Lake District Adventure–Day 3, coming home!

We were all tired and slept in a bit but had to be sorted and out by 10.00am so got on with it and had breakfast, packed and signed out by 9.40am. 

Drove down to Haverigg as that was on the coast and it was much nicer than expected, the weather was warm and we wandered around the water sports lake and then said our goodbyes to Lewis and he set off home

I didn't quite go straight back and we found an ice cream shop and looked over the dunes before setting off for home at 10.50am

Officially the satnav said it would take 4 hours...I didn't trust that though and with good reason. The concerns I had for traveling up here that didn't materialise certainly did when going home

It was just sheer volume of people trying leave the Lake District at first and then we hit a major blockage because someone on the northbound side of the M6 at J32 was threatening to jump. It was eerie because they blocked off northbound and there was no traffic whatsoever coming up as we were very slowly getting down there. 

We eventually passed the incident and he was still stood the other side of the bridge not holding on. I checked the next day and there was no mention of him jumping

So we carried in down but it was stop and start all the way, very hard work. Stopped at one of the services and it was packed out as everyone else was popping in for a break!

Carried on home and got home at 5.30pm so it took 6 1/2 hours all told. Ah well, it was definitely worth it and it was only the once!!

We unpacked and all that and then ordered a Chinese meal which was a lovely treat to end the weekend with. 

Vegged out in front of the TV for an hour or so and then bed at 10.00pm after Charlotte had uploaded a load of photos from the weekend. They looked really good. 

Great fun.

Lake District – Day 2

Up early at 7.00am, had breakfast and then out on the road so as to get to the meeting location in time so the guy didn’t leave us behind. Only 41 miles but was going to take us about 90 minutes because of the slow roads, and these were slow!

I enjoyed the winding, tight roads and it was quite enjoyable to drive down, especially as we didn’t see any traffic at all at that time in the morning, made Tash very car sick though, I knew it would affect someone!

The scenery on the way was stunning, I didn’t see too much as I was so focussed on the road but made some mental notes of places to stop on the way home to take some photos and that.

Got to Honister Slate mine in plenty of time and the chap, Chris, who was leading us arrived and said we’d wait for another couple who were joining us, so we had a coffee and got ready, the other couple that turned up were a mum and son and they were nice enough so it was a good little group that we had.

So we got harnessed and geared up and made our way up the mountain side and got our first glimpse of what we would be doing, it was a bit mad to be honest! Sheer drops and all we had were metal rungs jutting out of the side of the cliffs to hold onto. Of course we had safety harnesses on but it was still nerve-wracking and hard work.

There were a few groups up there so we missed out the introduction run and went straight to the middle run and that was horrible! So we’re climbing down and up these rungs and then traversing along the side of the cliff face holding on for dear life, everyone was doing well but I must admit I was struggling with it and my arms were burning, legs were jelly and I put on a brave face but was very nervous! I did it, you had to, but I’m not ashamed to say I was scared.

We are our lunch by the car chatting to Chris and finding out more about him before setting off for the next location. 

Driving through the tight and narrow roads with cars coming the other way or avoiding hikers was an experience. 

Got to the place we were meeting the other group and they seemed ok, about 8 of them. So we got geared up in wetsuits and head gear etc and then walked for about 15 minutes up the hill to the start point

I was expecting something the same as Paul's stag party but this was by far much better

The very first obstacle meant sliding down some rocks into a pool going over your head so no slow and gentle introduction and then we were off

It really was fantastic, scrambling through the water and down slides and three times we had jumps we had to make. They were nervy I must admit but we all did them. Some great videos as a result. 

It was over after about an hour or so but with what we'd done in the morning that was definitely enough. We went back to the car, stripped off and got dry clothes on and said our goodbyes to everyone. 

Made our way home and everyone was asleep quite soon, we did fancy some ice cream so we stopped at Grassmere, we've been there before the last time we were up here, found a coffee shop and we all had drinks instead. 

Didn't stay long and then drove again through the lovely scenery stopping a couple of times, took about 90 mins but we weren't clock watching going home!

Crashes out and had pizzas and beers and the kids were on their gadgets. Watch Casualty second part because we expected Charlie Fairhead to die, he didn't! And then some film or other, early night though as we were shattered

That was such a great day, really enjoyed it, but Found those heights frightening, I really am getting old.

Up North to visit Lewis

Alarm went at 4.45am, up and dressed which considering is not gone to bed until 1.00am wasn't bad at all. 

