Wainwright getting settled into his seat in First Class Dining
Wainwright conquers Carlisle Castle
Hang on, who's that driving the train?Wainwright certainly enjoyed his trip from Whitby to Carlisle yesterday, courtesy of West Coast Railways. In fact I would go as far as saying he has become quite a celebrity. His appearance is greeted with smiles and laughter and people are only too willing to make a fuss of him and allow him to do things that most of us would be denied.
There's even talk of him moving into the Big Brother house. I hope not. For while I am more than happy to be Wainwright's minder, PA and publicity agent all rolled into one, I would have to draw the line at keeping an eye on him in the midst of a bunch of attention-seeking wannabees. I doubt he would survive.
Our journey began at Whitby station at 7.14 am precisely. Initially we shared our First Class Dining carriage with a nice couple who were celebrating a birthday. As the train made its way gently along the route so we were joined by other passengers until the whole train was alive and full of excited people.
Wainwright and I were joined at our table by Anne, Mark and Clive, who were also celebrating a birthday. Sitting in close proximity to someone for the length of rail journey can be a hit and miss affair with the potential to make or marr the pleasure. My companions definately added to the whole experience with their good humour and extensive knowledge of trains, the route, history and just about everything else of interest.
The staff on the train were attentive and the food was excellent. I especially enjoyed the four course meal on the return leg. As experiences go I cannot imagine a better one than travelling through beautiful countryside bathed in evening sunlight whilst enjoying fine food and wine in the midst of fine company. Bliss!
Our outward route took us through the Esk valley to Middlesbrough (the Riverside Stadium was wearing a black arm-band. I didn't approve of Wainwright singing: 'Down with the Geordies, you've gone down with the Geordies', as we passed it), then down to York and through the Aire valley and along the famous Settle to Carlisle route. We had over three hours to explore Carlisle before returning via the Tyne valley, the Tees valley and back along the Esk valley. That's a lot of valleys and some stunning scenery.
Our journey ended back at Whitby at 10.24pm. Just enough time for Wainwright and I to stroll out along the harbour wall and take the evening air before making our way to our accomodation for the night.
In a mixture of serendipity and kindness, Anne provided me with the Travel section of The Telegraph, which contained very useful information on opportunities for volunteer work abroad for gappers of all ages. Clearly, further research is required and will no doubt be commented upon in a later blog entry.
On the news front I must report that on Friday I committed myself (and Wainwright) to a trip along the length of Vietnam, from north to south. I have been following a tour on the Exodus website and the limit is 16 persons. I saw that only 3 spaces were left and so a decision was required. Well, you know what I did.
The tour has very good feedback from past participants. One common comment is that the trip isn't long enough. To overcome this my intention is to extend my stay by an extra week so I can enjoy a bit more of South Vietnam and take some time out on Phu Quoc, which is a beautiful, tropical island that is as yet unspoiled by tourism.
Vietnam remains a socialist republic and although the regime has softened in recent years I can't help but wonder how Wainwright will be greeted. Will his charm bring a smile to the hard face of communism or will he get me into a whole load of trouble? Only one way to find out. Best put John Rambo on standby for another rescue mission.
Yesterday was a fantastic day but all that good food and drink has left a mark on my conscience, particularly as it is only a week until my next 10k, which is in Leeds. Time for me to sign of and change into my running gear I think.
Live long and prosper.
There's even talk of him moving into the Big Brother house. I hope not. For while I am more than happy to be Wainwright's minder, PA and publicity agent all rolled into one, I would have to draw the line at keeping an eye on him in the midst of a bunch of attention-seeking wannabees. I doubt he would survive.
Our journey began at Whitby station at 7.14 am precisely. Initially we shared our First Class Dining carriage with a nice couple who were celebrating a birthday. As the train made its way gently along the route so we were joined by other passengers until the whole train was alive and full of excited people.
Wainwright and I were joined at our table by Anne, Mark and Clive, who were also celebrating a birthday. Sitting in close proximity to someone for the length of rail journey can be a hit and miss affair with the potential to make or marr the pleasure. My companions definately added to the whole experience with their good humour and extensive knowledge of trains, the route, history and just about everything else of interest.
The staff on the train were attentive and the food was excellent. I especially enjoyed the four course meal on the return leg. As experiences go I cannot imagine a better one than travelling through beautiful countryside bathed in evening sunlight whilst enjoying fine food and wine in the midst of fine company. Bliss!
Our outward route took us through the Esk valley to Middlesbrough (the Riverside Stadium was wearing a black arm-band. I didn't approve of Wainwright singing: 'Down with the Geordies, you've gone down with the Geordies', as we passed it), then down to York and through the Aire valley and along the famous Settle to Carlisle route. We had over three hours to explore Carlisle before returning via the Tyne valley, the Tees valley and back along the Esk valley. That's a lot of valleys and some stunning scenery.
Our journey ended back at Whitby at 10.24pm. Just enough time for Wainwright and I to stroll out along the harbour wall and take the evening air before making our way to our accomodation for the night.
In a mixture of serendipity and kindness, Anne provided me with the Travel section of The Telegraph, which contained very useful information on opportunities for volunteer work abroad for gappers of all ages. Clearly, further research is required and will no doubt be commented upon in a later blog entry.
On the news front I must report that on Friday I committed myself (and Wainwright) to a trip along the length of Vietnam, from north to south. I have been following a tour on the Exodus website and the limit is 16 persons. I saw that only 3 spaces were left and so a decision was required. Well, you know what I did.
The tour has very good feedback from past participants. One common comment is that the trip isn't long enough. To overcome this my intention is to extend my stay by an extra week so I can enjoy a bit more of South Vietnam and take some time out on Phu Quoc, which is a beautiful, tropical island that is as yet unspoiled by tourism.
Vietnam remains a socialist republic and although the regime has softened in recent years I can't help but wonder how Wainwright will be greeted. Will his charm bring a smile to the hard face of communism or will he get me into a whole load of trouble? Only one way to find out. Best put John Rambo on standby for another rescue mission.
Yesterday was a fantastic day but all that good food and drink has left a mark on my conscience, particularly as it is only a week until my next 10k, which is in Leeds. Time for me to sign of and change into my running gear I think.
Live long and prosper.
Excellent blog and delighted you had a great weekend and would like to put my name down for an autograph from the famous Wainwright if he can find the time between conquering, songwriting and the stunning bit - driving trains... multi-talented. You must consider it an honour to be his PA. (What's the pay like?)
ReplyDeleteRegards
RLS