Monday 2 March 2020 - The Dixie Beats at Eagley Jazz Club

 

John Percival's band, previously noted with a slightly different line up here, were on great form - consolidating their position as the leading Dixie Jazz band in Bolton with solid performances from all the band members, who tonight were John Percival(Trumpet/vocalist), Richard Slater (Trombone), Michael Grant (Reeds), Scot Johnson (Guitar/Banjo), Karen Johnson (Percussion), and Steve Allen (Bass).

 

A very enjoyable evening, and a suitably excellent turnout to appreciate the band's efforts.

 

The TGO Challenge - Vetting Days (15)

 

I'm currently vetting a route that takes in some of the Creag Meagaidh ridge, and the last route I vetted also took this in, bringing back memories of several outings in this area.

 

Wind features quite heavily in those memories. On one wintry visit, Liz's gloves blew away near the main summit, necessitating a break in my emergency shelter before we tackled the steep descent from The Window to Lochan a' Choire.

 

My report on 13 May 2009 offers memories of mackerel being blown out of its tin at lunchtime, and an image of me sprawled under my rucksack, being the calmest place to take a rest. All this whilst low level Challengers were basking in hot sunshine in the valleys.

 

Our day had started from the camp pictured above (NN 369 873), and had basically taken in the entire Creag Meagaidh ridge, on which Sue is pictured below. This picture doesn't really portray the battle we had against the cold easterly wind.

 

 

By the time we had traversed the ridge and descended to 430 metres, we were out of the gale and enjoying a sunlit campsite at around NN 510 909. It had been a magical day, with wonderful views, despite the annoying wind.

 

 

My contemporaneous report is here.

Sunday 1 March 2020 - Great Run Local at Wythenshawe

 

Just to prove that it doesn't rain every day, and Wythenshawe Park isn't totally under water or frost, here are a couple of Zoe's photos from this morning's jog around the park. This route is on tarmac, so all the wet weather does is create a few massive puddles (like yesterday's at Alexandra Park), so wet feet are the order of the day.

 

While Sue went bellringing, I jogged around the 5 km course with Michael, for the second week running just failing to outsprint him to the finishing line. 24.23 was quite an acceptable time, after a slowish start amongst the children and the puddles once we'd left the running track.

 

 

A lovely way to start the day. Thanks for the photos, Zoe.