There’s little regret as I return home from a hugely enjoyable three weeks on the high seas.  Leaving my large suitcase in store in Southampton was an inspiration.  First Class on the 11.15 to Macclesfield is rammed and it’s doubtful that I could have managed to get all my luggage on board.  I’m safely on the train now, and the once on time service has lost several minutes before reaching Winchester.  I have yet to see a passenger train in the new Great British Railways  livery which mirrors the new Amtrak colours.  Amtrak got there first with its vivid red white and blue of the Stars and Stripes.  And it looks far better than G.B.R’s feeble uninspired, rediculously expensive unexciting and pointless offering.  I travelled on Amtrak in its first month of existence in May 1971.  I only saw one locomotive in the then new livery.  When I booked to join a party of railway enthusiasts, much older than my 22 years, the original railway companies still existed. But with the unexpected advent of Amtrak, my overnight ride from New Orleans to Chicago was cancelled and I had to fly Delta Airlines instead on a particularly bumpy flight that had me praying for forgiveness!  Ye gods – that was 55 years ago!  I did get to New Orleans by train on a daytime service which I don’t think runs now.  I had taken the Shaunee Limited from Chicago to Champagne Urbana where I stayed on the campus of the University of Illinois with a penfriend I had met two years earlier (1969!) on a similar railtour generously funded by Mum and Dad, (without my asking), before continuing to New Orleans the next day.

Back to today. 

Why is it that hot weather brings out the worst in some people.  At the taxi stand in the Queen Elizabeth II  Terminal, an irate taxi driver fell out with an irate ground supervisor.  My train arrived on time at Southampton but lost enough time to justify terminating the train at Stafford.  Having chosen because of luggage to return in First Class, I bought an appropriate ticket which I’m told will be refunded.  That could be quite an expense for the Railway Industry if everybody submits a successful claim.  I shall be just short of two hours late into Macclesfield.

The next day. DAY 2/17

My train was terminated at Stafford yesterday, forming a return service to Bournemouth.  The following train to Macclesfield was around half an hour behind which really wasn’t too bad, except that the five car unit, already well patronised, would have to accommodate a further train load of passengers. Nevertheless, there was a seat available, and eventual arrival at Macclesfield was around 1hr 45 minutes behind schedule, not really the end of the world. 

I went out to dinner last night at a well filled Royal Oak at Hurdlow.  The rather large plate of sausage, mash and various vegetables did make Cunard’s meals look like rations!   Fortunately, I still slept well despite the heavy meal.

I unpacked most things yesterday, leaving a lot of tidying up to do today.  My house had been cleaned by Domestic Bliss who come fortnightly to tidy up after me!  The garden had been well maintained and was a pleasure to admire when I returned yesterday. 

So it’s back almost to normal.  Buxton International Festival is in progress meaning chaos at church and perhaps some expense. 

Many thanks for reading,

David, crawling out of bed, 10.52 hrs 18/7/26.