Mining history

We walked above Escaro today. It was a social walk with a lot of chat and only about 10 kilometres of walking and 360 metres of ascent. The village, like several in the area, has many vestiges of its mining history. Iron ore and fluorite were the main minerals extracted. Egged on by one of the other ladies, Mrs TT responded to the challenge of climbing into one of the wagons. It was only later that I read on one of the information boards this 1921 interdiction which in English reads, “Except with special permission from the head of department or the outside staff, the mechanic or the driver or brakesman, no one is allowed to get on the locomotive or a wagon convoy whether full or empty. In the event of an infringement of this rule, the mechanic or any of the supervisory staff present will proceed with the expulsion of the offender.” Fortunately, there were no supervisory staff present!