Trains, Trains, and More Trains

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(by Becky)

We rose early in preparation for a long day across England & Wales. We were planning to take the direct train from Euston station in England to Holyhead, Wales but we missed that train by 1 minute. Here's what happened next...

Heathrow to Paddington, tried to board first class -not our ride.

Paddington to Euston, packed like sardines- exit underground dragging luggage upstairs (eleven pieces) through throngs
of people to main street and walking to the station a half mile away.

Euston to Crewe - missed train by 1 min due to misinformation.
(Note: platform #'s change often and not everyone has current information. Look for men carrying little black boxes-has up to the minute readout.)

Took later train:
Crewe to Chester - Change trains, each change means changing
platforms which means dragging luggage to another platform.

Chester to Holyhead - wrong train, went to Runcorn instead.

Runcorn to Chester - each change of direction means going up a lift, crossing over track and down the lift with all our
luggage. Did we mention 11 pieces of luggage?

Chester to Holyhead - wrong train again, went to Wrexham General instead (up, across & down )

Wrexham General to Chester - by this time we were well known with the rail agents and desperate for the right train. (see photo of us praying)

Chester to Holyhead - finally, success & rest!!

Settled at last, we dined using our new Dining Kits (portable piknic in a backpack) and while doing so made a delightful new friend Haydn, a Wales gentleman who is a retired rail station worker and now rides the rails to relax and meet people. He was our guide through the Welsh hills and countryside.
Last stop - Holyhead where we parted ways with Haydn.

We ran to the ferry thinking Ireland here we come! Only to have missed the ferry by minutes...

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Photos

England Rails
First Rail Ride

Praying For Trains
The Right Train!

Wales
Countryside by Rail

New Friends
Haydn