Trip to Derby / Ripley 28-09-2024

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
328	Derby BS	Belper,(stop A)	6.4	Trent Barton
843	Belper, (stop A)	Ripley, (Stop 2)	6.3	Trent Barton
173	Ripley, Market Place	Langley Mill, Trent Barton Garage	Rainbow One	Trent Barton
497	Langley Mill, St Andrews Church	Heanor, (stop 4)	33	Trent Barton
322	Heanor, (Stop 1)	Oakwood, Opp Windmill	H1	Trent Barton
326	Oakwood, Opp Windmill	Derby, Corporation Street	H1	Trent Barton

Today we decided to re-visit Derby. We did very little research for this trip other than to look at the Trent Barton tickets and to check the weather which was for dry weather with some sunshine. Matthew woke up just before 08:00 and had his medication. Matthew got out of bed at 10:00 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. We got ourselves ready and we set off around 12:00 to pick up uncle Dave. We got in the car and we set off through Blurton and we ran along Beaconsfield Drive and we turned left onto Church Road and at the roundabout we veered left onto Blurton Road past the former Coral shop which is new going to be flats. We ran through Blurton and into Heron Cross and over the A50. At Heron Cross lights we turned left onto Grove Road. We ran forwards onto Wheildon Road and we picked up uncle Dave. Once we had picked up uncle Dave, we continued back up Wheildon Road and we ran forwards onto Grove Road. We turned right onto Blurton Road and at the roundabout we joined the Eastbound A50. We ran through Longton and Meir. We turned right to continued along the Blythe Bridge bypass and we were passed Stanton's of Stoke 614 WEH. We went near to uttoxeter and we continued along the A50 for a few more miles. We came off the A50 and we and we headed towards Hatton on the A511. We deciedd to try something new today. We stopped at a cafe called Rascals for dinner. Matthew had a breakfast washed down with a bottle of Coke. He also used the toilet which was in a barn. When we had finished we headed back along the A511 and we re-joined the A50. We continued Eastwards for a few miles before joining the Northbound A516. We continued onto the A38 and we came off to headed into Derby. We followed the A516 to the edghe of town and we turned right onto the A601. We ran around the town centre and we turned left onto Morledge. After doing a loop bacl onto the A601 to try and get to a car park we headed back onto Morledge and mum dropped us off after saying goodbye to mum we walked along Morledge to the bus station. We saw Trent Barton 737 on a Swift service to Uttoxeter.

Trent Barton 737 in Derby bus station

Also seen was Trent Barton 492 on the V3 to Burton-on-Trent.

Trent Barton 492 in Derby bus station

Afterwards we saw Arriva Midlands 2339 running out of service.

Arriva Midlands 2339 in Derby bus station

We walked to the ither end of the bus station to see what was around. matthew indiceated that he wanted to go towards Belper. There was a bus due in around 7 minutes so we waited at the approriate stand. A short time later we saw the bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was Trent Barton 328 on a #6.4 to Belper Estates.

Trent Barton 328 in Derby bus station

We got on the bus and we booked a Zig-Zag duo ticket at £13.50 before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off out of the bus station onto the A601 and we crossed over the Derwnt and onto King Street. We joined the Northbound A6 and we ran for through Darley Abbey. As we stopped at a bus stop we crossed over the A38 and we continued up the A6 into Duffield. We crossed over the railway line and we ran Northwards into Milford. We crossed back over the railway line and we ran into Belper. The was a 'Save our NHS' protest outyside the Babington hospital. At the roundabout we turned right onto the A609 and then we turned left onto Campbell Street. We turned right into King Street and we got iup and got off the bus. Matthew a picture of Trent Barton 328 before it carried on towards Ripley.

Trent Barton 328 in Belper

Once off the bus we had a walk down King Street. We had about 15 minutes for the next bus forwards to Ripley. We decided to to have a cake in Costa. Before we went inside we saw Stagecoach Yorkshire 36990 on a #142 to Alfreton.

