Image: Austin airport welcome sign and the way to passport control, collect suitcase and a short formality of checking my passport and once again it's "Welcome back".

 

 

 

09.04.25 – 22:9) An early night seemed right

And so, to bed to sleep like the dead

Then come alive when my alarm goes off at 1:45

Wash, dress, coffee and then seen taxi arriving at 2:15

Luggage stowed and once more

Away on the first leg of his year’s poetry tour     

                                         

23:10) Manchester airport and I see, check in now 2 hours no longer 3

But being early one thing, it’ll do

Is make it easier to get to the front of the queue

And while I’m waiting there, make time for my morning prayer

24:11) Check in done went well customs too I can tell

Photos taken of breakfast had, at Costa’s dead reyt for this Yorkshire Lad 

So far, it’s been all smiles now let’s get on the plane and cover those miles

 

25:12) First flight done, Heathrow bathed in sun

Plenty of time, don’t need to be nifty,

Don’t find out departure gate till 09:50

And then there’ll be time a plenty, boarding doesn’t start till 10:20

Not fearing the worst, First and Business Class go first

Then the rest and at 20 past 11, take of and head upwards towards heaven

Under 10 hours in flight and it’ll be a delight

If when the flight is done, ma and my suitcase are reunited as one

 

26:13) Information board showing so I’m knowing

I need to be at departure gate 45B

So, let the airport train take the strain

Time abating to where the plane is waiting

Provisions and luggage being stored and we’re now waiting to board

 

27:14) My turn to board, to the plane I’m bound seat found

Things can’t be bad, I’m sat next to a Yorkshire Lad

Safety instructions given just so, then it’s time to go

Then a second thought, messages sent giving a progress report

As we move to the runways end, extra power to send

Us up in the air Texas we’re on our way there

I can relax and smile and maybe close my eyes for a while

 

28:15) Austin 7 hours away they’re here with the lunch tray

Vegetarian or chicken the choice is mine as long as they taste fine

It’s eaten. Cleared away and we’re done

Carry on our way, Austin now over 6 hours away

I’m feeling tiredness over me creep, time to have a little sleep

 

29:16) Were now beyond the pond

Over half way Canada below, 4.5 hours to go

In flight entertainment a bit of a waste no films or music to my taste

There’s only so many games you can play, so I’m writing away

And not feeling dejected cos’ we may lane earlier than expected

An’ be delighted if me and my suitcase are reunited

 

30:17 Springfield below just under an hour to go

Austin bound, we’ll soon be on the ground

Disembark, customs, collect my hire car and away

Hopefully look in on a friend before the end of the day