The Anonymous Widower

92 Clubs – Day 2 – Barnet, Barnsley, Birmingham City

I’m typing this at an internet terminal in Birmingham Coach Station, whilst I wait to get a coach to Blackburn to start Day 3.

Everything went smoothly today, except for the fact that the Northern line was under maintenance and I had to do some funny routes to Barnet.

Hopefully, if i get back at a reasonable hour tomorrow, I’ll be able to put some more up then.  And of course pictures.

I’m running out of money in this machine, so I’ll go and find the coach.

So what happened on Day 2?

I started by taking the 73 bus aiming to get suburban trains out of Kings Cross to New Barnet for Barnet and walk. But I was running a bit late, so I got off at Euston and took the Northern line to High Barnet.

Underhill From the Northern Line

As this picture shows you can actually see Barnet‘s ground from the train. It also shows it is rather squeezed in amongst the houses underneath Barnet Hill.

I ran down the hill to the ground and took this further picture. I’m not in it, as no-one was about.

Barnet's Underhill Stadium

I left soon afterwards and walked to New Barnet station, which meant I avoided the climb back up the hill to High Barnet and had a level walk all the way.

I know New Barnet well and the station has got a lot better since I used it ocassionally to go up to London or to work at Welwyn Garden City from C’s mother-in-law’s house. I also used to train spot from the bridge at the station, as it was covered and you could do it in the rain.

On this day, I just took the train to Finsbury Park and then the Victoria line on towards home.

I didn;t stay long as it was back to St. Pancras to take the 12:30 train to Chesterfield for Barnsley.  There were no gluten-free sandwiches at the station, so I just hoped for the best. I wasn’t in Barnsley long and I just had time to walk up the hill behind the station and see the ground.

Barnsley's Oakwell Stadium

After a quick jog down the hill, I was soon in Sheffield, where I did a bit of recconaisance for future trips.

1. The trams look to be a valuable ally, when I do both the Sheffield Clubs and Rotherham
2. The Marks was well-stocked, but without any gluten-free sandwiches.
3. The maps in the station were also good.

I suspect I may be seeing more of Sheffield.

I was soon on my way to Birmingham with a packed late lunch or early supper.

At Birmingham, I decided to take a taxi to Birmingham City and then get him to point me in the direction of a decent Indian restaurant. Was that cheating or just being sensible?

Birmingham City In The Dark

It was the taxi driver who took the picture.

I think that you can see a pattern emerging here. I need a good photographer at each ground.  So if you’d like to volunteer for your team then please do!

After Birmingham City, it was an overnight coach to Blackburn, leaving at 03:10 in the morning.  It was rather crowded, but I did manage to get a bit of sleep. but it did leave me properly positioned for Day 3.

October 2, 2011 - Posted by AnonW | Sport, Transport/Travel | 92CCBB, Football