As far as things go, I've moved house. Thanks to help from my family and friends, it's all gone rather smoothly. There has been the odd hiccup here and there, and until I square things regarding my old flat tomorrow some aspects are still up in the air. But mostly, life returns to normal in my new home.
The advantages are manifold - my proximity to my family, living in the centre of a small town which is on the brink of regeneration, and the presence of an excellent public house only a few minutes from my door. There are of course things I'm going to miss about Weston - but in fairness, they are probably more to do with nostalgia and a homesickness for the recent past than any great longing to be there.
Things seem to be going well, and considering today is my birthday that is a surprising admission!
Advanced notice that this website will disappear sometime around 17th October 2005. At the same time, my email address will cease to work and my telephone will be disconnected. Right now, I'm at the mercy of British Telecommunications PLC as to when and if any of this stuff ever works again. In any case, the Demon Internet account will probably not be coming back this time.
Decided not to trust the rail replacement bus services this morning, so headed to Redditch bus station in the dark for the 0650 to Birmingham. Interesting run through the southern suburbs, dropping me right next door to New Street. Plenty of time to top up supplies for the day and to grab a coffee before heading down to platform 8. I'd heard this tour was quite undersubscribed, and disappointingly there seemed to be very few souls on the platform. The two 47s thundered into the black hole of New Street bang on time on a rake of ex-West Coast Mk 3 stock. Out of Birmingham in weak sunshine and mist, but most importantly no rain. Took the right fork at Water Orton, heading for Nuneaton and then Leicester. From here via Melton Mowbray to Peterborough and Ely. New track for me next, as we headed for our first destination at Bury St. Edmunds.
Rather oddly, they decided not to let us off the train until the naming ceremony was almost complete, but there was time to take pictures and see the pristine new 'John Peel' nameplates. John's family were clearly delighted, and there was something of a celebratory atmosphere despite the rather sad occasion. Back aboard, and next to Ipswich where we were due to pick up 87007 for the journey to Norwich. It seems that administrivia had prevented this from happening, and there was some doubt as to what would happen next. We took comfort from the availability of plenty of locomotives at Ipswich, but in the event our new celebrity loco ran round to take us forward. There were, it must be said, some very angry enthusiasts on board.
Quick running into Norwich, arriving to a station full of locos from the recent Community Rail Festival, including many refugees from the Crewe Works open day. DRS liveried 37069 was hiding beside the station, and our intended traction 87007 was on the blocks in pristine new Cotswold Rail paint. Spent some time wandering the station taking pictures and chatting, before heading off on a unit to Great Yarmouth to look at the back of Crown Point depot and achieve some new track into the bargain.
On returning from Great Yarmouth, found refreshments and watched the parade of Class 90s arriving from London for a while. Away on time at 1715 running to Ely via Thetford. Managed to run early throughout, but frustratingly held repeatedly at signals. Threw away time at Peterborough and lost nearly twelve minutes due to a signal returning to red in front of the train at Water Orton. Arrived on time, but can't help feeling that an early arrival would have prevented the farce which occurred next. After flagging a taxi due to its extortionate fares, hopped onto the packed 2140 to Bournville, planning to change for the replacement bus at Selly Oak. We set off on time, but ground to a halt about five seconds later. A preceding service had reported a broken rail at Five Ways. So all stop heading south. A bus would be arranged - and it should be quick since there were plenty working in the in the area. Central Trains staff admitted they were playing the 'how many will get their own taxi if we keep them waiting?' game but the cancellation of the next two services on the Cross City Line kept the crowd large enough to be a problem. We finally got a bus at 2250, and despite assurances of a through service still had to change to another bus at Selly Oak. This connection was in doubt all the way to Selly Oak since the driver and his helper dropped all the pretty student girls off wherever they asked, taking all kinds of detours. Finally landed at Redditch at 00:02. A long day, with a frustrating finish but some excellent running. Proud to have been part of a historic occasion. There is a small gallery of pictures from the tour here.
It looks like I may be on the move again. This means disappearing from the internet for who knows how long, and lots of confusion just at the time I could do without it - but hopefully its a sensible move. There is very little to keep me here, and the desperate no man's land of the Town Centre is becoming tiresome and dangerous. The idea of being nearer to my family and away from my workplace is very appealing.
The simple fact is that I moved to Weston for all the wrong reasons. I fervently denied that - about a week after I arrived if I recall correctly - but it is sadly true. Just another example of me doing what I think people want me to, rather than what I ought to do. To move was naturally a good thing, but the eight years I've been here have become progressively more solitary and uncomfortable. I think I'd be happier being alone in pleasant surroundings with logical plumbing and usable heating appliances.
Everyone I know will say it's my own fault I'm stranded here, feeling miserable - but I'm actually not. I'm relatively happy, but I think I could be happier. My new place will be within a stone's throw from a curry house, a chinese restaurant, a computer shop and a pub serving fine ales. The railway station is a short walk away, and I'll certainly see my little nephew more often.
This time I'm confident I'm moving for the right reasons.
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.
