I went to our local station yesterday to catch the 07.58 train to Lincoln, and another train from there to Doncaster, to visit the Model Railway Exhibition. The train did not arrive at the ststed time, and as I only had a 15 minute connection window at Lincoln, when the train was over 15 minutes late I decide to go home! However, I did catch a couple of photos of the offending class 170. Here it is just pulling out of the station.
We had a similar experience the day we went into London by train. We had a nice train from Henley-on-Thames to Twyford where we transferred to a Reading train for Paddington Station. That afternoon upon returning to Twyford, we were shunted onto a bus for Henley. Apparently the train had been taken out of service...? . However the bus ride enabled us to experience most, if not all modes of transport that the south of England had to offer: Air - Gatwick Rail - both steam and diesel Roadway - bus, London taxi, private car Water - ferries to/from the Isle of Wight Footpaths - I like how the various Shires have maintained footpaths throughout. Wish we had been doing that for the past centuries. The only two vehicles I believe we missed were the London Underground and a Double-decker bus.... Maybe next time...if our son('s wife) invites us back...
Gosh! Can't believe you missed the underground I just bought a large scale map covering our village and surroundings, and am delighted to see lots of public footpaths marked We will be making use of some of them this summer, for walks and picnics in the lovely countryside around here. So pleased we moved out of a bustling, grid-locked town
Alan, I am so envious of what you and my son have the opportunity to enjoy every day, the English footpaths are a Godsend to maintaining a civil mind. The footpath that Henry (my son) and I walked from Henley through Harpsden and surrounding areas was wonderfully serene. Just prior to the enclosed photo as we crossed an adjacent field, two vehicles came from the barn towards a feeding shed. Leading were two large working dogs, one appeared to be a Great Pyrenees and the other was of like size. The dogs both broke their stride, came over to us, sniffed, and quickly resumed their progress. Their attitude could easily been expressed by..."Oh, you're merely walkers. OK, have a nice day." Alan, that was one of the most marvelous experiences that I had during our visit....! This is the field following the previous encounter, occupied by one of the most ugly, yet charming ponies that I have had the privilege of encountering. By the way, at every fence along the pathway there was a stile for crossing over the fence. Furthermore, at each stile was a sign proclaiming that it was provided and maintained by the Shire....nice!
Ah yes, stiles. Part of our country life, and far more interesting than a mere gate (And thoughtless walkers cannot leave them open and let animals stray)
