Scotland.

[rhythmaning]

As you may have heard (not least because I broadcast the fact on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn…), I shall be moving back to Edinburgh. (The back is an important rider!) In a couple of weeks. I’m looking forward to the long evening-skies. (And the sunsets!)

But coincidentally, and planned months before I knew I would be moving back (and when), I am first going here for a few days. Transport being what it is, I am going up on the sleeper night-train tonight, walking from one station in Glasgae to another, and catching a train for the five hour journey to Mallaig, where I get a boat to Rum on Friday. (It isn’t possible to do the journey without a stop-over at each end!)

I love Mallaig. And I’m looking forward to Rum a lot. I’ve been there, but only for a quick visit; the forecast for the weekend is good, and the hills should be excellent.

The return trip, Mallaig to London, I can do in a day – though a long day, about twelve hours of trains.

Then, a couple of days later, I’m back to Scotland – by train – to pick up the keys to my new flat, and back to London within the day.

Four days later, I shall follow all my belongings back to Edinburgh, chauffeuring Talisker. A seven hour car journey with a miaowing cat isn’t my idea of heaven, but it was what the vet recommended. (I have to talk to the cat to keep him calm, apparently. I really am turning into a mad cat man.)

I am looking forward to all the train journeys a lot, especially the bit from Fort William to Mallaig. If you’ve seen any of the Harry Potter films, you’ve seen the West Coast branch (and specifically, you’ll have seen the very dramatic Glenfinnan viaduct. It is a marvellous train journey.

On the other hand, I am really looking forward to being ensconced in Edinburgh, getting over my train-lag.

Comments

[deililly.livejournal.com]

Cat chauffeuring? I recommend Zylkene. (for him not for you!)

[rhythmaning.livejournal.com]

I've got cat sedatives (a natural product, the very was quick to point out!), which may be zylkene, and ginger-based travel sickness pills. And I might try earplugs for myself...

[andrewducker]

Have a lovely time in the Northlands. I hope the cat-ferrying goes well too!

[rhythmaning.livejournal.com]

Thanks!

[danieldwilliam.livejournal.com]

See you soon I hope.

[rhythmaning.livejournal.com]

Me too!

[nimoloth.livejournal.com]

Best train journey in the world! I love it up there - I'm hoping to get up in early July when my folks have the 'van up, but it rather depends on how massive, sore and/or immobile I am at that point.

[rhythmaning.livejournal.com]

It really was a great trip - I wa glued to the window all the way from Glasgow!

And the stretch from Fort William is just stunning!

Absolutely wonderful.

Btw I may go two a couple of GJF gigs - Pharaoh Sanders, Neil Cowley and Ryan Quigley big band. Will you be going to much?

[nimoloth.livejournal.com]

Yeah, we'e planning to go to the Ryan Quigley Big Band gig, and also the Craig Charles/James Taylor Quartet/Federation of the Disco Pimp night. Not sure what else yet.

[fiendish-cat.livejournal.com]

I went by Glenfinnan yesterday. And saw Rum from Ardnamurchan point And we'll be near each other next week, I'm on Iona from Saturday.

[rhythmaning.livejournal.com]

I love Iona - a very special place!

Did you get my email? I guess we'll have to catch up in Edinburgh sometime...

[nicnac.livejournal.com]

Ooh lovely, bon voyage! Feliway is also another good cat calming spray thingy if you need anything else.