THE RAFALUTION

Another full on busy day.  Neil left the house at around 8.am to go to work.  The rest of us left around 8.30pm to drive to Gibside - a National Trust property around 6 miles away. Becky and Mike were going to run the Parkrun. Parkruns are 5k events which take place every Saturday morning at venues across the world and are free to enter.  So far Becky and Mike have taken part in approx 20 Parkruns around where they live. There are three Parkruns near here  and they chose Gibside as the setting seemed the nicest.  Its certainly a lovely place.  You can see Gibside Chapel in my extras.

The course was a tough one with lots of rough terrain and steep gradients.  Mike came in 12th and Becky was 29th overall and the first lady home.  There were 64 entrants. See my extra shot of Becky and Mike after the run.

After the run we called in at the Royal Mail sorting office in Blaydon - I had a card through the door yesterday regarding a letter which needed to be signed for.  There was a big queue so while I waited Mike went to Morrisons to buy some charcoal.

Then back home so Becky and Mike could have a shower and a bite to eat.  Then we were off again - to Newcastle.

Parked near the Redheugh Bridge and walked along the river to the Tyne Bridge and went to The Bridge Tavern for our lunch. Becky had chicken and mushroom pie with mash and cabbage, Mike had burger and chips and I had chargrilled pigeon salad with pickled mushrooms, beetroot, blue cheese and walnuts.  A tasty combination.

We then made our way to St James Park to watch the match.  Newcastle were playing Huddersfield.  There is a new initiative this season - flag waving in the Gallowgate end.  A wonderful sight to see all the flags being waved in the half hour before kick off.  My blip shows one of them.  A tribute to our Manager Rafa Benitez.  The fans are expecting great things this season.  However its not going well so far.  The team lost last week - and they lost again today.  Newcastle 1 - Huddersfield 2.  Very disappointing.

The weather however was wonderful.  Scorching hot at times.

After the match we came straight home and Mike set about preparing food for the BBQ.  He made burgers and some flat breads to go with chicken, steak and sausages. Then he did all the cooking while Becky prepared the accompaniments. Neil finished work in time to join us for the meal.

We have all felt rather weary this evening so we spent a quiet time watching The Olympics - some exciting cycling events.

Becky and Mike go home tomorrow so I should have time to catch up with comments.

Steps today - 14,284