Once again, it was one of those days where I didn't really know where I was going to end up. I'd tried throughout the week to come up with some sort of plan, but a fairly relentless time at the office combined with sheer laziness at home meant I had nothing planned until late last night. The idea was to mop up a few bits of track in the Manchester area which I'd neglected over the years, which should make for a diverting day out.
So, the usual routine to start with - the first train out, and a chance to compare notes with the locals about today's specials - most of which I won't see of course. A swift change at Bristol Temple Meads onto 1S42. A chance for a little nap and plenty of reading on a fairly quiet service. Possibly the most relaxed I've felt all week in fact. Arrived in Crewe a little early and noted some interest in one of the Salop facing bays. Wandered over to find 47245 which had brought in the stock of a steam tour, presumably from Carforth.
Arrived at the curious and rather modern airport Station and dashed onto the concourse to rebook for Rose Hill Marple, on the basis it might just be possible. Back onto the platform in time for the 12:27 Windermere train, which got me into Piccadilly, but not quite in time for a Rose Hill train. Toyed with the idea of the line via Hag Fold to Wigan, but that too was a little too long for the time remaining. Even considered the Metrolink to Altrincham, but that wouldn't have left me in a strong position. Decided to go for a wander and a look in the Ian Allan shop instead, and walked squarely into a row of fairly serious looking Welsh BTP officers. The station felt edgy and fairly uncomfortable, but I think that was in part due to the massive Police presence. Slunk back into the station, having narrowly avoided spending money, trying to look as innocent as possible. I've been here so often this year they probably recognise me.
Bought a couple of CDs and decided to park myself at Starbucks where I could relax and get out of the way. Watched a few 185s come and go, and even managed to sneak out and grab a picture of one of them. Having not really managed to salvage much of my plan, boarded the 14:54 a little early for the quick and event free journey back in First Class. After a change at Birmingham, straight through to Weston where there were a fair number of people crossing the bridge for 2G25! Turned out that due to a security alert at Reading, the 18:15 HST had terminated at Bristol, with everyone trying the route I often use here. Aside from the plan falling to pieces early on, a decent enough day in and around Manchester.
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.