The news today was dominated by the plight of passengers on the Eurostar service, which links London to Paris and Brussels via the Channel Tunnel. Because of a difference in temperature inside the tunnel (25C / 77F) and outside (0C / 32F or lower), condensation on electrical components brought the trains to a standstill. Five trains in total, carrying 2,000 passengers. Locomotives were brought in to pull them out of the tunnel. Delays of 15 hours were reported, with no water, food, heating or anything provided. To say the passengers were unhappy is an understatement. The latest development is that another Eurostar train is at a standstill in north Kent in a similar predicament.
Roads, railways and ferries are equally struggling to cope with demand, and not just in the UK, or indeed Europe. I am getting reports of a Nor'Easter in the States, caused by a depression in the Gulf of Mexico scooting up the East Coast with a lot of tropical moisture - which is expected to turn into 2 feet of snow in Washington DC and area.
Meanwhile, back at the ranch, I'm looking out at increasingly heavy snow; the precipitation radar showing a rash of showers in my area and 3 inches of snow outside on the ground. Gritters were out in the centre of Stornoway, but rural roads are reported to be tricky. Didn't deter me from having a nice dinner in one of the local restaurants this evening; but I did decide on a taxi rather than my own two feet, particularly as some of my companions were not that happy with the slippery conditions.
This makes me glad I don't travel. Interesting entry though.
ReplyDeleteGlad that at least you were able to get out and about albeit by taxi...and that you all enjoyed your meal together. We are so lucky down here in Wiltshire that we have not had even a flurry of the white stuff, just very frosty and very cold -5 yesterday never raised above freezing...I expect today you will be getting organised for your trip home. Now praying that you get there without too many complications !!
ReplyDeleteLove Sybil x
hello guido! long time no speak! thank-you for checking in on me! Things have been very hectic, i will hopefully return in the new year! hope you are well. Have a lovely christmas and new year take care mrs t x
ReplyDeleteI too am hoping that with all the travel complications going on your trip will be uneventful and your travels will be pleasant ones for sure.
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