Saturday 30th March ~ Lolyne to Knott End

Started with Solo 283 on the 16 from Highfield Road (Fisher's Fields) to Mereside Tesco's. Then a quick change to Lolyne 307 at the start of it's journey on the 14, which we took to the Town Centre. From the Town Centre is was an epic ride aboard Lolyne 350 on the 2C to Knott End, running via Grange Park and Poulton and then through several Wyre villages including Hambleton and Stalmine. This bus is ex Isle of Man and was built in 2000, so is relatively older than the lower numbered Lolyne's. As can be seen I have discovered that Blackpool's modern double deck buses are Lolynes - like those on London's 388 - along with a few Lowlanders, so I will now refer to them as such rather than 'Tridents' (Trident is the chassis).

Lolyne 350 at the Knott End terminus of the 2c

Then it was a hop across the River Wyre to Fleetwood on the ferry Wyre Rose. Departing at 15.37 and the journey only taking 2 or 3 minutes.

The Wyre Rose at Knott End

After some fish-n-chips it was all aboard Lolyne 328 on the 1, for the short ride to it's terminus at Fleetwood Freeport, then all the way to Starr Gate, picking up some Gillingham and Fleetwood fans at Fleetwood Town (where they had drawn 2-2). Departure from Fleetwood was 16.55, arrival at Starr Gate was 18.05.

Lolyne 328 at Starr Gate after arrival on the 1

Thursday 28th March ~ Slow train to Preston

Going up to Blackpool for Easter. My ride from London Euston to Preston was 390 128 City of Preston on the 11.33 Euston-Preston additional. This train called at Rugby, Crewe, Warrington and Wigan and was somewhat slackly timed, spending several minutes at each of it's station stops. Some things I saw on the way... preserved 86's NSE liveried 86401 Northampton Town and InterCity liveried 86213 Lancashire Witch at Willesden, along with Cola's liveried 86701 Orion. At Wembley, 90047 was at the head of 4L97 Trafford Park-Felixstowe freightliner, while alongside pointing in the other direction were 86628 + 86622 with 4M54 Tilbury-Crewe freightliner. In Wembley yard were royal 67006 Royal Sovereign and 90018 newly painted in DB Schenker livery. Heading north we overtook 66590 on 4M94 Felixstowe-Lawley Street freightliner at Cheddington, and at Bletchley passed 66955 heading south with 4L93 Lawley Street-Felixstowe. While we were stopped at Rugby, 66424 went past at 12.22 with 4S44 Daventry-Coatbridge intermodal, although we re-overtook it south of Nuneaton. At Crewe Basford Hall, 66513 was reversing with a ballast train, while over at the LNWR depot were 86247 in Europhoenix livery, and much travelled, now DRS liveried 47712 Pride of Carlisle. At Warrington Arpley, 66102 was at the head of a train of concrete sleepers, also present were 60092 and 09106. At Preston, 57308 was lurking in the bay behind the old parcels platform.

The nameplate of Pendolino 390 128 City of Preston, at Preston

Finally at Preston it was on to 142 039 with the 15.02 to Blackpool South (13.50 ex Colne), which I took to Squires Gate.

Wednesday 27th March ~ The Oxford English Dictionary

Started on Solo OS11 on the W5 from Harringay Sainsbury's to Hornsey Library. Grabbed a coffee and went for Enviro400 TE669 on the 91 from Crouch End Broadway to Russell Square. From Russell Square it was Gemini WVL265 on the 68 to Waterloo, along with a load of primary school children. At Waterloo I boarded Enviro400 TEH1240 at it's first stop on the 139 for a ride to Piccadilly Circus. After buying a dictionary, a Warsaw guide and some crumpets it was a walk across to Trafalgar Square for Gemini-2 DW492 on the 29 for the ride back to Harringay Green Lanes.

