The Little World of Barnum T Jugbat

It’s already past the middle of January, the days are drawing out, it’s milder than usual, and there is so much to look forward to.
I would recommend retirement to everyone, the only pain is that, for most people, you have to wait for it. The bad back, knees, hands, neck etc are a challenge rather than an obstruction. All can be accommodated somehow. Alright, so I can’t do walks over 5 miles, or cycle more than 15 miles, with seizing up but within that there is so much to.do. Don’t forget the Old Gits Bus and Rail Cards. Both are a ticket to great fun. Even without them a bus journey is only £3.00, less than most pints.
On Saturday I used my Old Gits Railcard to travel to Whittlesea, in the Fens, for the annual Straw Bear Festival. A sign of the times, I was the only one from Norwich on the Stupid O’clock train.
On arrival, us old hands commented on how old the weather was in this notorious frost hell. An Amble along the canal, collecting Munzees, took me to the George Hotel for ‘Spoons breakfast and first pint. And it was still only 09:30. After I had time to complete an Adventure Lab, deploy and collect several Munzees, and visit Sadie’s for another beer before the parade. In case you’re wondering, I was sensible and only took my half pint tankard so that after the first pint I could drink sensibly.
The parade was it’s usual excellent self with a very athletic Straw Bear and many sides of Molly, Morris, and other pagan groups. Needless to say the parade ended in it’s usual confused melee.
After it was the annual trek to the Straw Beer pub for another drink and more Munzees. A return to the centre for more beer, dancing and Chippy Sue’s for routine sustenance.
After carefully missing the afternoon train, I blame Doc Martin ans Stevie D for that, it was a wander back to the Railway for a swiftie and the return train via Ely.
On our return I took it upon myself to take the Doc across to the road to the Com@pleat Angler for a pint of Elgood’s Blackberry Porter and remind him his bike was still at the station. Myself, I managed to miss every bus on the walk home but was greeted by the lovely wife and a plate of mushy peas with a pie.
Get out there and enjoy it. Or call me and we can enjoy it together.