YC made a rare pilgrimage to St James Park on Saturday to join the faithful supporting Newcastle United. Helen A had kindly given him a ticket. Newcastle were playing Manchester United who have been having a bit of a tough time recently. Perhaps to no great surprise, Man U emerged from their slump to trounce Newcastle 4 - nil. By the end, the faithful were leaving for the exits in their droves. YC and Helen manfully stayed to the bitter end, watching Man U put the finishing touches to their victory with an injury time fourth goal. Never mind, the first half had been entertaining, and Man U were good value for their victory. Years of supporting Scotland is good training for such defeats.
Today YC enjoyed a decidedly quieter activity - birdwatching at Cresswell Pond followed by a jog on the beach at Druridge Bay. Highlights at Creswell were a pair of pintails, an avocet, and a Mediterranean Gull (similar to a black-headed gull, but larger and with all-white wings).
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| Newcastle on the attack |
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| a rare second half corner |
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| the scene at Druridge Pools |