Shades of Grey

We had a road trip today, four junctions out east (towards Castleford).

At Glasshoughton there is a retail park and an entertainment centre. What used to be called Freeport Castleford designer outlet has now been rebranded Junction 32, although older locals will remember it as the colliery & coking works. It has been tweaked somewhat- an underused tented stage area has been removed (with the tent being redeployed into one of the four squares) and a fountain water feature has been replaced with a simpler cascade. It is a sort of outdoor mall, the shops being little more than industrial buildings with wild west style facades (albeit 21st century style ones).

We went there to get some wet wear gear for David who is going on an activity centre trip with the school in a few weeks time. Whilst we have some older stuff of his they look like they are flying at half mast as he just keeps on growing. One thing he did enjoy there was the Cadburys shop- he got a pack of ten Curly Wurlys for the price of 8 Ace- £1.49. (I’m sure that when they first came out they were 50% wider and 30% longer…)

We also wandered over to the Xscape building which houses an indoor ski slope as well as Cinemas and other stuff. The side profile of the building gives away what it houses inside!

Inside, the foyer has a climbing wall and high above the escalators that lead up to the Cinemas is the skyRide. We have all been on that, David twice. You get harnessed up and then manipulate yourself through the aerial obstacle course. There is only one way to go and fortunately it isn’t down! I’d recommend it once for the experience but you do need a head for heights of course. Click on this picture for more information, it costs £8 at weekends though.

No trip to Xscape is complete without a quick peer through the windows at the ski slope. David went tobogganing here once and loved it, Karen got a wet bum! There are also the polar bears frozen inside ice cubes, although the ice cliff has been removed, as has the skateboard park. My favourite bit there though was a cup of coffee from Starbucks.

Whilst relaxing on the balcony with David & Karen playing 9 hole ultra-violet crazy golf, I was a little puzzled with the constantly changing sign outside the cinema. Eventually I twigged it- you read the left two first…

Restrospectively reviewing my snapshots, I notice that I am in breach of rule thirteen of the code of conduct. A bit late now though.