The Don Strikes Big

This weekend the Pieman tested out a new feeder rod (Appropriately named for the Pieman!), reel and alarm combination with assistance from the "Don" of shroppie fishing.

The result a 3lb bream for the Pieman on the second cast with several nice roach to follow in a short session! The next day from the same spot the "Don" weighed in with this colossus. A 20lb+ Mirror carp after a 15 min fight.

The weight is conservative as the scales broke!! But it was more than big enough for a few pies.

Cathedral of Consumerism

Bank Holiday weekend trip to The Trafford Park Centre (Deep Joy). This principally to allow Pie Daughter No1 to spend birthday money burning a hole in her pocket.

Highlight of the trip though, quite apart the "People Watching" and purchasers, was the visit to the Selfridges food Court! Several individual pies were available for purchase the most interesting of which was the Lamb & Mint. The Selfridges own Gloucestershire Pork Pie look worthy of attention but seemed a tad expensive.

Also noted was the Sushi bar which was very very busy. The idea of sitting watching food go past on a conveyor belt is quite appealing, tempting and demoralising all at at the same time. Eventually food purchases were made in the scrum that is known as the Great Food Hall and not a pie was seen.

The Pieman left the temple of materialism wondering why it is so popular when so many people there look so thoroughly miserable!!! Or was it me just focussing of the fellow pie eaters waiting outside of the umpteenth clothes shopping for ..............!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Robert De Niro sings Happy Birthday?

Many thanks to all those who sent a present , a card or best wishes for the Pie daughter no 1 birthday this week.

Due to weather barbeque inside with one member of the family coming in fancy dress.

Please note Robert De Niro ( Travis Look-a-Like) in the centre of the picture! Many thanks to Cousin Pie for making the extra effort to make the day memorable.

Pie In The Sky

A belated Christmas present for Mrs Pieman on sunday was a Birds of Prey experience in the middle of Cheshire. The day was split into two with the morning being a "Meet The Birds" session and the afternoon a "Walk on The Wild Side".

In the morning Mrs Pieman was introduced up close to six different raptors including an African Eagle Owl, Buzzard, Harris Hawk, Ferruginous Buzzard(pictured below left), Bateleur Eagle (pictured above left) and a Steppe Eagle.

There was a short break in the middle to get some lunch. A lovely Steak & Onion Pie being located by the pieman quicker than a hungry Falcon (200mph+). After lunch it was off for a trek through the local woods with a couple of Harris Hawks to scare the local rabbit and bird population.

Mrs Pieman escorted a male Harris Hawk ( called Tyler) to the woods who before the end of the session went AWOL he was enjoying himself so much!

Both sessions were led by interesting and obviously well informed Falconers. Their knowledge and enthusiasm for the birds was infectious. The weather and conditions were fantastic and a memorable day was had.