David's Cruise

Journey’s End – Inverness.

Today has been marvellous. I had been awake far earlier than intended and after a substantial continental breakfast at my city centre hotel, I walked leisurely to Edinburgh’s massive Waverley Station, picked up my tickets as instructed and awaited the arrival of LNER’s beautifully restored High Speed Train. These trains, had, until recently, dominated the East Coast main line and the route from London Paddington to Penzance since 1978. They appeared later also on the Midland main line between London St. Pancras, Derby and Sheffield.

I was very pleased with the hotel which came recommended by a neighour whose daughter had stayed there, and having picked up an envelope containing my tickets, I joined a gathering crowd waiting eagerly for the seven car train, resplendent throughout in its original blue and light grey Inter City livery to arrive. A sharp intake of breath heralded the sight of this freshly painted train as it made its head-turning entrance into Waverley Station. Only the orange hazard warning lights, orange line along the entire train warning of proximity to the overhead electrification, and yellow highlighted steps betrayed the train’s convincing and highly detailed 1978 image. I was pleased to see the coach numbers and Inter City decals as originally applied to each vehicle. No corner was cut in this astonishingly accurate restoration; all those on board, or who just saw the train were more than suitably impressed. Only a tourist from the Far East asked me why so many people were taking photographs!

Scotland in winter is rarely a good time to hope for bright weather. But today, although cool, hardly a cloud in the sky made for endless lovely countryside and magnificent sea-scapes as our gorgeous train headed north. Within minutes, we were crossing the Forth Bridge, and for the first time since I was 16, I was astounded as we crossed the huge Tay Bridge, making a sharp right hand turn towards Dundee Station. The pictures below merely illustrate the train at Edinburgh, also, a backwards view of the Tay Bridge, a photo call at Arbroath and a couple of interior images. Arrival at Inverness in the dark will be illustrated in the next blog.

I am now settled in at the Royal Highland Hotel, formerly the Station Hotel right by Inverness Station. My room here is adequate, but smaller than those I have stayed in at other former railway hotels. It appears to be thriving with many guests moving about, not very quietly! The electric heater in my room is effective against the Scottish cold. It seems reception staff have to point out to guests the connection between the grand staircase to that of the Titanic. I am given to understand that the creator of Titanic’s staircase had been a guest of what was The Station Hotel and the staircase here inspired that on the White Star’s ill-fated liner.

I was a little sad to leave the train at Inverness, but am rather pleased at the thought of a further three days as we head towards London. All I have met on board are excellent company, particularly a young 14 year old whose enthusiasm is joyous and knowledge far more mature than mine was even in later years. His journey to Inverness was a Christmas present from his parents. Just like I still do, he scooped up as much memorabilia as he was able to, from traders on board, and LNER personnel.

Tomorrow, we return to Edinburgh via Perth and Stirling.

Thanks for reading,

David.

Tuesday 17th December 2019

To all those reading this to whom I should have sent a Christmas card, either, it’s apologies, or it’s in the post! Being prepared for the celebrations of this time of year has never been a strong point. I’ve no excuse, I am retired and thus savouring a “blank canvass” life style where I get up whenever I feel like it, and see what the day has in store.

Two or three weeks ago, I learned that a farewell to the High Speed Train was planned over a four day period, the week before Christmas. Normally, I would be content merely to read about it in the railway press; I have travelled over all of the route sometime in my life, and if I really wanted to, could do likewise, using my rail pass. Two things attract me to this journey, 1) it is in aid of a worthy charity, C.A.L.M., and 2) and this is the real reason, the entire train is being repainted in the colours it received when it first went into service in the mid 1970s. This must be a very expensive exercise and whether or not an extravagant waste of money, it makes this four day trip extraordinarily special. As soon as I received the booking details, I contacted U.K. Railtours who were running the trip presumably at the behest of L.N.E.R., the Train Operating Company for the East Coast Main Line. In less than a day, seats available were in single figures, First Class only available from Edinburgh to Inverness. I booked the last Standard Class seat between Leeds and Kings Cross. Eventually, somebody’s spectacular cancellation freed up First Class accommodation for all four trips and I was on the phone immediately.

Indeed, as far as I can make out, this journey covers the entire L.N.E.R. network, as well as the Scotrail section between Aberdeen and Inverness, where the information states that HSTs have never ventured. From Inverness, just after midday, the train continues south back to Edinburgh over the Highland Main Line. I was there, I think in 2013, steam hauled. That was a journey steam hauled throughout from London with overnight stops in Stirling and Edinburgh.

I started my journey on 17th December taking the 12.02hrs from Buxton to Piccadilly, where an almost 90 minute connection allowed for a leisurely and unhealthy lunch at Carluccio’s, Manchester Piccadilly, a regular haunt during the latter days of my employment with Northern Rail. At that time, a generous discount for rail staff was too good an opportunity to pass by. It was always the first place people would look for me if I wasn’t where I was supposed to be…!

