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23 November 2013

A stroll in the park with Cinderella

Lily James' Cinderella

It’s not every day you bump into Kenneth Branagh, Cate Blanchett & Lily James* when out on a stroll. Its not often that you see Gorgeous Totty on this blog either! But I’ve been out & about again recently.

My curiosity was piqued when I came across this sign.

Cinderella filming "Caution" sign 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A few steps later I bumped into a smiley security guard, who was whispering sweet nothings into a walkie-talkie fixed to his shoulder, which every now and then interrupted him rudely with squawking noises. It was an alien noise in such a beautiful setting.

He invited me, very politely, to alter my route to avoid the huddles of film stars, the massed throngs of extras and the busy rigging crews. Oh, alright, there were no film stars or throngs of extras, but their site cabins were being prepared by the crew who were also laying miles of temporary roadways and cabling in the Great Park. They’re filming the new Disney Cinderella, which is out in 2015.

CINDERELLA CRANE

As the security man was so polite, I declined his invitation with equal politeness and continued my walk, taking care to avoid the worst of the chaos.

*Apparently the filming is being done at night-time and so I didn’t really bump into Ken, Cate or Lily. Shame!.

CASTLE & GREAT PARK

THE LONG WALK

CASTLE & LONG WALK

SECURITY

It felt great to be out again. After a wobbly period with no walks I’ve now half a dozen walks under my belt and I’m back up to about ten miles and slowly getting back to some semblance of fitness. This is just as well because the wonderful Mad’n’Bad Andy Walker and I have places on next year’s Great Outdoor Challenge, which is less than twenty four weeks away.

IMG_3624

I’m still having a few problems balancing the anti-rejection drugs, but it’s only been twenty four weeks since my kidney transplant and things are generally on the right track. So, I’m now exactly halfway between my transplant and the TGO Challenge and I’m confident that 2014’s walk will be a wonderful stroll across Scotland. Phil Lambert is currently kicking his heels on the standby list, as last year he completed his tenth crossing. We’re keeping our fingers crossed for his place back on the walk.

IMG_3626

I’ve had loads of people ask me how my brother is doing, and I am delighted to report that Brother Dave is feeling bright and well, but he still gets occasional twinges from where they opened him up to remove his kidney. I suppose this is to be expected. However, Dominant Debs is quite sure that he’s plenty well enough to redecorate Tom’s room. Whether or not she wanted a new ceiling is another matter… So, if you’re looking for a man to dig a new swimming pool in your garden or you’re looking for an interior demolitions expert, Dave’s your man!

16 comments:

  1. Good to read you are out and about. That wobbly feeling is not nice is it. Still have some wobbly moments myself. I hope Phil gets in for't chally. I mean, who would map read if he wasn't to make it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Al.
      :-)
      We're all falling apart! Mad'n'Bad is having knee problems, his head has never been the full shilling, and Phil's quite a bit lighter after having various organs removed.

      Hope your throat gets fixed soon - that must have been alarming!

      Delete
  2. glad to hear that you,re doing well .i hpoe to see you at your c+w party as i might be up that way myself. thats if the old heart is still ticking.

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  3. Thanks Chris
    Are you on the standby list? Or will you be coming anyway?
    :-)

    ReplyDelete
  4. i,m not on the stand by list but i,ll be in the area anyway

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It will be good to have you at the party.
      Top Man!
      :-)

      Delete
  5. Good to see that you are oot an aboot again and will be ready for your annual stroll across Scotland. All the best Alan.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Gibson.
      :-)
      I've plotted the Fine Weather route and am now sorting out the trickier Foul Weather Alternatives. Some are quite tortuous.
      :-)

      Delete
  6. Wish there had been anti-rejection drugs when I was a teenager.Would have improved my love life no end.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh, I dunno. Maybe a few rejection drugs would have been handy as well...
      :-)

      Delete
  7. Nice photos of The Great Park. I spent formative years in it, schooling just the other side of Priest Hill. Just realised I recreated much of your TGO day 5 last Friday with a snowy stroll from Tulloch to Glen Roy. You'll be pleased to know Luib Chonnal was nice and tidy, there was even an some Amaretto resting in a corner ...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Amaretto?
      Amaretto???
      I knew I left it somewhere!
      :-)

      The Great Park is quite splendid for recuperative strolls. The gaggles of red kites and swarms of green parakeets are quite wonderful.

      Delete
  8. I *WOULD* just sayin.........
    Not you
    Horseback totty.
    See you on 6th my man when I hope to be able to do this little walk. :-))

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    Replies
    1. You would not be at the front of the queue...
      :-)
      Sounds like a plan for the 6th. Good pub to start with too.

      Delete
  9. Alan! Well done ol fella! Go back to the scene of the filming, you might score a job as one of the harridans. Just a suggestion ...

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    Replies
    1. As the last leaves of Autumn are blown from our trees Australia will be bursting into Summer. Just go easy on our cricketers - I think they'll be needing some tlc this summer.
      :-)
      Harridan, indeed! I could well pass for forty three in the dusk with the light behind me!

      Delete

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