Railway Track Ramble 1 (RTR 1): Thursday, 14July

SPECIAL WALK — RAILWAY TRACK RAMBLE 1 (RTR 1)

WHY walk on a weekday?  — relevant authorities said this trail  will be closed by 17Jul;
expect crowds to swarm the rail on weekends which will cause the rail to loose
its tranquility and rustic charm!

Date: 14 JULY 2011 (Thursday)

Start: 9.30am

Meet at : McDonalds, King Albert Park(road).

Getting there:
1) nearest MRT Station – Newton.  Walk to Bukit Timah Road (quite a no. of bus stops to destination),
take these buses – 66, 67, 74, 77, 151, 154, 157, 170, 171, 174, 563,852, 961, 970, 645.
2) Dover MRT take bus svc# 74 to Clementi Road, alight at Ngee Ann Poly, King Albert Park is across the road.

Distance: as far as you choose to ramble…                           emoticon
Want to get off the track? Look out for "Exits".

Leaders:  ChristinaCL Chan and Charles Wee.

           
*****Commute by bus, do allow sufficient travel and waiting time.  If member wish to leave
 for other appointment, appreciate U keep either EOs informed.

The Malaysian railway line (26km) that had operated through Singapore has given us a
wonderful GREEN Belt that runs across our little RED Dot from South to North.  The railway
have had sections that had been defunct dates as far back to 1903.  We might trek these
in future.

There is not much tijme left to revel and feast in this beautiful greenery, flora and
fauna, that you might not see elsewhere on our island.  We might catch glimpses of
animals and wildlife that resided inside this hugh tract of greenery.

I wish that this green corridor or at least certain tracts of the beautiful greenery
will be kept unthouched!  It certainly is a haven for us to escape from the hectic world
that we live in.

Our walk shall commence from a station, built in 1932 but now looked forlorn and quiet.
We shall head Southbound through Ulu Pandan / Holland / Buona Vista / Portsdown — this
being the easier track and an area that has hugh tracks of greenery; one of the more scenic
stretch along the Railway.

What is the trail like?
The train tracks are relatively easy to walk on OR if you prefer
Tread on granite stones flanking both sides of the rail OR
Walk on trodden paths, flanked by tall grass; narrow at some spots; uneven terrain,
climb over natural obstacles like fallen branches, logs or tree trunks.
Get to cross the "black heavy steel truss bridges, tunnels; without fear of the
warnings from air operated horns and whistles or the drone of an approaching train.

NOTE
Bring drinking water, poncho, hat, insect repellant, camera, binoculars(optional). 
Country roads might be narrow or slippery (trek pole or walking stick is a good aid;
Wear long pants
Shoes or track shoes are strongly recommended. 
No slippers/sandals as they are also an open invitation to insects/mosquitoes.
Bring a small torch light.

COME, with a sense of Adventure! expect the unexpected!                emoticon

Do not miss out on this BEAUTIFUL GREEN BELT!!!

REGISTER HERE

We ask for fine weather: a BBC = Beautiful Breezy Cloudy day, no rain!    

Let the joy of doing a pleasant activity be there always!

Till then…. stay Cool!  Be Cool!                   emoticon

The Walk Team EOs: 
Charles Wee, Veronica Wong, Mary Tan, Jeffrey Lim, Joyce Tan, Serene Low, Conrad Tang
and me, ChristinaCL Chan,,,,,,,signing off.

The RAMBLERS,,,,

1.  Ginko Tay
2.  Ivan Lim
3.  Jane Chua
4.  Andrew Koh
5.  Danny Lye
6.  June Tan
7.  Danny Ong
8.  Grace Wong
9.  Ann Lim
10. Peter Goh
11. Ronald Lee
12. Jam
13. Goh Ah Lam
14. Richard Kee
15. Jane Kee
16. Catherine Yeo
17. Grace Kang
18. Julie Y
19. Lydia Soh
20. Feztus Lim
21. Seok Cheng
22. Lee Ah Nee
23. Daisy Yeo
24. Lillian Teo
25. Mega Abdullah
26. Richard Wong
27. Peng Peng
28. Charles Wee
29. ChristinaCL Chan
30. Karen Thio
31. Judy Lim
32. Marg Tian
33. Eddy Lee
34.
35.