The short period between my retirement and today has seen enormous changes both on the railway and in Manchester’s evolving landscape. Only the miserable December weather and the occasional familiar building gives a clue to where actually I am. Unfamiliar high rises dominate the sky-line, some with cranes high up indicating they are not yet complete. In some ways, it’s very good that Manchester is up there with the other large cities, not only in the U.K. but world wide. Sadly, much of the character is lost, but in reality, would the character of a city unaltered from the mid 20th century be attractive anyway?

My next train was a Trans Pennine service through to Edinburgh. A nice window seat with ample legroom negated any excuse for upgrading to First Class. A three car Class 185 formed the service which, thankfully, was not overcrowded. However, things started to deteriorate somewhere around Penrith, no Driver was available to work the train forward from Carlisle. The next available direct service to Edinburgh was what turned out to be an 18 minutes late Avanti West Coast 5 car Voyager. This had to accommodate passengers from my train, and an L.N.E.R. service, as well as those already on board. Horses on the line and a delayed freightliner train (hauled by 88003 “Genesis”) added to the delay. First Class beckoned and I await the Conductor, credit card at the ready! The train is packed, understandably.

Despite a few frustrations, I have enjoyed my train ride, particularly over the sections I once would work trains. The line is newly electrified from Manchester through to Preston and Blackpool North, as well as, already, to the north. Another vast improvement since retirement!

My usual mid-afternoon fatigue did not materialise, and probably, I will sleep well tonight. Being winter, it is dark early and there is thus very little to see from the train. Nevertheless it is good to remind myself of the joy’s (and irritations) of rail travel and I have no misgivings about crossing the U.S.A. on Amtrak in August. Although already booked and paid for, there is disquieting speculation about the immediate future of long distance services on United States railways. This brings to mind my trip over there in 1971 when Amtrak had just been established. My booked round trip between Chicago and New Orleans had to be truncated to a one way trip, and a terrifying flight back from Louisiana to Chicago’s O’hare airport. However, the spectacular sight of a night time Chicago from above made up for any disappointment and the alarm of very bouncy turbulence.

I imagine we must be in Scotland now. A newly liveried Pendolino trundled into Platform 1 at Carlisle while I was waiting. I prefer this to the garish red of Virgin although I did feel Branson brought a lot of fun and imagination during his 22 years in the railway industry. I shall miss that. There were a lot of irritations as well; gimmicky, and far too many on-train announcements come to mind. But three trains an hour, instead of just one, between London and Manchester, that remains impressive.

We shall soon be at Edinburgh Waverley and hopefully, my accommodation at the Ballantrae is not too far off.

(Above) Carlisle, a glimpse of Avanti’s new livery, as well as a Class 156 in very vintage First Group colours.

Thanks for reading,

David.

The pleasure of returning home, I find, is usually after “too much of a good thing.” Nevertheless, I was reluctant to, on the final night of my 69 night odyssey, accept that “this time tomorrow, I shall be in my own bed” for the first time in ten weeks. Prior to boarding Queen Mary 2 in Southampton, I with my neighbour who had driven me down in my car, “over-nighted” in Southampton. He then borrowed my car to visit Mission Direct colleagues in the South of England, of course with my blessing. Missionary work in Kenya would prevent my being taken home again; it’s my turn to “do the honours” on his return to the U.K.

It’s Tuesday 13/8/19, and I am enjoyng a coffee at Cafe Nero’s. I have been home since the late afternoon of 8th August, a Thursday, and only now am I beginning to settle into the routine of “normality.” I still wake in the middle of the night with the momentary sensation of being at sea. And when I was at sea, dreams of being at home were a nightly annoyance!

I have not returned to any kind of a legendary summer. But neither has it been miserable outside. The extremes, possibly to do with climate change, have now subsided. Those who prevented the collapse of the dam very near Whaley Bridge averted a disaster which would have resonated globally; indeed, the fact that the dam was so very close to bursting did make the world’s media, and for a short while, was up there with Trump and Brexit.

I am pleased to be home, and relishing the freedom retirement offers, and, of course, the continued realisation that one does not need to travel to Alaska and New Zealand for gorgeous countryside, although I would like to go back, and have already booked a repeat and more extensive trip around Alaska. Instead of returning eastbound, I shall stay on board and visit around eight places in Japan, giving myself two full days in Tokyo before a 12 hour westbound flight to the U.K.

Therefore, there is plenty to anticipate in the currently far off coming year, during the early part of which I shall also have experienced many days in and around South America.

So, to those who follow my travel writings, there is plenty more to come, as well as occasional snippets written on home ground.