Stagecoach Yorkshire 36990 in Belper

We went into Costa Coffee and Matthew had a slice of millionaire's shortbread and a bottle of Coke. When we had finished Matthew went to the toilet and we went outside and met up with uncle Dave. There were numerous Morri Dancers outside in the street that were doing dances and they even stopped the traffic. Just before our bus there was another bus at the bus stop. We saw Notts & Derby 826 on a #71 to Derby.

Notts & Derby 826 in Belper

A few minutes later we saw our bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was Trent Barton 843 on a #6.3 to Ripley.

Trent Barton 843 in Belper

We got on the bus and we flashed the Zig-Zag Duo ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off up King Street and we turned right onto Strutt Street. We turned left onto the A609 and we ran Northwards. We turned left ont Chesterfield Road and we ran North for around 1/2 mile before we turned right into Ladywood Avenue. We turned left onto Dovedale Crescent and left onto Whitemoor Lane. We turned left onto Over Lane and we ran Northwards into Heage. We re-joined the B6013 by the Black Boy and we ran through the village onto the B6374. We ran Eastwards for a few miles and we crossed over the A38 and ran towards Ripley. We turned right onto Norman Road. We continued onto Kenilwirth Road and forwards onto Maple Avenue. We turned left onto Elms Avenue and we turned left onto the B6179. We stopped on the High Street and we got up and got off the bus. Matthew a picture of Trent Barton 843 before it carried on towards Ripley.

Trent Barton 843 in Ripley

Once off the bus we saw Derbyshire Community Transport 901 on a #148 to Alfreton.

Derbyshire Community Transport 901 in Ripley

We walked into the Market place and we saw Trent Barton 170 on a RainbowOne to Nottingham. We went into the pub and Matthew went to the toilet. Afterwards Matthew had a glass of Coke. When we had finished we went outside and we met up with uncle Dave. We turned down Trent Barton 818 on a #90 to Sutton as it was going further away. We also turned down Trent Barton 750 on a Comet to Chesterfield. A short time later we saw another bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was Trent Barton 173 on a RainbowOne to Nottingham.

Trent Barton 173 in Ripley

We got on the bus and we flashed the Zig-Zag Duo ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off up the High Street and we turned right onto Church Street. We turned right onto the B6441 and we headed out of town. At the roundabout we turned right onto the Southbound A610. We travelled for about 1/2 mile and we ran forwards onto the A6007. We headed through Cross Hill and Loscoe. We ran forwards onto the A608 and into the centre of Heanor. After a brief stop we continued along the A608 into Langley Mill. We stopped for a driver change opposite to the depot and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of Trent Barton 173 before it continued towards Nottingham.

Trent Barton 173 in Langley Mill

We crossed over the road and we had a quick look into the depot. We could only see on distant Wright Eclipse branded for the Twos. Matthew wanted the toilet so we decided to walk along the road until we found a pub. after about 1/3 mile we came across a pub on the opposite side of the road. Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards Matthew had a small glass of Coke. We finished our drink and we crossed over the road and we waited for a bus back towards Heanor. We saw the was a #33 due in a few minutes. A short time later we saw the bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was Trent Barton 497 on a #33 to Ilkeston.

Trent Barton 497 in Langley Mill

We got on the bus and we placed the Zigzag Duo Day ticket under the scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off along the A608 and we headed Northwards past the bus garage. We foolwed the A608 to the right and into Heanor. We turned left onto Wilmot Street and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we crossed over the road to the market square and Matthew got another picture of Trent Barton 497 before it continued towards Ilkeston.

Trent Barton 497 in Heanor

We walked into the square to llok for a shop. We went into a very unusual shop which was a chip shop combined with a conveniece store. Matthew bought a can of coke and a Milky Way, as well as a Bounty for me and uncle Dave to Share. After paying for the supplies, we walked across the square and we sat on a bench near to the bus stops. Matthew had a can of Irn Bru out of the bag and the Milky Way whilst uncle Dave and I shared a Bounty. Whilst we were still eating the bus pulled onto the stand. We saw it was Trent Barton 322 on a H1 service to Derby.

