JL - 25.10.22 60011 6E97 Kirkby Thore - Tees Dock, Smardale

Aside from a couple of shots of rail tours I've spent a lot of time away from the hobby this year. It's good to get a break from time to time. Having not made any real effort since Spring 2022, I had decided that today would be my return, as the Autumn colours are starting to look their best. The unfortunate derailment of the S&C cement at Carlisle had closed the route to the north. Passenger services were terminating at Appleby and the only freight working was the imported gypsum and stone workings to / from Arcow. However, as this is leaf fall season Brush Class 60 traction is back in charge of the gypsum so this was my only target for the day. I was blessed with a one in a million occurrence. As 60011 thundered through Crosby Garret and approached Smardale, the clouds parted, a beautiful rainbow appeared and a fantastic memory was recorded. I've come close to this only once before so was so pleased to get this result on my return to the S&C lineside.