260718 Alex Hornby Chief Executive of Transdev with some of the new electric buses that went into service in Harrogate yesterday (Thursday).
Well, I would say no – not really.
Because I think what the measures did to us, as frustrating and unpredictable as they are, it reminded us of what is on our doorstep and what the UK has to offer.
Yes, we all have the right to enjoy the deep cultures and amazing travel destinations elsewhere, and I know many have missed the opportunity to meet friends, colleagues and family in other countries as well. We certainly have.
But I really think the last 18 months and probably the next (or more) will teach us that we should enjoy and make the most of our immediate surroundings – and how lucky we are to have the opportunity.
Some of them are also very “immediate”. As you know, I am an advocate of bus use; Although it’s my job, I also like to use the bus with family and friends because I find it less of a hassle than lugging around the car, having to park it and not being flexible enough to enjoy a quick beer and so on.
However, as part of my efforts to lose weight and get healthy, I also started taking a walk from Bilton to Starbeck to work.
You forget what an early morning walk in nature, along the Nidderdale Greenway through Nidd Gorge and the old railway line can do for the soul!
And how much the life happens around you during a 45 minute stroll – from overhearing a real Yorkshireman fight to getting a refund for a late home delivery, mothers struggling with kids to hurry up and get to school, and so on further. Give it a try, you will see exactly what I mean and you will feel much better for it than fighting the traffic on Skipton Road.
Then all you have to do is open your eyes and Google Maps to see the amazing local destinations within 90 minutes of Harrogate, if you have to leave our city at all.
The beautiful scenery around the nearby reservoirs at Swinsty, Fewston and at Scar House were our favorite lockdown discoveries and made our families who still live in the cities very jealous – and reminded us how lucky we are.
These are all free and right on the doorstep. But then our wider country can offer you a rich variety of experiences and cultures comparable to what you can find in another country if you just search and find them.
And our next trip? We’re going to Herefordshire. “Camping” in a renovated bus from the 1960s!
Well you asked … and yes the family groaned too!