Trent Barton 322 in Heanor

We finished off our food and we waited for the bus driver to change over. We got on the bus and we placed the Zig-zag group ticket under the scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off along Market Street and we ran up to the roundabout and we turned left onto the Westboind A608. We ran through Smalley and continued Southwards through Morley. We decided to break the journey and wait for the bus behind so that we could get a 6th bus in for the day so as we approached the Northern edge of civilisation we decided to get up and get off the bus. Matthew took a picture of Trent Barton 322 as it continued towards Derby.

Trent Barton 322 in Oakwood

We had a few minutes to wait for the bus so we visited the pub across the road. Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards we had a glass of orange Fanta. When we had finished our drinks we left the pub and crossed back over the road to wait for the bus. We had a few minutes to wait and we soon saw the bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was Trent Barton 326 on a H1 to Derby.

Trent Barton 326 in Oakwood

We got on the bus and we placed the Zig-zag duo ticket under the scanner for the final time today before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off Southwards and we ran through Breadsall Hilltop and over the A61. We ran past the Meteor Retail Park and we turned right onto Mansfield Road. We crossed over the railway line and at the roundabout we followed mansfield Road to the left. We ran Southwards parallel to the railway line before joining the A601 and crossing over the Derwent. We turned right into Morledge and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we took a few more bus pictures. At the same stop we saw Trent Barton 254 on a #9.3 to Mansfield.

Trent Barton 254 in Derby

Matthew needed the toilet so we walked along Morledge and we cut past the courtroon to the Derwent and we entered the bus station from the far end. Matthew used the toilet and afterwards we had a walk along the bus station to take a few more pictures before we met up with mum. We saw Arriva Midlands Scania Omnicity 3559 parked up on layover.

Arriva Midlands 3559 in Derby bus station

Also seen was Skills of Nottingham BV73 ZTM on a National Express #440 service to London.

Skills of Nottingham BV73 ZTM in Derby bus station

We came out of the bus station onto Morledge and we waled to the other end to wait for mum to pick us up. Whilst we waited we saw Arriva Midlands 3740 on a X38 to Burton-on-Trent.

Arriva Midlands 3740 in Derby

We set off along Morledge and we turned left onto the ring road and we ran anti-clockwise around town. We turned left onto the A516 and we ran out of town. We ran forwards onto the B5020. We crossed over the A38 and we ran into Mickleover. We stopped in the car park near to the chippy and I went to get food. Matthew had sausage chips and gravy washed down with a can of Cherry Coke. When I had finished eating we re-joined the B5020 and we headed onto the Westbound A516. We ran to the North of Burnaston and Etwall and we joined the Eastbound A50. On the A50 we saw an unidentified Roberts coach and an unidentified Silverdale coach. We continued past Blythe Bridge bypass and through Meir. We came off the A50 at Heron Cross. We turned right onto Blurton Road and left onto Grove Road. We continued onto Whieldon Road and we dropped off uncle Dave. Matthew went in as he was desperate for the toilet. He also updated uncle Dave's calendar with the details of today's trip. We said goodbye to uncle Dave and we set off back to Blurton. We set off onto Wheildon Road and past the former Regent pub which is now an Indian Restaurant. We ran forwards onto Grove Road and we saw green minibus R482 NDM parked up. We turned right onto Blurton Road and we crossed over the A50. We continued through Blurton and we turned right onto Church Street. We turned right onto the A5035 and back to Blurton around 19:00. Matthew chilled out on his computer and we did some of the Blog. We also wrote a few emails and generally used the computer to entertain ourselves. We watched TV and Matthew got ready for bed. Matthew settled down around 00:00... Mark

