Elaine departs 6.40 for the long car/train trip to Derby. Tyre replaced in Rugby by Kwik Fit, who handled all the paperwork invisibly. Walked to Rugby station with Martin, (10 min train ride to Coventry Uni) then back to pick up the car and on we trundled.
On Martin's advice, we followed the A5 rather than using the M1, and a much more pleasant drive it was too. Lots of countryside following the old Roman Watling Street, and crossing over the Grand Union Canal at Stowe Hill. Having coffee in the garden of the Narrow Boat gastropub, we could see 13 canal boats, including one in a sling being repaired at Rugby Boats, Stowe Hill Wharf.
Then some provision-collection in Dunstable (driving in circles until we resorted to the GPS again) and on to join the M1 near the edge of London. From the end of the M1 to Notting Hill took only 25 mins, despite the crawl through London streets. Then we played tag with the on-street Park-and-Pays near Lizzies (max 4 hours, A$4.50/hour).
Our darling daughter failed to show her face, pulling an overnighter at work as part of a team closing a deal. Her firm provides "sleep-pods" for such occasions.
An all nighter???? What's that? The cleaners lock the gates at Jamo at 5pm????
ReplyDeleteLove the shot of a collapsed Russ with neck pillow. People do make the most memorable photos. Have the heater on this morning but it's only 14 inside. Snow and a maximum of 6 in Orange today. Congrats on driving in London. Cazn't imagine doing it. Fortunate to have local advioce about roads although Tess found the massive AA atlas pretty useful in 09.
We also purchased and used the AA atlas. Bev had the iPad GPS sitting on top of it on her lap, switching back and forth. Driving in London is not a problem for me now; I drive slowly and don't panic when I make a wrong turn, having had lots of practice.
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