For the time being, I shall enjoy my copy of “Steam Railway” over a second de-caff latte!

Comments are always welcome and in most cases responded to, hopefully, satisfactorily.

In and around Buxton.

Thanks for reading, David. 13th August 2019.

So, this is it! The end! I felt quite nostalgic last night roaming the almost deserted public areas and decks of Queen Elizabeth on the eve of disembarkation. It was difficult to get off to sleep, but a shower and hot toddy did the trick. I enjoyed one final breakfast in the Lido this morning. Looking from its floor-to- ceiling windows, thunderous clouds shroud the low hills and industrial plants as far as the eye can see.

But, I look back with continued amazement of where I have been since May 31st (Day 1)I am curious to see home once again. Floods in nearby Whaley Bridge hit the world’s media, as almost a whole town was evacuated as the close-by dam threatened to give up the ghost.

There was much other alarming stuff in the news, and plenty of Trump and Brexitism.

To those who followed my Blog throughout, congratulations, there can’t be many of you! But to all those who read bits of it, also many thanks. And, apologies for any inadequacies or unnecessary ramblings, bad spelling, inadvertent offence etc etc. Comments are always welcome and in most, if not all cases, answered.

With all good wishes,

David.(Above) Final views of Southampton, from my cabin 8171.

Day 69 of 69. This is it, the final full day before venturing back to “unsettled normality” tomorrow. Outside, as we steam eastwards towards the port of Southampton, one could be forgiven for thinking we were somewhere in the Caribbean. It is surprisingly hot out on Deck 9. But, as always on the last day, there’s always so much to take care of. And, posting a load of stuff to home from Greenock was an inspiration. I have almost finished packing and feel more confident that I am not short of capacity. However, lugging this lot between train and taxi at Southampton, Macclesfield and Buxton will be something of a challenge.

I shall be sad, obviously, to give up my nice cabin starboard aft on Deck 8 affording lovely views through a glass fronted balcony wall. And tomorrow, I shall look back, longingly at Queen Elizabeth, my home for the last seven weeks. In just over a year’s time, I should be back as part of a “world tour.” I shall miss my table companions who now are Glenis, Denise, Erma, Bob and wife Frances, Colin, and Steve. All except Steve assembled for our final dinner in the Britannia Restaurant at our table of 7 weeks, No. 363. Erma Glenis Denise and I assembled for pre dinner drinks one last time in the Commodore Club.

I won’t miss the ghastly parade of “repeats” on ITV Choice, available on board ship and via Cable to all weird parts of the world!

There were hand-shakes and hugs plus a smattering of kisses as we all bade farewell. For the first time, I felt quite emotional. The voyage was phenomenal; I had anticipated it with excitement and pleasure. This time tomorrow, I shall be in my own bed in Buxton, for the first time since May 29th.

I took one final tour of an almost deserted ship, finishing up in the Yacht Club where the band played to a full dance floor, (for the umpteenth and last time) “Rocking All over The World, plus an encore, “Twist and Shout.”

The music faded as I walked the full length of deck 8 one last time, to find my luggage had been taken from outside my stateroom, for collection at the terminal.

Below, the final images of this incredible and unique voyage.

Goodnight from David still on board Queen Elizabeth 00.26hrs, stateroom 8171.

And for one last time,

Thanks for reading!

Dublin’s fair city was rather more moist than Greenock, yesterday. But, nevertheless, there were long periods when the heavens didn’t open, and the “Departure from Dublin” at 18.00 hrs was one such welcome period, but not dry enough for the final sail-away party to be on the open deck, as on all other previous occasions.

I familiarised myself with the Republic of Ireland’s capital city on one of those excellent hop-on/off bus tours which takes tourists to where ever they choose on the route. The 20 minute frequency allows for a considerable amount of exploration, but is better if not stressed and confined by the ship’s scheduled departure. I could have spent another 90 minutes looking around if I had planned my day better. I did like and enjoy what I saw. And the bus does take one into ordinary areas which seem a little unpalatable at times. Dublin is a most attractive place to visit, and one of those destinations on my list for going back to.

The first 4 pictures were taken in and from my cabin, then four from the top deck of the hop-on/off bus, and the rest taken as we left Dublin, and out to sea, the tug boat and following three images, again, from my stateroom balcony, the rest from deck 10 port side, where the scenery continued up to dinner time. Once again, a lovely departure, with the resident band finishing the sail-away party with “Whiskey in The Jar.”

There is just one day left of this marathon voyage. Thanks for reading,

David.

