Do it by Rail '21, '22

 I'm on the train but it doesn't depart for 40 minutes. I'm told they'll call me when they've finished setting up, probably after Truro.  Train on neighbouring platform is for Edinburgh, another 8 to 9 hour journey.  Service has started!   I think this is the Dawlish Warren section beside the sea: Starter: Smoked trout, beetroot wedges Main: Pan fried cod loin with a carrot & cumin barley risotto Then my favourite pudding: Selection of British cheeses with port of course The Pullman crew, all six of them, did an excellent job and will be even busier tonight with full bookings. I think I should stop blogging for today. Somebody please wake me at Paddington.  I'll have lots more in April when I go all the way to  Thurso  and back.

 Penzance , the station, with the ferry to Scilly Isles in the distance.  This was the sleeper train. Arrived bang on time.  A lovely morning. Took a brief walk then enjoyed coffee and toast at Sullivan's Diner. Station has a tropical entrance.  This coach is spacious and comfortable, just right for someone of my advancing years.  Free hot drinks and snacks on this service.  The trolly came round  three times during the 2hr leg to Plymouth!  NEXT:   pullman-to-paddington

 You wouldn't see all this from your bed if you flew or drove. From the Tamar bridge to St Austell.  Plus breakfast... NEXT:   penzance

 I took these mainly for my grandson who wants to know where grandad is going to sleep on the train.     So here we are, they're just like the old Caledonian Sleepers but the bed is the other way around - pillow used to be beside the door -  otherwise just minor cosmetic upgrades plus a hotel-style electronic lock on the door. NEXT:   bright-and-sunny-morning

  Beside platform 1, where the sleeper usually departs, is the first class lounge where there are nearly-comfortable chairs, hot and cold drinks and snacks. All free. NEXT:   a-bed-for-night

 Got oodles of time to get to Paddington so opted for the 205 bus from immediately outside Liverpool Street to outside Paddington.  There was a busker at the bus stop. Takes around 50 mins but I'll still have over an hour before boarding the sleeper. Good bus journey via King's Cross,  St Pancras, Euston, Marylebone stations.  NEXT:   lounge-with-free-snacks

 Everything worked just fine at Norwich. Arrived on time  The river reminded me of York.  The station looked even better in the setting sun and my return train was as advertised.  My journey continued to the southernmost station. Read that here:  south-pnz

 Lowestoft station has no roof , one shop and tourist information, a parcels office and just one communal toilet. However, it is very well endowed with seating, at least 20 3-seater armed benches - presumably for those queueing for the loo.  On top of all that, the facade is ugly and unwelcoming.  On the positive side I did enjoy a large haddock and chips at the Dolphin Restaurant.   I was really hoping to be here for at least a couple of hours,  maybe longer, but the wind, although gentle, was Arctic. Best move on. Now I'm on the train to Norwich where I might loiter - much nicer than Lowestoft - before returning to Liverpool Street and the sleeper from Paddington to Penzance. NEXT:   all-good-at-norwich

What a magnificent station Norwich has. Quite imposing. A very helpful customer services man described how I can get a refund for the first train.  Second train is as advertised. A lot of this en route to Lowestoft:  NEXT:   facilities-challenged-station

 Arrived at Liverpool Street station in good time for an earlier train than I had planned to catch, but was disappointed by the lack of a first class section and food, so I waited for the 11:30.  There's no first class or refreshments on this one either! It's a Stanstead Express and therefore cramped quarters. Not what I had envisioned. Once I work out how to get photos from my smartphone to the laptop while on this train I'll add a photo or two.  Success! NEXT:   to-lowestoft

 Starting in the morning from LEW at 10:04 then a 388 bus from LBG to LST for the 11:30 to NRW and the 14:05 to LST. In Lowestoft I'll have plenty of time to look around and grab lunch somewhere - fish and chips on the harbour sounds good. I can return from Lowestoft any time from 15:48 to 18:48, which train I get will depend largely upon the weather. From Liverpool Street there's a 205 bus to Paddington where, again depending upon the time, I might get an evening meal.  Boarding the 23:45 sleeper to Penzance from 22:40.   It would have been nice to see the famous Dawlish Warren section which we'll pass at 4:20 to 4:25 but I am relieved to say that the sleeper won't be passing there in daylight until May! For more info on the sleeper to Cornwall, see this excellent page from The Man in Seat 61. N.B. Never done a blog before but I'll try to update during the journey. NEXT:   disappointing-first-train