And Then, On to Panormic 34!

 

And Then, On To Panoramic 34!

Having given the venue such a good rating, including praising the wonderful panoramic views, Wendy suggested I describe what can be seen on a good day: To the south, you can see across the Mersey to the Wirral with Birkenhead and shipbuilders Cammell Laird, and the Welsh hills. To the west, it's the Irish Sea, and to the east, the City of Liverpool is laid out before you, with the Liver Building, the Anglican Cathedral, the City FM Radio Station Tower and, of course, the river, in view. Looking out to the north, you can see the docks and Bootle but, as I've just said, a lot depends on the weather. If we are ever in Blackpool, and the weather is fine, from the top of the Blackpool Tower you can see Liverpool, which is 50 miles to the south, as the crow flies. 

On this visit, it all started off a bit overcast and rainy, but happily, as the day progressed, the weather improved. 

Panoramic views from Panoramic 34!

We were made very welcome by the staff, and enjoyed the tea and champagne; I had my usual sip of it for the toast, and then our friend "helped me out!" as he put it, and finished it off for me. 

I had also ordered my usual very simple "Plain white bread and butter and cucumber" sandwiches, that came on a large plate, which meant everyone else could enjoy them too. There were the other, "fancier" offerings that didn't appeal to me, and I was well satisfied with my very simple fare. 

It was reasonably quiet at the venue, so we were seated early, and could really take our take to enjoy the tea and the view. The weather continued to get better, and there were some beautiful moments when the sunshine broke through clouds, lying like a gleaming carpet across the river. and visibility improved, too.

 

 

 A silver ray of sun stretches like a bridge across the Mersey, 

whilst the skies are brightening

It was so lovely to be able to spend time with a dear friend, and we were all very happy to have had the opportunity to meet up again! I know a lot has happened over the past couple of years, and the days, weeks and months - and then years - go by, without actually seeing people we are fond of; it's very important to make an effort and arrange get-togethers whenever possible. 

We drove our friend back to his hotel, promising we won't leave it so long again, before we arrange another meeting!