Did nothing yesterday at all, despite efforts otherwise. Resolved not to do the same today, and despite early decision to sleep-in, the postman rang the bell and got me out of bed.
Thought about going into the Valleys for some Class 37 haulage, since I've been reading about the possible end to this after Christmas. Found out that only a couple of pretty badly timed trips to Rhymney are hauled on weekdays, but planned a trip for tomorrow instead.
Noted that the top-and-tail 31's to Brighton were still supposed to be running. Headed out to Bristol with enough time to grab a ticket, should they turn out to be running. Watched for the arrival on Platform 13 in howling winds and streaming rain. Hugely disappointed to see a 158 arrive on the inward working. After a few moments of indecision, headed straight back to Weston.
Sheer desperation took me to the computer shop, and persuaded me to part with cash for an ATi Radeon 9200 video card. Now, if I can just make it work...
Later, went for a drink in town with friends. Pleasant enough evening, which I hope won't disrupt tomorrows trip.
Set off at lunchtime for meeting in Trowbridge. All ran very smoothly, getting me there with time to spare. Lovely, bright winter day - so I wandered a little before going into County Hall for the meeting.
Meeting was reasonably encouraging, and we resolved to go back to Central Government and ask for more money or a more logical group of partner authorities (ones which use a common software supplier might make the cash stretch further for example).
Back at station with a little time before the 16:30 to Bristol. On getting back to Bristol I managed a quick change onto a slightly delayed and very full fast train to Weston. All seemed to be going very well...
...until we ground to a halt outside Worle. A bunch of tourists waiting for Weston continuously asked 'are we moving?' when we clearly hadn't been for a long time! Turned out that a unit had broken down on the single-line loop into Weston. They proposed to pass on the mainline and take us all to Taunton!
Finally, Virgin staff were persuaded to set us down at Worle. I headed over the bridge and caught a No. 7 the rest of the way home, with the bonus of a very friendly driver who chatted the whole way back. Exhausted.
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.
