7:02:09 AM: I’m walking down to get the bus. It’s a crisp, cool, spring morning in Blyth.
7:15:15 AM: I’m on the X6 to Newcastle. Ah, the advantages of having an all day concessionary travel pass…
7:55:47 AM: I’m in Newcastle. Now going to head to The Union Rooms…
8:15:43 AM: First annoying fact of the day is that they don’t serve alcohol until 10am! And there’s 9 of them to try in this pub…
8:44:19 AM: It didn’t take long to eat a Large Traditional Breakfast… http://twitpic.com/1dsqa7
8:57:57 AM: A short walk up to The Keel Row for opening…
9:00:46 AM: Or not!!! They haven’t got any festival ales on…
9:11:40 AM: From left: 38, 40, 44. http://twitpic.com/1dstmb
9:21:00 AM: From left: 27, 48, 49. http://twitpic.com/1dsutq
9:39:31 AM: Numbers 21 and 26… http://twitpic.com/1dsxci
10:00:44 AM: All guesses welcomed, as not even the cellar staff can tell me… http://twitpic.com/1dt074
10:02:22 AM: However, the Hedgerows is alright!
10:28:18 AM: On the train to Banbury!
10:54:00 AM: Calling at Darlington.
11:04:46 AM: Yes, I almost did miss this train because I got involved in a debate over whether something was Ruddles or not…
11:47:25 AM: Calling at Doncaster. Still more than 2 hours away from Banbury!
12:50:15 PM: @Oxonparamedic If @Louise1132 thinks I’m meeting you just to settle that Twitter argument, she can think again!
12:53:48 PM: I’ve just left Derby. Not far to go now…
1:26:36 PM: And now into Birmingham!
1:59:25 PM: Next stop – Banbury…
2:33:34 PM: I can see the irony here… http://twitpic.com/1duecq
2:47:15 PM: The festival is definitely underway here! http://twitpic.com/1duhf9
2:51:00 PM: I’ve just had amazing service from The Fleur-de-Lis. Mark D, you are a real credit to @JDWtweet!
2:51:46 PM: Oh dear, for those trying to GPS me – I appear to be an hour behind… Should hopefully pick up soon!
2:52:24 PM: So, now I just wait for either @Oxonparamedic or @Louise1132 to tweet/text me! Or else go to The Exchange!
3:22:40 PM: @luciejones1 LUCIE!!! AARGH!!!
3:23:40 PM: Wel, that was a lovely Afternoon Deal, though I do note the bread & butter has been cut to one slice… 
3:25:06 PM: Ale number 33, the Zule Blonde, is alright. Prefer the Gentle Jane in here out of the three on offer!
3:25:43 PM: Still no word from either @Louise1132 or @Oxonparamedic – come on guys, one of you text me, please!?
3:51:06 PM: The other one in Banbury. How many ales will I manage here? http://twitpic.com/1duuj7
4:00:16 PM: The answer? No new ones. Though 4 of the non-festival ales have a festival clip on them! 2 badges are in the wrong place, too…
4:36:29 PM: Andy, Louise, and maybe even Sophie on their way to meet me! But will they get here before I have to get my train?
4:52:52 PM: That lukewarm dish is not fit to be served to customers, @jdwtweet! http://twitpic.com/1dv7f9
5:16:31 PM: Just pulled the duty manager for the quality of that meal – he was VERY apologetic!
5:18:11 PM: I’ve got to leave here in less than 30 minutes. Come on @Louise1132 & @Oxonparamedic…
5:24:32 PM: I heard @marinasdiamonds being played in here. That makes me happy!
5:33:57 PM: Walking down to Banbury station now. Still no sign of Lou or Andy!
5:58:58 PM: @Louise1132 Missed you both…
7:46:19 PM: Now on the South West Trains service to Swanwick!