Today’s been another one where I’ve spent most of it getting corns on my bum as I’ve been glued to a computer screen, scribbling words and editing pictures. My stop-count has gone to pot these past couple of weeks but I’m looking forward to putting that right next week once I’ve got the work I need to do out of the way. The weather’s not exactly been conducive to venturing far anyway so earning the ‘ackers to pay bills has been more important than swanning around the country.
Although the swanning will hopefully produce some interesting blogs soon…
Meanwhile, here’s today’s picture of the day, which is rather appropriate for the weather conditions. I took it at Seathwaite in the Lake District in June 2002. I was there on a short break with friends that was rather handy as I had a ‘shot list’ of locations for a forthcoming Lonely Planet guidebook to England. The first they’d ever done if I remember correctly. This picture was featured in the guidebook as Seathwaite is officially the wettest place in England – and this picture illustrates that fact perfectly.
Those of you who’re regular readers of this blog will recognise the picture as I use it as my header on the front page. I suppose it’s time to change it now I’ve given it away, isn’t it?
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Remember the days when you had things to look forward to? No, me neither. That seems like a different word. So many things have happened over the past 9 months with lots of events cancelled or curtailed that the world feels like a very different place to the one it once did. As someone who’s always travelled I feel my wings have been severely clipped – and I don’t know when I’ll get to spread them again.
That said, I think that things will be changing very soon.
In the meantime, here’s the picture of the day. I’m a fan of industrial archeology and things like shipwrecks. This particular one’s from New Zealand.
This is the wreck of the TSS Waverley. She’s a ship with a fascinating history which you can find here. I really enjoy exploring these old shipwrecks – and ones 1000s of miles from the UK always pique my interest.
I’m sure I’ll have another shipwreck or two to add here soon enough. In the meantime there’s lots of old rail slides to look forward to – as well as a different local focus.
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If you possess webbed feet, today’s very much been your time to be alive! Here in West Yorkshire the heavens have stayed open most of the day, so I’ve been happy to have plenty of things to keep me indoors. I’ve spent a lot of time adding another 80 old railway slides for sale on eBay. It’s a time consuming process but it’s worthwhile one as they’re selling well. Here’s one of today’s new additions.
As well as releasing them for sale I’ve spent part of the day decluttering – which will benefit some local charity shops. Other than that the day’s not been what you’d consider a shining example of the rock and roll lifestyle.
According to the weather forecast we’re in for another soggy day tomorrow. Add that aspect to the current Covid restrictions and I’m quite happy to stay indoors and be busy, whilst dreaming of opportunities in the future when I can do something like this again. Today’s picture of the day was taken in the Maldives on the 6th January 2004. There’s no worries about social distancing here…
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What a mixed day the first of the month’s been. It started off really well with a Zoom call as part of judging the Community Rail Awards. It was a very positive and informative hour that taught me something completely new that led to this blog. I’m not a great fan of Zoom meetings. They’ve filled a gap left by Covid but anyone who thinks they;re a genuine replacement for face-to-face contact needs their bumps feeling.
After we finished I had half an hour to get a brisk walk in before going into another very different event, which was the Siemens (online) press lunch conducted on Teams.
Normally Siemens organise an annual press lunch where we can all get together and talk with the companies UK Directors personally over a few hours at a very nice lunch in London. Obviously, the present situation precludes that, but Siemens understand the importnace of maintaining contact with people and arranged an online event. Those registering even got sent a lunchbox!
Despite the shortcomings of the platform and a few minor technical difficulties it was a very useful and informative event that allowed us all to discuss what’s going on at the moment and the issues that face the transport industry. Although not just now – as Covid is a blip – but in the near and far future. The burning post-Covid issue being decarbonisation. Yet again it was another event that made me realise why we’ll never stop meeting face to face, no matter what some people claim.
Having had my fill of meetings on the internet I escaped to confinesof the digital world to go for a stroll in the real one and soak up some of the Autumn sun before the sun set and I was trapped back in the web-world, catching up on work – and writing blogs like this, as well as looking for a picture of the day – and the one I’ve chosen from the archives is this…
The picture is of a stallholder in a market in Luang Prabang, Laos, which I took on the 6th January 2009. Like most pictures, it tells a story, but the story it tells isn’t always obvious.
