Yesterday (Monday, 28 July) was supposed to be pretty much a repeat of last year‘s journey as described here.
Apart from us setting off 2 hours later than last year, everything was the same until we reached London.
 |
| Spotted in Paris and still wondering what makes that coffee poodleproof. |
 |
| Getting ready for checking in and border control at the Eurostar terminal in Paris |
 |
| Getting off the Eurostar in London. |
There we were supposed to get on a train from King‘s Cross to Yorkshire. However, a person had been hit by a train between Stevenage and King‘s Cross, which caused a major distuption - no trains were leaving or arriving at King‘s Cross for the rest of the day.
What to do?
Back to St. Pancras, where we had just stepped off the Eurostar, and to the National Railway Ticket Office for information. There, we were told to board a train to Sheffield, from there on to another train to Leeds, and then a local train to Harrogate, where we were due to arrive at 23:16.
It was the only feasible thing to do, or else we would have had to find accomodation in London for one night and try again the next day, something we really didn‘t want.
In situations like this, having a smartphone is vital - we kept my sister-in-law in the loop so that she knew when to pick us up in Harrogate for the last bit of the journey to Ripon.
It was all a bit stressful with so many people affected by the situation and needing to change their plans same as us, but I must say passengers were very civil, and staff was most helpful and kind.
 |
| A selfie of a different kind, taken at around 10:30 pm at Leeds station, before boarding the last of the six trains we were on that day. |
Instead of around 10:00 pm, it was almost midnight by the time we opened the door to ‚our‘ cottage. Our landlord had left the lights on to make it more welcoming, and our landlady had put fresh flowers in a vase in the window; both such kind gestures which we appreciated very much.
It felt as always, like coming home.
We retreaded each to our own rooms, unpacked and then went to bed. I was beyond tired and read for half an hour before finally turning the light off at 1:00 am.
Well. That was an unexpected way to begin this year's holiday in Ripon. Let's hope that the travelling is more straightforward when you return. It's so sad for someone to lose their life on a railway track - quite possibly a suicide but as you know a railway worker might die accidentally that way.
ReplyDeleteNo details were offered, just the fact that someone had been hit by a train between KC and Stevenage. As inconvenient it was for us and countless others, we didn‘t lose our lives - only two hours of our stay in Ripon.
DeleteMeike, you make me laugh at times. How inconvenient that someone was hit by a train.
ReplyDeleteYou haven't lived. Trust me. Once upon a time I travelled from the North of England, Carlisle, Glasgow Sleeper. No sooner had I settled into my bunk the window of the compartment exploded into thousands of slivers of glass. I was covered in them. By some miracle I wasn't injured. I sat the rest of the night out on the corridor. What else can go wrong? The train to London was late. I missed my flight. Was told I could get a flight to Hamburg; in the evening. To pass the time I took one of those sightseeing buses: You name it, it was there: Piccadilly Circus, Nelson's Column, Buckingham Palace, what not. It was surreal. Back to Heathrow. Arrived in Hamburg. Went to train station. Got train to Duesseldorf. The whole thing was about thirty six hours plus. Without sleep. Showered. Went to office. Put in a whole day's work.
And what do you know, Meike. That was before Smartphones. An adventure. And, of course, an anecdote in the making.
Wishing you happy days and memories in Ripon,
U
Ah, those were the days!
DeleteNot keen on re-enacting your experience, Ursula; I rather ‚have not lived‘, as you put it.
Whoever lost his or her life on that track between Stevenage and King‘s Cross, and for whatever reason, is now missing from the lives of his/her friends and family. And the undoubtedly traumatised train driver is hopefully getting assistance.
Phew, that sounds like one tiring journey. I suppose better than actually being ON the train that hit someone, though...
ReplyDeleteDefinitely, Monica!
DeleteGlad you made it safe and sound. Hope the rest of your adventure is peaceful and fun!
ReplyDeleteSo far, it is, Ellen!
DeleteOh my goodness, your trip to Ripon is adventurous, even with the super stressful train disruption. It is so good that you finally made it to your cottage; those kind gestures from your landlord and landlady must have felt so welcoming after such a long day.
ReplyDeleteIt did, Melody! The moment we arrived at the cottage and could finally unpack was a huge relief. I am also very grateful that my sister-in-law came out to Harrogate to fetch us so late.
DeleteOh dear, I am glad you were able to get it all sorted out! I am thinking we should think if you have any blogging friends in London!
ReplyDeleteWe were glad, too 😊
DeleteNot sure I understand your last sentence?