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

Doc and I arose around 10.00. We'd decided against booking breakfast, as we thought we'd be close to cafés etc. but we weren't, so after freshening up we ordered a taxi to visit the floating harbour in the centre of town.

This was part of the river that was sealed with locks so that large vessels could enter Bristol and unload cargo safely in a non-tidal area. Over two hundred years old it is now primarily a museum for special boats, and cruise boats.

The day was windy,m but sunny, with a threat of rain. The area is being modernised and a number of warehouses have been renovated, with one, the M-shed, having been converted into a free museum of Bristol and it's history.
http://mshed.org

First we took a stroll along the edge of the harbour, photographing the static cranes, the steam train that runs between M shed and SS Great Britain, before reaching The Matthew.
http://www.matthewbristol.co.uk

This is a reproduction of John Cabot's vessel that sailed from Bristol in 1497, and led to the discovery of Newfoundland. Cabot is possibly one of the most celebrated of Bristol's famous people.

I didn't go onboard, as not MMF friendly but Doc had a wander. Time for a stop before wandering around the museum. Very interesting, with some aspects that I wasn't aware of, although some, like the Slavery exhibition, we'd seen a similar exhibition at the Museum of London-Docklands, last month.
http://www.museumoflondon.org.uk/docklands/

This was on for around 6 months. We'd definitely recommend M shed. After completing the ground floor we stopped for more and Doc had as we'd not eaten.

The train, which was a saddle tank engine, with I.W. and D. stencilled on the side. This indicated it was an Inland Waterways and Docklands railway engine, but I couldn't find out much more information. It is painted dull grey, and runs daily.

It was now dusk, and the train was about to be moved into the sheds so, after a few photos, we returned to complete the first floor of the museum.

Unfortunately time beat us, and the museum was closing at 18.00 so time to order ataxia back to the hotel, via a cash point. When it arrived two had the rain. Stopping en route, I withdrew cash, followed by Doc, who was unfortunate to get caught in a sudden squall. Not good.

Back at the hotel we dried off and, after being refreshed, we went to eat. This time I had lasagne, and Doc had a (rather mild) Madras curry, with white . Then time to have another go at the competition. Managed to reach 50 out of 100 clues. Time to retire after an interesting day out.



MMF

[[[ asteroidlil ]]]

[Amy P]

I forgot to mention, I went to school in Bristol. On Sundays after lunch the borders who weren't having an exeat were allowed to go out in groups. We often walked from the school, in Westbury-on-Trym, across the downs to the Cabot tower, and if feeling energetic, go up it and see what we could see.

Or sometimes even as far as the Clifton Suspension bridge which is quite gorgeous to look at, no matter how many times you see it.

The school, The Red Maids' School, was founded by another of Bristol's rich, sea-faring sons. We had red uniforms because one of the things he traded in was red cloth. It was (still is I suppose) the oldest girls' school in England and we wore bonnets sometimes just to show how special that kind of thing is

He was also a slave trader and a 3 time-mayor of the city. He's buried in a crypt somewhere near the cathedral. But I have no idea where.

A small world, Sho. I've not managed to get across the suspension bridge. A fear of heights, and not being keen on bridges, stopped me. And there is no service across either.

I may go back next Summer.



MMF