Due to the central heating we spent a very comfortable night in Dame Shirley, even though it was arctic outside. First thing to look at on waking. The state of ‘The Queue.’ If you hadn’t heard, David Beckham queued for 12 hours. Good on him. Looking a bit bleak for anyone joining the pre queue pre queue (it’s true!) though.
An enormous queue
Today we were expecting Vicky to arrive mid afternoon for the whole purpose of our Northumberland trip. A visit to the Riverside stadium to see the Mighty Millers play Middlesbrough. The match had survived despite the mourning period, possible lack of police, and Sky TV. Although the latter had meant the game was moved to a 7.45 kick off meaning our original plan of going by train was abandoned in favour of Vickys car.
Despite the freshness the day was glorious. Bright and sunny. We pegged Misty out to give us a bit more space as she has a habit of materialising right under your feet.
Ian prepared a lovely breakfast of porridge and prunes, but alas we couldn’t do the washing up. All the facilities here at White Water Park are closed for cleaning from 10.15 to 12.30! A timescale ‘The Queue’ would be proud of.
Squalidly filthy, but with shiny teeth, we set out to explore in daylight what we couldn’t see last night. To our delight the canoe course was going so we had great fun watching. Alas, the extreme white water rafting course was not. I could have given them some tips. Tips is what the man we met on the bridge gave Ian regarding iPhone photography. Apparently he teaches the subject to up to 10,000 people.
We decided to cross the river and take a walk along the other side, through the Maze nature reserve. We spotted some wildlife around here. After a bit we came to a small mound which we decided to climb.
Top of the world
Running down
In the distance we could see a red bridge and headed for it in the hope we could cross the river. As we closed in we spotted a bit of a problem. Steps. Open tread steps. We pressed on and we’re delighted to find there was also a ramp. Yay!
Salvation slope
Back on the campsite side of the river we spotted more wildlife, including a seal making its way upstream, before dragging Misty the last few metres back to Dame Shirley. The day had become quite warm so we sat outside for coffee before showering. Ian also fixed his puncture.
Sitting in the sun
Not long after Vicky arrived and we hotfooted it round to the Beefeater, taking Misty with us. Dog friendly restaurants are all the rage these days. Who should we bump into but Denise, one of the girls I have worked with in Rotherham! Wonder what she was doing there? Vicky chose the biggest veggie platter the world has ever see, Ian helped her out.
Huge
After a coffee back at Dame Shirley we wrapped up warm and, leaving Misty alone, left for the match. We parked in a handy town centre car park (free on sats) just ten minutes away. As usual I mused aloud on where we had parked the last time. ‘I’ve never been to Middlesbrough!’ exclaimed Ian. ‘Yes, a few years ago, we parked down some road.’ ‘No. Never Been.’ ‘We have dad.’ Said Vicky. ‘No! Absolutely not. Never in my lifetime! You must have come without me.’ ‘But I remember…….’ ‘No. Never!’
Mmmmm. I tried to find some photos on my phone, but that, it appears, had never been to Middlesbrough either. How annoying.
Outside the ground there was an exhibition showing the Rugby League World Cups. Vicky is volunteering for that so was keen to see them. And in a two for one deal Rugbeeee was also there.
The world cups
Vickeeee and Rugbeeee
Never been
As we entered the stadium the Rotherham fans were in good voice, although small in number. We could sit anywhere so sat near the front. Behind us was Christine, another girl I have worked with. In front was a very strange man who was eager to engage in conversation. We have dubbed him the new Mr Serial Killer. The old one having not been spotted for many years.
Ian’s first visit
As the sides warmed up it suddenly hit me. My blog! That would prove who and when we were at Middlesbrough.
Well, well, well!
And there we ALL are, sat in almost the same seats. At the Riverside. In Middlesbrough. 😁
If you can read the tiny writing you will see that this was one of the last sightings of the original Mr serial killer. And we also saw Chris’s mate Tom again. I bet he thought he had never been to Middlesbrough in his life as well.
The game itself was pretty boring, and very cold. We held out for a creditable 0-0 to keep us in the hunt for the play offs. The Middlesbrough players were booed off by their fans as they expect much more. Our players were soundly applauded off as we expect much much less. We made our way back to the car park and were soon winging our way back to Dame Shirley. A quick nighcap and toast, Richard Wood was the unanimous decision, before we settled down for the night. Toasty warm in our centrally heated Motorhome. More than could be said for some poor souls in London.
Neighbour watch
Not a lot to report here I’m afraid. The people next door do have three dogs who they keep on the grass on three separate chains and bowls reminding me of birds of prey. Unfortunately I only managed to surreptitiously snap two.
The dog owls
The other side of us we never saw the whole time. The ones across were anonymous. Sorry!
Strava watch
As everyone likes it so much I deliberately forgot to start my Strava till half way through!
You can easily extrapolate the first bit.
Wildlife watch
A harbour seal
Turnstones
Redshank
Heron flying
Black headed gulls in winter plumage
Swans flying
Giant dragonflies
Toilet watch
Back by popular demand. As we thought last time the toilets at the Riverside are lovely. Loads of hot water, and Ian insisted I point out that in the mens there were lovely paper towels, AFTER the match had finished. Unheard of!
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