Today was a travel day. We were off to Manchester to meet some friends of mine, Adam and Gordon from NWE Trek. So the packs were lifted back onto the back and took on the tube like locals and found Victoria station with ease. We bought our tickets and waited around. A fairly uneventful trip. Other than the argument between a passenger and the driver about bringing food onto the bus. I thought it was going to get physical. We hit Manchester at 17:10. Not too bad but we were supposed to meet Adam in a pub at 17:00. We looked for the Yates bar but alas there was none to be found. As we were dropped off in a street and not a bus station things were not looking too good.
After phoning for help and getting answering machines we looked for a map. After vaguely remembering the street Adam talked about we realised we were a fair way from where we should be. Time for double timing through the streets packs and all and there it was, Yates wine lodge. We got inside all 45 minutes late, and no Adam. Doh!! We sat down and had a beer to devise a plan B. After 3 or 4 mouthfuls of lager Adam walked in and told us that the bus station is no longer at Cholten St. In the end all turned out well. We jumped in the car and headed to the Northern side of Manchester past the stadium for the Commonwealth games. This area was beautiful. Far from what I expected just 20 minutes out of the city. Very green and the evening light made for wonderful scenery.
After a little rest we went out for dinner and a few drinks with friends of Adams at this place called “The Church”. A lovely little pub next to an old church. We learnt about the local tradition of “Rushcarts”. Tried a local ale called a shaftbender and it was not too foul. It aided in falling asleep after the night was done.