Tuesday 26th March ~ Brrrrr (yet again)

A bitterly cold day. Caught Gemini-2 WVN29 on the 259 from Manor House to Caledonian Road in the morning. Got the tube back :-P..

Monday 25th March ~ Long Cold Winter

An overcast day with a maximum temperature of 3 degrees celsius today. As Cinderella once said, it's a long cold winter. Started with a walk across Finsbury Park to catch Gemini-2 VW1298 on the W7 from Finsbury Park bus station to Crouch End Broadway. After a visit to the library I boarded Enviro400 TE927 on the 91, which I took to Upper Woburn Place. Across to Euston and I boarded Gemini VLWxxx on the 68, and took it to Aldwych. Unfortunately I neglected to get it's number! After a couple of coffees in Starbucks and a read of 'The Vatard Sisters' I found myself at Charing Cross. Enviro400 no.12146 arrived at the stop on the 15, and I took it on a slow journey to Tower Hill. Slow due to roadworks and temporary traffic lights on Fleet Street. Round the corner to Tower Gateway then for 2003 built single-decker Dart DMC42515 on the RV1, which I took to the south side of London Bridge, running via Aldgate and Fenchurch Street. Finally a dash across the road for 2002 built Gemini VLW63 on the 141, which I took to Harringay Green Lanes.

Friday 22nd March 2013 ~ Across to Earls Court

Today's mission was to get across to Earls Court by bus. This would take 3 buses, and there were a number of options. It was about 13.00 at Harringay Green Lanes when I decided to board Enviro400 T165 on the 341 and took it to Angel. At Angel it was on to Enviro400 DN33640 on the 30 for the ride to Baker Street. The last leg was aboard Gemini WVL69 on the 74, which I took to Earls Court Road. I was joined on the journey by a group of young schoolchildren and their teachers who were travelling to South Kensington. Arrival at Earls Court was around 15.15.

Exiting the Ideal Home Show at Earls Court Exhibition Centre around 3 hours later. It was grey, drizzly and murky, and I boarded hybrid Gemini-2 WHV34 on the 74, which I took to it's terminating point by Baker Street tube station. There it was a short wait for Enviro400 DN 33631 on the 30. However my return route here differed from my outbound route as I got off at Euston station. At Euston it was on to Gemini VLW190 on the 253 back to Manor House.

Thursday 21st March ~ Gardening in Belsize Park

Gardening day. At Harringay Green Lanes I boarded Gemini-2 DW493 on the 29, at around 10.00 and took it to Camden Town. At Camden I eventually took Enviro400 T80 on the 168 to Belsize Park, although Gemini's are still the majority bus type on this route. Later it was on to one of those Gemini's, Gemini VLW130 on the 168 from Belsize Park to Euston. Finally at Euston it was on to the 253, and another of Arriva's first generation Geminis, Gemini VLW185, for the ride back to Manor House.

Wednesday 20th March ~ The 13 from Golders Green II

Started off on one of the 141's old Geminis, VLW24 for the ride from Harringay Green Lanes to Wood Green. Then from Wood Green it was on to a route I haven't ridden for a while, the W3, Enviro400 T207 doing the honours from Wood Green to it's terminus at Finsbury Park, running via Hornsey of course. Next it was on to ALX400 TA652 at Finsbury Park on the 210 for a ride to Golders Green, my second visit to Golders Green this week.

ALX400 TA652 at it's terminating stop on the 210 at Finsbury Park. I took this bus to Golders Green.

Then after grabbing a coffee it was another ride on the 13, Omnidekka SLE25 being my ride today. I took it from Golders Green to Oxford Street (Old Cavendish Street).

OmniDekka SLE25 on the 13 stand at Golders Green bus station

A short while later I found myself walking down Charing Cross Road. Bus congestion was happening here, caused in large part by the continuing closure of Regent Street.

The 13 is mainly worked by OmniDekkas, but the occasional OmniCity is seen. This is OmniCity SP68, caught in congestion on Charing Cross Road, with a northbound 13, diverted due to the continuing closure of Regent Street.

