Caught 9.43 from Euston (Glasgow destination) to Milton Keynes, arr 10.20. Got no.8 bus outside the station at 10.30 to Woolstone, alighting near the Grand Union canal, and then walking South , on a bright and cold day. The sun reflecting of the water as well as the low sun, had me squinting and shielding my eyes at times. Very nice walk with lots of green space between the estates which make up the new town. Discovered The Plough at Simpson at 11.50, having been walking for just over an hour. Ordered a pot of tea for 2 as I was thirsty, and a pasta meal. (it also doubles as an Italian restaurant). Chatty young guy serving, who''d played in MK Dons academy with Fulham player, George Williams. Nice meal and was recommended Young''s Winter Warmer 5% ale to round off with, which I had while sitting at the bar chatting to a local guy who was happy to talk. At 13.10 headed off for the ground and to find Mike, Adam, Dixie and Lee, who I guess were drinking in Bletchley. But they didn''t answer there phones. As it was I lost my way, and later realised when looking for the canal I actually walked under it, through a path in an embankment. I''m disorientated now and despite my printed OS map, take a wrong direction, and when asking a lad later, he advised me to cross the road and take a no6 bus back to the ground. alighting at Stadium MK, and with loads of time, I walked toward Bletchley, as much to take the route in daylight, so as to better find my way after dark. And also to find the lads. As it happened I saw, Mike''s old friend, Paul, and I walked back to the stadium with him and he waited outside with me for a while as I waited for Mike who has my ticket. They all turned up at 14.45 by which time I''m getting cold. We''re in the back row, quite high up with a great view. But a load of other fans don''t use their allocated seats and double up in our row, which in the second half led to Lee getting in a heated argument with a couple of guys, as Lee''s son George, couldn''t see the game as they were standing in front of him. I edged my way across to get between the rowing parties, as I didn''t want a fight. MK scored first at our end, and our equaliser was well taken. Little goal action in the second half and game petered out into an unhelpful draw. I lost the lads after I went to the loo before leaving, and walked briskly in the chill wind, to Bletchley station, catching the 17.50 London Midland service back to Euston. Back home by 19.15, and Claire and Dougie are staying the night, with Craig and Chloe joining them after they''ve been to the O2 to see the Masters Tennis. Family pre Christmas lunch tomorrow at the Abinger Hatch pub.