Episode 1/27

@ An Adventure Begins!
Rick O'Shade and Clover have been given a free map to help them enjoy their Winter Tour! Before unfolding it, they read the cover:
Full Steam Ahead
Today's trip starts with the pets being picked up by motor vehicles. They try to catch sight of signposts to give a clue to their destination! Arriving at the train station, they climb aboard the Winter Express steam engine for a tour through a winter wonderland! The train stops for them to stretch paws, flippers and wings exploring a path through a snowy forest and on the way back they encounter a little creature clad in red and white trying out his skis! Back on board the journey through winter vistas continues until sunset. The train puffs its way across a stunning viaduct and on into the mist, before pulling up at the station where it is just a short distance to that night's house. Here the pets can explore the spacious interior including the library and wind down from their enjoyable trip out with hot chocolate topped with whipped cream and cinnamon.
An Adventure Begins!
Who says that winter can't be a time for a fun adventure? Not the friends who make up Pets n Friends! for them it is "full steam ahead" as they make their way on a snowy day to the southern train station where a day of fun will begin! These adventurers even have the windows down in their van to allow the snowflakes to fall on their faces, feet, paws, etc.!

Episode 2/27

@ Arrow Pointing
“You know, I'd like to spend a whole week here, Rick O'Shade!” said Cutey Purr.
"It's very nice indeed—but you never know, the next leg of the tour might be even better!" said Rick O'Shade.
Arrow Pointing
As our friends settle in on the train, they notice the directional sign outside their windows. They smile at one another as they know this arrow points towards a fun adventure!

Episode 3/27

@ And They're Off!
“Hey, have you seen what the next stop is, Rick O'Shade?” said Morenth. "It looks fantastic!"
"I'll get my camera ready," said Rick O'Shade.
And They're Off!
With the long, loud sound of the train's whistle, the train lurches forward with a jolt and a series of chugs increasing rapidly while steam pours over the top and down the sides of each passenger car! Our friends settle into their seats with wide smiles!

Episode 4/27

@ Snowy Landscape
“Seeing these places makes me want to spend a week or two and really experience life here, Rick O'Shade,” remarked Sugie.
"Well, I guess that's the point of travel, isn't it?" said Rick O'Shade. "To broaden your horizons and so on."
Snowy Landscape
They don't stay fully in their seats for long as the beautiful winter landscape fills the windows! The trees seem to have caught every snowflake possible to add "frosting" to their trunks and branches while the ground between the train and the trees is pure white and untouched by any paw prints! A toot of the train's whistle makes this moment magical!

Episode 5/27

@ Rugged Terrain
"What happens when you cross a viaduct with a train, Sapphire Rose?" asked Rick O'Shade.
"I don't know, what?" "You get to the other side."
Rugged Terrain
As the train continues steadily on its journey, our friends notice some terrain that isn't as smooth as previously viewed. The remains of a lone pine tree without limbs and needles stands in stark contrast to the fuller trees they had just seen - reminding our friends that there is a cycle to life. The bright sunshine and blue skies brighten their spirits as they travel on.

Episode 6/27

@ Mountain Pass
"Ooh, look what it says in my book, Rick O'Shade! 'Today’s electric commuter trains possess all the character and élan of an Argos microwave oven. They transport bodies well enough, but leave spirits unmoved. Have we lost something?' I think that just about sums it up!"
Mountain Pass
Our day-trip adventurers notice tall, jagged mountains in the distance, with hints of a glacier on the side of one range. They wonder what it would be like to ride snow machines down into the midst of the mountain pass. Another toot of the whistle gets them ready for what's next!

Episode 7/27

@ Mountainside Cabins
Rick O'Shade opened his rucksack to find his hat. Gulliver could see Rick O'Shade had a beret, a balaclava, a cricket cap, a Tam o' Shanter, a woolly bobble hat, a beanie, a deerstalker hat and a Peruvian chullo!
“Did you bring a Stetson too?” Gulliver asked Rick O'Shade.
Mountainside Cabins
Pressing their noses against the windows, they now see several cabins tucked into the foothills of the mountain range, practically buried in snow! The tall evergreen trees point to the sky like snowy rockets ready to blast off into the wild blue yonder! A closer look reveals a path to the side of the first home, letting our friends know that those who live here have things under control and can still get out and about. What fun it would be to sled down these slopes!!

