Cricket Anyone?

Back to work, although it is hard to think about traditional work when you are in the UK. I liked the opportunity that this job presented, and we did work long hours, but the exploring in the evening was a special bonus. We made our traditional stops when Jenn was here (Cooper’s Arms carvery, Olde Trip for dinner), and a walk around Derby when she left. Thursday was something different. The chaps from the electrical department invited Len and I to play cricket with them. It really is a lot like baseball, and with some quick explanation of the rules we were ready to go. I had a chance to bowl (i.e., pitch), field, and bat. I was a decent fielder, getting a jump on the ball and not being afraid of getting in front of it. I would have liked the opportunity to try catching the ball on the fly for an out, but that didn’t happen. I bowled out two batters by hitting the post on them. My British counterparts thought that was hilarious, getting out by an American. Batting, though, was an embarrassment. I got out on one pitch, and was proclaimed to be the “Golden Duck.” Len fared much better, tapping into his softball skills and being able to score runs.

I walked around the park to find the Abbey, a Samuel Smith pub that was on the opposite side of the fields. The pub was next to the river, and the scenery was spectacular. I tried the Organic Wheat and the Dark Mild on draft, two beers that we don’t get here in the states. I then hiked through the park after dusk, using the river and the cathedral as guides, to make it back to the center of Derby. Well the sound of water, the cathedral lights, as well as the smell of beer brought me back to the Brewery Tap, home of Derby beers. The cricket team was there toasting their participation (didn’t really matter if they won or loss) in that night’s competition. I really enjoyed the Business as Usual and the Dashingly Dark, and shared my beer enthusiasm with my teammates. I think they developed a new appreciation for Americans, if not for our ball skills.

Friday we drove to Birmingham, stopping in Burton for a sampling of Burton Bridge beers. A nice pub, we enjoyed the Cannonball Express and the Damson Porter. When we made it to Birmingham, we found a Davenport pub in City Center. Highgate Dark Mild was highly recommended (3.5 Stars) by Michael Jackson, and we were able to find it on cask and in the bottle. It was a good trip. - 5175

"Blessing of your heart, you brew good ale." - William Shakespeare (The Two Gentlemen of Verona)