#730

The reason behind my recent visits to the Midlands on family business since Easter was to visit my 86-year old father in Good Hope hospital, where he was being treated for a stroke. Sadly, he got gradually worse and died peacefully on Friday 1st June while being attended by a nurse.

One of his earliest jobs before becoming a college lecturer in physics was at Kodak and there were always cameras present on our family outings in my childhood, so it is fitting that my anniversary blip should be taken on my way up to see him two days earlier for what turned out to be the last time. There was a good atmosphere at his bedside as there were quite a few visitors, including fellow blippers ChristieScruffs and the Spotlight Kid (my brother). His friend Audrey was there, his oldest friend Derek and his daughter Helen also, and two doctors and nursing staff came by. Although he didn't speak and probably didn't recognise anyone, I'm sure he enjoyed the attention and well-wishing.

We had driven through Warwick on the way up from Wiltshire, and stopped for a breath of air at the Saltisford Canal Centre, somewhere we had never been before. This was originally the terminus of the Warwick and Birmingham Canal but became part of the Grand Union Canal in 1929. At this time it was upgraded and the steep Hatton Lock flight was built nearby, known by the boaters as the Stairway To Heaven. I wonder if this was inspiration for one Robert Plant ...

On the return journey, we stopped in the beautiful Cotswold village of Broadway, which has the longest High Street in the UK, and I took the first photos I have taken in Worcestershire, as far as I can recall. We had a lovely cappuccino at the Swan Hotel.

Thanks to Blip and to everyone who has stopped by.

L.
5.6.2012

Blip #729 (one from The Future already posted!)
Consecutive Blip #044
Day #798

A Day Trip To The Midlands, 30 May 2012 (Flickr set)

Lens: Pentax 17-70mm

Backblips:
Saturday 26 May 2012: Electro-Smokey (posted 2.6.2012)
Sunday 27 May 2012: Smokey, 1852 hr (posted 3.6.2012)
Monday 28 May 2012: Caen Hill Locks (posted 3.6.2012)
Tuesday 29 May 2012: Zoo Trip #23: Bristol Zoo (posted 4.6.2012)

One year ago: Aquilegia