Simple weekend

Went for a nice walk in Great Wood, first time for me. Pops played in the river by the dye vats. Saw a heron getting chased by crows and later a huge owl which flew across the path in front of us. Later she went for her first ride of the year.

Russian Air Force

Completely OT but this video showcases my main non-Broadbottom hobby/interest, the Russian airforce of WW2. This was sparked by the IL-2 PC game, which I started off in as a tester and then became a developer, firstly within the team and later with my own product, Ostfront. Even though the game is now 7 years old it still consumes far too many hours per week and has been the basis of many friendships in the real world. Yes, we even meet up in person and stay with each other when not trying to shoot each other down.

Another reason I like this video is that it's one of the few songs I know off by heart in Russian. It helps that it only has 2 verses :)

Cycling at the mill

Good Friday - Upper Derwent Valley

The day didn't start too well with news that my brother Peter is in hospital with pneumonia and the huge fire in Glossop's Wren's Nest Mill. Even though it started at 0700, wagons were still arriving at 1300 with blue lights flashing. We passed it just before 10 and the top floor was ablaze and the High Street full of smoke. By the time we returned at 1300 the roof was gone and central Glossop was sealed off.

Anyway, we had a much better day over the Snake's Pass in the Upper Derwent Valley. It was sunny and windy, gorgeous for walking, and the valley is just beautiful. We walked passed Ladybower Dam, made famous by the Dambusters film and saw the 617 Sqn memorial. They lost 204 aircrew in 2 years, which is over 100%!

We then walked up to Howden Dam, got tired and took the bus back to the car. A lovely day out.