Images from the long, long journey home to Aberdeen

Up early to catch the train in Lugano

But not too early for the Swiss army cadets to be enjoying a beer (or several)...

As we enjoy scenic views of Lake Lucerne from the train window.

 In a park near Zurich Hauptbahnhof I meet 'Amigo', the first WFT I've seen since leaving the UK.

We change trains again in Frankfurt,

Where we are reminded of home.

After an overnight stay in Utrecht,

We say hi to a furry fellow passenger on the Sunday morning train to Amsterdam.

Gail and I are both by now feeling a little travel weary

But we are encouraged by seeing this poster.

At IJmuiden we say goodbye to continental Europe

And take the overnight ferry across the North Sea to Newcastle

Where I am less than impressed with my accommodation.

 Monday morning in Newcastle and I am too tired to go exploring (yes really!)

Finally, late afternoon, we're home sweet home in Aberdeen.

What a wonderfully brilliant trip!

A mini drama on the train near Dundee

As the train home pulled out of Dundee, the apparently short-sighted lady sitting across the aisle leaned over to Gail and asked:

"Didn't you have a dog with you?"

Gail's heart missed a beat, then started pounding so hard it activated seismographs in New Zealand.

(Gail says those readers who remember the 'Newcastle Escapade' will understand her panic…)

Then she remembered to look under the seat.

My what a fuss. And just when I'd found a nice quiet spot for a nap

Hello I'm on the train

And heading home to Aberdeen
And the Wi-fi is actually working.
And Gail has just discovered Photo Booth on her MacBook…

And if you are wondering why I am, somewhat unusually, wearing my red harness, well, let's just say one word.

Newcastle.

Hurry up Train, I want to see HGD!

Oh I am so happy, Gail and I are heading south on the train, destination Human Granny and Grandad!

Making good progress, we are crossing the Forth Bridge already...

Stopping for a pee break in Edinburgh is all very well, but really I want to see HGD and not hang around admiring the view from Calton Hill.

Yes and the crocuses in Princes Street Gardens are a welcome sign of Spring, but let's not miss the next  train...

Ah, Torness nuclear power station. So we are headed in the right direction...

And that looks like Berwick-upon-Tweed. Hooray, we have made it into England! No passports required. Yet. 

Now we are on the outskirts of Newcastle. I wonder why Gail has grabbed my collar so tightly...

So continuing southwards,  Gail is saying "look Bertie, Durham Cathedral. One of our finest"...

Well granted it is a splendid building, but really, can we get this train moving again? I just want to see HGD...

Coming in to York now. Yes, I know Gail, another fine Minster hiding behind the trees. And not much further to go...

Oh yes, a treat is just what I need to make the landscape around Doncaster more palatable...

Woo hoo! We have finally arrived in Nottingham. I am so thrilled to see Human Granny. But where is HGD? Oh I forgot, he is in his special new home. What do you mean we can't visit until tomorrow? I'm going to look for him right now...

Bertie the good sport

I am just back from a busy few days in Nottingham, visiting the human grandparents and making myself available for frequent cuddles.

We travelled by train and I was as good as gold. Yes really.

Readers should know that the Friday 9:52 a.m. East Coast train from Aberdeen is, unofficially, the Stag and Hen Party Express.

What fun!

So many jolly, lively and not at all drunk folk on board to keep Gail and I entertained as we sped south.

Newcastle was the main destination for these party people. For some reason* Gail was holding me very tight as we watched them disembarking...

....and she breathed a big sigh of relief as the train pulled out of the station. 

*Click here to read about the earlier 'Newcastle Station Incident'.