Planes, trains and automobiles

I made it to Newcastle. These Transatlantic trips are always tiring. My neighbour Ray gave me a ride to Century Park for me to catch the 747 bus. That part of the trip went well until I directed Ray to drive southbound in the northbound lane of 122 Street to get to the Century Park Transit centre. I think Ray felt much safer after he had dropped me off. How am I ever going to navigate the span of the United Kingdom when I have my problems navigating in Edmonton.

The KLM flight to Amsterdam was delayed 30 minutes as it arrived late. Then after we boarded it was delayed for a technical reason for another 75 minutes. I was starting to get worried that I would mix my connection flight in Amsterdam. My 3 hour layover in Amsterdam turned into an hour and 15 minutes lay over. My next gate was very close to my arrival gate which was super convenient. I didn't have to clear customs or security. I sensed that some people on my flight would miss their connection. I was happy that I did not check my luggage It may have been wise to have scheduled 2 nights in Newcastle as a buffer against travel delays but I was here a few years ago when I walked Hadrian's Wall. I have had to book all 15 nights of my accommodations in advance for the hike so if I get delayed it could really throw a wrench in things.

I am staying at the Staybridge suites in Newcastle. I had mailed them my hiking poles about 3 months ago and they arrived a month ago. The staff were eagerly awaiting my arrival and had upgraded me to a full suite room from the standard room I had booked as a treat for coming so far.

Off by train to St. Bee's tomorrow via Carlisle. I brought Mr Toilet Paper Roll Man with me on the condition that he does not talk about work or the gross room. Mr TPRM lives in our bathroom at work. He was complaining that he doesn't want to get dirty so I put him in a ziplock bag. Now he is complaining the photos in the plastic bag of him don't look good.Leggi altro