Full steam ahead

Steam trains on the main line have been almost as rare as hens teeth over the last couple of months.  Those who follow them will know exactly why but briefly, a steam train over-ran a red signal back in March and was less than a minute away from causing a major collision with a high speed train.  Following that, the main steam train operator had their licence suspended until they could satisfy various safety requirements, and the suspension has only just been provisionally lifted.  I took the opportunity to go and see this one today; it is ex-LMS Pacific No. 46233 'Duchess of Sutherland' going at full speed through Heyford station in Oxfordshire with the 'Oxfordshire Express' from Manchester to Didcot.

After seeing that, we went off to Waterperry Gardens near Oxford for lunch and a look round.  On the way we passed a field of cows and their calves and I thought the shot of one suckling on its mother worthy of being my first 'extra' photo.