As usual SNAFU

[mandragora]

I need to get from North London to Kingston-upon-Thames tonight. It's a distance of about 20 miles. So, how long do you think I'm going to have to allow to get there?

Two hours. At least.

Yes, it's a Saturday, but the main route to get there is currently closed due to a fire on the North Circular road (right by Brent Cross for any locals out there) with traffic jams in either direction of (last time I checked) about 8 miles of completely stationery traffic. So, I have a choice of trying to get through Central London (with all the roads being chocka due to people trying to get off the North Circ), or go up to the M25 and do a huge detour. M25 it is, I think. I just can't face the thought of driving into the City and then through the West End, and Knightsbridge and onto Hammersmith. With all the people out shopping, as well. Eeek.

In the normal course of events I'd say to hell with it and take public transport. Except that there's no Piccadilly Line, so getting down to Kingston by public transport at present is a total pain in the arse.

Spent 6 hours downloading SGA Season Two opener. Only to find that I couldn't play it. Went and downloaded new bittorrent client (don't know why the old one wouldn't play it, but it wouldn't) and am currently downloading again. By current estimates I've got 9 hours to go... Sincerely hope that will speed up but no matter what I won't be watching it before I go out tonight. *pouts*

Have been thoroughly spoiled for HBP. Thanks to all who did the spoiling - much appreciated. Now to look forward to the flame wars...

Comments

[raincitygirl.livejournal.com]

Have you thought about buying a helicopter? Or a Nimbus 2000? If you could fly above the gridlocked cars, that would solve the problem.

Not a helpful suggestion, I know.

[mandragora1.livejournal.com]

Hmm, I think with the British climate I'll have the helicopter. Except that finding somewhere to land could be a problem.

Teleportation would be *the* answer, of course.

Oh, and thank you very much for the lovely postcard, which arrived yesterday. Much appreciated.

[smaragdgrun.livejournal.com]

Ah, yes. Flaming has definitely begun. But it seems to have gone out, for the most part, which is all to the good.

And a warning: I'm so frustrated with having to read the US version a week before my UK version shows up! I'm thinking seriously about crossing the pond to pick up and read 7. So beware -- !!!

_I mean, I think I'll probably see you before that, but proper preparation and all._

[mandragora1.livejournal.com]

Only teensy flames then. Bet it won't last. *eg*

Ooh, yeah, come over for Book 7. That would be lovely. I actually succumbed at the supermarket yesterday and picked the book up, because so many people were saying that it's better than OotP that I thought I'd give it a go. Am enjoying it so far.

And yes, I hope that I see you before Book 7 comes out, as well. When's your con again?

[smaragdgrun.livejournal.com]

Sorry, == keep meaning to answer this! April 7-9, 2006, here in DC. Well, just a bit north of DC, about 1000 feet.

Mark your calendar!!

[mandragora1.livejournal.com]

Is duly marked!

[keletkezes.livejournal.com]

The other half's going to have problems getting from Kings Cross to Liverpool Street when he goes to Essex, but he should be OK, either asking directions from Moorgate or going the other route on the Underground.

[mandragora1.livejournal.com]

Liverpool St is within easy walking distance from Moorgate, so that's probably his best bet. Quickest is to cut through Finsbury Circus.

[keletkezes.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I remember us both doing that journey before... I think it was Easter 2004... It's not too difficult, but he can ask someone for directions if he gets lost.