Having picked up a stomach bug somewhere during the week and needing to retire hurt from work yesterday lunchtime, today's trip was uncertain right up to this morning. Crawled out of bed a little after five, feeling acceptable but not really tip top. Put that down to the unsociable hour and set out for the station in cold but dry conditions. The plan was simple enough - up the West Coast Main Line to Warrington, over to Manchester and then to Liverpool for a Pendolino trip most of the way home. The way back was to be in First Class simply because that's the only reduced rate ticket I could get hold of.
Changed for the 07:02 off Weston and secured a warm seat in the Quiet Coach. Purchased refreshments and felt much better. Managed to doze a little between Bristol and Birmingham, having slept badly. The day started dingy and got wetter and darker as we progressed northwards. Just about light enough to spot a number of DRS 37s at Basford Hall and a clutch of four 60s at Crewe station. On time at Warrington, where 92037 was stabled. Arriva connecting service astonished me by being on time for the short run via Newton-le-Willows into Piccadilly.
Feeling a little grim now, so didn't stray far from the station. Grabbed some reading matter so I could just sit quietly somewhere for a bit. Heavy police presence meant that 'lurking' around the station was discouraged it seems. Rebooked and headed for a Liverpool train, which would give me more time to wander around there. Central's fast service was 22 down so settled for 150228 on a Northern Trains stopper. This unit had frankly seen better days. The 3+2 seating and livery did give me a brief and unpleasant recollection of how Wessex's 150s used to look. Some blessings to count I suppose!
Lime Street station hasn't changed much since I last visited. It's still a strange mix of busy local station and important mainline terminus. Not quite sure which it is, but acceptable at both. Stomach feeling much worse now, so attempted to walk it off by venturing into the city. Lots of the work on refreshing the centre of Liverpool was still ongoing when I last visited. In fairness, some of it still isn't finished - but the European Capital of Culture 2008 status seems to be moving things along. Despite feeling really awful, managed to detect the strange note of optimism which always strikes me here. Didn't wander far from Lime Street as I was concerned I wouldn't make it back! Ended up watching football and scrolling BBC news on a huge screen in the city centre - including a memorable story about a radio chat show caller who died on air. Strange the things which grab you when you're nursing a bellyache in a drizzly Merseyside shopping centre! Headed back to the station, and found a strange little second-hand book shop on the approach. It was incredibly cold inside, with the proprietor and his friend in huge anoraks and gloves, huddled around an electric heater and nursing mugs of tea. Browsed for a while before settling on an interesting volume entitled London in the Country - The Growth of Suburbia. I'm sure there were more treasures to be had, but I didn't feel up to the hunt.
Back to the station with a bit of time to kill before the 15:03 Pendolino, so got some tea and read for awhile. Being warm seemed to help a bit, so I boarded the train as soon as it was available. The concept of First Class being at the front in London is fine, except it means that at Lime Street its stuck out of the end of the recently refurbished roof, in the mouth of a damp tunnel and most of the way to Edge Hill. Got damp, but boarded safely. Alone in the front carriage of 390001, warm, comfortable and feeling a lot better. Smooth ride back to Stafford in the deepening gloom with only a slightly exaggerated tilt around Weaver Junction to stir up my stomach troubles!
Took my only photograph of the day at Stafford in failing light. Quick change onto the following Pendolino which was heading for New Street. Again, only a couple of people in the carriage. Managed to doze off on the seemingly endless stretch between Wolverhampton and New Street. On arrival a quick hop over to the Plymouth-bound Voyager which took me right back to Weston. First Class on the Voyager was a little busier but still comfortable and restful. Over the bridge at Weston and onto the 19:15 for home. Arrived feeling sleepy and pretty grim, but glad I'd done the trip despite my concerns. Time for some much earned sleep...
Lost::MikeGTN
I've had a home on the web for more years than I care to remember, and a few kind souls persuade me it's worth persisting with keeping it updated. This current incarnation of the site is centred around the blog posts which began back in 1999 as 'the daylog' and continued through my travels and tribulations during the following years.
I don't get out and about nearly as much these days, but I do try to record significant events and trips for posterity. You may also have arrived here by following the trail to my former music blog Songs Heard On Fast Trains. That content is preserved here too.
