Still here

Yes, I know I've been quiet here lately. I've no real excuses, other than to say I've gotten slightly out of the habit of posting regularly. I definitely seem to have been suffering from a lack of inspiration recently. I'd like to think it's been because I've been devoting my energies elsewhere, but I don't think that's true.

That said, I had an eventful weekend. Nicky and Kerry decided to head down to Alton Towers at short notice at the weekend and invited me along. Really, how could I say no to that? I've been to Alton Towers once before a few years back and it really is jolly good fun. The park itself is built around the impressive ruins of a stately house/castle and it's gardens which remain beautifully well preserved even now. It certainly makes a fascinating counterpoint for Disney style theme parks and their artificial castles and gardens, although whatever cachet is earned by Alton Towers authenticity is quickly squandered by the themed "Merrie England" area of the park, and it's mentions of "olde world" dining. Still, while the park itself may not be able to match Disney's levels of investment, there's more than enough fun to be had to fill a day and it's roller-coasters in particular are top notch. The latest is Rita: Queen of Speed, a vaguely race track themed coaster with a glorious 80's soundtrack to entertain the queue (which was rather length as the tempestuous Rita seemed to be having a few teething troubles that morning). It's primary selling point is what appeared to be a magnetic launching system which propels the carts from nought to very fast indeed in what feels a very short space of time. Suffice it to say, that if you see my stomach lying around the park, I'd very much appreciate it's return. The other coasters of note are Oblivion, featuring a rather spectacular vertical drop, Air, which dangles you precariously above the ground at high speed, and my favourite, Nemesis, for which it's definitely worth queueing that extra while to get a seat at the very front.

We drove down (well, I say we drove - it's rather more accurate to say I was driven) there Friday evening, staying overnight in what I would rate as the worlds hottest hotel (literally hot. Even with the window open it was sweltering), and driving back the following evening. The start of both journeys was signalled by the rise over the horizon of a truly spectacular orange moon. I believe it had just started to wane, but it really was rather gorgeous. I claimed control of Kerrys iPod for the latter part of the return journey. Kerry and I don't see always eye-to-eye when it comes to music, but there's enough overlap in our tastes that I managed to program a couple of hours of mutually acceptable music, including "The Elephant Love Medley" from Moulin Rouge, which has become something of a family favourite. As much fun as I had in the park, I think I'll cherish the memory of the three of us driving back singing along to the "The Elephant Love Medley" even more.

'twas a good day.