21 to 25 July 2025 - A Trip to Center Parcs

Mainly pictures in this posting, covering our family trip to Center Parcs in Sherwood Forest. Jacob brought his friend Seb, and Jessica brought Grace, aka Gertrude - 'Gerty'. They all got on fine and we had a lovely time. Kate drank lots of coffee. The children choose this venue in favour of any foreign trip.

Sue noticed that the table tennis tables had been reorientated, following Chris's complaint during our last visit.

Target football

The Tag Challenge proved very popular

Kate took on Sue at badminton.

While the boys took to the MTB trails around Sherwood Pines (my new bike rack enabled them to take their own bikes), Sue and I went for a 6km walk, passing by a huge campsite.

There are many lovely forest paths at Sherwood Pines, as well as single track MTB routes.

The children went paddle boarding.

There was instability at times

Isabella would have enjoyed the beach.

The squash courts seem to be home to any game other than squash.

Field archery was a great success. No animals were actually harmed.

There were frequent awards for 'good behaviour'.

Everyone except grandad made good use of the pool.

The boys loved the independence granted by their bikes. They had a great time.

All too soon, it was time to return home.

A great little holiday. Thanks go to Kate for organising and paying for it.

Friday 18 to Sunday 20 July 2025 - Three Runs

18 July - Sale Sizzler (3)

Sue did the 5km in 23:35, wheras I took 29:15 and finished in position 384 out of 392 finishers.

There was someone behind me!

19 July - Wythenshawe parkrun #626

Sue was tail walker, so I was quicker than her today. She's pictured below with Paul and Jan, who kindly got me a coffee whilst waiting for me to finish in 33:46, in position 324 out of 411 finishers. Quite a few behind me today!

Ready for Charley's wedding?

Run Director Andy was having to walk due to plantar fasciitis Get better soon, Andy 

20 July - Hathersage Hilly Triathlon

I went to the second transition point as I was just doing the 6.5km run as part of Richard and Jenny's relay team. It was fairly deserted.

Meanwhile, at the pool, the swimmers were doing 14 of the 30 metre lengths (420 metres in total).

This was Sue's first Sprint Triathlon. She broke many of the multitude of rules. Here she is doing backstroke - an outlawed style. She was lucky not to be disqualified.

The new 'tri-suit' came in handy

The first transition to a 20km hilly bike ride was accomplished without too much drama

Meanwhile, the leaders were finishing their runs.

Jenny did the swim and handed over to Richard for the bike ride. Here, I'm waiting for him at Transition 2.

Richard turned up, and our transition went well.

The run was hilly.

I missed a turn where the volunteer marshal was a 'no show', so (together with others) my 6.5km run was extended to 7.6km, with over 200 metres ascent. It took me over an hour, during which time it started to rain.

Sue nearly caught up with me, despite our relay team having started half an hour before her.

We each got a nice little wooden medal

Here's our relay team at the finish

Sue W had set off later and did the Triathlon in a similar time to Sue B. She is pictured below with Phil, who withdrew due to an injury. By now the rain was heavy and we all got rather wet before adjourning to the pool café.

All good fun. Here are our results. I promise to do better next time!