Isn't it ironic...

...sang Alanis Morisette a few years ago.

The same thought went through my head as our complimentary journeys both to and from Cornwall on FGW were delayed. The irony was that the complimentary first class tickets were given to me by way of compensation for some severely delayed journeys.

Both our outbound and return journeys were delayed due to volume of passengers, and I have to confess I've never seen such a packed first class section on a train before. At least the scenery on the Cornish Eiviera Express is stunning, I'd recommend the journey to anyone, especially the stretch between Exeter and Saltash.

I will give credit where it's due to the platform operative at Liskeard, where we returned from as she marshalled the passengers superbly to ensure boarding was swift. Sadly that didn't happen elsewhere, hence the delays, exacerbated towards the end of the journey when the patience of my 2 boys finally ran out...the last 10 minutes of the journey and the time we had to wait at Reading was parental hell. Can't blame them, and they had been as good as gold (an elderly lady even praised them.)

Thenoys did jn fact make me proud, they didn't even make a big deal of the fact a couple's dog had to do do a poo in mid-journey, luckily they got to the vestibule, unluckily it dropped its payload on both sides of the corridor. The stench was unbelievable as the mortified couple struggled to clear the twin deposits with loo roll, blocking of the toilets in the process. I think they may drive next time as at least they can let the dog out occasionally.

I would like to praise the lady in charge of the platform at Liskeard as she was superb in terms of guiding passengers and ensuring swift boarding despite increased volumes. If only her best practice had happened at both Plymouth and Exeter we may not have been as late getting home.

And back into work in London for the first time in a week today. Train was late due to trackside equipment issue at West Ealing, lots of apologies, 'nuff said.