(04 May 2014, 7:11 pm)aureolin wrote A really enjoyable day. Probably one of the best bus related days out I've had in a long time.

I was a bit keen this morning, and it started early, getting up at 6am. I was out the house and on Go North East's 0655 service 4 to Heworth, which was quite packed being a Sunday morning. Ended up getting to Heworth, and jumping on the 0722 Metro across to Gateshead, where I managed to just catch the 0740 49 to the Metrocentre, arriving about 10 to 8. Had a quick glance over the coach park from the bridge, and nothing much was happening. Just the stall with a blue roof being set up, and a few stewards hanging about. So I decided to chill out for a short while, grabbing a bite to eat from Subway, washed down with two Black coffees. That gave me a bit of a kick!

It got to about 0825 and I decided to head over to the coach park roundabout. Decided that if I stood on the Handy Drive side, I could see what's coming both ways, with the aim of catching some of the buses that tend to just sit and not move all day. This proved to be worth the 6am start.

Ended up being outside the coach park until about 1030, at which time I'd decided most of what's going to turn up, has turned up. Had a wander up and down getting a few more shots, and then decided to go and get some lunch.

After lunch, I had a ride out on 1723 on service 3, all the way to Tanfield Railway and back. It was a really enjoyable run out, and it felt good to have a proper run on a Busways bus again. Once I got back, I had another wander round the coach park, got a few more shots, and then cleared off about 1420.

I met Adam Malarkey, who ended up standing at the roundabout with me for a bit. Also had a bit chat with Bazza, who looked to be enjoying himself as a rally steward for the day. Think I seen a few others from here, but wasn't 100% sure, so didn't say anything namely Gary Mitchelhill, Kuyoyo, and tyresmoke? Didn't see many others, but I take it a few people seen me if they drove in!

P.s. photos from the day here - https://www.flickr.com/photos/aureolindn...098734570/