Whistle stop trip back to Chi - a train from the amazing Bristol Temple Meads station, it must be one of the most striking looking stations, which took us straight to Chi in just under 3 hours. We then drove from Chi to Reading to collect 'the red car' from the Thames and Kennet Marina and managed a quick visit to catch up with Janice, Emily and Oliver on our way back. Then Sid had his bloods taken on Tuesday morning and then our main reason for returning home was a funeral late on Tuesday morning. We then dropped home to change and catch our train back to Bristol. This got us into Bristol at 18.00. We were exhausted so after checking Hunters Moon was ok we went to have a bite to eat and a beer. Sadly, the beer was not great and the steak was very tough and ever so, ever so over cooked! After expressiing our disappointment we were given two complimentary beers. Better than nothing I suppose.
This morning we had one of those small world moments. We were getting ready to leave the boat when I realised Sid had disappeared for some time!
A Canal Club boat was moored behind us and Sid had got talking to the inhabitants who happened to be Helen Laurie, an old friend of Sids, with her partner Peter, her sister Stephanie and her husband Rodney.
We then spent the day being tourists. A visit to the SS Great Britain was brilliant. We thought it was one of our best visits to an historical site. With the help of some amazing 'props' the ship was bought alive and the setting was awesome. To be able to have access to the dry dock was great and Sid found it fascinating.
We then went over Matthew a replica of the 15th century merchant ship built by John Cabot. This replica has crossed the Atlantic and still sails around the UK.
The M Shed - the Bristol museum was our next port of call. A fantastic building houses this local history trip.
Another day in Bristol tomorrow before we start our homeward journey.
Phew that sounds exhausting but very well organised
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