Trip to Sunderland

Last weekend we went to Sunderland on the train. On the Thursday we travelled by car to New Malden and stayed overnight at Jans and Martins. I spent all evening playing with Toms train set. On Friday morning we caught the train to Vauxhall which is the next stop before Waterloo. We did this so we could get the tube to Kings Cross without changing trains. At Kings Cross, which seemed smaller and grubbier than I remembered it from years ago, we caught the train directly to Sunderland. I was impressed with the train as it left on time and seemed to speed along with no trouble at all. I was less impressed with the seat reservation however as the coach D which was on our reservation did not exist. We eventually found our seat located in coach C.

On reaching Sunderland the station was being refurbished so we came out at the Metro exit some distance from the rail station where Wendy was waiting to pick us up.

We had a nice weekend altogether even if we did not have a car. It was good to see Wendy and Rebecca and Graham who we had not seen for over a year. It rained on the Saturday but on the Sunday it was warm and sunny. We were able to walk through the park to the beach and in the afternoon we walked up to their allotment.

On the Monday we returned home via Newcastle to Kings Cross and back to Jans at New Malden. I spent the evening playing with Toms train set. On the Tuesday we returned home to Hythe in the car.