England Narrowboating: 4 Brampton & home

Saturday, June 19 to Wednesday, June 23, 2010

The train to Carlisle from Northampton was great. We had time for breakfast in Birmingham before changing to Virgin Trains, which has wireless Internet, computer plugs and free tea, coffee & snacks.

Our friends and travelling companions Roger & Sally Nelson met the train & drove us to their home in Brampton. One of their grandson's, William, & granddaughter Bella were there to greet us - most of their family have visited us in Costa Rica. Bella was off in the morning for Spain to play for the Manchester United junior women's football team - she has played in a number of international tournaments.

The following day we drove to the home of the Nelson's daughter Cinders, husband Andrew & family at their home in the Lake District, where the other daughter Wendy with husband Nels & family from Manchester joined in for a great picnic lunch. The grandkids had fun sliding down a steep hill on long lengths of rolled plastic coated with soap and water.

In the evening we enjoyed a BBQ dinner at the home of their son Mike, his wife Julian and their family. Both homes are in beautifully restored old stone buildings. We left the cold and wet behind with the canals - the weather in the north was hot and sunny for our entire stay, making outdoor dining a pleasure.

On Monday we had time to explore Roger's extensive gardens, which last week he opened to the public as a charity fund raiser, hosting over 600 people. Sally prepared a fabulous lunch for 12 people, most of whom we knew from previous visits. Among the guests were good friends Simon and Brenda Gray, who travelled in South America and Africa with Roger, Sally, Marilynn & I. Simon is famous for chauffeuring Marilynn and I to the airport when they were staying with us in Costa Rica, wearing his striped pyjamas as a chauffeur's uniform.

Tuesday saw us off to the Lake District again, this time to a famous old hotel on a large lake where a delicious lunch was served. We certainly aren't missing any meals! After lunch Roger drove us through the beautiful countryside on narrow, winding roads.

Wednesday morning Roger and Sally drove us to Newcastle, where we were sad to say goodbye before cramming into a packed British Airways economy only flight to Heathrow Airport in London. The one hour flight left an hour late, and my legs survived only by putting them in front of Marilynn's seat or by standing in the aisle. We regretted not taking the train, which would have comfortably got us there about the same time.

We had 4 hours to wait at Heathrow, but the world cup was on large screen TV in the lounge, and an extensive hot and cold buffet eased the hunger pangs. A well stocked complimentary bar had both bottled & draught beer. There was no immigration check, and security was quick and easy. Even with beefed up security it is not necessary to remove shoes.

The one-hour flight to Frankfurt on Lufthansa was on time, with a nice meal and drinks served while the pilot kept us apprised of scores on two World Cup football games in process. It took awhile to find Concord Airlines, but helpful Lufthansa staff advised us we could pick up our boarding passes at the gate. Lufthansa checked our luggage to Costa Rica from Heathrow.

Thursday, June 24, 2010

We boarded the midnight flight on time but it was delayed due to a passenger who checked in but didn't board. Baggage had to be removed from the plane, but we were kept supplied with champagne while waiting.

While climbing away from the airport there was an explosion in the right engine of the two engine Boeing 767-300, followed by a slowdown in speed and a levelling out of the aircraft. Eventually the pilot announced the engine was shut down, and that we would have to circle for about 20 minutes while dumping enough fuel to allow a landing. Crew training the passengers in crash procedures filled the time. The pilot sounded calm, and did an excellent job of maintaining control of the aircraft, but the cabin crew sounded very nervous and stressed when making announcements.

We were instructed to put on jackets and shoes, and advised that the landing could be hard. On final approach passengers were required to assume the emergency position of head down, sometimes referred to as kissing your ass goodbye.

The landing was well done and enthusiastically applauded by the passengers. The runway was lined with dozens of emergency vehicles. As soon as we stopped fire engines surrounded the plane and firemen inspected the damaged engine to ensure there was no possibility of fire. When given the OK the mass of emergency vehicles escorted us to an area away from the terminal where we disembarked to be transported by buses to await another aircraft.

Several passengers did not want to continue the flight, but were told they were required to, as their baggage was on board. Four not very friendly uniformed police surrounded the Condor agents to ensure there was no trouble. Eventually we were bussed to another plane, which took off uneventfully at 4:30 AM.

The replacement crew told us that hitting birds had damaged the engine, and that a psychologist was meeting in the terminal with the previous cabin crew to help them get over the trauma. No such service was offered to passengers; however I have found that beer functions at least as well. The long flight was smooth, the food and service good and we did get a little sleep, finally making it home by 11:30 AM instead of the previously schedule 6:55 AM.