TranzAlpine Train from Greymouth to Arthur's Pass

Now we're on our return train from Greymouth to Arthur's Pass. This time Brian and I scored seats with a table in a car empty of passengers except for 2 others. You can hear a pin drop and it's just what we needed as Brian has been feeling nauseated all day. I'm also excited because I can now hear all of the crew announcements about the sites we're passing. On the trip west there was so much chatter that I missed much of the historical commentary. It would appear that some large tour groups got off the train at Greymouth, so it could be why we're alone (at least in our train car) now.

The scenery has been gorgeous--but at over 4 and a half hours (train boarded by 8:15--got delayed and arrived at 1:30) it was a bit long after yesterday's daylong trip. We ride for 2 hours to Arthur's Pass and we'll spend the night at the chalet. Tomorrow afternoon we catch a 2 hour train back to Christchurch.