Saturday 14 September 2024 - Wythenshawe parkrun #585

On a perfect day for running, desperate requests for more marshalls found me volunteering to marshall at the Far Bridge with Lizzie, pictured above as some of the faster runners come through, and Sue marshalled at the nearby Hill, where apparently it has been known for the occasional runner to take a wrong left turn.

Graham kindly escorted Owen around in 46 minutes, well ahead of the tail walker.

This jolly bunch, pictured at Far Bridge, eventually finished in 59:55, happy to be just inside an hour for the 5km.

Full results are here. It was a lovely morning for the 315 participants plus marshalls, and the courtyard where the tea room is closed but a mobile tea room tries to cope, was vibrant today. Sue had brought a flask, so we were able to eliminate the long queue to be served. All very sociable though, and a lovely way to spend a Saturday morning.

Friday 13 September 2024 - The Pennine Bridleway Around Waterfoot

Some parts of the Pennine Bridleway are more attractive than others! This 2.5km section from BRGS, where we were allocated to pick up grandson Jacob from school, was the best we could find today. It runs alongside the infant River Irwell and at one point passes through a factory.

The walk took us down to Waterfoot, and beyond the war memorial, returning the same way past a couple of giant winnebago vehicles. How do they fit on our roads?! A pleasant enough outing whilst we waited for school chuck out time. 

This is where we joined the Pennine Bridleway before heading downstream behind the photographer. The route upstream takes you up through the tunnel above Sue's head, towards Bacup. We have done the whole route in the past with the grandchildren. (See here.)

Thursday 12 September 2024 - Another Visit to Bridgewater RHS Gardens

A brisk cycle ride for me and Sue, for a change, as we were late for meeting with Andrew and Jacqui, having made a late decision to use the bikes, thanks to the rain suddenly stopping and our bit of motorway being in bad shape.

So no canal photos, (we took 50 minutes for the ten mile ride that usually takes us an hour) though we did see a cormorant as well as the usual coots, moorhens, herons, mallards, grey wagtails, Canada geese, etc. The previous day we'd admired four kingfishers that were touring the canal in Timperley - a lucky sighting that may not be repeated.

Anyway, the others strolled slowly around the gardens, whilst I chose a faster pace during which a few pictures were taken. They are self explanatory (I mostly can't name all the flowers I'm afraid) and can be viewed as a slideshow if you click on an image.

Here, the Chinese pagoda and the Chinese Riverside Garden.

The sheep and the fences were used earlier in the summer for activities with children.

Geranium trials

Spurge

Sue took the following pictures that I've stolen from her Facebook entry:

Sunflower

Hops at the top of the pergola were admired

Pruning needed? [Just like at home!]

Glasshouse grapes

... and succulents

In the Paradise Garden

Part of the helenium (sneezeweed) trials

The Chinese pagoda and the Chinese Streamside Garden

Inside the roof of the Chinese pagoda

Reports on other visits to these gardens can be found here. Many pictures may be 'repeats', but it's always a fun place to visit.