I was field walking the route to see if there were any sites of archaeological interest before the area was developed. Working with my now SiL for The Oxford Archaeology Unit.
Bit odd disappearing with daughter's boyfriend each Monday morning and returning on Friday evening. There were five of us doing the work, staying in B&Bs.
Actually fun but hard work. Was doing it the summer I was made redundant rather than sit at home being miserable.
My journey got me to the Birmingham area around 5pm on a Friday evening. I took the advice and used the Toll Road (think it cost about a Fiver but it may have increased). Best fiver I ever spent. Some of my friends who also made the journey north (we were attending a funeral early the following day) used the normal M6 and were caught in horrendous traffic. I sailed through. An added bonus is the service area at the north end of the toll road is quite pleasant and not too busy so we spent the time we saved having a break and a coffee.