From Hot to Cold

Wednesday 20 Jan 2016

Tobago - London - Bristol

We started boarding the aircraft shortly before six and the at that stage it was still being refuelled. There were probably only about 60 passengers on this flight. The flight from Tobago to St Lucia only took 40 minutes and we quickly taxied in to the terminal. We had to stay on the aircraft  whilst it was re-catered and a new crew joined the flight. After that, the new passengers were boarded which about filled the aircraft.

We sat around for quite a whilst before the Captain informed us that there were a few minor technical problems and that we would be leaving shortly. Although it would be a late departure, we would still arrive ahead of time in London. We eventually got airborne at around 2100 local. I quickly out my watch forward to reflect UK time.

Once airborne, dinner was served and everyone settled down. Initially, I just couldn't get comfortable, but after a quick walk to the toilets and back I read for 15 minutes and fell asleep. Lynn only managed to cat-nap, but the next thing I knew was the cabin lights on full and the cabin crew serving breakfast right next to me!

We made landfall in UK at Lands End and from my window seat, with skies clear, I had a wonderful view of the south coast from about Dawlish all the way to along to Brighton. Chesil Bank and Portland Bill were easily spotted whilst Lulworth Cove, Kimmeridge, Chapmans Pool and Swanage passespd below us, I could even see Shell Bay and Sandbanks. We must have flown across the bay at
Bournemouth as the next thing I saw was the Needles on the Isle of Wight. As you can probably tell,
I like watching the scenery from above!

Back at Gatwick, the temperature on landing was apparently -6C. A bit of a shock after leaving Tobago at 27C! Immigration, as usual, was a bit slow, but at least the automatic passport readers were working. By the time we got to the baggage carousel, our bags were just arriving and we were quickly through customs. I'd phoned the 'meet-and-greet' company while we were collecting our bags and by the time we exited the South Terminal, our car was just being driven up! Great service, highly recommended and only a few pounds more expensive than the long-term car parking charge.

We headed up the M23 to the M25 and left that for the M3. Due me not taking the tight turn off for Bracknell, we went a little further south than I intended! Back on the route suggested by our sat nav we drove via Bracknell to the M4. By now coffee was on my agenda, so we made a brief stop at the services at Reading before arriving at Bristol around 1230.

Overall, we've enjoyed our holiday in the southern Caribbean but probably wouldn't go back to Tobago. Not because there was anything wrong with the island, but because there are too many other places to go!

The end of another holiday blog!