The 2011 TFL focaliser conference

So, it’s that time of year again.  When various focalisers, from all parts of the globe, make their way to Dundreggan to listen to Rob and Julie’s hilarious anecdotes.  This year there was no snow, which was disappointing, but lots of constructive (hopefully) talk again.

We got a chance to learn about the new Dundreggan planting site, Rosie showed us how to calculate distances from our stride length, Dan taught us about tracks and signs, and Adam enlightened us with the names of woodland flora.

As for my trip, I caught the Exmouth train to Exeter at 2 minutes past midnight on Friday morning (Thursday night?), along with a highly entertaining group of drunk goths, who apologised en masse every time any of them got in the way or looked like they might throw up.  I then alighted the 1am sleeper train from Exeter to Paddington.  As it happened it was the most uncomfortable train I’ve ever been on.  The seats were bum numbing, I was sat too close to the guy sat opposite me, and there was a sizeable gale blowing cold air through the carriage.  I took my jacket off as I sat down, then put it back on, then realised that I needed more than the four layers that I was already wearing to stay warm.

I briefly fell asleep somewhere between Reading and Paddington before trying to find a tube train at sometime around half 5 in the morning.  As it happened one turned up reasonably quickly, to take me to Kings Cross.  Whilst standing in the big open space where the train times were being displayed I spotted Julie Mac.  Instinctively I caught her eye and attempted to display signs of recognition.  I immediately regretted it, feeling that I was way too tired to converse with anyone.  Still, Julie came over and I probably made her feel terrible by mumbling incoherently to her until she had to catch the 6.15 train North.

My train left at 7am.  I had a seat all to myself, and I gradually let the motion of the train calm me off to sleep.  I woke some time after Peterborough to notice that someone was sitting next to me.  After a little more dozing I realised that she was gorgeous, so I stirred myself and got to know a little about Francesca from Newcastle University.

So, by the time I arrived in Edinburgh I was in a proper daze.  Many thanks to Colin, Rob, Sarah, Joan and Julie for putting up with me without comment.  No thanks to Deborah for pointing out that I reminded her of a bear with a sore head.

Thankfully I managed to sleep rather well at Dundreggan.  On my way back (today) my train travelled directly from Edinburgh to Exeter, and there were plenty of opportunities for naps.  Not so many opportunities to avoid the butt numbing x country train seat though.