Our Day in The Country, Viewing Viaducts

Well readers this story goes back some weeks ago, possibly even months ago, when my friend Geoff suggested that it may help him, if we went on a trip to take a photograph or photographs of a couple viaducts of outstanding beauty.

Of course I agreed this was acknowledgement of my photographic skills, as well as a nice ride in the country, I had initially suggested that he take my camera to save me the trip, but he felt I would do more justice to the subject, how could I refuse.

Time passed and we never seem to quite get round to it, so in the end we agreed on a specific date, because another friend of mine was feeling down I asked if it was possible for her to come along for the trip, which he was agreeable to.

On the day he was ready, flasks, biscuits, all sorts of walking gear, two walking sticks and there was still room for me and him, I explained I only had my normal walking shoes but he felt this was not a problem, so of to Anne’s we went, she was as sensibly dressed as me, in that she had high-heeled shoes which she felt would help with her walking, but otherwise was dressed for the day.

Although Geoff told me where we were going, I had never actually pinned him down to the location of these two viaducts, so after a while, I started to wonder just how far we were travelling, it was about two hours before we finally reached our first destination, New Biggin, he then told us that we now had a long walk, mainly over flat ground, but to reassure us he provided us both with a walking stick, being fair to him, he provided us with a warm drink of coffee and a biscuit.

We seemed to walk and walk and walk, apart from three walkers, the only other things we met were a group of sheep, who initially ignored us, but then on closer inspection decided to run off into the distance never to be seen again.

Along the way, Geoff pointed out the drovers Bridge and the path up the hill that they used to use, which now I would imagine people would go up on quad bikes, finally in the distance we saw it, Smardale viaduct, I have to admit it was very impressive from a distance, which prompted me to take a couple of photographs, but putting myself at great risk of falling down the hill, the things we do for others.

Well now we were well on our way, and found extra strength for the last lap, as we approached Geoff explained about how the trains used to go along the path we were walking, across the viaduct, but I cannot remember where the train went after that, we crossed the viaduct and I took a series of other photos, to show the magnificence of the viaduct.

When we checked the time, Geoff announced that we needed to make progress if we were to look at the other viaduct, now at this point I should have realised if it took two hours to get to this viaduct plus the walk maybe it was going to take some time to get to the other one, plus we now had to walk back to the car, which when we were going didn't seem too bad but now, we realised how far we had walked, but never mind hey every day is a new adventure.

Off we set in the car, after another drink coffee, now it gets really complicated, because I was exhausted, and quickly fell asleep, so I am not really sure where we went or how far we travelled before we reached our next destination, I do remember waking up and seeing miles and miles and miles of narrow country lanes, also that the Sun was dipping which may create problems, when I tried to take photos.

Finally we reached our destination, sort of, as far as I can make out we were at Lambley, wherever that is and that we were heading for the Duke of Carlisle's viaduct at New Biggin, Geoff it said that it was not a long walk so we should be okay, well I have to be honest, it wasn't a long walk compared to the other, but it was up and down, over slippy leaves damp soil, plus the light was fast deteriorating.

I have just realised I had not mentioned Anne so far, she seemed to cope remarkably well up to now, but on this path I did get quite concerned, because she had one or two falls, she explained that she was okay going downhill, because high heels helped to balance her out, but the problem was going uphill and that was when she was falling. Despite this she still wanted to continue on the adventure.

Well it got darker & slippier until finally there we were there on top of the viaduct, now you would think this was a good thing, no you cant take a good photo from on top because you cant see the sides very well. I looked over the top to see a bdide in the distance, so said how do we get there so I could get that brilliant photo I was looking for.

Geoff took us off on another trip through the woods, slipping & sliding until we finally got back down to the ground, all the time Geoff was explaining more of the background to the railway line & the viaduct, until we finally reached the bridge, by the way I forgot to say I had taken my digital & SLR cameras to get the best photos, but the SLR had decided to play up, so these are from the digital.