Trip to Cleveleys / Blackpool 23-07-2016

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
216	Cleveleys, Victoria Square (Stop 4)	Blackpool, by Starr Gate	1	Blackpool Transport
375	Blackpool, by Starr Gate	Blackpool, o/s Cabin	1	Blackpool Transport
330	Blackpool, o/s Cabin	Cleveleys, by Crescent	1	Blackpool Transport
377	Cleveleys, by Crescent	Fleetwood, Bold Street Interchange	1	Blackpool Transport
311	Fleetwood, Bold Street Interchange	Fleetwood, by Elm Street	14	Blackpool Transport
374	Fleetwood, by fire station	Fleetwood, Bold Street Interchange	1	Blackpool Transport

Today Matthew decided that we were going up to the Fylde Coast. On Thursday he had spotted a picture on Flickr that informed us that Saturday was the last day for the Northern Counties bodied Volvo Olympians with Blackpool Transport. There were scheduled to be at least 3 buses on the #1 from Starr Gate to Fleetwood, so we decided that we were going to start the day in Cleveleys. Matthew got up around 09:30 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. We set off around 11:10 ans we headed through Blurton on Beaconsfield Drive. We turned right onto Church Road and right again onto Blurton Road. We stopped at the Post Office. Whilst there we saw First Potteries 67632 on a #22 to Newcastle. Once we had picked up a parcel we continued along Blurton Road to Heron Cross. We joined the Westbound A50 and we ran to Sideway where we took the Northbound A500. The road was very quiet today. It appeared that most of the local people in teaching jobs had jumped on a plane yesterday afternoon shortly after the bell rang just like in the Barclaycard Advert! We got to the M6 and there was quite heavy traffic going North. As we travelled North we saw Hollinshead DH13 HOL, A-Line CU51 EEZ, SS Travel UKZ 9473, an unidentified AJK Travel coach in Knutsford services (Northbound), Pat;s Coaches J7 WXM, Happy Days 220, Howards F19 HOW, an unidentified Battersby Silver Grey coach, white coach F687 ONR, white coach BU16 ???, an unidentifed Caledonian Travel coach and minibuses MT07 ZAG & YG53 VHV as well as an unidentified Myalls of Bassingbourn Coach. North of the M56 the road was much quieter and we mage better time. We joined the Westbound M55 and we saw former Bakers Coaches now Harris Travel 9995 RU. We ran for around 10 miles and we came off the motorway onto the A585. We followed the road North until we came to a roundabout next to a Morrisons. We went West along Victoria Road West and we passed Catch22Bus Routemaster RM1583 on the #21 to St Anne's. We turned left onto North Drive and right onto Anchorsholm Lane East. We turned right onto the A587, crossing over the tram line and we turned right by Aldi into Runnymede Avenue where we parked up. We walked around the corner back onto the A587 and we stopped for dinner at The Tramstop Cafe. When we got there Matthew went to the toilet. Matthew had a breakfast washed down with a can of diet Coke. Whilst we are we saw Blackpool Transport Optare Excel 220 on a #7 service, and two of the Volvo Olympians 374 & 375 on the #1 service. After we had finished eating we said goodbye to mum and as we had just missed a Northbound #1 service, we decided to cross over the road and tram line to the Southbound stop. At the stop when we got there was Blackpool Transport 293 on a #4 service to Mereside Tesco.

Blackpool Transport 293 in Cleveleys

We had around 10 minutes before the next #1 service, which was due at 14:26. A few minutes alter we saw Catch22Bus Dart W363 VHB on a #21 to the Pleasure Beach.

Catch22Bus W363 VHB in Cleveleys

Shortly after that we saw Blackpool Transport Solo 249 on a #3 to Mereside Tesco.

Blackpool Transport 249 in Cleveleys

A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching. It wasn't a Volvo Olympian, but it was something almost as good. It was required Blackpool Transport Optare Excel 216 on a #1 to Starr Gate.

