OUR FINAL DAYS IN MACCLESFIELD

Colin Kerry Lobster Walter and Bella

Kerry writes:

Our time in Macclesfield is drawing to a close. Despite the poor summer, we have achieved our aim - to do plenty of walking. The Peak District is an absolute delight. The views over the countryside are spectacular. I hope the photos that Colin has taken of them have done them justice. Our little walking companion, Bella, is the most special little cocker spaniel. I will miss her.

We talked to Kerry on Skype this morning, and she informed us that 17c was the coolest temperature on Thursday night in Melbourne. It was our warmest for that day!!!!!! I suppose it is some compensation that we have an ample supply of water over here!

WEDNESDAY 29th

Following our walk to Teggs Nose Quarry overlooking Macclesfield, and the photos of Jodrell Bank from this view point, we knew you would be fascinated to have a closer look at that historical icon. Poor Bella was dejected. She sat in her usual position, 4th step up on the staircase, waiting for the lead to appear. "Sorry Bella- not this trip". Sad soulful eyes! Cruel house sitters! We timed our visit to Jodrell badly. There was repair work being done on the dish, but it was still an interesting couple of hours. We found out that the telescope was crucial to the discovery of quasars in the outer Universe, which then led to the Big Bang theory. Sounds good. I hope you are all suitably impressed by my new found knowledge!!!!(Bella wasn't) We were also taken on a 3D trip to Mars. Amazingly, the film was made at Swinbourne University in Melbourne. We are now waiting for part 2; to bring us back from Mars! Home to 265. Bella greets us. Reward----A walk, of course. Happy Bella. The information in the photograph below is from Teggs Nose quarry and shows how the rocks change from Gritstone at the edge of Macclefield to limestone in Buxton, hence the limestone Caverns, Blue John mines and characteristic peaks and dales.

Thursday 30th

Our final trip to Manchester. Obviously the right day - it was raining! I am looking for a casserole dish. Colin's scientific knowledge has definite limitations in certain areas. He learnt that putting cold water onto a casserole dish straight out of the oven can lead to instant fracture, and a certain amount of verbal abuse from yours truly. We traipsed every major department store in Manchester to find a similar replacement without success. The only light relief was a visit to The Manchester Art Gallery and lunch of fish and chips ( Magpie Cafe standard) under the big wheel, at the same pub we visited last time. Four hours later, we were both very weary. So back to the station, and a train home. As we walked back home through the streets of Macclesfield, I noticed the smallest of signs advertising a hardware shop,(specialising in casserole dishes?) down a back street. Nothing ventured etc. We decided, as tired as we were, to give it a go. You've guessed. They had the very same casserole dish (last one in the shop) How lucky was He!

Home to Bella, Wally, Lobby, tea, a warm bath and would you believe -York City v Rushden live on the television. Unfortunately York lost. They should have won easily, but they missed chances and let the opposition in. Colin reminisced of winning the York Cup under the same floodlights 41 years ago.
I'm also enjoying the US Open tennis. Not much mention of any Aussies! Maybe we will see Leyton Hewitt tonight. There is no mention of Aussies at the World Athletics either. I wonder why!!!