I was boasting in another thread about knowing every inch of the A12 between two local places. I thought I'd share one or two bits of it with you. And then of some other roads that I know every inch of.



This bit is annoying, there's always someone waiting to come out from the side road and slow you down. So you have to judge between going fast enough to make sure there  isn't a gap for them to fit into, but not so fast that you crash into them if they try anyway.

Here there's such a sharp bend on the main carriageway that they've had to change the sign so it's got a bendy tip.

Bonus points if you spot someone who thinks they can get onto the A12 here, and they come over the bridge and stop sharp in the loop that goes to the hotel.

Another ultra-dangerous junction. See where it says 'The Matchyns'? That isn't there now because someone misjudged the bend and crashed into the brick wall, demolishing it.

I thought that bendy road sign was camera distortion!

On the opposite carriageway from that last picture



I find the 1-2-3 mileages there very pleasing.

Brompton Road, from Thurloe Place to Scotch Corner. Not only could I drive or walk it blindfold and go precisely where I was going, I could probably name every single shop, cafe, restaurant, and bank that's ever been there during my life - right down to the exact premises they occupied. Some of my ashes are to be scattered there, in high summer, into heavy traffic, on a busy Saturday afternoon. After they've been perfumed.

Motorways - one is much like another. The beauty is that, barring knowledge of likely local choke points or particular bends that are sharper than they might be, you don't need to know them. In general I have a very decent sense of direction. I've never used a sat nav. I don't even tend to get lost in places I've never been before. It's my great inbuilt talent. I am impatient with people who don't have it. My mother doesn't have it.

Ironically, having posted all those A12 photos I haven't been along that road for a month, and won't be going that way again for another 2 weeks.

I drove along the A12 on Wednesday and DIDN'T get caught in a traffic jam, however the M23 and M25.......

Why would anyone go near the M23 in the middle of summer? Finding it too busy for sanity is like going to Siberia in January and saying 'it was cold'.

cosmictanya wrote:

Why would anyone go near the M23 in the middle of summer? Finding it too busy for sanity is like going to Siberia in January and saying 'it was cold'.

Gatwick, after getting off an 11hr "No Sleep" flight.

At least I could have a doze in the traffic.

Zarniwoop wrote:

cosmictanya wrote:

Why would anyone go near the M23 in the middle of summer? Finding it too busy for sanity is like going to Siberia in January and saying 'it was cold'.

Gatwick, after getting off an 11hr "No Sleep" flight.

At least I could have a doze in the traffic.

Even less sympathy for you now! Book a car with a driver to take you door to door - after (or before) a long haul flight, it's money well spent. Or take a leaf out of Jimmy Savile's book and let the train take the strain.

The train is out of the question, 3 big suitcases, 3 heavy cabin bags and a wheelchair for my youngest....don't get me started if all 5 of us go!
I do book the valet parking though, it's nice to have someone waiting with your car as you leave the terminal.

I can't think of anything more stressful than having to drive after a flight. That would mean no wine with the meal/s. No whisky to start a nap. No nothing. Just the knowledge that you have no choice but to be straight and fully rested the moment you land. That whole vibe would be like the night before a big meeting.

I got a couple of bottles of Wine as soon as possible thinking it will send me to sleep,but..
No.

Where were you? Did you all have a good time?

cosmictanya wrote:

Where were you? Did you all have a good time?

Tobago, Coco Reef Hotel

I know the roads there pretty well now as we hired a car and explored also had a cheeky look inside a lot of the other Hotels, I reckon you would like the Blue Waters Inn...... I would be a pretty good tour guide for Tobago after all that.
That's not the car I hired!!

Looks ghastly.

Kind of off-topic

But,but it's rude not to answer a question...

Sorry.