I may be exhausted but here's today's review.
Started the day off by walking to Aycliffe Town Centre for a shot of The Eden's latest addition.
0932 7 Newton Aycliffe - Durham (ANE 1520).
This was the start of the day, This example was my least favourite Sapphire 7 Pulsar because I often struggled to connect to the WiFi when it was new but it was sharp sorted out and has been fine for awhile. As ever I can't think of much to say as I browsed the Internet but I was starting to worry when we got to Chilton for seats because there was ignorant people sat on the outside seats so I had to be good by moving my thick coat onto my knees and shove my camera bag between my feet incase someone wanted to sit down but thankfully a fair few got off in Ferryhill so I was able to put my coat back on the outside seats, I'm aware this sounds like I am slightly ignorant.
1052 X2 Durham - Gateshead (ANE 7627)
Was actually 3 minutes late when it got to the County Hospital stop. Not really a great deal of things to say today although this journey really seemed to drag on and on but thankfully I was able to use the WiFi to make the journey more bearable.
Went to Herons for 3 tins of Cherry Coke then Greggs for a Corned Beef Pasty. After lunch I took photos just outside Gateshead Interchange.
1239 21 Gateshead - Newcastle Blackett St. (GNE 6064)
Only a short journey so I can't think of anything to say about this.
Got a few photos in Newcastle City Centre then walked down the Quayside for some photos which didn't go to well.
1444 Q2 Quayside - City Centre (GNE 8310)
Not been on the Quaylink in a while and this was an alright journey and unlike the last time I rode it the next stop announcements worked today although I couldn't help but feel it was a bit dated as Real Radio has now become Heart and Gary and Lisa are no longer on there anymore. Nice ride on this Versa though.
Took a few photos around Newcastle mainly on Arriva's routes for around 35 minutes. Then I walked up to Arriva's Jesmond Depot where I went to see if there was anything new there and I got a photo of a MAX and Sapphire StreetLite's parked together - NOTICE: the photo of the StreetLite's was taken outside the depot and my longer lense was used to get the photo.
1619 309 Sandyford Road? - Colbalt (GNE 6023)
The big disappointment of the day, I was expecting a nice Volvo B9TL with plush seats and WiFi then THIS turned up and I almost let this go past as I couldn't read the screen especially when it was emerging from under the bridge. This bus was okay but was still annoyed I got this old thing without WiFi which meant using my mobile data.
1716 58X Colbalt - Newcastle (GNE 5385)
This was the first bus back to Newcastle after the 919 had gone so I hopped on this as it was quicker than the 309 and I think we only stopped at one other stop in Colbalt then didn't stop again until we got to Newcastle so the journey only had about 5 passengers on the short journey. The bus was fairly nice apart from a few squeeks and was quite comfortable and I used the WiFi for most the journey.
1749 X21 Newcastle - Durham (GNE 6024)
Can't remember the name of the stop but it's the one before the bridge into Gateshead, saw this pass me whilst I was on the 58X then when I jumped off the 58X as I saw the X2 running really late so I thought I'd run down to this stop as I figured if I caught that I'd be able to catch the 1845 7 home instead of the 1915 journey but got to the stop and the X21 got there first so I jumped on this, didn't find the seat that comfortable for some reason and I certainly didn't find the driver mounting the kerb whilst going round Chester-le-Street very pleasant.
1845 7 Durham - Newton Aycliffe (ANE 1513)
Going back to not being able to connect to the WiFi on the 7 I tried on this journey and failed which was a shame as it's the first time in ages I've not been able to connect on the 7. One advantage to evening 7 journeys is that they don't seem as long and boring as the drivers really need to keep there foot down to keep to the tight timetable which thankfully this driver did.
I you enjoyed reading this review as it has taken over an hour to type and I am exhausted.
Some photos are now on my Flickr and more may be uploaded tomorrow.
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