Salford Quays, Manchester

- Backblip - London Day 1.

We drove down to Manchester last night, arriving so late that the hotel carpark was full and we had to park in the Lowry Centre or face being "clamped". I was not chuffed, as it was at least a 10 minute walk and after midnight.

This was taken after breakfast en route to collect the car. The area has been transformed, and the bridge here reminded me of Amsterdam and "Ten's" journal, which I follow. I liked all the lines going in lots of directions.

A good drive down to London until we hit the M25 "carpark". Stop, start and 5 mph, to our destination. D & J are wonderful hosts, providing us with a home from home, when we come down to visit J and the children. Dining al fresco, 32C, catching up with their family news and watching D create a wooden mathematical puzzle in their "woodturning" garage.