h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

On Saturday 25th April 09 I prepared for a totally new experience with some trepidation. Having contacted Elentari and arranged to meet up with her at her local train station I felt a little easier. I chat easily online but find people en masse a bit intimidating.

it rained heavily in the early morning, but cleared for me to catch the bus to the station. A new bus and route, and something of a mystery tour as it turned out. Having swopped photos previously we found each other easily and chatted waiting for the train and during the journey. What a lovely young lady, kind enough to humour a wrinkly! We made our way from Moor Street station (oh those steps!) to Starbucks, where some hootooers were already seated.

Sitting next to Hypatia, I was over the moon when Scorp and ST Mark ll arrived as I had long wanted to meet them. I wasn’t disappointed. How do you become ‘old friends’ online? I don’t know, but that’s what it felt like. Hypatia was a delight. After a ‘getting to know’ you session at the coffee shop we meandered towards the St. George’s Day activities and in the direction of the Sea Life Centre.

At this point I have to thank the younger contingent for not making the oldest member of the group, with arthritis, feel too decrepit. The steps and slopes were tough but I wouldn’t have missed it. After watching some of the events we moved on to a restaurant in the ICC for a comfort break (much needed). On the way we noted the historic statue of Boulton, Watt and Murdoch, a beautiful bronze monument to pioneers of our industrial heritage, now gilded, and looking distinctly brassy and tacky in our eyes.

Lunch was a leisurely affair, and I was pleased that my souvenir tokens were accepted. The climb to the canal was accompanied by comments about the improvement of the canal area on its its’ somewhat grimy and delapidated past. The Sea Life Centre proved too expensive for many of us - did I hear whispers of a rip-off Surely not - which was a shame, but then, being the only resident Brummie I suggested a trip in a canal boat which was definitely more suited to our pockets!

The trip was lovely, and a great way to travel but the reaction to the ‘commentary’ on board left me wishing I hadn’t suggested it. The content was interesting, but the presentation was …… embarrassing! There were some among us who looked about to cry ‘get me out of here’ which might have precipitated a ‘man overboard’ episode, but thankfully we arrived safely back at the ICC with no mishaps.

We certainly saw the back of Brum in a new light. It reminded me that the Government had cut funding to British Waterways who are responsible for our canals, and it showed. I have to say that chatting to ST I thought he would have given us a very much better commentary, and I hope he does write an article for the Guide on the Birmingham canals. It is a fascinating subject for those interested in history.

Meandering along the canal looking for a watering hole, we came upon the tiniest pub I think I have ever seen. Twelve of us inside … Never! But it accommodated us with good grace, and I don’t think the loud laughter and chat drove any other people away. It was nice to see refreshments for non-drinkers available, though the ers amongst us had to go outside to pollute the atmosphere (their words not mine!)

I wish I had noted the name of it, as I wouldn’t feel out of place there again, not being a drinker.

Along with others I had to opt out of Vip’s quiz, having to admit, somewhat shamefacedly, to not having read our esteemed founder’s books, though I have followed some of the tv wildlife programmes he did. Well, I would wouldn’t I?

Have I mentioned that very important person Vip was the life and soul and director of the day, and very good she was too. During the session in the pub I had the chance to talk at length to Hypatia, and began to wish she didn’t live so far away. I also got the chance to talk more to Scorp, ST and Matt, with whom I have a slight connection viz-viz WWF.

Eventually the three musketeers, Scorp, myself and ST had to make a move, they to train and car and me to hurry home and feed my badgers! We said our goodbyes and I was treated to a very nice by the towering Phil

Having walked and chatted all the way to New Street, I said goodbye to my new found friends and headed for Moor Street, only to realise I had three minutes to get up three flights of stairs, cross the bridge and descend another three flights to get to my platform. I made it just as the train pulled in I truly think Saturday gave me more exercise than I have had in months. As everything was creaking ominously I got a taxi for the last leg

Whether I shall ever attend another Meet, I know not, but thank you to everyone who took part and made it a special day. Now, where’s the WD40?

hi websailor
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sounds like you had good company, and the downer on the boatride lol
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i have also only been to one meet in my hootoo years, and very much doubt i will be able, ever to repeat the trip to any other meet.
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like you, age and aching legs on long trips, woul make it impossible.
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if there was one in say, leeds, sheffield and so on, then who knows.
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gla you had a good time, hope there will be some photos on the hotoo in time jim

sorry k/board playing up.

