Sauntering Santas :- Anthony, Martin, Mike, Vic, Dave,
John W, James, Danny, Paddy.
The last walk of 2018 and the Santa hats come out for our annual " Sant Saunter ".
After an untroubled drive to Salford Quays we parked in the Lowry Outlet Centre and proceeded to do our usual search for the "Facilities".
Then past the shops and out into the the super -modern surrounds of Salford Quays.
We crossed the dock immediately in front of us pausing briefly to admire the ultra modern architecture all around.
From here a left turn took us along the quayside soon to turn right in search of Manchester United's "Old Trafford" ground.
Did you notice the question mark after the title ? "Santas United ?" There was a distinct lack of unity when talking about football. Each to his own of course.
We did, however, stay long enough to view some of what was on offer and a set of good strong benches in the sun could not be ignored for coffee time.
A trio of United "Heroes"
A truck floating mysteriously inches above the ground.
As we sat Martin produced a wonderful "Multi-coloured" cake with which we could celebrate his birthday. Happy Birthday Martin -- Last year +1.
We left the "Uncomfortable" (to one person at least) surrounds of MUFC and dropped down to the canal.
Where we found the seemingly, now, ignored, "Northern Powerhouse". No not Vic. We always ignore him !!!
Looks like his ears are migrating across his forehead.
The day was, as forecast, decidedly chilly and canals are always cold to walk beside but we were all well wrapped and generally warm.
The reader will have noted that the group (or at least it's photographers) have a distinct penchant for taking "Bridge" photos. Here's some more.
If the reader will indulge me a little may I ponder a while on why we take bridge photos. The mundane reason being that it is where the whole group can gather and be photographed together.. But is there something more than that. Bridges seem to have a physical, social and even an emotional presence. They are immensely important to human activity. They oblige people to meet or part. They may have been the first things humans actually constructed. In wars they are to be defended or destroyed. They are often greatly admired the world over and play important roles in much of our literature. So much more can be said but I have bored you long enough so …….on with the blog.
We crossed over to the other side of the canal and headed to our oft used lunch spot at Castle Fields. On the opposite side of the canal was the Metro line which seemed to be being extended.
In the distance can be seen one of several new tower blocks under construction some of which will be taller than the now iconic "Beetham" tower - the Hilton Hotel.
" Have I mentioned Bridges ?"
It wasn't long before we arrived at the canal junctions that are at the centre of the Castlefields area.
Here's Danny reading all about it - and guess what ? there's another bridge.
Which we crossed.
We settled in our usual spot which was sort of warmed by a weak sun and as always we had company as we dined. As an ornithological fan Anthony does not cut the mustard. He had strong words with the pigeons that came to say "hello".
Canada geese however are more persistent than pigeons.
Lunch over we set of towards the city centre but as we walked something caught our attention. What's that over that fence ?
Having been to Castlefields several times on our walks we must confess to never exploring the CASTLE FIELDS ! Well here they are. The reconstructed Roman remains that give the area it's name.
So there was the Castle and look what was in the field !
"Do these sheep look surprised to you ? "
Leaving our Roman friends behind we ambled on towards the City Centre passing as we did further animals. These looked dangerous indeed one is about to bite Vic's B - - !
We worked our way through the streets heading towards Beetham tower where we crossed over Deansgate before arriving at Cross St,
At Cross St a left turn and further ambling took us to the back of the Central Library and the Town Hall.
From here there was an irresistible view of some of Paddy's favourite architectural objects. These extremely handsome chimneys.
In between the stately grandeur of the Town Hall and the Library was a very modern passage "Link"
through which we passed to arrive at the Town Hall Square and the Christmas Market.
On the other side we came across a musician who was playing his guitar as a cello. Very strange.
We wandered on passing the Christmas Market and looking for St Anne's Square. Here John promised we could obtain coffees in the church. WRONG ! Only on Saturdays the verger told us. We circled the Market in this square and were accosted by a lady who insisted on having her photo taken with this bunch of Santa Hatted Loonies.
Back now past the town hall and through the larger Christmas Market. Here Anthony pointed out that the narrow entrances were actually security points like those in airports. and would detect any dangerous objects being taken in. Very reassuring after the recent Strasbourg attack.
We now retraced our steps looking for John Dalton St nearby which was the "Hidden Gem" a church Anthony said we had visited before. "Really ?" said forgetful John. Yes Really.
It was "Hidden" and we had to pass through a narrow ginnel called "Mulberry Passage" to find it.
Dave emerged fro Mulberry Passage and generously offers us his blessing. Gee thanks Dave.
The hidden Gem is at the moment not quite so hidden as the buildings in front of it have been demolished.
Back now past the Town Hall to the Metro stop. Here we endured the embarrassment of Three Headteachers, an Educational Adviser, An Accountant, a Pharmacist, a highly qualified Electrician. A highly qualified Engineer and a company director all completely baffled by the ticket machine. Oh dear me !
Perhaps theses buttons might have proved useful.
So confused were we that two of us got left behind. The air, already cold, Turned BLUE !!
All together again and back at Media city were a menacing presence greeted us.
But as we walked back to the car park a more friendly body waved us on our way.
"Gainsborough ?" I think not. Back into the car park and more tussling with ticket machines but eventually we set of through the busy commuter traffic to arrive safely back in Fulwood as the night closed in around us.
THE END
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