[FLYING BANANA]

.................................................. .... Anywhere over the bridge from Kernow is either known as the Dark Side or England.

We had an early start from Saltash, I had a plan, so once Redfive's tank was replenished we was off. Grey and overcast as we roared up the A38. Once clear of the roadworks we was able to trickle back up to Warp Factor 3. Traffic was light. Slowly catching up on a Falcon coach, I wonder if that was my friend Debbie's coach. As I pulled up alongside I glanced up into the driver's side mirror and it certainly looked like her. Once past I glanced in my rear view mirror and I'm pretty sure it was Debbie. I did flick the hazards on for one flash but not sure if she saw me or even recognised the car, had it been Banana then yes.

There's a lovely winding section on the A38 as you go up Haldon Hill, there are warning lights letting you know about the S bends but Redfive just stuck to the road and we was able to keep to Warp Factor 3, even shot past a Porsche Turbo. Up past the Route 5 diner and down towards the M5.
Once past Exeter it started to drizzle. And that was how it stayed all the way to Bristol.

I had heard on the music box thingy that there was a hold up on the M4 London bound. Accident involving a couple of cars plus there seemed to be all sorts of problems on the "car park", nothing new there then. We passed a "Y" reg 75 in Wedgewood Blue. Traffic was running well and the sun was coming out, but not for long. We got as far as Membury services for it was time to stop for a wee wee. I decided on a sandwich and a drink, before setting off again. Thought I was going to have to get a mortgage out to pay for it.

Once rested we was off again. Just by junction 11 there appeared to be a huge plume of smoke, brake lights coming on and everyone was filtering over into the outside lane. A fire engine with blues and two's hurtled past me. He joined another one trying to put out a lorry on fire. The cab was well alight. The driver was out and leaning on the back of the police car which was parked across the lanes. Looked a fierce fire.

Soon past and back up to Warp Factor 3 and gradually approaching the dreaded M25 turn off. Into the slip lane but there appeared to be no traffic, no it's a mirage surely but no. We sailed straight onto the slip for the car park, no variable speed limit. Must be our welcome back package. In fact the only time I slowed down was between junction 26 & 27, and that was for roadworks.
I originally was going to drive straight to Michaels but I decided to go straight to Barkingside, for I had a plan.

When Allen and I went to collect Banana from North London back in June we popped into the flat. Then we went into my local bank to let them know I was moving. Next we stopped at the doctors and chemist and told them about the move. The last place was at the solicitors where we met another forum member, Tracker.
Now back in Saltash I registered with the doctors and chemist.
But last week I got a text message from the chemist in Barkingside telling me my prescription was ready. Daft or what.

So that was my plan to to and collect my 'appy pills, visit the flat and collect a couple of bits. Plus I had with me all the keys to the flat so I thought I would drop them off at the estate agents. Got to the flat and waited for the tears to flow, nothing happened. No feelings, no tears. Felt sorry for the garden looking very overgrown. Collected some post, left some paperwork I had found relating to the flat. Collected the few bits I wanted and left. Dropped the keys off and had a chat with Ruth.

Soon back on the A406 and heading for Michaels. When I got there his car was missing, and so was most of the weeds. Well, at least Redfive would not look so lost. As I reversed in my neice came to the door. With a welcomed hug and my cases in we settled down for a chat and a nice cuppa. She said that Michael had gone shopping for some extra bits. She then told me that she had lost her job at the exclusive jewellers, they make stuff for our Royals.

She had a few tears explaining to me what had happened, usual reasons. The jewellery trade was in the doldrums. And last in, first out. She is gutted but is bouncing back by applying for jobs. Anything will do within reason and no further than 500yds from her front door.
Michael was soon home, do more tea was made.
Then we three repaired to the 'Orange Tree', a local watering hole, for food and a beer or two. And what did I drink? Orchard Cider from Duloe in Cornwall. Strange!

Now back at Michaels chillin' with a cup of splosh.

Redfive covered 288 miles without any fuss. According to the onboard computer we was averaging 57.8mpg at a steady 58mph, average of course.

Easy day tomorrow for me. Going to catch up with some neighbour's in Barkingside.