In the event we rolled into Edinburgh just after 01:00, and once I'd seen that 90040 was waiting to lead us forward to Euston, I must have fallen asleep. I awoke somewhere around Weaver Junction with a splitting headache. Spent the next couple of hours trying to doze fitfully, and looking out for anything of interest stabled at Rubgy. As we sped southwards the grey misty weather gave way to glorious sunshine. We rolled into Euston a little early, and I decided to walk off my headache with a ramble along the Euston Road to Kings Cross, rather than using the Underground. Arrived and secured coffee before deciding to dash for the 08:00 train rather than waiting for the 08:30 as planned. This would make the connection in Peterborough even less stressful, and allow me time to shake off the remnants of the headache before heading onwards.
In the event the extra time at Peterborough wasn't needed. A late incoming service, some platform swapping shenanigans, and an even later departure meant I would have comforably made the connection. Still, pleasant enough to bask in the sunshine and recover from a somewhat restless night on the Sleeper. Also found myself feeling slightly miserable at the prospect that I wouldn't be back in Scotland this week. But there was track to be travelled on, and soon enough we were east along new track for me, across the flat and rather empty landscape towards Sleaford. Some further slow running, but as I'd been tipped off that the connection was running equally tardily, didn't waste time worrying. A quick change of platform at Sleaford - still a miserable and derserted place in my view - and I was standing for the duration on a packed Central service for Skegness. Now I'd expected weekend services to be busy, but this was crazy. In the end I saw very little of Skegness at all. On arrival, people had already formed an orderly queue for our train which had about half an hour prior to its departure. Consequently, abandoned plans to wander about Skegness a little, and wedged myself into the queue to ensure I at least got a seat on the way back. Once on the train, tried my best to look fierce and to ensure my not inconsiderable bulk made the seat next to me less than attractive. Had a fairly stress-free journey to Nottingham via the recently remodelled Allington Curve at Grantham.
Escaped into fresh air at Nottingham where a sudden but brief rainstorm broke the heavy weather. This second visit to Nottingham of the week was a little briefer and ended with a scrum onto a Central 170 headed for Liverpool Lime Street. Managed to get trapped between a group of older folk and a bunch of younger people enjoying very explicit and graphic conversation! The two groups agitated eachother without realising it the entire way to Sheffield - and presumably for the remainder of the journey. Of all the trains I've been on this week, this was the one I most wanted to be off quickly! These two car services are in desperate need of strengthening by Central.
A leisurely change onto a Northern Trains stopper along the Hope Valley. Bounced and wriggled our way out of the station and across the lines to Dore, then enjoyed a noisy trundle through breathtaking scenery, with a little bit of new track at the end into the bargain. Arrived at a busy Piccadilly somewhere in the midst of it's evening rush hour, and didn't hang around long. Checked in at the Merchants Hotel, familiar from my first rover of 2004 and still as cheap and cheerful as ever. An early Friday evening in Manchester is busy, but not too threatening. After a pint in the 'Shakespeare', walked over to Victoria and the environs, and enjoyed further beer at the 'Hare and Hounds'. Had a long walk back to the hotel in pleasant evening sunshine. A shorter, slightly frustrating day - as much about getting into the right position as anything.
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.