The woman is plucking a chicken she’s selling whilst she’s on her mobile phone. The phone is the story. Laos is a country where much of its traditional infrastructure was bombed back to the ‘stone age’* by the Americans during the Vietnam war. Like most developing countries it found rebuilding hard. But then technology’s changed. One thing I noticed as I travelled through Loas was the number of wagons I saw on the highways carrying lattice steel masts for mobile phone networks. It’s those networks that are changing the face of the world.
Let me explain.
When I first went to India in 1985 many villages had only just got electricity. Many still had not. Once electricity (through a national grid) arrived, phones started arriving. Then televisions. In those days the Government donated a TV to villages. The TV would be kept in the local hall or temple and I vividly remember passing through villages where everyone would be gathered together to watch the latest Hindi soap-opera or religious film together. There was no individual connectivity to information – and only a state-run TV channel. Now, you can argue the merits/demerits when it comes to propaganda as is your whim. That’s not my point.
My point is how much infrastucture has leapfrogged from those times because of the advent of two things. Mobile communication technology and cheap solar power – as the Loations were finding out. Suddenly, all people needed was a cheap (often recyled) mobile phone and the world was literally their Oyster. There was no waiting for 30 years for power lines to arrive, just a phone mast.
Access to communication is a fabulous thing, but it’s also a double-edged sword, as we’ve seen in the past decade with the advent of weapons-grade misinformation through places like Facebook.
Are the Loations better off now? Time will tell..
* Bombing people back to the stone age has been a popular threat in American history.
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Tomorrow we enter October, the month when the clocks go back. I’ve an idea – how about we put them back all the way to 2016? Before Brexit, before all the shit’s that’s happened since, and waaaay before anyone had even considered Covid. OK, I know it’s not going to happen. An hour is all we’ll get tops – but I can dream, can’t I?
Fatigue with the 21st century is setting in already as it’s not exactly got off to a brilliant start and I’m not going to be here for the long-haul, so it’s time to think about what I do with the rest of it.
I the meantime, I’m continuing to sort through all the baggage of my life. Here’s something I came across earlier, which harks back to a simpler age. You wouldn’t have Google tracking an ID card like this – and the only time I carried a mobile phone was when I was on call for work. It was one of those weird things with a carbon-fibre ariel but still seemed like cutting-edge tech at the time. It would be another 6-7 years before I got a mobile phone of my own as by then I’d swapped careeer and turned freelance photographer so needed one. Oh, and trust me, even then, the NUJ press card was a damned sight more sophisticated than this effort!
OK, meanwhile, here’s the picture of the day, which is somewhere that could literally be centuries away. This is sunrise over the city of Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, India, taken in November 1991 when I was on the start of a solo trip around Asia. The view of the fort town was taken from the window of the old building I was staying in. Imagine opening your bedroom window and seeing a view like this?
I spent several days here before booking a 5 day camel safari out into the Thar desert, which is another story (when I get chance to scan the pictures). The people I travelled with were a real multi-national bunch and we had a ball. Sleeping out in the desert in a bed of camel blankets whilst watching for shooting stars was an amazing experience.
I did meet one young German girl back in Jaisalmer for whom the dice really didn’t fall as well on one of these trips. She was the only other person with 6 Israelies. I admired the way she dealt with the situation. Seasoned travellers will know what I mean…
I hope you enjoy these pictures of the day, for me it’s funny how they trigger so many memories and stories.
I’ve a favour to ask… If you enjoy reading this blog, please click on an advert or two. You don’t have to buy anything you don’t want to of course (although if you did find something that tickled your fancy that would be fab!), but the revenue from them helps to cover some of the cost of maintaining this site – and right now (because of Covid), us freelances need all the help that we can get. Remember, 99% of the pictures used in my blogs can be purchased as prints from my other website – https://paulbigland.zenfolio.com/
Today’s picture was – like most of the ones I pick – chosen at random. This one doesn’t come from any exotic foreign destination (far from it) it’s actually something very British. It’s a good old seaside pier! Only this one is very delicate and rather genteel in outlook as this ain’t Blackpool, it’s Clevedon! I took this picture on the 31st March 2001.