Photos by Charles Wee, Andrew Koh, Ivan Lim, Karen Thio and Danny Lye

Author: ChristinA Chan (Walking group leader)

Interests: Health related and socials.

76 thoughts on “Railway Track Ramble 1 (RTR 1): Thursday, 14July”

  1. Hi Christina,

    Thank you very much for initiating this railway track ramble. Let me be the first to sign on.

    “Beautiful Breezy Cloudy…” Thursday

  2. Hi Christina,
    Wah, I’ve been ‘away’ so long, I’ve lost track of most of the activities. This walk sounds so interesting, but I’ve committed to attending the monthly meet on the same day. Any way, do take a lot of photos to show us ok?
    Happy walking.

  3. Hi EO,
    Will be there …
    Erhh … breakfast at Macdonalds’ around 8:30am anyone??

    Mary#2,
    The walk starts at 9:30am (IN THE MORNING) … Mthly Mtg starts at 5:00pm (IN THE EVENING) … so, you may want to re-consider …

  6. Hi Christina

    Saw your earlier post and hoped that it would be on a Saturday but not that it is confirmed for Thursday, would not be possible. Disapppointed. Hope one can be organised for a weekend? Thanks

  7. #1 — Ginko, thanks for your support!

    #2 — MaryC,,, it has been a long time since you join us. I understand. Nothing beats spending time with adorable grandchildren! Look forward to your participation soon :D

    #3 — Ivan, thanks for your support! we sure need guys to extend a helping hand :D
    I am planning to have breakfast there too.

    #5 — JaneC, glad you can join us. See U!

    Thanks!
    ChristinaCL

  8. #6 Dear Maggie, I do understand for those who are working, it might be difficult to join this walk.

    In fact, I am working and am taking leave to take this walk because we, might not get another opportunity to walk this special scenic trail again.

    I can schedule a “RTR 2” on a Saturday but, it will be a different and shorter track.

    Regards,
    ChristinaCL

  10. Christine,

    Would like to join in the walk and take this opportunity to get to know some of you and also take some snapshots of the location for remembrance. Meet you all at King Albert Park Rd’s MacDonald @9.30am

  12. Hi christina,
    We are rambling with you & Charles….thanks for initiating this historical
    walk…please register Ann Lim & Peter Goh as well ….not forgetting ‘Moi’
    Cheers
    grace wong

  15. It is not going to happen. It wont happen and so Chris-C, despite much clamour, I wont go.

    Other than Charles-W, nobody is going to carry an umbrella to shield me thru the walk as the July sun goes higher and higher when noon comes nearer and nearer.

    Altho Charles-W has that red flowery umbrella to hold oer me, it’s too small. Will hv to lean on him for a menaingful shade but I dont like his hug.

    So, await yr next afternoon-evening walk but if you want to do a track ramble only you and me closer to the 14th midnite, can.

    Whatever, folks, dont forget yr payong. Railway tracks are built for clear smooth passage so dont expect any foliage for reprieve from the sun. No toilets but shd hv enough bushes with snakes watching and surprised at what you do standind or squatting or with 1 leg raised.

  17. Dear All,

    a quick note: RTR is much easier than the PLR (PipeLine Ramble) we did :D
    From 1st July, many have been on the tracks.

    Just be watchful where you place your foot when the going seems a little different.

    Do not miss out on this BEAUTIFUL GREEN BELT :D

    Rgds,
    ChristinaCL

  18. Hi Chris,

    Thanks for organizing this Walk. would try our very best to be there. Have signed up for the monthly gathering at Mushroom Cafe later in the day. Don’t know whether we can “tahan”.
    By the way, any car park at Macs?

    Jane & Rich

  19. Dear Chris,

    King Albert Mcdonalds is but a stone’s throw away so I really have no excuse not to check out the rail tracks before they vamoose forever!

    Sign me up please, thank you!

    Catherine

  21. Alamak Christina……to miss or not to miss this WALK leh? So busy in office, not sure if my leave can go thru on Thursday….have to try my luck tomorrow morning…. :(

    Hope to join you all for breakfast at the MacDonald.