Further down Charing Cross Road I decided to head home aboard brand new Gemini-2 DW500 on the 29. The congestion on Charing Cross Road was not too bad now, however there was severe congestion on Tottenham Court Road, and progress was slow. Due to it's subsequent delay presumably, the bus terminated at Holloway Nag's Head. From there I walked back a stop and caught a 254, powered by Enviro400 T44 unusually as it's normally worked by Gemini's. I caught it to Manor House.

Tuesday March 19th ~ Keeping the ducks safe

Still cold, winter is still hanging around. In the morning I caught Gemini-2 WVN7 on the 259 from Manor House to Caledonian Road tube station. Returning at 17.05 aboard Gemini-2 WVN27, also on the 259, from Caledonian Road back to Manor House.

Monday 18th March 2013 ~ The 13 from Golders Green

Started with a walk up to Stroud Green Library, by Harringay train station, then, at 11.49,  onto Solo OS11 on the W5  to Hornsey Library, where I took out 'A Nos Amours', Sandrine Bonnaire's first film from 1983, which frankly I didn't like much. Round to Crouch End Broadway and on to Gemini-2 VW1385 on the W7  to it's terminus at Muswell Hill. From Muswell Hill it was on to Enviro400 T7 on the 102 across to Golders Green. Then to my main aim for today, a ride on an OmniDekka on route 13.

OmniDekka SLE23 stands at Golders Green bus station waiting to work the 13

Performing the honours was OmniDekka SLE23, which I took for a ride along it's entire route 13 to Aldwych. Legroom is not very generous on these buses! Not on the front seat anyway. They date from 2005 and are due to be replaced in the summer. The route took me via Swiss Cottage, St John's Wood and Baker Street. Departure was at 13.00 and it kept good time as far as Oxford Street where it hit congestion due to the continued closure of Regent Street, and was thus diverted via the east half of Oxford Street, New Oxford Street and Shaftesbury Avenue to Haymarket. By the time I got to Aldwych it was raining and I went into Starbucks for a coffee... After that it was still raining hard and I headed across to Lancaster Place to catch Enviro400 T168 on the 341 to Harringay Green Lanes.

Friday 15th March ~ President of Archway

Started at around 11.30 with Gemini-2 WVN7 on the 259 from Manor House to Caledonian Road (HMP Pentonville).

Gemini-2 WVN9 on the 259 at Manor House. A wheelchair-bound passenger has just boarded hence the ramp is out. Behind WVN7 arrives, also on the 259, this was the bus I took to Caledonian Road

After my appointment which went well I think I decided to head north aboard President VPL601 on the 17 which I took all the way to it's Archway terminus. I then fancied another President so it was all aboard President VPL583 on the 17 which I took from Archway the full route to London Bridge. This runs via Holloway Road, Caledonian Road, Grays Inn Road, Holborn, Charterhouse Street, Farringdon Street, St Pauls and Monument. These Presidents date from 2004.

Routemaster RML903 heads north on Holloway Road with a special 4 in conjunction with Comic Relief day

My final move of the day was aboard Gemini VLW62 on the 141 which I took from the north side of London Bridge to Harringay Green Lanes.

Thursday 14th March ~ Out to Hackney Wick

Started off with hybrid Gemini-2 HW5 on the 141 from Harringay Green Lanes to Bank. This possibly being the hybrid I saw yesterday on the 141. However all the other buses I saw on the 141 today were still the older VLW types. Talking of which my next move was aboard Gemini VLW91 on the 242 from Threadneedle Street to St. Paul's, this bus dates from 2003. Then a walk down to Queen Victoria Street for my main objective today, which was to travel the entire route of the 388, this I did aboard Lolyne HTL10. This departed at 12.30 and the journey to Hackney Wick took 45 minutes in total.