Episode 8/27

@ Off-roading!
“British steam engines always had a kettle on a shelf above the firebox so the fireman could make tea on the go,” remarked Choose a name Thisisme.
"Sounds like they had their priorities right!" said Rick O'Shade.

Off-roading!
The train makes a scheduled stop at a crossroads where the passengers are invited to take a stretch and walk down a dirt path for horse-drawn sleighs. Our friends enjoy the opportunity to breathe the fresh, crisp air and are delighted to see some fall leaves still hanging from some trees while others are covered with white! As they walk a little distance from the train, the sound of the train's steam can be heard behind them.

Episode 9/27

@ Swooshing!
DILLIGAS mused over the itinerary. “Steam trains are so romantic, aren't they, Rick O'Shade?” he said. "Why aren't they still in use, seeing as they're so powerful, too?"
Rick O'Shade considered this. “I think they're quite high maintenance compared to a modern train, DILLIGAS!"

Swooshing!
What's that sound? It isn't the train's steam billowing! Swoosh. Swoosh. Swish, Swish. All at once, a local resident comes popping through the trees, almost knocking our friends over! This little gnome is having a fun, adventuresome day as well as he skis out from one side of the path, hitting a mound of snow that sends him sailing slightly in the air, past our friends, and then lands on the path's other side, disappearing into the trees. Swoosh. Swoosh. Swish. Swish.

Episode 10/27

@ All Aboard!
“It would be great fun to camp in the snow overnight, wouldn't it, Dizzy?” said Rick O'Shade."In the morning you'd fill your kettle with snow and boil it suspended from a tripod of sticks, like they do in books."
Dizzy shivered. “Brrrrrrrr! I think it would be a little too cold, Rick O'Shade! I like my creature comforts!"
All Aboard!
After some conversation of having just been plowed into by the little gnome skier, the three toots of the whistle announce that it's time for passengers to make their way back to the train and get on board for the next leg of their adventure! With snow now falling, it makes the somewhat hurried scurry a bit of fun as they try to catch snowflakes on their tongues!

Episode 11/27

@ Snow Covered Mountains
"What happens when you cross a viaduct with a train, Hoots?" asked Rick O'Shade.
"I don't know, what?" "You get to the other side."
Snow Covered Mountains
As the train lurches forward once again, there is no want for wonders to behold! Our travelers are blessed to take in the sweeping vista of another mountain range and the valley of snow that seems to flow into its rocks and rills like a river!

Episode 12/27

@ Mountain Village
“Hey, have you seen what the next stop is, Rick O'Shade?” said Sophia. "It looks fantastic!"
"I'll get my camera ready," said Rick O'Shade.
Mountain Village
Off in the distance our travelers see a little village at the base of this mountain range. They can't help but wonder what the lives of the pets that live there must be like, waking up to such majestic mountains, beautiful trees, and sweeping snow!

Episode 13/27

@ Snowy Village
“Nothing too energetic or alarming about today's excursion, Rick O'Shade!” remarked Brujula. "Just a gentle paw-stretching walk in a nice wood."
Rick O'Shade grinned. “Thank goodness! Your screams as we descended from the top of that rollercoaster at the fairground last autumn are ringing in my ears still!"
Snowy Village
Our travelers are able to get more than a glimpse of the possibilities as the train takes them even closer to another village where they peer out of their windows into the windows of the homes before them, wondering whether the pets who live there are enjoying hot chocolate and popcorn on this chilly day!

Episode 14/27

@ Foggy Viewpoint
Salem pondered over the book about steam engines she had purchased from the station. “Some years ago this chap at the York National Railway Museum cooked an entire Christmas dinner in the driver's cab of a moving steam train. Incredible, isn't it, Rick O'Shade?”
“Really, Salem? Did he go for Delia Smith or Gordon Ramsay?" replied Rick O'Shade jestingly.
"Neither. Jamie Oliver, actually," replied Salem, a little on her dignity.
Foggy Viewpoint
The train's whistle toots again, alerting our travelers of another wonderful view coming up - that of being at the top of one such mountain and looking down at the tops of trees on the slopes below, as well as the top of a cloud no doubt filled with snow for those below!