    Ah Nee

  23. Would like to include my wife, June Tan (who is also a member of Silverhairs Club) for the Ramble on that day. We are going as a couple. Should not be a problem with the group, right ?

  25. Hi Christina

    I have only been on the railway tracks from Tanjong Pagar side. Like to see it along this scenic stretch. So see you & the group on Thurs morning. Got to ask same question as Richard – do you know where we can park? (if not, no problem, can come by bus).

  26. morning christina, at this point i like to go for a hike/walk for exercise by the rail track, of course if you don’t see us by 9.30am, do walk on.
    BF at mcdonald sounds like a good idea.
    those driving there, note that some places because of ERP gantries will be jammed.
    parking can be at mcdonald which maybe expensive, if you want no charge parking, just by the side of mcdonald there are private houses, that lane has not yellow line markings at all,so you can park there. just 1 minute from mcdonald

  27. #18 RichardK and all those who will be driving:

    King Albert Park is a private residential area with very limited park along the road/side roads, therefore high risk.
    I also do not recommend to park anywhere near the Start point as it might be a hassle to get back here at the end of the walk.

    My suggestion: we head Southbound towards Tg Pagar ie., the East/West MRT Line.

    As you must reach Start point at 9.30am, the best is to park anywhere near Dover MRT (nearest will be Singapore Poly at Dover, not sure if there is sufficient parking spaces for the public, or the nearby HDB flats).
    Then take bus svc#74 alight at Ngee Ann Poly, cross the overhead bridge to King Albert Park OR meet at Dover MRT and then carpool with others who will be there as well.

    If anyone wish to carpool from Dover MRT, I will be at the bus stop below at about 7.50am.
    **The bus stop is in front of Singapore Poly (not the opposite stop that heads to town).

    Regards,
    ChristinaCL

  28. #9 AndrewK, true to your word! Thanks! c ya.

    #10 #23 DannyL, thanks for your support! Have we met? will know soon hehe “we are going as a couple” — most welcomed, no worries this is not a “singles club” hahahaha
    and #24, kool! I like that. Thanks.

    #11 DannyO, we cant meet on the dance floor, let’s track hehehe

    #13 RonaldL, the ever MIA! c ya!

    #14 Jam, guess I have not met you. Thanks for your support.

    #16 Lam, I think we have met. Thanks for your support.

    #19 Catherine, thanks for reminder forgot you are in that area hehe It has been a long, long time since you join our walks. Look forward to seeing you!

    Cheerio!
    ChristinaCL

  29. #12 GraceW, Noted that AnnL and PeterG are coming, thanks for the support. C you guys!

    #20 GraceK, welcome again! see you.

    #21 AhNee, when there’s a will there’s a way! thanks for your support.

    #25 LydiaS, please see my comment #27.

    #26 Feztus no excuse for not coming lor, since this walk is a stone’s throw away! hahhaa Thanks for your input!

    Cheerio!
    ChristinaCL

  32. #28 Christina,
    I think we might have met during the durian trip to JB recently. Remembered the one with the “pony-tail” who took photos on the outing ?

  33. Christina,

    I can go! see you all at MacDonald. How to go huh?…..not familiar with that place. No worry, I try to get someone to pick me there, if not get a cab. I really don’t know what bus number go there from Kovan…..:( Anyone want to share a cab?

    Ah Nee

  34. Just a thot, since we taking breakfast at Macdonalds….
    Anyone still have those Macdonalds Discount Coupons for Breakfast?….you know those coupons that keeps jamming into your (HDB) letterboxes….
    Well, if have and still valid, please bring along. Bcos the discount of a full breakfast meal is quite substantial.
    Just trying to save everybody some money…that’s all folks!
    See you ppl on Thursday.

  36. Christina #28,

    Christina #28
    Thanks, actually I have been keeping track of your walks regularly however I usually prefer to drive to a carpark nearby to start my walk but somehow the thought of backtracking to get my car just puts me off. Sorry it’s just a bad case of ‘the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak’!

    This time though, I know how to catch a bus to the meeting point haha there, I have let the cat out of the bag.