Lolyne HTL2 at the 388 terminus at Hackney Wick

Enviro400 DN33621 starts it's journey on the 30 at Hackney Wick

I returned from Hackney Wick to Bishopsgate/Liverpool Street aboard Lolyne HTL2 on the 388 again. Next it was a stroll across to Liverpool Street bus station to board Enviro400 DN33776 on the 23 which I took to Aldwych, where I had a coffee break and watched the buses and the world go by... I had intended to then take one of the 13's Omnidekkas but didn't see any 13's in the 15 minutes or so I was sat there or subsequently after. It could be that they were being terminated early due to the ongoing closure of Regent Street... anyway I decided to board a similair model, Vyking VLE21 on the 9 at it's first stop on the Aldwych, for the ride to Hyde Park Corner, this running via Pall Mall. These Vykings date from 2004. Then it was on to brand new Gemini-2 VW1403 on the 52, which I took to it's terminus at Victoria. On then to a very busy OmniCity SP122 on the 148 which I took from Victoria Street/Palace Street to County Hall. This being a rare downstairs ride for me. Finally it was the familiar ride back on the 341, with Enviro400 T146 doing the honours from Waterloo (County Hall) to Harringay Green Lanes.

Wednesday 13th March ~ I went up to Muswell Hill

My plan was to head up to Wood Green Library, to this end I boarded Gemini VLW23 on the 141 from Harringay Green Lanes to Wood Green, it was a nice sunny winter's day. I was tempted to stay on to Palmers Green but I stuck to my plan to visit the library first. After visiting the library I boarded Gemini VLW35 on the 141 from Wood Green to it's Palmers Green terminus. These Gemini's date from 2001/2002 and are soon to be replaced, and I did observe a new hybrid Gemini heading south on Green Lanes with a 141. At Palmers Green I decided to check out what other buses called here. Walking round to the North Circular Road I decided to board a 102, this runs from Edmonton to Brent Cross, the bus performing the honours was Enviro400 T35. I took it to Muswell Hill. En route the skies had clouded over and there were snow flurries.

ALX400 DLA351 on the North Circular Road at Palmers Green with a westbound 34

My final ride was aboard Gemini 2 VW1269 on the W7, which I rode the entire length of it's route - from Muswell Hill to Finsbury Park.

Tuesday 12th March ~ 2 Kindsa Gemini

Now I know a little bit more about buses I have realised that there are two versions of the Gemini. The earlier models are just known as Gemini, and the later models (from around 2006 onwards) are known as Gemini 2. So I will use these from now on. Up until now I have just used Gemini for both types.

A frozen Tuesday morning... got Gemini 2 WVN13 on the 259 from Manor House to Caledonian Road tube station. Returning at 16.45 ish on Gemini 2 WVN8 on the 259 from Caledonian Road to Manor House.

Monday 11th March 2013 ~ Chilly Cold Crouch End

A bitingly cold day with snow flurries. Caught Solo OS7 on the W5 from Harringay Sainsbury's to Hornsey Library. There I returned 'All About Lily Chou Chou' - which I found boring and confusing -  and took out 'Angel of Mine', featuring one of my favourite Frenchwomen, Sandrine Bonnaire. After a long break reading with a couple of coffee's in Starbucks I caught Solo OS7 again, on the W5 back to Stroud Green Library, by Harringay train station.

Thursday 7th March ~ Caledonian Road Farce

Started at around 09.15 with Gemini VLW146 on the 254, taking it from Manor House to it's terminating point at Holloway Nag's Head. I had intended here to board another bus heading south down Caledonian Road, however it became apparent that there were problems on Caledonian Road...

Southbound traffic is at a standstill on the one way northern section of Caledonian Road. Here is Gemini WVN29 on the 259

Enviro200 ENS1 on the 393, with Gemini WVN on the 259 behind

Traffic on Caledonian Road was stationary, and southbound buses were being diverted down North Road. As I proceeded south the cause of the bother was revealed, President VPL224, on a northbound 17, had broken down outside Caledonian Road tube station, blocking both lanes.

