below: on the corner; Chynów's ulica Wspólna to the left meets ul. Kolejowa. The building serves as a gentleman's and ladies' hairdresser.

Below: rural shoppers cycling home from the shop (something that Jakubowizna, sadly, doesn't have).

Below: Jakubowizna, looking towards Nowe Grobice. The sky remains perfectly azure.

Below: The Witos is one of just three pairs of loco-hauled InterCity express trains that passes Chynów each day (there are also five InterCity services operated by multiple-units, but they are modern and consequently less interesting). The Witos runs from Przemyśl on the Ukrainian border to Warsaw, taking under seven hours, with over 20 stops along the way, including Warka and Piaseczno. The train is composed of just three coaches (the rear one being split first/second class). Sadly - no restaurant car. The current timetable has no night services serving this route. Today's Witos was headed by an EP07 locomotive. The loco's origins date back to the mid-1960s, based on a British design. Top speed: a mere 78 mph /125km/h.

 

Below: earlier in the week, I snapped the Witos, this time hauled by an EP09 loco. More modern than the EP07, it's still a 1980s design. (E = electric, P = passenger, 07/09 = design number).

Below: I was hoping for this - despite an overcast evening, the clouds would be blown east, their trailing edge leaving a gap for the setting sun to descend through. Result.

Left: the sun edges towards the horizon, in the foreground young apple trees in blossom, their trunks protected against being nibbled by the hares and deer that can be seen round here.

This for me is the best time of year. Warm, not hot; sunny with the occasional rain; green, not parched with the risk of deluge; plenty of wildflowers.

This time last year:
A better tomorrow for the soul

This time two years ago:
Blossom time in Jakubowizna - the apples

This time four years ago:

The Ice Saints - right on cue

This time eight years ago:
Then and now: Trafalgar Square (recreating my father's photos)

This time ten years ago:
Reflection upon the City Car

This time 12 years ago:
Biblical sky

This time 13 years ago:
Travel broadens the spirit

This time 14 years ago:
Welcome the Ice Saints

This time 16 years ago:
On the farm next door