Worcester Cathedral Tower: Monday 30th August, 2010.

1) The first 109 steps have been negotiated and we are now above the Vault which was constructed in 1376 (it says here).

2) I thought the first 109 steps were bad. The second 126 steps, within the tower itself, were even steeper and narrower. Luckily there's a one-way system so one can stop and catch one's breath. This is the view west over the cricket ground where Worcestershire are in the process of thrashing Hampshire in a 40-over match.

3) The view south along the Severn to the new footbridge we walked over the other weekend. See? We told you it wasn't 'just outside' the city centre.

4) Looking south-east over the Commandery with Fort Royal Park beyond.

5) The view north along the River, past the racecourse, and our walk home. No wonder we're so fit (cough, pant).

6) Vicky (look closely). Right, it's time to go back down. Can't be as bad as getting up here can it?

Saturday 28th August, 2010.

We've just received an official press statement from Team Emlyn. The gist of which is as follows: 'whilst acknowledging that Emlyn might have gained the odd pound or two since moving in with his new team members three weeks ago this is in no way due to the extra 'tit-bits' he may or may not have received at meal times. In any case, as any fule wot subscribes to Heat can confirm, the camera always adds a few pounds.'

Seems reasonable to us.

Worcester, Sunday 22nd August, 2010.

1) After yesterday's Napton Canal Boat Rally washout it's good to get a reasonable summer's day to take a walk along the River to the brand new footbridge just south of the Diglis Locks. We say 'just south' advisedly 'cos it's at least a half-mile further on. So we've walked about three and a half miles just to get here (without water) and it's very humid. We are dehydrated and Howard, in particular, needs a rest on a handy handrail. It's cost £1m to build this bridge which connects a new housing development to.......erm......where? Makes a nice circular walk tho'. Just needs a tea room (or three).
2) See? The Cathedral is miles away to the north. Just south of the city centre indeed. Note how Vicky has positioned the camera to ensure that the developer's portacabins are cunningly blotted out. Why are they building yet more apartments for which younguns can't get mortgages?

3) Genning-up on all the particulars of the new bridge and its environs. No sign of a symbol for a tea room.

4) Thank goodness there was a tea room open in town. Feeling much better now. Walked about five miles so far. Not quite so humid now. We've only got one more mile to go before we get home so we are pleased to be able to stop and watch the start of another epic dragon boat race. Get yer backs into it we don't cry.

5) We've been out for five hours and we are pleased to get home for a rest. Emlyn hasn't noticed we've been gone. He's too busy researching another chapter for his proposed new book: 'Sleeping Positions - a feline guide'. This particular one he calls 'The Forward Row'. Looks very comfy to us.

Emlyn settles in.

1) There's nothing better than forty winks just after lunch.

2) Team Emlyn bonding session. NB Only one of the team here is comfy. It's not David and it's definitely not Vicky.

Gheluvelt Park, Worcester, Sunday 15th August, 2010.

1) Emlyn has settled in well after a week living here with us. This is just one of his several resting places. He spends all day purring. The only time he stops is when he falls asleep. We took him to the vets on Friday and he got a clean bill of health. He weighs 5.5 kilos and is 0.5 kilos overweight (he does hang around his food bowl a lot).

2) This is the new Memorial (officially opened yesterday) to the fallen soldiers who perished at the WWI Battle of Gheluvelt after which the park is named.




3) Vicky studies the memorial's wording. The whole thing is sculpted from iron so should weather-in nicely.

Worcester CAMRA Beer, Cider and Perry Festival, Friday 13th August, 2010.

1) Obscured By Cloud(y real ale). Wolfie Ray (in a Baggy-ish top) and Baggy Ray (in a Wolves-ish top) choose drops of the Olde Gold and Black Stuff to while away the afternoon. Is there any other sort?


2) 4-1 to the Wanderers. 4-1 to the Wanderers. Wolfie John, Wolfie Dave, Wolfie Steve, and Wolfie Ray gang up on Baggy Ray and try to convince him that it's an omen for the forthcoming season. When Wolves fans are confident we all know it will only end in tears.

Birmingham, Thursday, August 12th, 2010.

1) Birmingham honours its rawk Gods PtI.

2) Birmingham honours its rawk Gods PtII. David winding Vicky up by suggesting it's high time they honoured the entire line up of ELO, happily, just out of shot.

3) This is one of three days of the year (the other two being Vicky's birthday and Christmas Day) when the Food Police have to take compulsory leave by Law. So we can luxuriate in gazing at the Specials Board for hours without fear of imminent arrest.

4) Vicky, pray tell, is my Lamb Shank, mash, gravy and veggos of the day imminent? I certainly hope so.

5) David is always happy to assist the famous (and not so famous) residents of Birmingham publicise the building of the City's new Library.