2nd April 25

Started the day by dropping off the Vauxhall Mokka, which I collected yesterday from the hotel in Dartford. That was a nervous collection as although I had both keys and having saved the car from a scam. I always had it in my mind that something could happen to it parked overnight. Although technically not still in my care. This was a separate job to collect it for my customer. It sat outside the hotel overnight in their responsibility. Although I am sure they didn't realise that.

Safely back with it's owner

So dropped off the Mokka safely with them and after chatting with an ex colleague for 5 minutes. He offered me a lift to the station. So from the station I had pre-booked tickets from Aylesbury to Huntingdon. To collect a Motability return that my same Aylesbury regular customer had purchased off their system for eventual sale.

This is an awkward journey and longer than it should be. Yes, I could have taken a faster train and missed out one stop in Peterborough. But that's nearly 50% more expensive and saves not enough time to justify the price hike.

Aylesbury to Huntingdon

So the journey takes me to Marylebone then underground to Kings Cross. I remember King's Cross back in the 80s and 90s Believe me it's changed.

I actually met my late wife at Kings Cross. Not how you think. 😄 She lived in Cambridge and me in West London, so it was convenient. I can't tell you the whole story of that day. But she was actually collecting a car from me as she had written off her Rover 820 and was hiring a Yellow Fiat Punto Sporting off me. I had a car hire company at that time. Needless to say. We were together for the next eighteen years after that day.

At Kings Cross I boarded a fast train to Peterborough. At Peterborough there was an engine sitting that just needed a photo

Stationary Engine at Peterborough

Before changing for a rattler of a train to Huntingdon.

From there you have no option other than a taxi. The collection site is a huge ex airbase outside Huntingdon called Wyton Gate. Very secure as I've said before.

But once there I find the exact Portacabin for the Company who store these for Motability .

Appraisal done. Sun shining and getting warmer in the early April spring. This is the best time of year for me. And this compound full of thousands of cars stored and prepped here for various companies. Always amazes me

All the cars have keys in them. And they rely on one barrier and one person logging everything out.

It also is bordering the Cambridge area. Which being very flat means you just see much more of the perfect blue sky.

The Kia Stonic I collected appraised and made my way out of the compound. Onto the A141 towards Huntingdon. Picked up the A1 south and to the dreaded Black Cat roundabout and passed Bedford, Milton Keynes and to Aylesbury.

Another car dropped off and day finished with the brisk one mile walk in the sunshine home