When I last renewed my North Highland Railcard there was a short survey to ask why I use the train. There were options for 'business', 'personal business', 'shopping', 'leisure trips' and perhaps the most important of all - 'visiting friends and family'. I read this on UCB's Word for Today (www.ucb.co.uk): '
YOU WILL BE MISSED, BECAUSE YOUR SEAT WILL BE EMPTY.' 1 SAMUEL 20:18 When you lose a loved one, you realise that relationships are much more important than possessions, b. But we forget that in our scramble to the top of the heap. Being told you've only a short time to live puts you into shock, then re-orders your priorities. It makes you want to fill each precious moment with the words you've left unsaid and the things you've neglected to do. Don't allow self-centeredness, masquerading as ambition (or religious zeal!), to keep you from showing love to those who need it. Make that call. Send that email. Buy those flowers. Say, 'I love you.' In other words, 'be there.' Most of the time people don't need our wise analysis or brilliant answers, they just need our love and support and they'll find their own answers. If you are a leader, you're particularly at risk. Don't sacrifice your family on the altar of your career or you'll end up with regrets you can't resolve. ... Take a moment and think about these words: 'And Jonathan had David reaffirm his...love for him...Then Jonathan said to David...You will be missed, because your seat will be empty.'
Thinking of taking a journey? Make it a special one and visit that loved one you haven't seen recently. I can't think of a better reason to be taking a trip.
Saturday 30 August 2008
Saturday 23 August 2008
Isle of Man with the Steam Packet
You can get to the Island by rail and sea from Heysham (best for the north of
The Steam Packet is the world's oldest passenger shipping company established in 1830. However it is an up to date transport company with a fleet of modern ships. All the routes now use high speed ferries with the exception of the Heysham link which makes use of a traditional ferry which was built especially for the service a few years ago. The company has not forgotten it's routes though and has re branded earlier this year with traditional Manx names, livery and style. My ship, the Ben-my-Chree was looking excellent in its new black and white livery with bright red funnel. It replaced the King Orry and to be honest I preferred the 'King'. It was a dedicated passenger ship while the 'Ben' is a combined freight and passenger ship which has the feeling that the emphasis is definitely on the freight. Having said that it has all the facilities you would expect. On boarding I headed up to the main passenger lounge. I found a reserved seating lounge, the restaurant, a small shop with Manx souvenirs, a pub, a 1st class lounge and open air deck. I headed straight for the open deck and despite crossing in a storm that had the fast ferries stuck in port, remained their for almost the entire journey. There is something very special about sailing outside. On the inside you could almost imagine you are on shore, except for the constant movement. But outside is the real experience. There was enough shelter to make it possible in the high winds and I even got a few interesting photos! I was also very impressed with how the Ben-my-Chree handled the
Arriving at the
More of that though on my next post. The journey home was very similar to my outward journey except for one very significant point. I had a treat and travelled first class. Is it worth it? Yes, a definite yes! This is the
Overall both journeys were excellent. It is really a pity that they are so short, there is not nearly the time to fully enjoy the sea travel experience. However for anyone wondering whether a trip to a
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