My sick, dizzy headache from yesterday has turned into sinister, flu-like symptoms. I'm aching like crazy and coughing a lot. I don't actually feel too bad, but everything is just a little too much effort. So, after shopping watched today's parade from my window.
Hoping to feel better soon, but if my sister's estimate based on her recent illness is anything to go by, it's going to be a miserable week!
Up at the now customary time to head out of Highbridge on 2M02. Quick journey up to Bristol, with time to note that pet powercar 43130 was on the front for our journey via the Berks & Hants to London. A cold clear November morning - perfect weather for another Lord Mayor's Show. Breakfast plans in tatters due to a lack of 'hot breakfast items' in the buffet. Can't imagine the rugby crowd in Standard Class were too happy! On arriving, tube to Blackfriars for coffee and a bite to eat. Wandered up New Bridge Street and onto Ludgate Hill, and found a spot not far from last year's vantage point. Bang on 10:55 the RAF flypast signalled the start of the parade.
As usual, a fair selection of military bands, community floats and livery company efforts - many focused on the interests of David Brewer, the new Lord Mayor. Hence Cornwall, China and Basinghall Ward Club all got involved. Noted a high profile security presence atop the buildings around us.
Wandered into the city to find lunch, and as custom dictates, picnicked in Abchurch Yard. Confess I was feeling pretty exhausted by now, given an early start and what felt like the beginning of a nasty cold. Tried to walk it off by heading east, then through Austin Friars and Moorgate to Whitecross Street. Arrived at Farringdon station feeling thoroughly sick and tired, so headed back to Paddington. Had considered staying for the firework display, but it's really not the same when you're watching on your own. A quiet and relaxing journey back meant lots of reading, and a slight recovery by Highbridge - certainly enough for a few pints at The Coopers Arms before struggling home on aching feet.
The Lord Mayor's Show doesn't change much from year to year, but for a cynical atheist like me this kind of continuity is strangely important.
Another early start in the darkness of Highbridge station. Changed at Weston for the soon to be legendary 1S49. Met a work colleague heading for the Midlands to buy a car, and passed the time to Birmingham chatting happily in rapidly improving autumn weather. Once again, sent via the scenic route of Worcester and Kidderminster. Off Birmingham after quite a wait, and some quick running as far as Derby where we reversed via Long Eaton and a first for me - the run through Toton to Trowell Junction. Any hope of getting everything on the depot was dashed by the presence of a massive crowd of football fans heading for Chesterfield wondering why the journey was taking so long. Chatted to one or two of them as far as their destination.
The weather deteriorated as we sped north, and on leaving Sheffield things looked bleak. Put it down to the gloomy stretch via Mexborough and Swinton, hoping for a change. Arrived in Doncaster in a deluge and sprinted for cover so quickly that it was some time before I realised that 57601 and pet Duff 47826 were stabled just inches from where I arrived!
Queued for coffee among a crowd of very damp passengers, then wandered around the station chatting to fellow cranks and generally watching what was going on. A busy couple of hours for a Saturday including a number of weedkiller workings and a few freights. Highlight in this respect must be the surprise convoy of 66080, 60087, 60027, 60011 and 66208 which passed by at speed - not making for the best photograph.
Determined to get a least a quick look at one of Hull Trains new 'Pioneer' units. After a wander over the rickety footbridge to find Cotswold Rail's freshly painted but unnumbered 47033, I finally got a chance when 222101 arrived on the 1359 to Hull
Left Doncaster after a pleasant couple of hours on the 1435 to Kings Cross. Speedy running in fine evening sunshine. Even this wasn't simple however as south of Stevenage, moments after seeing my last class 67 pass by, we forked left for Hertford North and Gordon Hill - more, albeit unexpected, new track for me. A quick underground trip to Paddington and aboard the 17:30 for Highbridge along with lots of Arsenal and Reading fans heading home. A relaxing trip, followed by a few welcome pints at the Coopers. Some decent mileage, interesting sightings and an excellent way to wind down after a busy week.
For the first time in a what seems a very long time, got up early and headed for the station. Strange sense of deja vu to be heading for Highbridge and Burnham at this time of the morning, and it wasn't accidental that this rather shot-in-the-dark trip was chosen because of memories of previous trips from here ten years or so ago. So, off to Weston on the 0633. Rebooked, spending a frankly enormous amount on a ticket to Leicester. Chose this destination mainly because it was somewhere I'd passed through but not often stopped at.
The Virgin service from Weston to Birmingham was diverted via Worcester and Drotiwich, then via the curve at Smethwick Galton Bridge to gain Birmingham New Street from the Stour Valley line. Some slow running along the line from Worcester, but interesting to do this on a Voyager - despite my last trip coming almost exactly the same way. Changed at Birmingham for a Leicester train via Nuneaton and Hinckley. Arrived in bright sunshine, which meant most of my photographs aren't too good - but I did however get a shot of a distant 58005 which I noted during my last excursion.
Wandered a bit, enjoying the unexpectedly good weather and a coffee. A constant stream of Midland Mainline HSTs and Meridians kept me amused and interested. Had decided on a trip via Derby to relive more memories, and eventually squeezed aboard a very overcrowded four-car Meridian travelling via Loughborough and Long Eaton to Derby. A fair amount of football fans from London on board. Got a seat just in time to peruse the former Railway Technical Centre and surrounding sidings.
Strange engineering at Derby means most trains are arriving and leaving from the south, with Virgin services to Scotland leaving via Long Eaton - and presumably heading up via Toton Centre or Nottingham. Resisted the urge to spend more and possibly get completely stuck. Did however, manage to misjudge the timings at Derby and found myself in a lull of southbound services. Contemplated heading for Sheffield and coming back on a through Virgin service, but decided on the safe option of a trip back on a Birmingham-bound local instead.
With quite a wait for the 1512 at Birmingham, stepped out into the city for a wander around the shops. Absolute mayhem, with almost intolerable crowds milling rather haphazardly around the city. Scarpered for the station. Got a seat on a rather busy Voyager back to Bristol, again via the scenic diverted route. A little outside Parkway we were delayed as a service ahead had made an unscheduled stop to allow paramedics to attend a sick passenger. I have to say the outburst of mean-spirited moaning into mobiles which went on in my carriage was pretty sickening. We were soon off, carrying a 36 minute delay, into Temple Meads, and a cross platform change for my unit home - which was it must be said, pretty rowdy with a hen party and some very agitated youths aboard.
So, back onto the rails, with a pleasant and relaxing run out to the East Midlands. Lots of people watching, train spotting, wandering and wondering. A very good day.
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.
