as I try and get around the country largely without driving I often find myself at the mercy of other people - and I've got to say it's a life-affirming thing in general. Just recently:
1. On the way to duddon the other friday, managed to get the bus as far as Broughton. Got a pint in the Manor, mentioned to the landlord I needed to get down to seathwaite - half-hour later bloke comes over and says I'll take you down. I bunged him a fiver (don't expect owt for nowt).
2. On the way back Sunday a.m., thumbed a lift outside the Newfield, chap stopped who'd marshalled on Harter. Was on his way to Midlands, but took me all the way into Lancaster and dropped me at the station. Wouldn't accept any petrol money.
3. Yesterday, went running / walking round Surrey - stopped off at a pub at the end of the day, got a pint and asked the way to the nearest train station. Landlord said, 'where d'you want to go? I'm taking my daughter into Dorking, now, I'll run you in there'. I said thanks v. much but I'm not up for going just quite yet. An hour later, on his way back from Dorking he passes me walking up the road, stops, turns round, says 'get in son' and runs me back the 5 miles he's just been to Dorking train station. Total stranger. How good is that?
tis a wonderful life sometimes innit