Got everything together and the car packed and got the kids up and we were on the road at 5.40am, about 20 mins later than I'd hoped but not a bad effort

And then we were off with 4.5hours ahead of us...if we were lucky

The traffic was fine in fact and to cut a long story short we made it up there by 10.15am so that was excellent. Much earlier than expected which we'd planned for midday, meaning Lewis wasn't really ready for us! He'd been out the night before and his flat mate Rhys had two mates over and the place was a tip with beers cans and washing everywhere. Never mind, the cottage was nice and it suited him

We went for a walk to the beach and it was really windy and rough so we weren't out for long. Went back to his house to collect clothes etc and then went for a drive to Whitehaven where we had a McDonald's for lunch and then a walk around the town and fishing harbour. It was a nice town and was interesting to see his local town. 

Back in the cars to go down to the log cabin we'd booked and took a detour to see Sellafield Power Plant but as expected we couldn't get too close but it was good to have a nose about from a distance

Got to the place and our cabin wasn't ready so we watched the end of the football on TV and had a drink and a look around the grounds. When we were allowed in we unpacked and settled down

I was shattered and crashed out for an hour in the sofa and then we ate and had a few beers and played card games and Bananagrams and that

We settled in front of the TV for casualty and that was nice to just spend time together. Tash went to bed and we watched MOTD before I too had to give in, early start tomorrow needed as well

A nice day and lovely to have the family all back together for however short a length of time. It's so good we all get in so well and like each other's company. 

I love my family!

Oxford City drafted in!

Worked at Raintree today and it was okay. Got a lot done and it was an enjoyable day, someone was leaving and also Laura’s going to be off now as it’s her wedding next week so they took the chance to have a bit of fun and a joint send-off. Quite nice to be involved for once.

Not much else of excitement to announce from the day, it was nice to cycle there and back and it felt good to get my legs going, pleasing I wasn’t quite as stiff from football today as I was last week. Hopefully that’s a good sign!

Came home and was back out the door 10 minutes later taking Jack to football training. The manager Jack then pulled me aside and told me he was packing it in because of work commitments, I wasn’t really surprised but I was a bit pissed off and didn’t make much effort to hide it. I’m not good at working with people it has to be said! No idea what will happen now, I suspect I will be roped into it more and get things sorted and to be honest if I can sort out one night of training then I won’t mind taking over, we’ll see.

Came home and got caught in the bloody road works traffic so it took over 30 minutes to get down that couple of miles on the by-pass, winds me up!

Worked again in the evening and it was fairly productive, had an email from Charlie at EduKent in answer to my one as Nikita had told me earlier in the day that she was completely shit-faced, sick on herself and everything!! So I sent a sympathetic email to her…yeah right…and she replied saying she’d only just got out of bed around 8.30pm – oh dear! We’ve all been there, can’t believe she got that drunk though.

Anyway, have a nice weekend lined up so got things sorted for that as well, off to Birmingham tomorrow unexpectedly as requested by Claire so that was a nice little bonus

Let’s see what happens with this football shall we?

Struggling a bit today…and another football match!

Woke up around 8.30am with a very heavy head, quick showers, said our farewells and then got the cars to go our separate ways. We’re really proud of Lewis, and the other kids, they’re growing up to be such great kids and they do enjoy being with us which is so pleasing.

The drive home was pretty good and we were back by midday, I was shattered though and really didn’t fancy doing much work if I am honest! Tried though!

Annie came round and I got my hair cut and then carried on working, had a nice pasta meal for dinner and then went down to Brasenose College for another vets pre-season match and this was against the other Oxford City side. We were too good for them but it was a challenging match and we won 3-1. I was against a couple of decent players and it was hard work, especially as they put me at wing back!! My fitness levels are improving…slowly!

Didn’t stay for a drink afterwards instead coming home to watch a bit of TV and then work late into the evening, decided to update some of my diary because like a friend said earlier in the day I do live a very full and busy life and it should be documented. I am not the best writer as any of these posts would testify but it’s interesting to have it down for memories.

It was good to be back down at Brasenose, that place really hasn’t changed in 20 years when we were playing there for Cold Arbour.

Franz Ferdinand in Manchester

Worked in the morning from about 6.00am and got a few things sorted and then from midday we set out to drive up to Manchester, the run was fine and without incident. Tash has a cold so slept pretty much all the way there, she’s struggling with it which is a shame.

