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.

It should have been easy from here. Arriva's 10:30 to Wilmslow for an eight minute connection to the airport. Noted the 10:30 late and getting progressively later. Hedged my bets to be ready for a platform change, then much as expected noted the service cancelled. Dashed over to Platform 1 to try to find a seat on the next Northern stopper before a Pendolino full of football fans descended on the train en route to Old Trafford. Soon off, around half and hour behind time but still optimistic. All began to crumble however, when a timetable check indicated a wait of over thirty minutes at Wilmslow for the next Airport unit. Nothing much I could do but board the waiting 323 which was at least some shelter for the rain now pelting down. The sooner the replacement signalling on this strategically important piece of line is fully commissioned, the better.

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.