Day 2 – 8th August – London calling
Arrived at Gatwick and started the next round of steps. we had to find out how to get to the south terminal because that was where the hire car would be. A train ride and another 3,500+ steps later and we’ve got the car. It’s a Kia something. (Sportage).
3 hours after arriving we finally left Gatwick. We are off straight for Newcastle upon Tyne in the north. Tom drove the whole way as usual and we only stopped once at Services, to get a drink and something to eat. There were SO many roads being worked on. Lots of areas at a crawl but eventually after 6 or so hours of driving we arrived at our accommodation. Only enough time for a quick shower in the slipperiest shower ever then off walking (again) to St James’s Park. The home of Newcastle Football Club.
Climbed probably 3 million steps and stairs to get to seats nobody could find. (And that was from the officials we asked). But found loads of seating available.
Unless you’ve been to one, the atmosphere at these games is electric. It was just a friendly with Spain, but the football was good and I just loved it when the entire crowd gets involved with the chanting.
I do believe I may have nodded off a couple of times but the crowd noises kept me going. We’d grabbed some pies from GREGGS and had a drink at a little bar before the game. And I also went IN to The Strawberry, not for a drink but just to experience the atmosphere of the little pub that I’d painted for my friends Paul and Denise.
Game over and we managed to walk the many steps back to 69 City Road Newcastle. Fell into bed and it’s ‘good night from us’.
7289 steps 7/08
11,228 steps 08/08
Lady Boomer 