Episode 1/27

@ An Adventure Begins!
Draco II and Lady Thea 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
Latte 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, Draco II?”
“Really, Latte? Did he go for Delia Smith or Gordon Ramsay?" replied Draco II jestingly.
"Neither. Jamie Oliver, actually," replied Latte, a little on her dignity.

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!
"Knock, knock!" said Chewbie.
"Who’s there?" replied Draco II.
"Alpaca."
"Alpaca who?"
"Alpaca the suitcase, you see-a what time the train leaves!"
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
“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!”
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
“You've got to admit, it takes real skills to drive a steam locomotive, Draco II,” said Loop-de-Loop. "It could take years to learn the various jobs."
"Well, yes, Loop-de-Loop, I don't doubt that," said Draco II considering the matter. “But, you know, things have moved on, haven't they?"
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
“It would be great fun to camp in the snow overnight, wouldn't it, Choose a name?” said Draco II."In the morning you'd fill your kettle with snow and boil it suspended from a tripod of sticks, like they do in books."
Choose a name shivered. “Brrrrrrrr! I think it would be a little too cold, Draco II! I like my creature comforts!"
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
“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 Draco II.

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!
“Don't you think it would be great to cook your lunch on the back of a shovel in the firebox, like they used to do, Draco II?” HapHipHop asked. "What a fun way to prepare a baked potato or a fried egg!"
Draco II shuddered slightly. “Wouldn't the food be a bit, you know, gritty, HapHipHop?"

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!
“Pass me the binoculars, Draco II!” said Wonder. "I think that's a Canada goose just taking off over there!"
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!
“I could stay here forever, Draco II,” said Charlie. “This is an amazing place!”
“Well, you never know what lies ahead, Charlie. I wouldn't be surprised if the next stop is even better!” said Draco II.
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
“Ooh, it's just starting to get a bit cold, Draco II!” said Cuddles. “Can you hold my gloves and map while I dig out my scarf?"
Draco II good-naturedly took charge of Cuddles'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 Draco II helped her put everything back in her rucksack.

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

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
“A picture of this would look lovely printed on Christmas cards, wouldn't it, Draco II?” Sweetie said.
“It certainly would, Sweetie!" said Draco II.
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
“I'm hungry, Draco II!” said Hazy Haille. "Do you think they'd heat up the pizza I brought for tonight on the fireman's shovel?"
"Here, have some of my sandwiches," offered Draco II. “It does sound like there's a crying need for a steam engine firebox cookery book, though, Hazy Haille!"
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
“Nothing too energetic or alarming about today's excursion, Draco II!” remarked Zippy. "Just a gentle paw-stretching walk in a nice wood."
Draco II 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!"
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
"Ooh, look what it says in my book, Draco II! '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 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
“I'm hungry, Draco II!” said Kia. "Do you think they'd heat up the pizza I brought for tonight on the fireman's shovel?"
"Here, have some of my sandwiches," offered Draco II. “It does sound like there's a crying need for a steam engine firebox cookery book, though, Kia!"
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
“Pass me the binoculars, Draco II!” said Daisy. "I think that's a Canada goose just taking off over there!"
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
Scaredy Cat mused over the itinerary. “Steam trains are so romantic, aren't they, Draco II?” he said. "Why aren't they still in use, seeing as they're so powerful, too?"
Draco II considered this. “I think they're quite high maintenance compared to a modern train, Scaredy Cat!"

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
“Pass me the binoculars, Draco II!” said Precious. "I think that's a Canada goose just taking off over there!"
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
“Don't you think it would be great to cook your lunch on the back of a shovel in the firebox, like they used to do, Draco II?” Garfield asked. "What a fun way to prepare a baked potato or a fried egg!"
Draco II shuddered slightly. “Wouldn't the food be a bit, you know, gritty, Garfield?"

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
Draco II opened his rucksack to find his hat. Razzamatazz could see Draco II 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?” Razzamatazz asked Draco II.
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
“I'm hungry, Draco II!” said Aja. "Do you think they'd heat up the pizza I brought for tonight on the fireman's shovel?"
"Here, have some of my sandwiches," offered Draco II. “It does sound like there's a crying need for a steam engine firebox cookery book, though, Aja!"
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
“If there's time at the end when we get back to our accommodation, I might do some initial sketches for a watercolour painting," Abel said, offering Draco II a toffee from the bag and then unwrapping one for himself.
“That sounds like a good plan, Abel!" said Draco II.
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
“I could stay here forever, Draco II,” said Dante. “This is an amazing place!”
“Well, you never know what lies ahead, Dante. I wouldn't be surprised if the next stop is even better!” said Draco II.
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
Draco II is tired out and ready to go home when Choose a name comes along. "Wow! You find a special prize!" says Choose a name. Draco II 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
Draco II has enjoyed his winter tour and is now ready to go to his own snug, warm home. Gulliver 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.
Draco II has completed the quest! Please select another pet as visitor, so it can take part in "Huskies, Hijinks and Hygge"!