Blackpool

Sunday we had a quiet morning, a much needed lie in and catching up on housework.  We had lunch at home and then packed the car and headed to Blackpool - this time we went a new way, through the countryside which was better than the other route but still very slow.  We decided to drive down the full length of Blackpool Prom for a laugh and saw some interesting accommodation which gave us the shudders.  Luckily the Travelodge we were booked into looked OK and the staff were welcoming.  We checked in early and then went for a walk down to the South Pier.  It was typical Blackpool weather, cold, breezy and rainy!  Yuck.  We took shelter in the pier and spent a pleasant hour loosing 2ps on the 2p shove.

Debbie and her cake

Needing a drink we decided to head over to the reasonably looking Velvet Coaster pub across the road.  We were very pleased.  It was a Wetherspoons, and a big Wetherspoons.  The two bottom floors were typical Blackpool Wetherspoons: noisy, sticky carpets, busy etc, but then we went up another floor.  Most of that floor was outdoors and therefore deserted, but the bouncer told us there was an indoor bar.  We found it and found it to be empty, quiet and staffed by charming people.  We settled down.  We were just going to have a drink, but we were comfy, we had a good view of the prom and the weather coming in and decided to wait out the rain and have tea.  This we did and had a pleasant tea.

We walked back to the hotel to find the Milburns just parked up in the car park, so we said our hellos and left them to get settled and order their tea.  We joined them just as Debbie, Adam and Luke arrived.  They had been to a christening and Debbie was pissed! It was her birthday, so really she was allowed.   She is a funny drunk so added to the atmosphere.  We had a fab night, much drink, chatter and cheer - oh, and chocolate cake - many unsubtle hints had come my way regarding a birthday cake, but as it is too difficult to do a proper cake during the holidays (especially holidays as busy as these) I did a simple chocolate cake.  I think it was appreciated.

The Pleasure Beach from The Tower

Anyway, as usual we all slipped into our usual roles.  Everyone in the group is easy company, no airs no graces, no undercurrents, just old pals catching up and having a laugh.  The husbands and children all get on as well as Angela and Raymond (Lou's Mum and Dad who were there too - the Milburns were returning home from a holiday in Islay) Great tonic for the soul.  This holiday is turning out to be brilliant.

On the glass floor

Monday, we all woke and got up around the same time and met over breakfast.  We then met to walk up the Prom to the Blackpool Tower: 12 of us with two doggies.  We all had vouchers to go up the tower (thanks Tesco).  We had a number of photos taken with green backgrounds (didn't work as Matt was wearing a green coat so he looked see-through for most of them!) Next stop was a 4d cinema where we got sprayed a number of times with water.  Tom actually kept his 3d specs on for the whole presentation - a first (he doesn't normally like 3d cinema) and then the lift to the top.  Oh, I forgot to say, today was a nice day: no wind and I mean NONE, not even a slight breeze and some sunshine.  We spent quite a while up the tower.  We couldn't see Ingleborough - it was hidden behind some foothills which was a shame as I wanted to point it out to Lou & Co.  We couldn't see the Isle of Man either - so I guess it was a bit hazy.  Oh hum, it was interesting looking down on everything.  We eventually got the lift down and relieved Raymond who was waiting patiently for us on the Prom with the two doggies.

Tom the Pirate

We had lunch at the Wetherspoons and then hit the Central Pier and the amusements.  We had a great time on the amusements, once again on the 2p shove machines, but on the Central Pier you get tokens as well on the machines and then these are traded in for some tacky prizes.  Well, something happened, and we all went a bit nuts on the machines.  Not sure how much we spent - about £5, and we managed to win 354 tickets which was pretty good work.  Tom traded it in for a rather good Pirate mask, a light up bouncy ball, some clockwork teeth and sweeties. A good haul.  We went for a walk down the rest of the pier and had a drink in the bar.  We then told Tom he could have a go on one of the fairground rides on the pier.  He chose the dodgems.  Good choice.  He wanted me to go with him.  Fantastic.  Such fun.  I haven't been on the dodgems for years and it was brilliant.  Tom was in the driving seat and I helped him out - I kept getting told off "Mummy I'm doing the driving!" as I took over when we got rammed, but on the whole he was a good driver - and enjoyed ramming the other people on the circuit.  I think we have ourselves a boy racer!

We walked back to the hotel, freshened up and then headed round the corner to one of the best chippies in Blackpool: C-Fresh.  It was too.  Luckily it was empty when we arrived, so they could accommodate the 12 of us easily.  We had a warm welcome and they cooked everything to order in no time at all.  Cheap too.  Fantastic.  It was Matt who found it (everything like that always falls to us as the others dilly dally and can't make a decision) - a great find, think we will go there again during future trips.  I do love a Blackpool fish and chip supper - it's the bread and butter that does it for me - can't beat a chip butty with your fish and chips.  Everyone seemed happy with their food which was good.

We then walked along the prom back to the hotel.  The sun was setting with a flourish so Matt and I stayed to watch it set.

The Gang: Jacob, Tim Debbie, Me, Tom, Angela, Laura, Lou, Adam and Luke (just missing Raymond and the doggies)

We returned to the hotel and had a quick drink before heading to bed.  Not quite the same atmosphere as the night before - think we were all tired.

Dodgy driving

Tuesday, once again we all met up for breakfast.  We then said our goodbyes to the Milburns as they had a long drive back home.  Was really good to see them all.  Can't get over Jacob and Laura (now 14 and 13) both are now taller than Lou and Jacob almost taller than Tim.  Jacob has a deep voice which really threw me when he spoke for the first time.  Being that they are now at the 'awkward' teenager stage they were remarkably sociable.  Laura happily talked to anyone about anything, Jacob was harder, but only because it is hard to find common ground with a 14 year old boy.  He's a nice guy and the two get on very well for brother and sister (although Laura confirmed that that's not the case at school - Jacob ignores her like any teenage brother would - good to know some things don't change!)

Skating practice

Once they were on their way, the rest of us headed to the prom - oh, must mention, it was a gorgeous day in Blackpool - deep blue sky and warm with no wind.  Tom had his roller skates with him (what better place to try them out) and we headed to the South Pier.  It took a while, Tom was a bit nervous to start with, but with encouragement from us all, he started to 'get' it and once we got to the Pier (we bribed him with the prize of doughnuts) he suddenly began skating properly - i.e. gliding.  Definite progress.

Debbie, Adam and Luke said their goodbyes to us at the pier as they were going Pokemon spotting.  We had donuts and a drink at the pier and headed back.  This time Tom moved quicker than our walking pace.  We got back to the hotel in no time at all.  By jove he's got it.  We got the car and then headed to a retail park for a spot of shopping before heading home.

It was a really good break, thanks everyone, I think everyone had a good time.  We really must do it more often, as everyone gets on so well.  Wish the Milburns didn't live soooooooo far away!