A failed President VPL224 by Caledonian Road tube station

To the south, northbound traffic is stationary. Here is President VPL637 on the 17, with more buses queueing behind.

I emerged from my appointment at around 11.00, and traffic by then had cleared. I boarded Enviro400 TE927 on the 91, from Caledonian Road to Charing Cross. From there it was Enviro400 DN33779 on the 23 from Charing Cross to it's terminating point, Liverpool Street bus station. After a coffee it was onto ALX400 no.17742 on the 8 at Bishopsgate (Liverpool Street) to it's terminating point at Holles Street, by John Lewis's. To reach Holles Street from Oxford Street, this runs via Hanover Street and Hanover Square, which was a nice ride.

ALX400 no.17742 at the no.8 stand on Holles Street

At Holles Street it was on to Gemini VN36139 at the start of it's journey on the 25, which I took to High Holborn, by the Penderel's Oak, where I had something to eat and a glass of wine. From there it was onto Citaro MEC6 on the 521 to it's terminating point at Waterloo station. Finally it was Enviro400 T160 on the 341 from Waterloo (Baylis Road) to Harringay Green Lanes.

Wednesday 6th March ~ The Lovely Lolyne

A walk across Finsbury Park to catch Gemini WVL481 on the 19 to Cambridge Circus, a ride that featured annoying Chinese man on mobile phone who I sent to the back of the bus :P For my next ride I found myself at Oxford Street/Wardour Street, from where I caught ALX400 no.18227 on the 8 all the way to Liverpool Street, where I had a coffee.

ALX400 no.18227 after I had alighted from it by Liverpool Street station

My next move was aboard brand new Enviro400 HEA1 on the 388, which I took from Bishopsgate (Liverpool Street) to it's terminating point at Blackfriars (Queen Victoria Street).

Brand new Enviro400 HEA1 at the 388 stand on Queen Victoria Street

After another refreshment break I returned to the Queen Victoria Street to board my first Lolyne (Lolyne being an anagram of Lonely, possibly unintentional) , Lolyne HTL5 on the 388 back to Bishopsgate/Liverpool Street. These buses are pretty entertaining I've decided,. With the appearance of the new Enviro, I wonder if they are on the way out?

Lolyne HTL5 at the 388 stand on Queen Victoria Street

From Bishopsgate I proceeded to Finsbury Square, and the stop nearby on Moorgate, where I boarded Gemini HV15 on the 76, which I took to Waterloo. Finally from Waterloo (Baylis Road), I took the now familiar 341 journey back to Harringay Green Lanes, Enviro400 T151 performing the honours.

Tuesday 5th March ~ A taste of Springtime

It was a pleasant 13 celsius today. After a visit to Harringay train station I boarded Solo OS9 on the W5, from Stapleton Hall Road to Crouch End Broadway.

Solo OS11 on Stapleton Hall Road, by Harringay train station, with a W5 bound for Harringay Sainsbury's

At Hornsey Library I swapped 'To Get to Heaven First You Have to Die', which was a good film, for 'All About Lily Chou-Chou', a Japanese film which I will review later. Then back to Crouch End Broadway for Enviro400 TE930 on the 91 for the ride to the Strand. After my lunch I decided to board President VP522 on the 6 on the Strand, due to roadworks on Regent Street this was diverted from Piccadilly Circus - Shaftesbury Avenue - Charing Cross Road - Centrepoint - Oxford Street. I alighted at Oxford Circus. Walked down Regent Street to Piccadilly Circus to catch Gemini DW263 on the 38 for the short ride to Charing Cross Road (Foyle's), and finally it was on to Gemini DW477 on the 29 for the ride back to Harringay Green Lanes.

Sunday 3rd March 2013 ~ SIRO-A Technodelic!

