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Sensing that he was not "one of them" I told him how I'd ended up there, to which he replied, "Shit! We've got to get you out of here or you'll be arrested! They think you're here for an interview like the rest of us!

European Tales: Hitch-Hiking by Freight Train

Joseph Tame
2006-06-30 17:26:24

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my destination (as I'd been told via the questionnaire). It had taken five hours to get there including a few stops, and I was bursting for the toilet.

I poked my head out of the top of my skip, only to discover (to my horror) that we'd only reached Shrewsbury! The train pulled off just as I was about jump - my fear of being spotted grew as the sun rose.

It was another three hours before the train came to a final standstill in Liverpool. As my legs were completely numb, I virtually fell out of my skip onto the tracks. Looking around, I swore copiously as I found myself in the middle of a huge field of railway lines which were deserted except for four locomotives which were shunting a few carriages around. I could see that this yard was surrounded by a three-metre-high barbed-wire fence, so the only way out had to be near the solitary building that stood half a mile away.

I ran. I ran as fast as I could whilst the drivers looked on in disbelief. Approaching the building, I swore even more copiously as I saw the signs reading, "British Steel. Identity badges must be worn at all times", and then the security guards at the entrance barrier. With no way out, I reluctantly accepted that I'd have to try to talk my way out of it with the police, as "Trespassers will be prosecuted" notices were now plastered on every wall.

Entering the building however, I was immediately informed by the receptionist that coffee from the machine was free today, and would I mind waiting a few moments until I was called. Somewhat bemused, I played along and did as I was told. There were a few other nervous-looking chaps there, one of whom spotted that I was in a bit of a daze.

"Where's your security pass?" he asked.

Sensing that he was not "one of them" I told him how I'd ended up there, to which he replied,

"Shit! We've got to get you out of here or you'll be arrested! They think you're here for an interview like the rest of us!

...Ok, the only way out is through that security gate. I'll distract the guards whilst you sneak out behind them."

And that's just what happened. I have no idea who that man was who helped me, but I thank him for saving me from further trouble! To this day I do not know what that place was, all I do know is that it was run by British Steel and that security was unusually high.

By midday I'd found my way into central Liverpool. Mum and Dad were a little surprised and concerned when I phoned and told them where I was - I decided to follow their advice and promptly bought a ticket so that I could travel home in comfort - on a passenger train!