We were at a bit of a family get together which included my somewhat train-mad grandson. We got around to discussing next week’s (hopefully) epic rail jaunt when his mother asked, somewhat tongue in cheek, whether he’d like to accompany me.

Surprisingly, he jumped at the opportunity. Even when we explained to a teenager that it would involve an early start he was still on board. So, it looks like I’ll have some company.

Dainton will be staying with us on Friday night ready for an early start to catch the first bus at 04:41.