Blackpool Transport 216 in Cleveleys

We got on the bus and we brought Adult24 tickets at £5 each before sitting down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off South down the A587 and we ran through Norbreck and Bispham quite quickly. Just North of the North Pier we hit traffic and we moved very slowly through town. We passed the North Pier and started to make slightly quicker progress. Going North we saw dud Blackpool Transport 377 on a #1 to Fleetwood. Past the Central pier we went a little quicker still but the bus was now quite late. We passed required Blackpool Transport 374 on a #1 to Cleveleys, presumably cut short due to late running. Once past the Pleasure Beach we went through the back streets onto Clifton Drive. and right onto the new South Promenade where the bus terminated. As the bus was empty Matthew took a picture inside Blackpool Transport 216.

Inside Blackpool Transport 216

We got off the bus and Matthew took another picture of Blackpool Transport 216 before it carried on back to Fleetwood.

Blackpool Transport 216 in Blackpool

The bus set off almost immediately as it was late. In Theory we now had around a 15 minute wait for the next bus back North at 15:40. We sat on a rck by the tram station and Matthew ate a pack of Milky Stars. Whilst we waited for our bus we saw Catch22Bus Leyland Atlantean AHG 334V on a #21 to Cleveleys.

Catch22Bus AHG 334V in Blackpool

We waited patiently for the bus... 15:40 came and went and then bus never appeared. We watch a few trams arrive and depart and we saw Rotherham based Ford minibus FV07 ELH go Northwards up the Promenade.

Rotherham FV07 ELH in Blackpool

A few minutes later we saw Swans Travel coach YN58 CFX going South down the road.

Swans Travel YN58 CFX in Blackpool

A few minutes alter we saw a bus coming out of Clifton Drive. It was an Olympian! As it got closer we saw it was required Blackpool Transport 375.

Blackpool Transport 375 in Blackpool

It was just after 16:00 and we had final caught up with our first Olympian of the day. We got on the bus and we flashed the Adult24 ticket to the driver. The bottom deck of the bus was empty so matthew took a picture inside Blackpool Transport 375.

Inside Blackpool Transport 375

We went upstairs and the bus set off up the New South Promenade. We got to the South Pier and we started to hit traffic again. As we passed the coach park we saw Dunwood YN64 AOJ. We traveled slowly North stuck behind Landau after Landau, overtaking where the road was clear and wide enough. Coming the other way we saw Blackpool Transport 330 and 328 on the #1 towards Starr Gate. Just before the North Pier we saw required Blackpool Transport 374 going South. A few enthusiast types got on the bus and one that I recognised I asked about what was out. We worked out between us that there were just the 3 Volvo Olympian double deckers out, and he informed me that the last one off fleetwood was due to work the 18:45 from the interchange and it was booked to be required Blackpool Transport 374. As we got North of the North Pier and we got out into traffic free roads we decided to get off the bus somewhere. We went North of Gynn Square and someone rang the bell and we spotted a public toilet so we thought it would be a good place to get off. It was adjacent to the Cabin tram stop. We got up and got off the bus and Matthew took another picture of Blackpool Transport 375.

Blackpool Transport 375 in Blackpool

We crossed the tram track an Matthew used the toilet. Whilst we were there we saw Catch22Bus AHG 334V and heritage tram 230 which turned around and went back South. We weren't sure how long we had as the buses were clearly not running to timetable due to the traffic problems. Matthew and uncle Dave were looking over the wall towards the see when I spotted a bus in the distance so I shouted them back over. As it closer we saw that it was required Blackpool Transport 330.

Blackpool Transport 330 in Blackpool

We got on the bus and we flashed the Adult24 ticket to the driver before we went upstairs. The back of the bus was empty so Matthew took a picture inside Blackpool Transport 330.

