13th June 25 Non stop

Today started by dropping off the car that I brought back from the customer in Kelso yesterday to Mercedes-Benz in Aylesbury. And having dropped that car off I collected another one at the same place. This time going to a retail customer in North West London. It wasn't an early start today. I couldn't collect the car until 12:00. Customer wanted the car around lunchtime so a relaxed morning. As much as I can actually relax when there is job, actually two, to be done today. And being a Friday and the fact I had to get into London at lunchtime then across London to Marylebone station and back to Aylesbury to collect another car for delivery tomorrow. And, it's Friday the 13th. I wasn't relaxed at all.

Dropped off the car from yesterday and did my appraisal went into The dealership and spoke to the sales exec, for who I was delivering the car today. He signed it off and went to get the car for Delivery . It was a 3019 Mercedes E350 diesel. A rare thing at the moment. Other than vans, I would say that the percentage of vehicles I deliver now which are diesel is less than ten percent. And the fact it was going to a London address just made it more of a rarity.

It was a baking hot day, as it has been for weeks now. Clear blue sky and brilliant sunshine is making this decision to get out of an office and travelling around the country, a very good one.

I arrived at The address in NW6 , which borders Willesden on one side and the fringes of Hampstead Heath on the east side was a busy road with little parking. I was lucky and there was a space outside the address and when ringing the doorbell I got no reply. I called the number and the customer was inside but busy for a few minutes and asked me to wait a little.

Not a problem. I just walked round the corner and enjoyed the hot sun on my face and the views on West End Lane and saw the tube station I needed for my return. West Hampstead.

It must easily have been around 80 degrees now and I was glad, as much as I love the sun. To have a tree to shade under.

The customer finally came and signed for the car. Asked a few questions and I was away. On the underground to find Marylebone Station.

West Hampstead station is a mainline railway station as well as the underground. The Jubilee line goes directly south and only three stops to Baker Street. From there you can get the Bakerloo line one stop to Marylebone or walk from Baker Street to Marylebone which is probably just as quick. Going out of Baker Street underground onto Marylebone road. Turn immediately right onto Gloucester Place. Then immediately left past Dorset Square. (The original site of the MCC (Marylebone Cricket Club) it takes 5-6 minutes to walk.

You pass Balcombe Street. Which anyone old enough to remember was the site of a siege in the 70s

The Balcombe Street siege was an incident involving members of the Provisional Irish Republican Army and London's Metropolitan Police lasting from 6 to 12 December 1975. The siege ended with the surrender of the four IRA members and the release of their two hostages. The events were televised and watched by millions.

Again for those who don't remember this. The IRA was a terrorist organisation. The leaders of which were eventually given places in government. I know???

So I made it back to Aylesbury ok . But having seen the strangest people on the train. Taking up the whole of one end of a carriage. Only two people but very odd.

From the station got a taxi to the Land Rover dealer a few miles out of town on the A41 towards London.

I was collecting an Audi Q7 which I would deliver tomorrow morning.

Another good day finished. A very hot but beautiful good day.