NEW YEARS DAY

Another busy day so this is a very late blip.

Becky, Mike and me headed for Dunston this morning where we parked the car.  We parked near The Staithes - see my extra shot of Becky and Mike.  Then we walked along the south side of the River Tyne until we got to the Swing Bridge.  Then we crossed to the north side of the river.  Walked along the Quayside and ended up in The Cycle Hub. " The Cycle Hub is a bike friendly independent café offering bike hire and with a fully equipped workshop for bike services and repairs. It provides a great meeting place for all, cyclists and non cyclists alike to catch up over coffee and cake or to refuel with some delicious homemade food."

As it was New Years day there was a limited menu but Becky and Mike were able to have toasted sandwiches with coffee and I had coffee and walnut cake with an  Almond Latte. We were lucky as just after we had got our order they closed the kitchen and served no more food.

On the way to The Hub the weather had been dry but bitterly cold.  When we were on the return journey it was raining heavily and not very pleasant at all. I did spot a lovely rainbow - see Extras.

My blip shot shows the former toll house for the old Redheugh Bridge which was completed in 1901. The bridge was demolished in 1983 and a new one was built nearby. You can see where the bridge used to be at the side of the house.  The sculpture on the surviving part of the demolished bridge is called. " Once Upon A Time " by Richard Deacon unveiled in 1990.

By the time we got back to the car we had walked around 4 miles. We were cold and wet and headed straight home.

Had hot drinks and chilled out in front of the fire.  We discussed a trip we are planning this year.  We are making plans to visit Boston and the surrounding area.  I am looking forward to meeting up with a very dear blip friend who lives in that part of the world.  So we all came up with ideas of what we wanted to do and where we wanted to go.  Next thing to do is book flights and once this is sorted we can think about accommodation etc.  So exciting!.

Mike cooked the New Year meal - roast chicken, pigs in blankets, stuffing balls wrapped in pancetta, roast potatoes, veggies and home made gravy.  It was lovely.

Then we settled down for a game of Scrabble.  I got the worst load of tiles ever and ended up in last place.  Mike won.

Then we watched Match Of The Day on TV while Becky looked through a box of old family photos.

Its 1.30am.  I am exhausted.  I am off to bed.  Night Night.

Steps today - 15,652