Saturday 8 June 2024 - Wythenshawe parkrun #572

Parking at the running track offers a pleasant walk past some wooden sculpted seating to the parkrun start outside the hall.

First timers' briefing included 'inducting' a dinosaur.

Then we wandered off to the start, where over eager barking dogs tried to drown out the run director, and we were off.

This week Jeanette joined Sam at the near bridge, in order to guide everyone the right way.

Last week I couldn't keep up with Maggie, who is in the same age group as me, but today I'd managed to finish before she came sprinting to the finish.

Full results are here.

Robin joined us afterwards, for coffee in the courtyard and a little celebration as his cancer has recently been declared as being in remission.

 

L-R: Jeanette, Sue, Robin, Paul, Laura and Andy

Friday = Isabella Day (67)

After our long break - we last looked after Isabella on 3 May - we were delighted to see her for the day on 7 June. The old Duplo house (Lego 2770), bought nearly 40 years ago for Isabella's dad and his sister, is still intact (perhaps of some value) and a favourite toy that spans the generations.

It's always fun to make a den.

The ghost of Timperley turned out to be a Rainbow Girl in disguise.

The Rainbow Girl soon adjourned to the slippery slide at nearby Walton Park. And the swings and roundabout.

Back at home, the ducks needed a bath. The look says it all... "don't interfere, Grandad, this is serious business".

Ok, you can watch the ducks' bath time...

We called in to Wythenshawe Park on the way back to Didsbury. The cycle and scooter tracks are a great facility for children of all ages. Isabella is expert at stopping for pedestrians.

Another lovely day with Isabella...

Thursday 6 June 2024 - Around Timperley

 

The intention was to post a few photos from the RHS Bridgewater Gardens, but after passing a fine display of orchids beside the canal, our onward progress beyond Barton Lane was halted by a nail that decided to invade Sue's rear tyre.

She didn't have a spare inner tube, so I turned around and cycled home to collect the car, then return to pick up Sue and the bike by car, returning home via Ed's bike shop (Stamford Cycle Co) in Altrincham, where he sorted out the muddle of chain, tyre and inner tube. Thanks Ed.

That leaves me with just a few snaps taken from the canal towpath between Timperley and Stretford:

Later, a walk that incorporated De Quincey Park. Do you remember the picture of a fallen tree a couple of weeks ago. This is what remains of that tree - the mess was cleared within a day or two.

Wednesday 5 June 2024 - SWOG go to Hale Barns

Only three miles from home, but this walk took paths beside the River Bollin that we rarely visit, so thanks go to Helen and Harvey for devising this short evening route. Above, descending from beside Hale Golf Club.

Lots of woodland paths and Buttercup meadows.

Then a bit of unexpected rain.

Dryad's Saddle

Nearly back from various Bollin Valley paths

Here's the route - 6km with 100 metres ascent, taking an hour and a half before we adjourned to the nearby Bull's Head.

1, 2, 3 June 2024 - a parkrun and Mike Dunne memorial 10km race

Wythenshawe parkrun number 571 took place in lovely weather.

We set off in deep grass cuttings, with only one patch of lingering mud near the end of each lap.

Paul has to start way back with Rufus, whose barking even then seems louder than the run director's briefing. He soon passes me.

The 260 runners had thinned out by the time we reached the football pitches.

Afterwards, a rare visit to the courtyard tearoom, which is closed having been abandoned by the council's operator (remember, the person who left prescriptive signs and didn't permit dogs indoors - so no great loss). The pony cafe and another outlet are providing refreshments outdoors for the time being.

Full results are here. (Sue was quick, I was slow.)

Sunday morning was warm and sunny for the Mike Dunne memorial 10km race. Mike died over a year ago and funds are still being raised for St Ann's Hospice, who looked after him, and an asbestos related cancer research charity. I was one of over 150 runners who turned up for the event. Sue had gone to visit her parents in Birmingham.

Again, I was near the back of the field, especially at the start.

I finished in an official chip time of 1:05:00, behind most of my 70 plus age group mates. Fechin took a picture for me. I finished in position 123 out of a field of 154.

Here are my splits according to Garmin, who reckon the course was 140 metres short of 10km, which would have added a minute to my time, given my finishing pace.

Back at home, this wood pigeon loves to wash, as do sparrows, robins, blackbirds and magpies. Their bath needs fresh water at frequent intervals.

A walk on 3 June to Altrincham found me admiring a giant specimen of bracket fungus in Stamford Park.

That's all for now. Domestic chores require no entries.