I love the elegance and spiderlike simplicity of this structure. I’m no stranger to seaside piers as I grew up in Southport, which has one of the longest in the UK. If I looked through my archive I could probably do a whole blog on seaside piers. Maybe one day…
I’ve a favour to ask… If you enjoy reading this blog, please click on an advert or two. You don’t have to buy anything you don’t want to of course (although if you did find something that tickled your fancy would be fab!), but the revenue from them helps to cover some of the cost of maintaining this site – and right now (because of Covid), us freelances need all the help that we can get. Remember, 99% of the pictures you see here can be purchased as prints from my other website – https://paulbigland.zenfolio.com/
Today’s been the classic mixed bag where I’m trying to juggle lots of things whilst modern (Covid) life intrudes to add a completely different experience.
Most of my day’s been spent working from home, trying to ignore the fact the sunny weather’s returned – even if it’s now accompanied by the temperature drops that herald the onset of autumn. I did venture out for a break from staring at computer screens but this week my exercise regime’s going to be marked like an old school report – “5/10 – see me”…
Today’s surreal experience was attending a ‘virtual’ National Rail Awards. Full credit to my friend of longstanding Nigel Harris and his team at RAIL for putting it together when most events have been cancelled completely this year. It can’t have been an easy gig to arrange. But, it also shows why the idea that everyone can work from home is utter bollocks. Does anyone seriously think an online event can replace such a prestigious event at the Grosvenor Park Hotel in central London where 1100 plus people meet to celebrate the achievements of the rail industry whilst meeting up with old friends and enjoying the opportunity to network and chat? Of course not. Both Dawn and I enjoyed the awards (and there were some great awards), but we’re looking forward to 2021 when we can recreate it in the flesh.
Meanwhile, here’s the picture of the day, which I took in Washington DC on the 4th April 2007. It was cherry blossom season when the centre of the city’s ablaze. It makes a fantastic sight.
I’ve a favour to ask… If you enjoy reading this blog, please click on an advert or two. You don’t have to buy anything you don’t want to of course (although if you did find something that tickled your fancy would be fab!), but the revenue from them helps to cover some of the cost of maintaining this site – and right now (because of Covid), us freelances need all the help that we can get. Remember, 99% of the pictures you see here can be purchased as prints from my other website – https://paulbigland.zenfolio.com/
Apologies for the lack of an update yesterday. Not only was it a busy day, the evening was too as I managed to (responsibly) catch up with some old friends whilst I was in Cornwall, which was lovely after so many months of being confined to West Yorkshire. Something had to give – and that was blogging.
I’ve moved on yet again. After a night in London and a morning touring some of the main stations and commuter routes into the city I headed out from London Waterloo via Clapham Junction and Basingstoke to reach Reading, where I caught a train to take me to Truro. It was the longest continuous journey of the trip, and also instructive – as were my other little hops around the area before I ended up in Par.
Today I travelled from Par up to Bristol, then crossed over the border (via the Severn tunnel) into Wales. After dumping my bags at my hotel in Cardiff I headed out to explore some of the Valley lines then take a trip down to Barry Island. It’s a place some of you will know because it was featured in the hit TV show ‘Gavin and Stacey’. I last went there on a rail excursion way back in 1974, when Dai Woodham’s scrapyard still contained over 150 rusting steam engines. Today was the first time I’ve been back and I didn’t recognise a thing as the area’s changed so much – and not all for the better.
‘Tidy’? No, I don’t think so…
You’ll be able to read the full story in RAIL magazine next month.
What I can tell you about was getting back into Cardiff city centre. I was desperate to find something to eat, but to be honest, the place was a nightmare. The centre was packed with groups of lads and gaggles of girls, all intent on having a good time, which meant that many of them were pissed as farts as early as 8pm. Social distancing and respect for others was out of the window so I ended up walking around with my mask on as a precaution. Having found a quick fix noodle bar I had a lovely spicy hot meal then got the hell out of there. I’ve been back at the hotel since 9pm and this was where I was determined to stay!
Tomorrow is my final day of the Rover. My plan is to visit Worcester before heading back into London via Paddington, then travelling up the Chiltern main line to pitch up in Birmingham tomorrow night, where my RAIL trip will end. On Monday I’ll travel home under my own steam (as it were) for some quality time at home before beginning to convert my experiences into 12,000 words (over three articles) for RAIL. Oh, and all the other stuff I’ve not been able to do whilst I’ve been away!