Found the car park and Lewis was waiting and then we went and sorted the hotel before having a quick wander around town and then back to get ready. I quite liked what I saw of the place and would be more than happy to return and spend more time up there.

Went to the bar to get something to eat and have a few drinks. Went and found the venue (Albert Hall) and drank at Brew Dog next door – didn’t like that drink in there and then went inside. I liked it there and we continued to drink, Lewis and I were getting quite drunk indeed! He was paying his way, mostly, so that was really nice.

The concert is a collaboration between Franz Ferdinand and Sparks so it wasn’t full on FF but it was still enjoyable and they played some of the hits that we know, we all enjoyed ourselves and it was a good night. When finished we found another bar and had more drinks and then got completely lost on the way home, got a kebab and had to get a taxi back we were so lost and yet we were only x8 minutes away!

Crashed out in the hotel – a great evening

Working on a Sunday…all day!

Woke up around 9.00am and was downstairs in the garage working as I have so much in my plate at the minute. Went okay and I got two of the main projects sorted before having breaks etc. I didn't help around the house at all and just ploughed on. 

The big project at the minute is the Groupcall one as there's so much to sort and so many action points. I worked through their data files and species what was required, took me 7 hours and I'm still not finished!!

Shame I wasn't around for the family but with the time I'm spending in Manchester on Tuesday I think it's acceptable, I also feel better for having done it. 

Bed at 1.00am and then alarm set for 6.50am...not nice

WBA for Jack’s football

Woke up with a hangover today at 7.00am. Up and out by 7.50 taking jack to his football match in Birmingham. We made good time and we're playing near to Edgbaston cricket ground. 

Played against WBA colts but only had 10 players. They worked hard and did ok I feel

Really hard work for them but it was rewarding and we only lost 3-2 after having one of their players for 20 mins

Jack did ok, he's struggling fitness wise I feel so need to work on that

Came back and went to go outdoors to get some gas and found a new chair for camping. 

Pottered around the garden and did bits and bobs for the rest of the day. In the evening Tash and I caught up with House of Cards and then went to bed. A relaxed day.

Relaxing by the sea…

Sat on the beach writing this today at Cala Galdena. In the shade as it's about 31 degrees

Was up at 8.30am today and did some emails but wasn't in the mood if I'm honest. Quite a lot to return to when home which I'm not particularly looking forward to. There's sand here on the beach so I might stick my head in it!!

Drove across the island to get here today and because of the size of the island it didn't take long at all. Going out to a nice restaurant this evening which isn't what we wanted to do but Pauline was insistent that was the plan. 

Jacks sat in the sun reading his book and Tash is sunbathing. Might go and have a snorkel now as apparently it's quite good here. 

Have heard from Charlotte and she's enjoying herself but apparently it's very hot indeed, 40 degrees in a tent, not comfortable but as long as she's having a laugh. Exam results tomorrow, hope she's successful. Fingers crossed

First ever proper golf game…

We all woke up with hangovers today and I didn't get up until about 11.00am. Wayne was worst out of all of us and it was clear no one had any energy or enthusiasm to go out and do anything so we didn't and just sat sleeping and lazing by the pool. Which was actually quite nice

Had some lunch and decided to give the golf a go. I wasn't overly keen on it I must admit but agreed to it and I'm glad I did. We left around 4.30pm, hired me some clubs and sorted out the round details and then went to the driving range to have a practise. I was okay and felt comfortable so after some putting and that we went down to the first tee to get going

I sliced my first shot left and lost the ball...my first ever proper golf shot. Ah well. Wayne was decent as id expected and Paul was a bit more consistent than me. We went through to the 14rh hole before it got too dark to play but by then we were all flagging and tired. We'd not taken enough water or food and were struggling big time. Went back to the reception and everyone was waiting for us and we got some drinks, I had a full large bottle of water, drank the whole lot. 

Went back to the villa and had some pizza by it was after 10.00pm. Time had flown by. I was so tired, couldn't be bothered to do much more than drink coke and check social media before going to bed around 11.30pm. 

I really enjoyed playing the golf and I’d like to think that with regular practice I might be able to hold my own and get a respectable score. Hopefully I'll be able to make an attempt at playing or practicing some more. We'll see!

I did win one hole, but struggled to keep my shot count down, some shots were really good so I was pleased with my first proper round of golf.

Look closely and you will see the ball – it didn’t quite make the lake though!