Episode 15/27

@ Sunset Over a Pond
“Ooh, it's just starting to get a bit cold, Rick O'Shade!” said Choose a name. “Can you hold my gloves and map while I dig out my scarf?"
Rick O'Shade good-naturedly took charge of Choose a name's possessions while she emptied her rucksack of a pack of sandwiches, a Thermos flask, a pair of galoshes, a bag of toffees, a paperback novel, a bottle of mineral water, an address book, some postage stamps, an assortment of different coloured biros, a bottle opener, a couple of old train tickets, a handful of golden and silver moles, a door key, some shopping receipts, a screwdriver, a bottle of multivitamins, a lottery ticket and a selection of rather battered sachets of salt, sugar and tomato ketchup before locating the scarf right at the bottom. This she donned and then Rick O'Shade helped her put everything back in her rucksack.

Sunset Over a Pond
After the train makes its way down the mountain range, another whistle toot draws our friendly pets' attention to a frozen pond, covered in snow with a beautiful sunset taking place off in the distance! The wooded slope, now silhouetted by the eventide, adds to the visual beauty of the sun, clouds, and blue sky overhead!

Episode 16/27

@ Mountain Top Sunset
"Miss Mousse, did you hear about the pet who took the 6 o'clock train home? He had to give it back!"
Rick O'Shade doubled up with mirth at his own joke.
Mountain Top Sunset
The train takes a climb to the top of another mountain where our travelers get a birds-eye view of the snow-filled clouds and hillsides below them. What a feast for the eyes!

Episode 17/27

@ Lone Cabin
“What have you got in your tote bag, Flutterbye?” asked Tweety Pi. “It looks very full!”
“I’ve come prepared for anything snowy, Tweety Pi,” responded Flutterbye. “There’s snowshoes, snow boots, Wellington boots, a pair of grippy things, ear muffs—you name it, I’ve got it!”
Lone Cabin
As the train makes its way down this mountain, our pets notice a quaint little cabin all to itself on the hillside, about to become enveloped with the clouds filled with snow. The sun's yellow glow still permeates through the thick clouds making for a neat treat to stare at!

Episode 18/27

@ Deer in the Distance
“Hey, have you seen what the next stop is, Rick O'Shade?” said Hoppy. "It looks fantastic!"
"I'll get my camera ready," said Rick O'Shade.
Deer in the Distance
At the base of the mountain, there was one patch of land that hadn't yet been touched by the aforementioned snow-filled clouds. Gazing down the side track, not only were the remnants of fall still visible with various colors of leaves on the ground, but a lone deer stops its feeding to look up and greet the passersby on the train.

Episode 19/27

@ Viaduct View
“Ooh, it's just starting to get a bit cold, Rick O'Shade!” said Darby. “Can you hold my gloves and map while I dig out my scarf?"
Rick O'Shade good-naturedly took charge of Darby's possessions while she emptied her rucksack of a pack of sandwiches, a Thermos flask, a pair of galoshes, a bag of toffees, a paperback novel, a bottle of mineral water, an address book, some postage stamps, an assortment of different coloured biros, a bottle opener, a couple of old train tickets, a handful of golden and silver moles, a door key, some shopping receipts, a screwdriver, a bottle of multivitamins, a lottery ticket and a selection of rather battered sachets of salt, sugar and tomato ketchup before locating the scarf right at the bottom. This she donned and then Rick O'Shade helped her put everything back in her rucksack.

Viaduct View
As the train's whistle toots again, and the pets see what's coming up ahead - they know that their day-trip is nearing its end. In front of you, the tracks lead across a long and high viaduct with incredible views on both sides of their passenger car. The friends realize that this was how their adventure began that morning: going through a viaduct, but much smaller and the view not as magnificent.

Episode 20/27

@ Day's End
Alexander looked up from his map. "How is hygge pronounced, Rick O'Shade?" he asked.
“You say it like HOO-ga" replied Rick O'Shade. "It's a Danish word but it's used in Norway, too."
Day's End
As the train's whistle blows long and loud repeatedly, and its speed slows down to a low chug-a-chug-a-chug, you know that your final destination - the north station is in front of you. With the sun setting and a cold mist settling in, the pets are glad they've made this journey together!

