June 8th – A very, very British Sunday. I left at 1:30pm for Draycott in the Clay, knowing there was a steam event going on at Klondyke Mill. I like to visit every few years if the weather’s nice – it’s a great run up the A515 and a a nice hour or so ferreting about around lovely old machines and even more fascinating characters. More of that on my main blog in the next few days.
I set out on a warm day with bright blue sky and high cloud. As I got to the mill 70 minutes later, the heavens opened and we had torrential rain, thunder and lightning – which cleared within minutes. This was the pattern for the remainder of the day.
I enjoyed the event – lots of great machinery and lots to mooch around – but the entry fee was eye-watering, to be honest. But I understand running the machines is costly and the society need funds, so I don’t mind too much.
I did learn that there’s a huge, possibly even gourmet, selection of coal and coke. It really is a different world.
I returned with a challenging climb up Hanbury Hill, close to the Fauld Crater, and back through Anslow and Tatehill. Passing Battlestead Hill, I stopped to think of the RAF training aerodrome that was on these hills during the war. So many lads learned to fly here, left for war and never came back. Now the sheep graze safely while I look out towards Burton.
On the way back, I experienced several more heavy showers. But I also got a sun tan, had ice cream, and cracked a hard climb. Not an afternoon to be faulted.
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