Thursday 30th December

Spent the day in Cambridge. Had plenty of time so took a detour down the backs. What a trip down memory lane! Not much seems to have changed this side of town. Picture to follow if it is taechnically feasible from F-in-law's computer. Much more change away from the hallowed precincts of the University. Huge new development down Hills Road where the Cattle Market used to be.

Parkside has modernised since I last swam there (15 years ago?). It used to be a squalid dank place with a viewing gallery covered in ketchup and discarded chips. Now it is all light pine and windows with a cafe that promotes healthy eating (crisps were Walkers Lite rather than full fat!) and even Fairtrade on offer if you asked.

Walter turned up and we swam. I entrusted my life to the green flume and it was like a nightmare I used to have as a kid. Falling down stairs. Quite exhilarating to hit the water at the bottom, but once was enough. Stuart asked me to go on the more sedate blue flume. I did it because he asked. He was looking a bit worried as we climbed up more and more steps. WE went for it - in a way it was worse because we were on an inflatable and my legs were bouncing off the walls. Walter told me how a woman had broken her neck in it when he was there one time. After that the boys went up and down, up and down ..... while I retreated to the reassuring 20 lengths in the slow circuit.

We went to Pizza Hut just over Parker's Piece. Eric and Stuart made out that they never do anything nice by sincerely thanking me virtually every mouthful. Walter gave them both advice on how to get on in life. Eric seemed to be taking it on board.

If the pictures appear it worked. If not you will have to wait and rely on my prose.