Well now it was getting quite dark, but I tried my best, this is the product of my hard work, it was decided that we needed to come back in the summer on a proper trip, & to explore better places to get a view of the bridge, so finally we slipped & slid back to the proper path & the main road.

It suddenly occurred to me that apart from 2 cups of coffee & 2 chocolate biscuits I had not eaten all day, so we set off on the path home, Geoff said it wasent far to the motorway & then back home for a meal. I thought this was a positive thing until I saw the sign for Hexham, which I know is in Northumbria.

I then asked Geoff where we had been, he explained we had been to Cumbria as well as Northumbria, no wonder I had fallen asleep on the drive, the short trip to the motorway was over the tops & far away, but yes we did eventually reach the motorway & began the long trek home, never was I so pleased as when we finally got to our turnoff.

When I spoke to Anne later in the week she was happy about the day out & felt quite refreshed, in fact she did not have any bruising from the falls, I spoke to Geoff & he also siad he did not understand why I was so tired, having said that he admitted we had done 3oo miles that day, but was looking forward to the next trip in the new year.

Well I am glad they are happy I am still recovering, but pleased with the digital photos & hope the film ones turn out as well.

Whats the lesson I have learnt, next time ask the location & distance we are travelling & make sure I am fed properly on the way.

Life has become a Little to Quiet

Welcome back, sorry but life has been busy, but not the sort of things that are worth recording for you to read since Italy.

Apart from the fact I was asked to open a a local version of "Kiss Me Kate" the musical, that is they wanted me to come on stage to sweep it whilst singing "the opening song " well I explained I am well qualified to sweep the stage i have swept stages in all sorts of interesting places like, Sharston Secondary School, The Broadway night club in Manchester, various bingo clubs in Birmingham, so if anything I am over qualified for the job, but so far have resisted the temptation of singing or acting on stage, for the benefit of the audience.

Sorry I tell a lie, when doing stage work in Birmingham many years ago, I was involved in a production of a play called "Our Town" in which the stage is set & cleared with the curtains open as part of the show, I had to carry step ladders & chairs on & off, the stage, I feel under the circumstances, walking on "live" was really stressful, but I made no mistakes in my role, or at least none that were commented on.

Unfortunately, singing or dancing I do not do, operating sound & lighting equipment I have done, including the old sound desk from Strawberry Studios (used for Jonathan King's session singers such as 10cc)back in my youth, with the likes of the Drifters, Stan Kentons Band, Gene Pitney, The Coasters (sorry all you young readers it was in the 70s after all)

It has always fascinated me that give people a microphone & they have to either sing , often out of tune or say "testing 1, 2, 3" neither of which did I ever do.

In the same way that if they walk past a drum kit they have a need to hit it usually quite hard causing chaos for the poor drummer on their return.

Well I kindly saved the local population, by my act of kindness, hopefully the show was a success.

This week, I went for a hearing test as us Toggs do, only to be told that my hearing was no worse than 2 years ago, so in discussion with the technician, we eventually agreed that local background noise was increasing, as was my tinnitus.

Balanced against that someone at work actually was suprised to find I was age 60, not sure if they thought I was older or younger, so accepted the statement in the hope it was the latter.

I have been reading that Melanies, blog about her trip to America, part 3, dont they make you jealous, going off on these adventures, meeting all these interesting people & places, having said that please have a read of her blog, it gives a very different insite into the people she has met as well as the places she has been.

If you are reading this & want to help my blog become more interesting I am quite willing to travel & describe in facinating detail where I have been & who I have met along the way.

A trip to Italy by a Togg

Well at long last my last holiday this year to a place with such a strange name Malcesine (pronounced malchesney I am told) which is on the banks of Lake Garda in Italy, with the mountains behind & the lake in front.

It is a pretty little town, but sadly full of tourists like me, with little cafes & shops & a local ferry to other picturesque towns also on the lake.

The accomodation was good(if you are interested go to Tripadvisor for my comments in the next few days) with a terrace overlooking the lake views & beautiful views of the mountains at the rear.

One of the places to go to had to be Venice & the decision was go for a tour because it was so complex to use public transport for the trip.