Inside Blackpool Transport 330

The bus set off Northwards up the A587 through Bispham and Norbrek and we passed required Blackpool Transport 313 and Blackpool Transport 216 that we had been on earlier. we decided to get up and get off in Cleveleys so we could catch another bus. As we turned the corner by Aldi we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of Blackpool Transport 330 as it carried on Northwards towards Fleetwood.

Blackpool Transport 330 in Cleveleys

We crossing the road and were about to cross the tram track when we saw dud Blackpool Transport 329 going South. As it was dud we decided not to rush after it. Before we crossed back over to the Northbound Stop we saw Blackpool Transport 528 on a #7 to Cleveleys.

Blackpool Transport 528 in Cleveleys

According to the timetable there was a bus due at 17:26. That was only in a few minutes time. As we looked up we saw it thundering around the corner it was another Olympian. Dud Blackpool Transport 377 had somehow gone past us Southwards and was heading towards us!

Blackpool Transport 377 in Cleveleys

We got on the bus and we flashed the Adult24 ticket to the driver before we went upstairs. The rear of the top deck was empty so Matthew took a picture inside Blackpool Transport 377.

Inside Blackpool Transport 377

The last time we had been on this bus was almost 6 years ago to the day when we had it from Devonshire Road to Blackpool Tower on the #11 service in July 2010. We set off Northwards up the A587 for around 2 miles and at the roundabout we turned right onto Hatfield Avenue past Fleetwood Town's football ground. We followed the road around to the right onto Peel Road and we turned left onto Radcliffe Road. We turned right onto Copse Road and we ran forwards onto Lord Street where we passed Blackpool Transport 375 on it's final run South. We ran through the town and onto North Albert Street and we followed the tram line around to the right onto Bold Street. We had originally planned to stay on the bus to the Freeport, but after a couple of minutes stopped we decided to get off. This turned out to be a good thing as we were about to find out. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of Blackpool Transport 377.

Blackpool Transport 377 in Fleetwood Interchange

Once off the bus we went over to the Ferry cafe and used the toilet. After we cam out Matthew had an ice cream and a few cans of pop for later. We sat down on a bench opposite to the cafe Matthew ate his ice cream and we watched the bus depart. As well as Blackpool Transport 377 on it last ever #1 to Starr Gate we saw Blackpool Transport 359 running out of service off a #14 service.

Blackpool Transport 359 in Fleetwood Interchange

We also let Blackpool Transport 351 go which was on a #14 to Mereside Tesco. The had been to wait for the 18:09 #1 to Freeport and do it to the bottom of Lord Street for Blackpool Transport 374 back in on the service that form the 18:45 from the Interchange to Starr Gate. Had we had tried to do this we would have failed! The 18:09 didn't show up. !8:09 came and went and the only bus about was required Blackpool Transport 311 which was going to be working the 18:15 to Mereside Tesco.

Blackpool Transport 311 in Fleetwood Interchange

A few minutes later Blackpool Transport 527 arrived at the interchange on what we assumed would be the following #14 to Mereside Tesco.

Blackpool Transport 527 in Fleetwood Interchange

We decided to do Blackpool Transport 311 as plan B and forget what we assumed would be required Blackpool Transport 328 on the #1. We got on the bus and we Flashed the Adult24 ticket to the driver. As the downstairs was empty Matthew took a picture inside of Blackpool Transport 311.

Inside Blackpool Transport 311

We went upstairs and this was also empty too, so Matthew took another picture Blackpool Transport 311.

Inside Blackpool Transport 311

The bus set off out of the interchange and onto Queens Terrace by the Ferry Cafe. We turned right into Pharos Street past the big stone lighthouse and we turned left onto Albert Street North. We ran down onto Lord Street and we passed required Blackpool Transport 328 on the late running #1 service to Freeport. At the bottom of Lord Street we continued onto Copse Road and we turned right onto Elm Street where we got up and got off the bus. We walked back around the corner onto Radcliffe Road but we could not see a bus stop so we knew it had to be a fair way down. It was close to 1/4 of a mile and we walked quickly as we didn't know when the bus was due. We got to the stop around 18:24 and we check the timetable on the bus stop. The bus to the interchange was due at 18:16! In theory we should have missed the bus... Before we even had chance to cacth our breath the bus turned the corner and it was as hoped required Blackpool Transport 374.

