I can understand speed restrictions but have to question why, when there is an unusual but not exceptional bit of wind in the UK, our overhead power lines on the railway seem always to come down (and often in the same locations, eg around Peterborough). They don't in France - better quality of infrastructure!

If you look at a relief map of northern Europe, we have the Fens (which goes as far as Peterborough), North Sea (flatish), Holland (or Low Countries as the French call it - and that's self explanatory), the North German Plain, then on to Siberia, which has a reputation for being cold.  So even if the wind isn't coming from there, it acts like a good extractor exhaust and adds a sucking effect to our lovely Atlantic weather systems.

Then add on Graham's erudite technical exposition, yup better quality. 

Its been a while since I used a TGV.  The ICE -  the newer German version is fantastic.  Frankfurt to Berlin in under 31/2 hours.  As we crossed the Luneburg Heath, I would look up and wonder why we were going so slowly, only to notice the speed readout in the carriage dancing around the 300 kph mark.  Only down side, on arrival at the new Hauptbahnhof in Berlin, we had to queue for the loo for which you pay a € to enter. (so best use the one on the train).  The story I was told is that on the day of the grand opening by the BRD President, someone noticed there were no toilets....  A fairly ad hoc arrangement prevails,  and so much for that particular stereotype.

Our route was the more northerly one, via Cassel.  We stopped at Wolfburg, home of VW.  The iconic assembly buildings are still there and the whole site looks very well looked after.

The winds reached 99mph down here on the isle of wight last night, mind you it didn't wake me up.

 

I'm in Cowes at the moment... weather warnings for this weekend and flood warnings :(  great time to leave the mainland lol

I'm in Cowes at the moment... weather warnings for this weekend and flood warnings :(  great time to leave the mainland lol

Welcome to the Sunny Isle of Wight

Welcome to the Sunny Isle of Wight

Whereabouts on the island are you?

Shanklin

I'm taking my sister down to the old town in a little while before I head back up north... Any recommendations on things to do?

I'm taking my sister down to the old town in a little while before I head back up north... Any recommendations on things to do?

Where do you mean by the old town, if it's the old village in Shanklin plenty of places to eat or drink, Osbourne House in East Cowes is always worth a look only open until Sunday though, most places will be shutting for the winter with half term over. There's Carisbrooke castle but it depends on what you are into really. Blackgang chine, Robin Hill and Alum Bay are popular tourist destinations but not that special if raining.

Was Shanklin Old Town had a wander round went in a couple if shops and got wet lol going for tea at the Sloop in Wooten(?) then I'm off to the ferry back to the mainland...

I will be heading up north tomorrow Warton Aerodrome in Lancs near Lytham Saint Annes, Premier Inn for the week, teach me to volunteer again. Undecided whether to take the works Astra van or the Sportage. The van great around the airfield parking the car all the comforts on the road and quiet, the car will be safer in rain and wind, it would put 3-4 months mileage on it as well. It is a pity you did not get down to Ventnor sea front in this weather as the 'Spyglass Inn' for lunch has the sea just over the wall full of Victorian Naval memorabilia.

Sent from my Nexus 10 using Tapatalk 4

I will be down in a couple of months will look it up when I get down next thanks for the tip!!

If take the car if I was you... The weather isn't looking great oop north