Packed and downstairs for the usual breakfast before checking out and heading to New Street station. The art shop that Jane wanted to visit on the way to the station wasn't open yet so we continued and stopped for a coffee ( warm brown water😜) before boarding our train. This journey was two parts; first to Euston, London then change to Picadilly for the trip to Plymouth.
Started well and on time for the first hour before stopping at Northampton then the issue began. We didn't move for 15 minutes before an announcement that all trains to Euston were stopped due to a gas leak close to the line that required the electricity to be turned off. So we sat, and sat and sat until it was announced an hour later that our train was terminated and to leave the carriage.
So what the f.... now !!!! Our train from London to Plymouth was leaving from Piccadilly and we were going to just tube between the two but this was not going to happen. So up to the information desk and the most helpful gentleman suggested we return to Birmingham and try again later. Back to Birmingham would cost nothing, and I saw that another train on a different line went directly from Birmingham to Plymouth but once again different carrier. Only problem was a 7 minute gap between arrival and departure; what could possibly wrong.
So back on the train back to Birmingham and this was on time, out of carriage, up escalator and attempt to get out with our original tickets , no luck. Once again brilliant staff said no issue go to platform 12 and just find a seat and sort it out at the end. So off we go on to train and sit back for 3 and half hours to Plymouth. A tad tired now so we enjoyed a quiet and peaceful trip only having to move once before we finally arrived in Plymouth 8 hours after first leaving Birmingham. We walked to exit with our original tickets to Plymouth and they let us out, no issue at all, hallelujah!!
It was then a half hour walk through Plymouth city centre to our accommodation, The Three Crosses on the wharf. The walk was actually quite depressing as Plymouth was massively bombed during WW2 and totally rebuilt in the 50's and 60's. Only issue is nothing has been done since and it is one of the most dilapidated, dirty and poor western cities I have been in. We got to the hotel and wow 😲 brilliant. The Barbican area is so much like Hobart's waterfryand nothing like the rest of the city. The Three Crosses was superb and a place I would not hesitate to recommend to anyone. ( unless can't walk up narrow steep stairs 😇)
Because we were sitting all day we headed off around the harbour for a lovely walk taking in a bit of the history, especially as it relates to the establishment of the Australian colonies.
We finally wandered back to the hotel around 8 and sat down with some sliders and drinks and just soaked in the beautiful view and atmosphere. A couple of whiskies to finish with and a climb up to our very comfortable room to retire. A long slightly stressful day that ended perfectly. Life is good or as someone wise once said, every day above ground is a good day.
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