Arran

[Sundae]

AKA Claudette Memorial Trip. But it would be both arrogant and maudlin to title the thread that way.

I leave here tomorrow, mid-morning to go to Luton (approx 1.5 hour bus journey) for my appointment with a liver consultant. From there I need to get a bus to the airport, as there is a regular servoce that runs into London from there. Buses are subject to more delays than trains, but they are a heck of a lot cheaper.

The Luton-London bus takes me straight into Victoria, where I am booked onto the overnight coach to Glasgow.
By my reckoning I should be ridiculously early (I have been every time!) so I might bail out to the nearby Sainsburys to get some provisions, as I've just got my Nectar points through (loyalty card which gives money saving vouchers.)

Spend the night in the washing machine that is the overnight coach, then about an hour to walk to Glasgow Central Station and the boat train to Arran. It won't take an hour, that's just the timeframe.

Bus runs clockwise around the island, which will be a real treat - I've said before I've always wanted to do it. From what I can remember, Limey lives at about 40 ack emma. Certainly a good way round anyway. They don't have bus stops either! I have instructions and an address and will just act the dumb - but very polite - Sassenach and he should put me down in the right place.

Camera on charge.
Barring previous camera mishaps when travelling to Scotland, I should be able to document the whole thing.
And I will say it now so I don't repeat it ad nauseum - this trip is because of Claudette (the Limeys are taking me in to take care of me) and also in her memory. Limes and I will have our own ceremony on Thursday, or if not then as close as we can.

Limes has lost other people very dear to her, and I know I am better getting through this with her than without. She also knows about my drinking and my various tricks, so I can't bullshit her. Bri would approve.

I don't expect to post again until I am Chez Limey, at least not in this thread.
I hope no-one finds this too self-indulgent.

[xoxoxoBruce]

Reported meet-ups is not self indulgent, it's mandatory, as are pictures.
Have a smooth journey.

[glatt]

Have a great trip! I'm envious. I'd love to see Arran and to meet you both for tea.

[DanaC]

I always miss out on the Arran stretch of the Glasgae gtg, because of doggy responsibilities.

One day i will make it over. I will, I will!

Chezzer: Have a good trip, m'dear. I can't think of better company or a better place in which to enjoy it.

[limey]

The cats at Chateau Limey are keenly awaiting the arrival of their new heated seating guest.

[classicman]

silver sliver...

[BigV]

Originally Posted by limey

The cats at Chateau Limey are keenly awaiting the arrival of their new heated seating guest.

hahahahahahahaha!

[limey]

No sooner did Sundae arrive than she set off again on a quick driving tour with Limey because the weather is great today, but who knows what tomorrow will bring? The Limeys made Sundae cook dinner which they declared YUMMY. We are waiting for Sundae to settle onto the sofa before we make our move ...

[Sundae]

Trip to Arran.
I got the bus from the hospital to Luton central, and thought I'd have to get another bus to the airport. Turns out there was a bus waiting just across the road which went to London VIA the airport. Worked out well - got on and had luggage stashed, got double-seat.

Snowing in Luton that day, the whole time I was there. Didn't settle, but made me unsettled re what would be waiting for me on my journey further North. Luton is North of Aylesbury, London is South of both. So effectively I would be retracing my route once I got on the coach in London, but it's an express so you have to go to London to catch it regardless. £10 isn't a bad fare, given it's now over £20 from Aylesbury to London.

Got to Victoria with time to spare. SO... MUCH... TIME...
Did reading and drinking water and toilet breaks (30p!) and just couldn't wait for a warm coach and a snug berth.

Didn't get.

The sleeper coach broke down before it got to Victoria.
We were loaded onto a normal coach. No bunks, no welcome tea & snacks, no breakfast in the morning. Just traffic all night North. Multiple stops for complaining drivers, yap yap yap. Cold air and noise and discomfort. I dozed off between about 05.00 and 06.30. Refund due to Limey - hope this reminds her to claim it.

My bag weighed a ton. Well, it was heavy.
I lugged it out of Buchanan Street Bus Station and stood wondering at the map. I had to get to Glasgow Central Station (I've only travelled to Queens Street before - except with Limey guiding me) when a friendly Glaswegian asked if I need help. He gave me clear and simple instructions and made it sound much closer than the map suggested.

Not only that, but having followed his route, he popped up as I was crossing a junction and pointed out a billboard to me, saying it was just above the station. Bless him. It was downhill all the way at least.

So there I was, on time, at Glasgow Central station. Too weary from dragging my bag to take any photos but on the train to Ardrossan Harbour on time and okay. With a bagel. My naughty excess to replace my missing breakfast. 08.20 is bagel time, right?

[glatt]

Originally Posted by Sundae

So there I was, on time, at Glasgow Central station. Too weary from dragging my bag to take any photos but on the train to Ardrossan Harbour on time and okay.

It's a certain kind of hell, having to shuffle across town on only a few hours uncomfortable sleep, dragging your heavy luggage. Why don't they ever put bus stations and train stations (and airports) in the same place?

[BigV]

they say....

They say there are only two kinds of people in the world, those who pack light, and those who wish they had.

[xoxoxoBruce]

Easy, train stations came first and blocks of businesses grew up around them, so when the bus stations were built everything close was taken. They could plan some inexpensive, convenient means of shuttling, but I wonder if Glasgow has enough traffic to justify it.

And airports, well they have their own issues, some are so big you have to catch a bus or cab between terminals.

[Sundae]

Originally Posted by BigV

They say there are only two kinds of people in the world, those who pack light, and those who wish they had.

... and those who fall into pot-holes and sheep shit or have to ford streams and wish they'd brought more clothes...

I don't think I over-packed.
I wasn't trekking.
And in a cold, damp, climate you wear whatever is available.
Many blessings on Limey and her waterproofs. 3 falls out of 4 resulted in no injury.

Get what you're saying. But my only wheelie bag is now is the biggun. So I might as well fill it. The 'rents promised to replace my suitcases when I moved in (because they were SO enormous and took up so much room) but that's gone by the by.

Never mind - given the £ I can still travel. That's gotta be good.

[Sundae]

So, on to the ferry. The day was bright and clear and it was obvious I'd see Arran for the first time in sunlight. Happy days.

The higher ground is covered in snow, and remained so throughout my visit.
But it was warm Spring weather for pretty much the rest of the island.

[Sundae]

Limey was busy when I arrived, but had given me careful instructions of which bus to catch and the address to give the bus driver so that I would be set down in the right place. It worked.

Brodick and the boat I came in on.