Going for the afternoon trip seemed a good idea because it would mean a later rise & hopefully within a short time most of the tourists would of departed, plus there would be the opportunity to take photos of Venice by night.

On the day the trip was quite boring, mostly by motoway, although it was interesting to see their fast food at the service area. But when the coach finally arrived it was a trip across the bay to the main landing stage by ferry, then off to look at the sights.

First to St Marks Square making sure not to sit down, eat or drink, remembering how much it would cost, took a few photos & could not believe how many people there were there, then off to the Doges Palace for the next few hours to look round.

Sadly could not take photos of beautiful rooms & paintings inside but was facinating to see, also there were plenty of seats to rest which were definatly needed with all the stairs & corridors, the ticket enabled vists to other museums, but already was flagging after the first, so decided to have a wander round.

Walked to Rialto bridge through the streets packed with both locals & tourists, there seemed much more posh shops than on previous trip there some years ago. On the way took more photos of the streets & canals, then back to the landing stage on oner of the local water buses.

Met up with the rest of the coach party then off for a meal which was quite pleasant, then a short time to take a few night time photos, sadly no sunsets, that had happened whilst in the restaurant, then back to the coach & off to the resort, finally arrived back at 1am in the morning.

The following morning went down for breakfast then back to bed for the rest of the day totally exausted so much for thinking I was this new fit healthy person.

Also went on a trip to Riva on another day it was a nice little town & very picturesque but it seemed to be undecided in relation to the weather.

The other big trip was by local transport to Verona, unfortunatly the bus was full so I stood for over half the trip before finally getting a seat.

On arrival it was another busy resort (see other blog re fast food), went to see amphitheatre but because there was concert on that night there was a huge stage & modern seating covering the old stone steps.

What a climb to the top of the steps & what a long way down, it must hold an awful lot of people when its full, plus what a depessing place the area down below was.

Next a trip round the local gardens whilst listening to a couple of musicians playing, it was very relaxing, before going off to see the famous balcony where Juliet was supposed to of been, a little difficult because she never existed, it was nice that so many people were romatic enough to make the trip & to pose with the statue of Juliet, not sure what had happened to Romeo.

Then off to the castle but ran out of time so did not have time to explore inside, then back to the bus, luckily got seat on trip back but slept most of the way.

At the hotel met a lovely couple he had been in the police force & was facinating to listen to about the past when he worked in Manchester & his wife had gone to school just down the road from me, I hope one day he puts this to paper recording this information that soon will be lost.

There were good days and bad in relation to the weather on the last day it was again overcast, I had thought of going up in the cable car, but again it was overcast so only went to the base station which was in a beautiful setting, would i go back again not sure was a little bit to busy for me.

Latest Trip To Ireland

Yet again sorry about the delay to all you readers, but I seem to of started with my Man Flu again which has slowed me down.

Having said that here goes with the trip to Ireland for Grand daughters birthday, first suprise was that she was there at the airport to great me, it must be the new improved communication with her through BEBO, having said that I still have not figured all of it out & struggle to understand the text speak they use.

The other bit I find about e mail with youngsters is that they can speak at incredible speed & have views on everything until I get an e mail then its "how are you grand dad" "what you doing cheerio" but my daughter in law informs me that the problem is that they are sending 100s of e mails daily so do not have time for long messages.

Well back to the plot, I was informed that they had planned to take me to see Shrek 3, sadly I had to inform them I had presumed they would of already seen it so had gone already, I was good enough not to tell them anything of the story.

We spent a lot of time chatting & I explained to my grand daughters that I would like to help with their school trips, to improve their chances of seeing more of the world, the older one told me that possibly she will have a chance to see Zambia this year through the school, so this will improve her chances to go for this once in a lifetime experiance.

On the sunday we went out for a family meal & sitting down together was an enjoyable experiance, at the end of the meal great pleasure was enjoyed by all of us when we spent time making funny faces with the bits left on the plate as you can see from the photo.

So it was an enjoyable trip for me & a happy time for the family

Sad Death Of Dave

For a change I felt it was right to tell you about the sad death of my friend Dave last week, he had health problems from when I first knew him but he never gave up.