    Certainly appreciate all the planning and reconnaissance treks done by
    the dedicated EOs- kudos to all involved.

  37. Hi Chris / Charles,

    I am coming, thank you for organising this walk. Looking forward to meet “old buddies” and new members.

    Catherine, glad you are coming. Our dear Julie ? Looking forward to this meetup. Henry Yip, Sue Chan, Irene Seet, etc…, coming ?
    Cheers, cya.
    Lilian

  40. Dear Lilian, double sweet this morning, first our sweet buddy Sue called & asked me to check the forum because our dear sweet Lilian is calling. Thanks for the urging, but really can’t make. I would really love to come, I always appreciate vm what the WALK TEAM have been doing. n Yes KUDOS to the walk team. I’ll be at a seminar in the morning & then swing down to SengKang for the monthly gathering after tht. Dear Lilian, get our buddies to come to the monthly gathering lah….can really catch up….catch up girls…!!

  42. #31 SeokCheng, welcome! thanks for your support.

    #32 Oh,Danny, I was not there; cant be there either even if I wish…

    Rgds,
    ChristinaCL

  43. #33, #35 Ah Nee & Daisy,

    Gals, that’s the spirit!

    Daisy, can literally hear the Excited calls and m getting jittery (in a good way) hahaha

    Cya!

  44. Danny-L, this Christina is different from that Christina. That C was good, this C is better…….a C+++.

    Many have fallen in love with her. You too will love her.

    So, time yr walk close to her, talk to her, look into her eyes. Look nowhere else, even if a train comes at you at lightning speed…………

    Cant wait for tomorrow, yeah?

  45. #36 CatY, WHY looking from a distance? get your feet up, walking is a very healthy exercise and it is FOC! :D

    Thanks for your support!

    Cya!
    ChristinaCL

  46. #37 LillianT, happy to see you :D :D

    #38 Mega, thanks for your royal support!

    #39 RichardW, it has been a while since you came for the walks. Thanks for the phone call.

    #41 Peng Peng, sie sie ni!

    Cheerio!
    ChristinaCL

  49. Dear Lilian #37,

    Thank you for calling out to me, my sweet buddy. Owing to work commitments, I’m unable to join you folks but do look forward to meeting you soon at other events. Take care and enjoy good fellowship too!

    Cheers~!

  50. Hey sweet LilianT #37,

    Yes it has been a while since our last hike up Bukit Timah Hill. It will be so nice to see you again and maybe have kopi after the walk together with Julie?

    I was away in the USA for a whole month and its time to catch up with the various activities and to meet up with the buddies again.

    Till we meet tomorrow, have a nice day!

  53. This morning, I can’t help laughing when I received John Howe msm this message; “Ah Nee, morning go WALK, afternoon, come to my Jam at Pasir Ris & then evening, can go together with Denis to Monthly Gathering”. Hahaaha….you want me to collapse is it???

    In a hurry to go home just now, I had left my handphone in the office… :( I doubt tomorrow morning, I can make it for breakfast at MacDonald, thinking of dropping by Office to get my handphone before heading for the WALK. I can survive without breakfast but not my handphone. hehehe….see you all tomorrow. :)

    Ah Nee

  54. Christina,

    Last minute addition to the ramble, please include my friend Eddy Lee who is also a silverhairs club membership. He has problems with his log-in after changing his password and cannot access to the topic to include his name so I am doing it on his behalf. Hope no problem with you.

    Thanks.

    Rgds,
    Danny Lye

  55. Hi Christina,

    Upon Danny Lye’s introduction of Silverhairsclub, I’m now a new registered member. I look forward to joining the Railway Track Ramble tomorrow but didn’t know how to register my name. Hope this is ok with you.

    Rgds,
    Eddy

  56. #51 KarenT, JudyL happy that both of you can make it!

    #52 RichardW, noted with thanks! MargT, thanks for your phone call, too.

    See you!

    Thanks,
    ChristinaCL

  57. #54, Thanks, Danny. No worries, the more the merrier.

    It is good that we can come together to enjoy this natural rustic charm. At the end of the walk, though the legs might be weary but most importantly, the mind is refreshed! :D

  58. Hi all,

    Enjoy your trekking!

