Blog 758 Almost there!

Saturday 30th April 2022, yesterday, was vastly different to the same day in 2017, when my sister retired from her 47 year career, and I got carted off to hospital having had a myocardial infarction at St. John’s in Buxton!  Five years on, and apart from a recent acquisition of covid-19, from which I have now seemingly recovered, all is well, and today, having worshipped yet again at St. John’s, I am, at last, on my way to numerous far-away lands, mainly by cruise ship, but with the occasional bus ride and several thousand miles of rail travel, thrown in for good measure.

My journey started in Buxton from where I caught the 13.00 hrs service to Manchester Piccadilly as far as Stockport.  Many thanks to Buxton Radio Taxis (I think!) and a church colleague, Tom, who enabled me to make the various transfers, eventually, to Platform 2 of Stockport Station with the greatest of ease. 

I think that I have “packed sensibly” this time.  On the outward journey, I am handling just two four-wheeled suitcases, into which a hold-all and cloth shoulder bag are packed, mainly for the 24 days I shall be zig-zagging around the USA on Amtrak.  The main suitcase should be taken off me at Vancouver from where it will be shipped to Brooklyn Cruise Terminal for the return sailing to Southampton. That will save me having to drag tuxedos and other cruise-wear not really needed for touring the U.S A. by train and bus. It will surely be far warmer there than in the UK right now.

Usually on a Sunday, I treat myself to pub-roast Sunday lunch. This usually comes in at around 15 quid or maybe 19 U.S.Dollars. In the station buffet at Stockport, two very nice filling sandwiches and a medium decaff latte punched a 12 quid hole in the ozone layer of my finances. And by the time I had bought additional sustenance for the 5 hour journey to Southampton, I had spent little less than I might have done for dinner at Simpson’s in the Strand. Perhaps I exaggerate!.

I am enjoying a most pleasant journey to Southampton even if the skies are one or two shades of grey.

The 1 Million Steps on Two Continents continues tomorrow in my quest to support Christian Aid Week this month. I am well over half way through this challenge which most of you will know that I started in January. Sponsorship is always welcome, and there is a JustGiving link in the previous Blog 757. I shall, however, keep these “commercials” to an absolute minimum!

Many thanks for reading, David, en route for Reading (& Southampton) 17.05 hrs.