Blackpool Transport 374 in Fleetwood

We got on the bus and we flashed the adult24 ticket to the driver for the final time today before we went upstairs and sat down. The bus set off along Radcliffe Road. At the end we turned right across the the tram line and onto Copse Road. We joined Lord Street and we ran through town. We called mum to tell her we were heading to the Ferry terminal and we carried on into Albert Street North. We turned right into Bold Street and we let the bus empty before Matthew took a picture inside Blackpool Transport 374.

Inside Blackpool Transport 374

We got off the bus and we took another picture of Blackpool Transport 374 before it took it final run down to Starr Gate.

Blackpool Transport 374 in Fleetwood Interchange

Whilst we waited for mum to come and pick us up we decided to venture onto the beach! This was the first time Matthew has been on sand for quite a while. After a quick photograph of this rare event we walked back onto firm land and we spotted mum parked opposite to us. we got in the car and as it was getting close to 18:45 we decided we would find a chippy and have chips in the car. We ran down Queen's terrace and we turned right into Kent Street. We turned left onto North Albert Street through the tram platforms and we spotted a chippy on the roundabout where Albert Street North went forwards onto Lord Street. I went into Granada fish bar and i brought 4 small portion of chips & gravy with a small sausage. Whilst we sat in the car eating we saw Blackpool Transport 306 & 372 on #14 service up to Fleetwood Interchange and Preston Bus Solo 20773 on a #74 service to Preston. We also saw Fleetwood based coach Comfy Coach ST02 GDZ dropping passengers off in town. When we had finished eating we set off onto Albert Street and right onto the A585. We then followed the A585 South to the M55. The road has been improved since our last run along this road with a couple of the main junctions upgraded. We got onto the M55 and we ran East to the M6. As we traveled South down the M6 we passed Preston Bus 20789, an unidentified Hodson coach, Walton's BX13 CZH & Knight's UKZ 9592. When we got to junction 16 we went East on the A500. On the A500 we saw Howards F19 HOW & Magnum SO59 HUA. At Sideway we went East on the A50 up to Longton so we could check out what vehicles were parked up at their depot. In the front row we saw Z Carz Ford minibus BN03 OVS.

Z Carz BN03 OVS in Longton

We also saw Z Carz Ford minibus FP06 WTW.

Z Carz FP06 WTW in Longton

next in the row we saw Z Carz Airport Division Ford minibus MJ03 DPU.

Z Carz MJ03 DPU in Longton

Nearest in the first row was Z Carz LDV minibus PN06 ONM.

Z Carz PN06 ONM in Longton

Closest to the road in the second row was Z Carz Ford minibus HK57 LGW.

Z Carz HK57 LGW in Longton

At the very back of the site we saw Z Carz Ford minibus PY08 KDX

Z Carz PY08 KDX in Longton

We turned into Willow Row to see what was in the compound. Nearest top the gate was Z Carz Volkswagen minibus S973 OVP.

Z Carz S973 OVP in Longton

We rejoined the top level A50 and we crossed over the main carriageway at the roundabout onto Baths Road. We went to the Tesco Petrol station and we topped up with diesel before we got back onto the Westbound A50. As it was now 21:15 we decided to drop uncle Dave off First. We dropped down into Fenton to drop him off home and we returned to Heron Cross and over the A50. We ran into Blurton along Blurton Road before turned right into Church Road and right again onto Beaconsfield Drive. We got home around 21:30. Matthew chilled out on his computer and we ate some jam filled shortbread biscuits. We looked the pictures we had taken today and Matthew went to bed around 00:00... Mark