    I did mine on 9 Jul morning from Silat Rd (near Kampong Bahru Rd)to The Railway Mall (near Hill View) – about 5 1/2 hrs.

    Your walk from King Albert Park to Buona Vista MRT Station should take about 2 hrs and from there to Silat Road about another 2 hrs.

    The trek ends @ Silat Rd – not allowed to go beyond – where you will meet 2 Railway officials resting underneath the flyover.

    Also, you will pass thru about 6 bridges/flyovers. No need to bring torchlight (#30 Christina) since you are travelling in broad daylight.

    There is 1 particular flyover @ Queensway with a span of about 80m! But no problem – still can see surrounding and not really in total darkness.

    One word of caution – wear track shoe – it’s going to be tough walking on those granite stones!

    Enjoy!

  59. Hi Christina / Charles Wee,

    Glad that I have make the right choice to appy a day off to join the railway trek. I am feel happy that Andrew Koh, Ronald Lee, Daisy Yeo & myself manage to complete the walk to the end of Kompong Bahru, really a memorable experience for all of us, we will always treasure it.

    Thanks for organized this wonderful event.
    Judy Lim.

  60. Yep, yep, Judy’s right!

    We carried the SHC flag right thru’ to the last lap at Kampong Bahru.

    What a great time we had today, thanks to Christina and Charles no doubt.

    The walk was certainly great exercise for the feet and ankle. Both mine are now so pliable they can turn 90, 180 and 360 degrees and as I write this, a basin of hot water sits just where my feet are. OOOoooooo……… ah……….

    Thank you everyone for the great camaraderie and a wonderful day!

  61. Christina & Charles

    Thanks for a “GOOD” morning walk, was kind of lazy to get out of the house this morning but did not regret it at all..

    A very interesting walk and a good way to escape from the chores at home (haha)

    Nice meeting the old buddies – Daisy/Judy/Lilian/Andrew/Ronald/Gingko …. at the walk.

    Karen

  62. I’m glad I made the decision to join in the virgin activity with SHC, it was a fun but tiring long walk! but no regrets at all. It’s so nice meeting some of you who makes me feel so welcome despite being a first timer. Thanks to organiser Christina and Charles, Looking forward to the next meet up, when times permit.

    Jam.

  63. #58 MikeT, I did not log in after 11.30pm/13Jul. Appreciate your sharing. I was looking forward to ‘dark’ tunnels esp the one at Portsdown! It will add to the excitement. Yep, the sun was bright. Some of us have some fun doing vocal training in this tunnel :D

    Look forward to having you to join our walks, every 2nd Saturday of the month; unless otherwise stated.

    Cheerio!
    ChristinaCL

  64. #59 JudyL, AndrewK, RonaldL and DaisyY —

    a round of applause to the 4 of you!!!!! You have walked approx 12/13km.

    Cheerio!
    ChristinaCL

  65. #62 Jam, fyi, this RTR is also a virgin ramble on the railway tracks!

    Come join us in our monthly walk; every 2nd Saturday of the month. These walks are normally scenic and easy! :D

    FYI, our Next monthly walk is on 13Aug, look out for the post at a nearer date.

    Look forward to seeing you again!

    Cheerio!
    ChristinaCL

  66. Hi Danny and RichardK, got your message, thanks for letting me know. Trust you enjoyed this beautiful Saturday!

    Btw, Danny, please send the photos you have taken to Ms Sockie at sockie_sg@hotmail.com. She will help members upload the photos to SHC website.

    AndrewK, please forward the photos to Sockie.
    Also, other photographers, if you so wish.

    Thanks much!
    ChristinaCL

  67. Yesterday’s walk is called RTR1 (you plan to have more RTRs?). The walk made me sleep very well last nite (something tt seldom happen to me these days). Thank you so much, Christina & Charles, for the tremendous work you put in to give us, SHC members this memorable walking experience.

  68. To: ALL

    You came!
    I am very happy to have had HIT THE TRACKS just once! with like-minded fellow members.

    Thank you! Thank you!

    Come 17June, the tracks will be removed section by section and eventually gone….. so sad. We shall cherish this moment, this day, on the railway tracks!

