While I can! (part 1)

The title of this blogpost is my new mantra.

Losing most of my sight and becoming by medical definition blind didn’t make me give up the things I love once I found the tools I needed to adapt how I did things.

Struggling with symptoms from my newly diagnosed MS (multiple sclerosis) has already caused more restrictions in my life for my safety like no longer walking in the countryside for fear of falling on the uneven surfaces.

At the back of my mind I fear my days of unaccompanied travel are numbered but decided that while I can I will travel.

Thursday evening I completed my journey timetable to go visit a friend who lives 165 miles away as shown in the screenshot below I make my list in the notes app.

Once I’d done all in power to organise for my journey (timetable, packing) I lost my nerves and slept well.

Luckily I’m not superstitious about travelling on Friday the 13th.

I started my day half an hour before my alarm so fed my cats, and got ready to leave at a steady pace. When I arrived at the station my Passenger Assistance was already there as I sat waiting for my first train I enjoyed the company of this crow on the station chimney pots as he seemingly meditatively cawed to himself.

Soon I was on the first train and almost before I knew it I was at Stevenage and meeting my second Passenger Assistant. Sometimes the wait between trains (usually around 15 minutes) seems interminable but Oliver and I had a good chat and it was soon time to board my LNER train to Leeds.

I had fun trying my Meta Ai glasses taking videos and photos, asking the Ai to read the menu and other information.

In the collage above this is what I asked and the information I got:-

Left “Look read menu

This menu features a variety of breakfast and brunch options, including waffles with maple syrup, bacon rolls, plant-based sausage sandwiches, strawberries and cream yoghurt, rhubarb and custard Danish pastry, and fresh fruit. (Meta Ai)”
Right “Read this information

The text reads: It’s Bradford’s time! Throughout 2025, the city is celebrating its dynamic contemporary arts and culture scene, from dance and theatre to film, music and especially food. LNER are proud sponsors of Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture and are bringing you a special taste of Bradford’s rich culinary heritage, with our signature Railway Curry that embodies the city’s vibrant spirit – bold, aromatic, and full of history. As you savour this dish, you’re not just enjoying a meal; you’re tasting the story of Bradford, a city that continues to inspire, delight and surprise. Bradford 2025 is set to serve as a catalyst for development, regeneration and change – reshaping Bradford for the benefit of future generations. (Meta Ai)”

Almost before I was ready for it was time to get off at Leeds. There wasn’t long before my train so it was a quick stride along the length of the platform 2 immediate lefts and halfway down the platform to the 2nd train waiting there- my passenger assistance had a quick word with the train conductor got me settled. A minute or so later the train headed along the Harrogate line which runs between Leeds and York.

I watched the green countryside and rural areas go by as a blur making videos so I could watch them back later to get a better view when I got home and could watch them on my iPad. I felt I knew several of the places as the stations were announced Burley Park, Headingley (famous for cricket), Horsforth, Weeton, Pannal, Hornbeam Park, Harrogate (famous for its spa water), Starbeck, Knaresborough (home of Henshaws Arts and Crafts Centre), and my destination Cattal. I would go through the other 2 towns Hammerton, and Poppleton on my way home via York.

My friend’s husband met me at the station. Which is a good place to pause.

Part 2 will follow soon.

Until next time.