From my balcony where once I gazed upon Guatemala, I now survey a grey and leadened Greenock as the reality of the real world drops its biggest hint! Drizzle moistens the forenoon of an early August day, as I wonder whether to explore again, a much visited port of call. I was first here in July 1990 when I was fortunate enough to be a passenger aboard QE2 on its first return to the Clyde after the ship was completed in (I think) 1968. This was in celebration of Cunard’s 150th anniversary. QE2 was launched, nearby, on September 20th 1967, and 40 years later, to the day, she would return once again for typical Cunard elaborate celebrations, including a fine display by the Red Arrows, who I am told by a neighbour, had passed over the very street where I live, on their way to Scotland. As darkness fell, fireworks exploded, filling the sky forward of QE2 with colour and noise. Yes, I was there for that celebration also, but not its final call at Greenock, the following year. This place certainly does hold distant joyous memories of when the sun was allowed out for much of the day. Now, the drizzle has morphed into uninviting rain, and I am tempted to stay on board.(Above) Not yet 07.00hrs, I ventured out onto my balcony to take these pictures as Queen Elizabeth headed up the Clyde towards Greenock. The weather was on the cusp of deteriorating even then! I had an “enhanced” breakfast in the Lido which offered “inspiring” views of neatly stacked containers against a backdrop of uninspiring high-rises, a couple of churches and architecture from a previous century, all overlooked by low partially wooded hills. “Enhanced” means that because no grapefruit was available, I treated myself to a small plate of cooked food. Now to continue the jig-saw puzzle, that is packing.Well, I did go back to my cabin, and although still held back by the remnants of a cold that won’t go away, I made wonderful progress with the packing. Blue skies were winning the battle with its murky counterparts, and warmth provided more evidence of summer. It had turned into a very nice day, just as I remember.

I made two trips to the Post Office and off loaded a substantial amount of souvenirs, books and clothing which should reach home before I do. Packing would have been a nightmare had I left it to the last day. It yet may still be!There was a very pleasant feeling of being back in the U.K. A taxi driver took me to a different post office to the one I had walked to. I now doubt if any of my bags will violate weight restrictions. I have missed lunch, and am back on board now. Time for a little sustenance.(6/8/19, 09.10hrs)I joined Denise for a modest bite to eat in the Lido. We then ventured to deck 3 for views of the pipe band who entertained the many, watching from the ship. A kind lady assured me of a decent view, and I was able to manage some acceptable video & photographs.We were late departing Greenock. Two late-comers were cheered by the onlookers on Deck 3, but these turned to “good-natured” (I hope) boos as they walked up the gang-plank! The pipe band serenaded from us the quayside including their finale, “Scotland the Brave”, a melody I have liked since early childhood.Sailing along the Clyde turned out to be as gorgeous (although much different from) as Alaska’s Inside Passage. Warmth and lovely skies had trounced the miserable wet and colourless gloom of the fore-noon. I do not remember this part of the U.K. being so attractive. I even enjoyed the brief time I spent in Greenock itself.As a rare treat, I joined Glenis and Denise for drinks in the Commodore Club from where the most wonderful panoramic views can be enjoyed, especially in Scotland. The three of us then redeemed our Diamond status vouchers for a very “high-end” Indian banquet in Cunard’s Alternative Dining on Deck 9, again offering spectacular scenic vistas of southern Scotland’s atmospheric landscape. A most pleasant day was “rounded off ” in The Royal Court Theatre where a male quartet, backed by the Royal Court Theatre Orchestra performed covers of well known pop music with astonishing professionalism. I even enjoyed the tedious Bohemian Rhapsody, executed to perfection, so much so, that, after all these years, I now like Bohemian Rhapsody!A final de-caff latte in the Carinthia Cafe brought a most pleasant day to a close. I slept reasonably well.I leave you with a handful of images from the ship as we set sail for Dublin the FINAL port of call.Thanks for reading,David.

The curtain is poised ready for falling as Day 69 approaches with indecent haste. The Dollars will be put away until next year, and soon having my room cleaned daily, fresh towels and face cloths also each day, nightly pillow chocolates and newspaper, as well as that Daily Programme…., such pampering will cease on August 8th.

I am booked on the 11.17 train from Southampton to Macclesfield and already, contemplating that four hour journey, the last almost 10 weeks will morph into some kind of dream that actually happened.

Today was one of little activity. I attended a “Senior Officers’ Party” in the Queens Room. The glass of champagne contributed to my feeling very drowsy for most of the rest of the day. The last dregs of my cold are reluctant to disappear.

I spent the afternoon in my stateroom resting and also preparing for packing. I still intend mailing stuff from Greenock.

The above images should be self explanatory.

Tonight, after dinner in the Britannia Restaurant, Denise, Glenis and I attended the Crew Show, in aid of Help for Heroes. This was full and standing and was received throughout with all-round enthusiasm from the audience.

After the Crew Show. (above)

All the best, David 01.20hrs 4/8/19.