Episode 21/27

@ Destination Digs
“If there's time at the end when we get back to our accommodation, I might do some initial sketches for a watercolour painting," Pyron Toothless said, offering Rick O'Shade a toffee from the bag and then unwrapping one for himself.
“That sounds like a good plan, Pyron Toothless!" said Rick O'Shade.
Destination Digs
After disembarking from the train, the pets make their way to the cozy, warm hotel to call it a day. And what a day it has been! This wonderful place boasts several lounges where friends can stretch their legs (and tails), such as this woodsy-looking area with gentle lights, spacious couches, and soft pillows.

Episode 22/27

@ Bright Room
"This is fabulous, Slushie," enthused Rick O'Shade. "I'll have this photo printed and framed and display it next to my ceramic puffin that I got in the little gift shop near Snow Beach and the model lighthouse from Transcia!"
"You'll have a fine collection of mementos, Rick O'Shade!" said Slushie.
Bright Room
Another lounge complete with reading materials is bright and reminds them of the snowy landscapes they traveled through during the day. The carpet is soft and white as snow, but definitely not as cold - perfect for grabbing a sofa pillow and stretching out on!

Episode 23/27

@ Fireside Room
“British steam engines always had a kettle on a shelf above the firebox so the fireman could make tea on the go,” remarked Eton.
"Sounds like they had their priorities right!" said Rick O'Shade.

Fireside Room
Another favorite lounge offers the warmth and crackles of a roaring fireplace, a neat sound after hearing the clackity-clack of the train throughout the day! It also offers a big row of windows to look out at the snowfall from a warm and safe distance.

Episode 24/27

@ Hot Chocolate Deluxe
Rick O'Shade opened his rucksack to find his hat. Ladybug could see Rick O'Shade had a beret, a balaclava, a cricket cap, a Tam o' Shanter, a woolly bobble hat, a beanie, a deerstalker hat and a Peruvian chullo!
“Did you bring a Stetson too?” Ladybug asked Rick O'Shade.
Hot Chocolate Deluxe
What can be better than sitting in any of these fine lounges and enjoying the warmth of friendship and a good mug of hot chocolate, complete with whipped cream, chocolate "dust" and a milk chocolate stick to stir things with? Each of these pets would say, "Enjoying such with the best of friends!"

Episode 25/27

@ Good Reads
"Wasn’t it worth coming all this way, Rick O'Shade," said Zubi, "for this experience alone?"
Rick O'Shade, admiring the scene they were now in, heartily agreed!
Good Reads
In addition to getting to stretch out with some hot chocolate in their favorite spot in the hotel, these friends can also opt for some quiet moments of just slurping through the whipped topping and enjoying a good book to end the evening with. What's on this shelf?

Episode 26/27

@ End of the Day
Rick O'Shade is tired out and ready to go home when Silk comes along. "Wow! You find a special prize!" says Silk. Rick O'Shade turns round and found it was just behind them!
Frosty Tree
When freezing fog and excess moisture meet with the perfect temperature, a picturesque winter wonderland is the result. This frosty display of crystalline beauty is either referred to as hoar frost or rime ice depending on the weather conditions.
End of the Day
While the excursion may have been a long and chilly one, as the friends continue to enjoy their hot chocolate (whipped topping all gone!), they look over some of their mementos that they picked up at the little stops the train was able to make along the way. They reminisce and smile with thankful, contented hearts.

Episode 27/27

@ Full Steam Ahead
Rick O'Shade has enjoyed his winter tour and is now ready to go to his own snug, warm home. Archie feels just the same!!
Full Steam Ahead
Today's trip starts with the pets being picked up by motor vehicles. They try to catch sight of signposts to give a clue to their destination! Arriving at the train station, they climb aboard the Winter Express steam engine for a tour through a winter wonderland! The train stops for them to stretch paws, flippers and wings exploring a path through a snowy forest and on the way back they encounter a little creature clad in red and white trying out his skis! Back on board the journey through winter vistas continues until sunset. The train puffs its way across a stunning viaduct and on into the mist, before pulling up at the station where it is just a short distance to that night's house. Here the pets can explore the spacious interior including the library and wind down from their enjoyable trip out with hot chocolate topped with whipped cream and cinnamon.
Rick O'Shade has completed the quest! Please select another pet as visitor, so it can take part in "Huskies, Hijinks and Hygge"!