train time

Having driven the blue car north, I came back on the train. Platform 3, coach J, seat 09.

Except the train arrived without a coach J because of something to do with Edinburgh. Nonetheless, I managed to get a block of four seats,with two more to the side, in what was a comfortably empty train.

Something like this one, although this was actually on another track. Then south, with only two other stops before London. Darlington and York, then fast all the way.

I'd had a few days away from London, so a suitable refreshment (or two) seemed to be in order, compliments of the rail company. Then something I seldom do on a commuter train - simply watching the world go by out of the windows.

Perhaps it was because I was in a designated quiet coach - but I didn't fire up the gadgetry, aside from a few iPhone snaps along the journey. Instead watch the unfolding scenery of spring fields.

Okay, and a few pieces of railway paraphernalia, like these diesel locomotives - in this case parked at York by the railway museum.

Then a pause at York before starting the non-stop run for the rest of the way into London.

A blend of countryside, some industrial reminders and even some scenic interludes, like the bridge across the canal.

I don't know whether modern train drivers are supposed to keep the trains moving at all times, but we slowed enough here to take the picture through the girders of the steel bridge.

This was also around the point that the complimentary lunch arrived, so despite a few minutes delay, it was an altogether enjoyable experience. And then, almost before I was expecting it, we were at Finsbury Park, on the home stretch into London.

Time to gather my few lightweight travelling items, ready to bundle out at Kings Cross and across to a tube. Not bad at an average land speed of about 85mph - including stops, compared with about 50mph in the car - and I won't mention the typical number of motorway holdups...