He was my inspiration in consumer issues over the years & I admired the time he spent quietly helping other people & the problems in their lives.

As his walking abiliy decreased, he found it harder to get out, until I realised that he could use my electric scooter, which gave him a new lease of life until finally his body started to give up.

Sadly it was a slow deterioration, but I admired, the way in which he continued to fight in his own way, still considering others needs, whilst in hospital.

Unfortunatly, he died in hospital which he had always feared, but I have to admire the way Anne visited daily & the hours she spent during that time seeing to his needs, as well as the care & compassion that she showed him right up until his life ended

Dave you will be sadly missed

Scooter Event Heaton Park 2007

19 August 2007

Well we had planned the scooter event for some months we had a venue, we had the riders, and we felt that we would make some money as well's publicise our organisation.

I had acquired my own scooter back, charged the battery and was ready for the day, unfortunately on the day it had already started raining as I set out, when I arrived at the Park, the other participants were already there, apart from the two who sadly could not make it on the day, despite this we set off with waterproof capes on along the course.

The course that we took was over areas that I had not previously seen in the park, as usual Brian was there to supervise, provide food and drink, and to chat to in the course of the adventure, as well as to take interesting photos of the event and the surrounding countryside.

At times the weather seemed to improve slightly, and the rain stopped, but then would swiftly continue again, despite that we all seem to be in quite a positive mood as we continued our journey round the park.

Although I was sat down for the duration of the course my legs still ached as did my bottom, so for the next few days yet again I was totally exhausted and even worse I had no sponsors so had raised no money, but least had taken some photos and supported the rest of the participants, my feeling after the event is that we should return yet again next year hopefully with more people in better weather.

Sadly Daves' Deterioration

28 August 2007

Sadly over the last few months, my friend Dave's health has deteriorated, and I have seen a bright intelligent man get worse and worse, that much so, but now just lies in bed unable to speak, eat, or drink and my feeling is that soon he will no longer be with us.

I have to say, but I found it very difficult, to cope with this change, in particular I felt hopeless, because there was nothing I could do to help him along this path, at the same time I have seen my friend Anne spend eight hours a day with him, reassuring him, as well as comforting him, through this period, as he has got worse.

Unfortunately, in the not too distant future, we will be sorting out his affairs, as well as those of his friend, who also died recently, which is a reminder to me that I need to do some forward planning to avoid the same problems if anything happens to me.

Trip To Isle of Man

29 July 2007

Well hello again readers, sorry about the delay, but here we go, the trip to the Isle of Man bye Jeff and Geoff.

We had been planning this trip for some time, on the day it was a bright sunny day, the trip up to Heysham was no problem and it was interesting to watch the way HGV trailers were loaded on the ship by little portable tractors, also how many vehicles were actually loaded onto the ship.

On the trip over we were both tired so we spent most of it fast asleep in the lounge, not realising how much we would need that rest over the next few days, eventually we arrived at Douglas and drove over to see Rod and Lyn at their home, from where they took us to view the place we were going to stay for the next few days.

They then took us for a meal out, on the way back to our accommodation, Geoff explained that many years ago, he had wanted to put a property in the area and believe it or not it was the site that the property we stayed in was on, very strange.The house was very pleasant with everything we needed, including separate bathrooms for each of us.

The following morning we returned to Newby to have a look at the task, which originally was to remove the asbestos soffits, and replace with UPVC, Rod explained that there was woodworm in some of the timbers and also the felt needed replacing as well as the lats, we now realised that the task was going to be much bigger than we first thought, it was a beautiful morning, so undeterred we sorted out what we needed from the builders merchants and set off.

I was already thinking what a lovely place the area was, and that this would be a nice easy pleasant task as we drove for materials, at the builders yard, it started to go wrong, because most of the materials were not in stock and now it was agreed we would re roof the whole of the garage, which is obviously going to take a lot longer.

