Well here I am back home again. I'm worn out.
Thats Alnmouth in the distance. (click for larger image)
The day started out with bright blue skies and a warm sun so shorts, shirt and Birkies on me tootsies and off to the station for me train. Arrive in plenty of time so pick up the paper and a coffee.
Train on time and plenty of seats but I am surprised at how many people there are on board and even more shocked at the number who get on in Durham. Most appear to be either lawyers, big cases and expensive suits, some even in Bow ties for fuck sake, or uni lecturers, tweed jackets and chino type trousers. One or two even seem to be ordinary peeps. Most get off in Newcastle.
Having never ridden the train beyond Newcastle I put down the paper to watch the world rush past at 100 mph or so. I have got to say it is lovely loads of sheep which surprised me for some reason. Dunno why. Eventually the sea, my part time lover comes into view. How I love her and her majesty, a glimpse is all I need to set my heart racing, and a glimpse is all I get as the train slows for Alnmouth, my stop.
Seems to have clouded over somewhat since my departure an hour ago and 70 miles south of here. No worries, the walk will keep me warm. Ah walking 5 miles to Amble, in Birkenstoks, I don't think so. Find nice bus stop with this view
where I settle down to finish reading the paper.
Bloody hell the country is a noisy place! Birds twittering (old style that is) left right and centre some bugger out shooting at things, hoping it was'nt me in the sights. I did see some big black birds, some swallows which may have been swifts or house martins which were moving far to bleeding quickly for me to photograph, a lark and heaps of sparrows. There were probably more but being a city bloke I did'nt notice them.
Anyway then it started to rain! For crying out bleedin loud, I am not dressed for bloody rain, it is June the 26th! Summer and the rain is supposed to be in Somerset not Northumberland! Obviously there is no shelter to be had andnone of the passing traffic takes pity on the fool getting pissed upon. I get wet. Decide I'd better call the centre where the course is being held to tell them I'll be late and leave a MAB message on the machine. Why can I not just say "Hello Nigel here, I'll be getting to Amble at about 9:15"
Oh no not me, I have to try and be a bit more interesting and end up leaving a longish message. Actually a 4 and a half minute one. I was bored and wet and pissed off and wanted to arrive in a happy mood. Bus arrived eventually.
Now this was a nice bus ride, nice enough for me to decide there and then that this bit of coast line is worth returning to on a fine and sunny day with my bicycle, passing through Warkworth and below its Castle before diverting off the 'main road' into Amble itself. I have had excellent directions sent to me and find the centre with no problems, bursting through the doors with a certain amount of style and gusto. Well as much as on can when a tadge on the damp side. But with a huge grin on me fisog.
Right enough for now, this is the longest post I've ever made here and I'm getting bored and so are you.
And my Gin and Tonic glass is empty
la_spice
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