Jack and Axel Lister.
Jade Guttridge with son Aiden.
ON Saturday 25 of Thredbo's littlest locals celebrated their friends Axel Lyster and Addison Hosie's third birthday party on the Cooma Railway.
The children from Thredbo's Community Child Care, along with some older children, their families and the centre's director Tracy Wallace all left Thredbo for the day to experience the Railway for the very first time. During the trip, Wallace claimed it was the best excursion she had ever been on - possibly because she was not in charge and could just enjoy the families and the train ride without the added pressure of making sure everyone was safe and happy.
The train departed Cooma Station at 11am, on its 45 minute journey to Chakola where it stopped and allowed all travellers to disembark. On the way to Chakola the children all dressed up in their own conductors' hats and imagined they were the drivers of the train.
During the trip the children excitedly pointed out various animals, road crossings and features of the train. On arrival to Chakola the children enjoyed exploring the platform and its surrounding area in search of hidden treasure.
After 15 minutes all the children and their families hopped back onto the train for the trip back to Cooma. During the trip some of the older children took great pleasure in visiting the bathroom which includes a long drop toilet. One young boy exited the bathroom excitedly informing the whole carriage that he could see the tracks.
The railway is serviced by volunteers. On Saturday Rodney, James, John, Geoff and Bob all gave up their time and were extremely accommodating and great fun. Many would have been overwhelmed by so many excited little train riders, but not these men. James even commented on how he enjoyed the children blowing their conductor whistles all at the same time on completion of the trip.
Both Addison and Axel had a birthday they will never forget. Addison climbed into the car and said "that was fun" as her eyes closed and she slept the whole way back to Thredbo.
Lisa Harris of Canberra and Jade Guttridge of Thredbo both agreed on completion of the trip that it was the best kids outing they had experienced. The Cooma Railway is a must do for all those living in and visiting the local area.
