No trains today

Last weekend there were no trains running between Adelaide and Brighton as a major upgrading of the track is being undertaken. This is just part of a major revitalisation of Adelaide's rail system. All tracks are being upgraded and the existing diesel-electric trains are to be replaced with electric ones.

This is just part of a ten year plan costing 2 billion dollars. Other projects being undertaken include the extension of our tram (light rail) system.

Carols at Sturt Cottage

I always know when Christmas is near when we start our carols season. This is a regular gig for the Henley and Grange Concert Band, the band I play in. Tonight we were joined by a choir from Grange Primary School.

Christmas lights

Many private houses in Adelaide's suburbs are lit up for Christmas.

South Road Tram Overpass

This is one of the last trams to use the temporary diversion track. Over the weekend the existing track will be connected to the new one.

The tram bridge has been built at a cost of $32 million; another part of a major upgrade to the South Road corridor. This will compliment the recently completed Gallipoli Underpass.

Trams will then use the overpass, but more work is yet to be done; the completion of tram stops on the top and access lifts from the street. A pedestrian/cycle path is also being built along its northern side.

The Panda Countdown

Not long to go now; two pandas arrived from China last Saturday. For several months now, a daily countdown has been a focal point on the ETSA building at the beginning of Anzac Highway.

A purpose built climate controlled enclosure has been built at the Adelaide Zoo; home for the next ten years to Wang Wang and Funi. The general public will be able to see them for the first time on December 14th.

Click here to read and see more about Adelaide's pandas.

Time ball tower at Semaphore

Sitting on a small hill adjacent to Semaphore Road is this time ball tower; this was used by ships at anchor to rate their chronometers.

Semaphore Road

A bit of nostalgia for me. When I was a young lad, I regularly visited Semaphore to see my Grandparents who lived in a small upstairs apartment just along from where I took this photo.

In those days a train from Adelaide terminated here; where the median strip is now. Not only did the train service the seaside suburb, but so did electric trolley buses. My grandfather was a bus driver so I had a few free rides from time to time.

The train has gone and so have the buses; but now there is talk of running a tram to here from the City.