Another item on my bucket list was travelling on the Scotland-England overnight train, the Caledonian Sleeper. It goes from the highlands to London and back, and their Club Car Class is quite swish.
It is known for its meals as well as its roomettes and in a perfect world I would have taken the train from Inverness – the train from there leaves after 8pm and gets into Euston twelve hours later. This would mean being able to take full advantage of the dinner car, as well as a leisurely breakfast in the morning – and they allow dogs in the rooms. But, the opportunity never arose while I was living in Orkney, so this week I settled for second best: taking the 11pm train out of Euston which would get me to Cartairs at 6:15am.
I limped into Euston Station after my lovely dinner at Hoppers, hoping the Caledonian lounge would be open – it was. Had a great visit with Kim from Calgary and Sandra (?) from Australia, before we headed down to the train. Of course it was at the other end of the station, and of course my car was the 13th of 14 cars. I limped along past the friendly, smiling staff – just as I got to my car, one staff member saw my limp and said, “You should have asked for assistance at the gate.” Really? Not one of the dozen or so staff I passed before thought to mention this? Ah well.
It was a peedie wee cabin, spotlessly clean and fully set up. A steward came by and said the bar car would be open another hour, but as it was five cars back, I didn’t see much point. She took my breakfast order and told me an attendant would be by at 5:30am to help me take my luggage to the dining car. Perfect.
I had the best night’s sleep and in the morning woke to a beautiful day. I watched the scenery roll by as I dressed, and then headed to a delicious breakfast of hot smoked salmon frittata with hollandaise, and a cup of tea.
Got off the train at Carstairs Junction and my new friend Caroline drove me home. A lovely ending to an eventful week.
