Manchester–full of Friends, Food and Fun!

Way back on Saturday, after we arrived in Castlefield Basin with Les and Chris, and after watering and mooring up, ……….

…….. we all took to The Wharf for a bit of relaxation in the lovely sunshine which we’ve been lucky enough to enjoy here in Manchester.

On Monday we had, with great pleasure, the company of friends Pam and Geoff who travelled down from Cumbria to see us. After a splendid lunch in nearby Albert’s Shed we went back to “Chance” for drinks on the back deck – again in the lovely sunshine which Manchester is not known for. We so enjoyed the day and are looking forward to seeing you both again soon.

On Tuesday, friends Rich and Andy arrived in the basin on nb “Carpe Diem”. This completed the meeting up again of all three boats which we arranged at this same place and same time last year. Chris, Les Doug, Rich and Andy.

In the evening on Tuesday friends Justin and Robin came to see us for a meal at The Wharf and afterwards on “Chance” for cheese and biscuits, drinks and coffee. Sadly, only Robin’s leg can be seen here and Justin is between Chris and Les. James is in the galley making coffee ………

….. and Doug, who was cuddling Robin and Justin’s gorgeous little dog “Oscar”, took the pic.

Wednesday, all of us (Rich, Doug, Les, James, Chris and Andy) went to Albert’s Shed to dine ‘al fresco’ before ………..

…… going to the Opera House to thoroughly enjoy “Priscilla, Queen of the Desert” starring Duncan James. Brilliantly performed, it’s one of the best ‘feel good’ shows ever.

Today we took the tram from the amazing and newly refurbished Deansgate station and journeyed to Altrincham.

There was a very good reason for us to centre on the very splendid Goose Green conservation area of the town …………..

…….  and that was to meet up with dear friends Pauline (the cup-cake queen of the canals!) and Neil for lunch at Franc’s Restaurant. Doug and Pauline spent the entire time in complete hysterics while the “engineers”, Neil and James (in matching shirts) had their own important issues to discuss.

To say we enjoyed ourselves is a very big understatement and, while saying goodbye to these two lovely people, we were presented with a box of Pauline’s superb cupcakes. Well, it was another lovely sunny day just to make things just perfect and we hope to meet up again with Pauline and Neil in the next week. Yippee!!!!!