Having looked at how much I have already written I have decided to cut short on a lot of the detail about what followed, I have to say that the meals that Lynn provided were great, despite her health problems, the setting we were in was beautiful the company was good, other than that though, it was a downhill path all the way.

Nobody told me, about the rain, nor about the wind, both of which we have problems with for the duration of the task, and how much it would affect our ability to carry out the task, nor did they tell me about the attitude of the local builders merchants, who were into mañana every time we went to them, nor did anybody tell me about Rod's need to keep tidying up all the time, in particular just after I had left stuff that we needed out for the next part of the task.

Sadly we never got to see the island nor go for a boat trip, nor did we manage to have any relaxing time apart from at mealtimes, although we have been promised this for the next trip.

The one thing that did happen in the course of the exercise, was that my arms ached, my legs ached, and had bruises in places I do not wish to repeat the whereabouts of.

Generally we achieved the task, with minor cosmetic stuff to be done by Rod after we had left, having said that on the Monday we worked until 4 p.m. then drove down to Douglas, again slept on the boat to arrive totally exhausted home at 1:30 a.m. the following morning, it took me nearly 2 weeks to recover from this, which is interesting because normally my ME would have kicked in and that would have been me for a month or two.

Well Geoff and I hope that some time we will get back there and truly see this beautiful island at our leisure, maybe next year.

Sorry About The Delay

28 August 2007

Well hello readers, sorry about the delay in putting the next post on, but a series of things have delayed this, so thanks very much for your patience and interest.

These have included a trip to the Isle of Man, details of which to follow, another bout of Man Flu, a deterioration in the health of my friend Dave, an accidental overdose of medication, Gay Pride in Manchester and a poorly computer.

Steam Trains & The Isle of Man

What does the title mean you think, well the obvious, last week it was time for another expedition, unfortunatly Andy the third musketeer could not come out to play, so it was down to Brian & I to go out & find these exciting photos of steam trains.

So off to the station we went prepared for all these opportunities to use our cameras, but there they were, the anoraks & geeks they had got there first, I felt quite intimidated with my small compact camera, when they had sophisticated SLR ones, which they were using.

The next shock was no steam engine, just some old diesel to pull the train, but undeterred we boarded the train, reminicing about previous adventures we had had in the past when on train journeys.

We talked about the carriages, the different types we had sat in in our youth, the windows with their leather straps, which sadly ours did not have, then off we set to our destination.

Some 30 minutes later we finally reached the end of the line & off we went to seek out more adventures, in the village of Rawtenstall, we had a full hour to explore before we had to reurn for the train back.

Guess what the place had closed up, nowhere was open apart from the local Tesco & Asda, I dont know where the people came from to keep them in business, we walked up the main street, then back down, that was it apart from the ducks on the river.

Back to the staion to find we had just missed the train so, in to Tesco for supplies & a drink, before returning to the station & guess what, our train had a steam engine, so into photo mode we went, at last we had rejoined the anoraks & geeks.

Onto the train still no straps on the windows, but Brian happily explained how much he used to enjoy smell of the smoke, I felt it was a little smelly & dirty. We noticed that all the staff had brew cans which took me back to the 1960s, we discussed whether these were new reproductions or old ones unearthed from the past, I went on to say I could not understand why they bothered when there were thermos flasks & mircowave cookers, but if it made them happy so what.

We travelled back to Bury then took more photos in case the others did not work, then spotted a fdriend of ours who was a volunteer, we asked him about the leather straps only to be told that they had no stock with them, also that these had never been in the north of England. Quickly we as old Toggs informed him that he was qite wrong that we as youngsters vividly remembered these on the carriages from our youth in the late 50s & 60s so there, so much for technical knowledge.

That sadly was the end of the trip, I will report back on any other adventures as and when they occur, have you noticed that familiar stalker on my photos again, where does he come from.

Just to say after this weekend that I will be in the Isle of Man for a week with my DIY friend visting other, they will be doing tasks on the house there whilst I will take on role of foreman for the week, plus I have been promised that they will show me the sights which I have been waiting to see since my brief trip of 2 hours back in th 1980s, so will tell you of these adventures on my return