Weekend to Helsinki in Apr 2014

Over Easter 2014 we took a trip to Helsinki – our first visit to Finland. It was partly to allow us to try out the CCR at Heathrow T5 and partly just to get away.

A mighty view in Yellowstone National Park

Blog - Tier Point Run to Sofia in Nov 2024

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This is a series of posts linked to a story called Tier Point Run to Sofia in Nov 2024.

A series of posts relating to my tier point run to Sofia in Nov 2024

Tier Point Run to Sofia in Nov 2024: Day 22 – Sofia SOF to London Heathrow LHR

I queued up at the glass door with the guys, and the Despatcher Two came to let us through. We hung around at the front of the priority boarding queue until we were invited to reboard.

Tier Point Run to Sofia in Nov 2024: Day 22 – London Heathrow LHR to Sofia SOF

I finally got into bed at 11pm last night, so I had almost five hours of kip planned. I set two alarms: my watch for 3:45am and my phone for 3:46am. My phone woke me up. Not quite as much of a start as the last time, but a start nonetheless.

Tier Point Run to Sofia in Nov 2024: Day 21 – Photos

Photos from Day 21 when I drove to Heathrow, flew to and from Sofia, then stayed over at the Hilton Garden Inn at Hatton Cross.

Tier Point Run to Sofia in Nov 2024: Day 21 – Sofia SOF to London Heathrow LHR

I met my favourite despatcher at the top of the airbridge next to the glass door. She must have seen lots of passengers waiting in the same place over the previous 6 months or so, hoping to be allowed through into the gate area.

The BA First Dining Lounge at Heathrow T3

Tier Point Run to Sofia in Nov 2024: Day 21 – London Heathrow LHR to Sofia SOF

Hatton Cross wasn't too busy, although busier than the last time I caught a train last weekend at 4am! I jumped on the first train that arrived and forgot that the T4-bound train went to T4 first, where it waits for 7 or 8 mins before carrying on to T2/T3. Oh, well. It was my first time at T4!

Going the wrong way on the tube to Heathrow T3

Tier Point Run to Sofia in Nov 2024: Day 21 – Home to London Heathrow

By Nige on November 29, 2024 at 9:13 am
Type: Post
Story: Tier Point Run to Sofia in Nov 2024 Category: Travel
Tags: LHR | London Heathrow

It was that time again! Lap 5 and 6 started today. This was the first of two B2B2Bs covering Fri and Sat with a night spent at the Hilton Garden Inn at Hatton Cross in between.

Central London on final approach into Heathrow

Tier Point Run to Sofia in Nov 2024: Day 18 – Photos

Photos from Day 15 including my drives to and from Heathrow, and my flights to and from Sofia.

A busy looking T3 Arrivals area at Heathrow

Tier Point Run to Sofia in Nov 2024: Day 18 – London Heathrow to Home

By Nige on November 26, 2024 at 10:30 pm
Type: Post
Story: Tier Point Run to Sofia in Nov 2024 Category: Travel
Tags: LHR | London Heathrow | Trips

The airbridge was attached pretty quickly at Gate 28, so it was long before I was jogging on my way to Passport Control, which was empty when I finally reached it.

Beautiful lights after taking off from Sofia

Tier Point Run to Sofia in Nov 2024: Day 18 – Sofia SOF to London Heathrow LHR

Marcus had already spoken with the cabin crew, so they were primed to speak with the ground team. I was first off, and I met some familiar faces who were happy to allow us through the glass door. The staff here are so friendly.

Tier Point Run to Sofia in Nov 2024: Day 18 – London Heathrow LHR to Sofia SOF

It was also unusual to arrive at T3 in the light. The front was lit up attractively on my recent visits. A very different feel to the place with the sun up.