Meanwhile, here’s the picture of the day. This was Bristol Temple Meads station this afternoon as many young people flocked into the city centre. I couldn’t help but observe that by wearing face masks some of these young ladies probably increased the amount of cloth they were wearing by 10-15%…
I’ve a favour to ask… If you enjoy reading this blog, please click on an advert or two. You don’t have to buy anything you don’t want to of course (although if you did find something that tickled your fancy would be fab!), but the revenue from them helps to cover some of the cost of maintaining this site – and right now (because of Covid), us locked-down freelances need all the help that we can get…
Wow! It’s only the first day and it’s already proving to be a fascinating trip! I’m not going to go into a huge amount of detail but I’m already going to venture a couple of guesses. One is that passenger numbers are going to show quite an increase in the next set of stats if my experiences are anything to go by. Now that schools and colleges are back and the rail companies are running 90% of normal services passengers are returning. I’m not the only one to notice this either. I was amazed how busy some Trans-Pennine Express and Northern services have been today. That said, some stations (like Preston) resemble ghost towns because all the retail units are closed. Of course, quite a few of the retail staff will commute to work by train…
The only thing that put a damper on the day has been the weather, which has been bloody awful! I ventured up the scenic Cumbrian coast earlier but many of its charms were hidden in the murk!
I’m currently back at Lancaster in between trains, so I’ll update this from my Avanti West Coast service to Carlisle shortly…
19:38.
I’ve now crossed over the border into civilisation, making my way up the old Glasgow and South-Western Railway line to Kilmarnock via Dumfries. Sadly, the weather this side of the border’s no better. It’s akin to a post nuclear holocaust half-light and lousy for photography – especially when you’re on the move and don’t have time to play around with camera settings.
Even so, I’m happy with what I’ve seen and done so far, which makes me think my RAIL articles will be worth reading. The only think I’m missing is the interaction with people – like the train-crews, which just isn’t possible right now. Still, we’ll see how it goes. Anyways, here’s the picture of the day…
This historic plaque is on Preston station, where it marks a step-change on the railways. One that some people feel nostalgic for but one that had to happen – even if you can argue about the timing and management of it!
21:32.
I’m currently wandering around the centre of Kilmarnock, in search of sustenance. I fear I nay be disappointed as the whole town appears to be closed. Thank God for my wonderful other half! Dawn made me some pork rolls to bring with me and they’ve kept me going as all the catering outlets on the stations I’ve visited are all closed. Luckily, I picked up some cereal bars earlier – and I’ve a breakfast booked at my lovely B&B, so that might have to suffice…
Oh, by the way, the lighting under the railway arches is probably the coolest thing about Kilmarnock right now.
My last day at home for some time’s been occupied with prepping for my round Britain trip and having quality time with Dawn. The pair of us were trying to work out just how many nights away I might have had this year and neither of us can think of any! We didn’t have our usual winter holiday, all my jobs were day trips and the only trip we had planned (a few days in Berlin with friends) was cancelled due to Covid. So, this is my ‘big escape’ – which is really weird and totally unique! My packing list reflects this. Once upon a time it’d be focused on the electronics that I need for work, plus track atlases and timetables. Now it has masks and hand sanitisers high up on the list.
To say I’m looking forward to it is an understatement. I’ve never had my wings so clipped before. I’ll blog when I can and each day the picture of the day will be of somewhere from my next 8 days of travelling. I won’t be doing any rolling blogs as my writing’s commissioned by RAIL magazine and you’ll be able to read about my trip in three editions starting in October. Even so, I’ll try and give you a few teasers…
Meanwhile, here’s the last old picture of the day – which isn’t something I’ll be seeing on this trip! This is the amazing Buddhist temple at Borobudur, in Java, Indonesia. I took this photo in November 1998.
In the background is one of the many active volcanos that dominate this part of the world. Although Indonesia is now the worlds most populous Muslim country it has a rich history of religions and religious sites. Borobudur is just one of the most spectacular.
I’m looking forward to 2021 when I’m determined to het out to Indonesia again. In the meantime – I hope you enjoy my next week’s meanderings. If you’re on Twitter you’ll be able to find regular updates by following me at @PaulMBigland….
I’ve a favour to ask… If you enjoy reading this blog, please click on an advert or two. You don’t have to buy anything you don’t want to of course (although if you did find something that tickled your fancy would be fab!), but the revenue from them helps to cover some of the cost of maintaining this site – and right now (because of Covid), us locked-down freelances need all the help that we can get…