Walked across Finsbury Park to board Gemini WVL482 on the 19 at 13.00 for the ride to Shaftesbury Avenue. I was heading for the theatre for some Japanese Technodelic human animation... after which we went to the pub and finally it was at 21.05 when I boarded Enviro400 T164 on the 341 for the ride back to Harringay Green Lanes.

Thursday 28th February 2013 ~ Chop chop chop in Regents Park

At 09.53 I caught Enviro400 T263 on the 29 from Manor House to Camden (Bayham Street), catching it at Manor House due to the roadworks just north of Manor House meaning it was much quicker to walk to Manor House than get the bus! After a coffee in Camden I boarded single-deck Enviro200 DE1166 on the 274 from Bayham Street to Prince Albert Road (Wells Rise). After my gardening I decided to take a bus odyssey back to HGL, catching Enviro400 E184 on the 453 from Marylebone Road/York Terrace to Waterloo (County Hall), and then a quick change to Enviro400 T163 on the 341 from County Hall to Harringay Green Lanes.

Wednesday 27th February 2013 ~ Put m' feet up on Green Lanes

Started with Solo OS9 on the W5 from Harringay Sainsbury's to Hornsey Library, where I dropped off Tiny Furniture and picked up To Get to Heaven First you have to die - a Russian film. Then a walk to Crouch End Broadway for Enviro400 TE685 on the 91, which I took to the Strand. My next ride was aboard Enviro400 TE989 on the 139 from Charing Cross to Waterloo. Thence to the platform level entrance at Waterloo to board another Enviro400, no.9554, on the 211, for a ride to Victoria. At Victoria it was on to hybrid Gemini HV44 on the 73, which I took to Oxford Circus, from where I boarded Enviro400 no.9555 on the C2, which I took to Green Park. Time to head back so I decided to get Gemini WVL495 on the 19, which I boarded at Piccadilly/Down Street, intending to take it all the way to Finsbury Park. However whilst on board I realised it had changed it's terminating point to Highbury Barn, so I got off on Rosebery Avenue, noticing that subsequent 19's were also only going to Highbury Barn. My ride home was Enviro400 T149 on the 341, from Rosebery Avenue to Harringay Green Lanes. I boarded it at 18.20. Due to roadworks just north of Manor House on Green Lanes and it being rush hour, progress approaching Manor House was extremely slow!

Tuesday 26th February ~ Tiring!

Caught Gemini WVN26 on the 259 in the morning from Manor House to Caledonian Road tube station. Doing the reverse journey in the afternoon aboard Gemini WVN1.

Saturday 23rd February ~ Bowling! You get a ruuuush from bowling!

It was 13.20 when I caught Gemini WVN18 on the 259 from Manor House to King's Cross, arriving just before 14.00. Then after look at the Wellcome's Death exhibition, and a splendid guided tour. After that my next engagement was in Finsbury Park. I boarded  Gemini VLW182 on the 253 at Euston for the ride to Finsbury Park. After a fun early evening's bowling it was onto the Victoria Line to Oxford Circus and some Oriental hipster street food. After that and a drink I found myself at the Aldwych, from where I took Enviro400 T217 on the 341, not one of the 341's regular buses I believe, back to Harringay Green Lanes.

Friday 22nd February ~ Brrr again

Another cold winter's day. After my psychotherapy session I caught Enviro400 T162 on the 341 from St Ann's Hospital all the way to Holborn Circus. After having something to eat on Fetter Lane I boarded Enviro400 T155 on the 341 from Fetter Lane to Harringay Green Lanes.

Thursday 21st February 2013 ~ Tiny Furniture

Caught Solo OS15 on the W5 from Harringay Sainsbury's to Hornsey Library, from where I took out the film 'Tiny Furniture', which was OK, I grew to like a couple of the characters. I returned on Solo OS9 on the W5 from Crouch End (Wolseley Road) to Endymion Road, where the bus got stuck in traffic so I decided to get off.