Back to Ambleside for the Friday and Saturday night. All welcome as per last year, staying at the Best Western Salutation Hotel again. Walking and Karaoke optional, bright yellow swimming budgie smugglers a definite no no!!
Dave and Michelle head up early to sneak in a walk in the dry weather. Steve and Suti followed with Chap, Jan and Phil arriving around 3.00pm. A quick dash to the shops was in order to get yet another pair of trunks for Phil to use (or lose again) in the leisure centre.
After an afternoon of swimming, sauna, out door Jacuzzi (this time in the rain not snow!!) and 'gentlemen's half hours' for Phil, we all met up in the bar for a quick jar before heading out for the evening.
First port of call was The Priest Hole just down the road from the Salutation. A few beers were had by all and Dave showed off his 'Picasso' flair once again, last seen on Barmouth station before we got squeezed out by the youngsters who were out for a few shandy's.
We opted for the early meal and headed off to the Chinese from last year. This time we did not need to have Phil's negotiating skills available to open the annexe as the place was empty and we had a choice of tables. We tucked into some seriously good grub and as it was Mr Fish's birthday he even had a surprise delivery from the staff at the restaurant.
Final port of call for the night was the Ambleside Tavern. A few more beers consumed and the odd game of pool. No official singers were on but an impromptu set was done by a few guys in the pub. Towards midnight we were again squeezed out by the younger massif and headed for beds. Even night-owl Phil called it night.
Saturday
A nice full English to start with before the days' proceedings. With the storm clouds forming over Ambleside the group split in to 2 camps, 1 the gentle stroll around Ambleside and the nice warm coffee shop (Ray & Jan's option) or 2 the lunatic asylum head of to Grasmere for wet walk in the hills (Phil, Dave, Michelle, Steve & Suti's ) option!.
The afternoon was spent relaxing away the stresses of the wet walk and the coffee shop with another session in the leisure centre. Again the outside Jacuzzi was taken over for a spell followed by steam and sauna therapy.
Relaxation time and gentlemen's half-hours over, Phil and Chap headed off to Churchill's to watch the first game for England in the 6 nations against Scotland. A few beers and the left over's from Phil's picnic were demolished whilst watching a hard fought and unspectacular victory by the boys in white. The rest of the party joined us around 6.30 for food and more ale. A number of games of pool were also played before deciding to head off due the rather warm temperature in Churchill's by 9.00pm.
We returned to the old favourite the Ambleside Tavern where a live duo Juilo & Gordio were playing. They did 3 sets which weren't to bad and also inspired Phil to do his best Freddie Mercury impressions to their rendition of 'I want to break free'. More beer, gin and vodka helped the rest of the evening go down a storm. Around 12.30am we decided to head for bed.
Phil however had other ideas. He was originally staying in the pub but then decided to do a bit of 'stargazing' and with the help of a friendly and free taxi driver he headed a mile into the sticks to avoid the light pollution - very Country File!!
Sunday
Fed and watered, except Phil who gave up his brekkie for an extra hour or 2 kip, we headed back down south to the grey drab skies of Brum. There was one final twist to the tale, and a feat that may not have happened last year. Phil decided to produce the goodies just outside Chap's house after getting out of the car, pausing to admire his handy-work. A nice way to thank your chauffer for the weekend!!
Another cracking session, so much so a 3rd trip is arrange for Whitsun weekend.