It was fun, and I very much enjoyed meeting you. The pub was called The Canalside, I believe. I wonder where they got that name from?

Can't imagine Thanks Elentari. Perhaps we shall bump in to each other some time?

Jimcracker, you can find my photos here http://www.flickr.com/photos/websailor/
Elentari's too. Thanks for the sympathy vote, I felt a bit ancient, I must admit

Thankfully, the weather was kind as the rain makes it worse!

Websailor

I'm sure we will.

Sounds like a wonderful meet - I've been enjoying it vicariously through various reports and photos. And how super to meet president Hypatia!

I'm glad you had a good time

I did I would have liked it to be a better representation of Birmingham, but as it was an ad hoc event, without the main player (Rich) it couldn't be helped. Perhaps another time we can do something a bit more worthwhile. For me it was the h2g2 researchers that mattered. I just wish there had been more time to chat.

Websailor

Websailor, I've sent you a message via Flickr.

hi websailor
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im at the cyber tomz, after a visit to the doctors, so i will take a look at the photos then, as im on the home digi, i can only get h2g2 and bbc fom here.
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jim

Got it thanks. I wondered but she said nothing to me specifically. Will change it.

Websailor

Glad to finally see you in the pic's WS, all we need now is one from the meet the day before

Thursday 30th April 2009 6.40 GMT

Very dear Websailor

What a lovely day you had. Thank you so much for writing so vivid;y about it.

Hypatia is such a darling, and as you say it is a real pity that she lives so far away. Mind you it is a wonderful excuse when she comes over and we can meet.

I have reluctantly decided that it would be really foolish to try and join in the London meet. The spirit is willing but the body is - well at best old goods!!

I am going to write about the most wonderful walk which my new "carer" took me on yesterday afternoon. I truly believe that this most special seaside town is quite the most lovely place I have ever lived in. Yesterday was the perfect day, and I came back to the flat feeling absolutely "high on happiness". Marvellous.

Have a good day and thank you again so much for sharing your lovely day with us.

Christiane
AlsoRan80

Thursday 30th April 2009 8.55 GMT
Hi Jim,

I hope that you are keeping well and that the weather is being kind to you.

I had the most beautiful day yesterday. The sun was shining and everything was hunky dory.

I think that you are wonderful the way you go into your cafe to be on line.

Full marks to you for your enterprise and enthusiasm

go Well,

Christiane
alsoRan80

What did I tell you? You always remember your first Meet

It sounded like a busy, happy day - and the photoes I've seen of it look great.

Wonderful report, Webbie. And you are right; it's meeting the others that matters, not the surroundings.

hi websalior
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sorry havent seen the photos yet, i had to go to the doctors this morning, and then an hour at the cyber, but i was looking for something for someone and it took a while.
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will look when i go again on saturday, tomz ive the carpet tiles to put down in my hallway.
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did you see my photos from the hull meet i went on, they are on my p space. if not jim

Having been otherwise occupied missed this. It was great to meet you Websailor, look forward to seeing you again, who knows may be at Middleton?
I enjoyed the day, glad I went in the end. My brother dropped off a pile of books on the history etc of the Inland waterways so guess I'd better get reading/researching now then.

Loved meeting you too ST. I am sure we can arrange something eventually. So glad you came, you and Scorp made it special for me. I might have run away otherwise

I shall look forward to the Waterways article.

I wrote about it a while ago A16883751 and have just checked back and found some posts on it from Vip. We must have both forgotten about it, it was two years ago!!

I would be glad to know what you think about it. Not expert stuff just the thoughts of an interested and concerned bystander.

Websailor