    ChristinaCL

  69. Dear Ramblers,

    I forgot to inform you that there is an Online petition — by people (even non-SG) who are concerned about the future of this green corridor, who wants the building esp Tg Pagar Railway station, sections of the green belt/tracks to be preserved. This RED Dot has little history yet, much have had been destroyed, taken away!

    Email me, if you want to sign the petition. I have had signed it. I will only direct you to said website or you may google for it.

    NO further details will be mentioned here.

    ChristinaCL

    Thanks,

  70. #67 LydiaS, initially, I do have plans to do another ie., Northbound – section betw Rifle Range to Rail Mall, which will be open till end July. But, I have on 1 other free Saturday ie., 23Jul; but I have no time to do a physical recce.

    Also, for the month of July, every weekend is swarmed with people. Too many bodies, no charm no tranquility :(

    Perhaps, MIGHT do the defunct railway, very interesting trail. No promises though, as much of the former track has been covered with over grown vegetation or structures. I need serious consideration…

    Rgds,
    ChristinaCL

  71. “….fyi, this RTR is also a virgin ramble on the railway tracks!”

    Nah !

    Fsyi (from scotland yard info), none – absolutely none – who rambled on the railway tracks was a virgin.

    “Come 17June, the tracks will be removed section by section and eventually gone….. so sad.”

    Nay !

    Come 17 July (not June hor), go to the rail-tracks again. Remove them section by section, and be part of the history in removing the tracks. Then, you’ll be happy. So happy.

    Seriously, I spent the whole of the nite drinking with Sunny Burn.

    By the next morning he cd hardly recognise his way home. So he wasnt smiling at you and folks and so no one suffered any sunstroke. And so you’re here this morning prancing and making so much of noise.

    Heheee…………..

  72. Christina,

    #66 We do enjoy the ramble and waited to complete the journey but just too bad that June and my legs cannot carried us any further than reaching Buona Vista/Holland junction whereby we have to call it off. After the walk, we experienced heel (June)and knee cap (myself)pain. Mine was quite bad as my knee cap was operated twice before and the uneven path of the rail line gave it more “stress” to the condition. Now, I have to rest it longer to recuperate for the next walk.

    Will forward some of the photos taken during the journey (not too many)to Sockie. Most of the members were “scattered” and when called upon at the station house (Bt Timah) to take a group photo, they “ran” away either camera shy or prefer to the walk without distraction. Only a handful of them joined in the group photo session – Jane, Richard Kee and Lydia Soh and a few of them (unknown – as no introduction was made. Just too bad cannot have a group photo for rememberance that Silverhairs Club did a Railway Ramble on 14 Jul 2011 at Bukit Timah.

    Rgds,
    Danny Lye

  73. #71 TimL, eyes like an eagle! thanks! yep, the date is 17July and not June,,, probably thinking of the June(s) I have met recently. ahaha

  74. #72 DannyL, Bravo! the length you walked is still quite a long way from start point. When I saw your leg in ‘bandages’ I was a little weary. Good that you have June & Eddy with you.

    Thanks for calling for a group shot; but you’re are right, the group was scattered and some were eager to hit the tracks.

    Look forward to seeing you at our other walks which are more leisure :D

    ChristinaCL Chan

  76. Haha, Chris-C, now you got Terence’s eyes on June, refusing to see July and then move on to the ghost month.

    Today’s TODAY carries a letter from a mother of an autistic son. She, her mother and son were shown the door when the boy fell into a relapse. She pleaded with the world to be more understanding of people who are born with a condition they didnt want, they didnt choose.

    While much sympathies go to her, what she probably didnt know is : many cant tell btwn autism and misbehaviour.

    When a child is seen shouting and throwing tandrums, and their minders are not doing anythg, I was fast to conclude that the both minders and child deserve spankings – the child for bad manners and the minders for condoning the misbehaviour. How many onlookers can see a health deficiency in the child and how many parents will want to explain to people even if the latter care to ask?

    June, July or any month, I shall now be more tolerant of children who suddenly turn aggressive for no apparent reason. I rather err than to misjudge bcos misjudging will mean some reactions from me and my reactions might never be able to cure the consequences I – not the kid – bring about.

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