Cromford Car Parking!

 Calming influences of Canadas at Cromford

12th June 2025

It would have been easier to park a barge than at those darned car parks. In Ringo's car park,  I faff about to find a good shady spot and realise the pay machine has disappeared!  Not having downloaded Ringo (no signal anyway), hoping not to have jumped into the fine of £500 I skedaddled off to the Wharf and paid a handsome £7 for the day in the machine that did work, whereupon I met Julia and Maggie, also early. Julia's answer was that Bob pays for her from the comfort of his sofa... perhaps I should have asked Bob to include me! 

Whilst Julia (thankyou) bought me a flat white, I calmed myself down with a few canada geese on the school run. One adult, breaks free 

Do you think that's a good idea to park yourself there, dear? 

But its a pretty place to be in a broody mood

Julia, Maggie and I settle into our coffees and tea with free hot water, waiting for Jo, who does arrive at the correct time.  Cheerfully announcing...

I found a free spot on the road... 😬

We caught up on our ailments, mine in particular, and decided that it's a delicate balance between resting and being active.  However, a sports' injury physio specialist is a godsend, especially if operating from Pride Park Velodrome, where there is a nature reserve called The Sanctuary.   Free parking too with certain conditions attached (cycling, join the gym class, have an injury or be in an elite bird group).

Our attention turns to a money spider making friends with Jo. 🕷 gets a  mention, as promised! We talk a bit about financial issues but the temptation of a walk before lunch  in the rising heat, cannot be resisted. 

We discover the swimming lessons are going well. (Jo's pic)

Sheep are obviously not interested in swimming, but woolly coats are a bit warm for today

Shade works best.

I'd rather be in the water (Jo's  pic)

Cooling ferns

What is Maggie explaining now? 

We arrive back at the Wharf where Lynn has just arrived: "I parked for free on the road" 😬😬

We settle in for lunch whilst Lynn catches the eyes of not one,  but two gentlemen waiting for the loo and she only knows one of them too! Can't take her anywhere.

Here's one of them. 

We are finally quorate with Pam arriving hoping Phil and grandchild share the same nap time! Apparently Ringo wasn't working, so she had to move car parks too.. 😁

We catch up on local news: the demise of curriculum choices for both students and adults in the area, twinning expansions and collections (or not!) for leaving staff.  Clearly one needs the help of the money spider to help untangle that web!🕷🕸

Train travelling is trendy and don't forget to pack your best PJ's if you are not ensuite or are sharing with strangers! We won't mention what the hole in the floor is for 😁 😁

Now, what was Pam  explaining? 

Clearly something funny!

Time ticks on  but some of us need to return home: to avoid the impending storm, to grab a grandchild and feed it geese, is that bit right Pam?, release the dog, plan the next holiday or even beat the car park clock 😬😬😁

We missed absent friends and hope we can gather in July.