If there was an award for 'Best Furmeet', the furmeet in Leeds this weekend would definitely be in the running to win. I have been to meets up and down the country, and I have enjoyed every single one of them. Even so, to find such an enjoyable meet was a real pleasure. My last visit to Leeds was a year ago, so a return trip was well overdue. And I can honestly say I am delighted that I went.

My weekend actually started on Friday afternoon. Meeting my hosts in the evening, there was time for a delicious Indian meal before catching some much-needed rest. And then, on Saturday, it was into the city centre for the meet itself. The new venue, Baa Bar, is a real find: furry-friendly, lovely staff, and to top it all off they even offered a full range of furry-themed drinks! (A Good Hard Buck... now that's my kind of drink. The discerning fur could also pick a Tail Raiser or a Fur Fox Sake, if they preferred.)

Naturally, events were not just confined to the bar. Lunch at a new burrito restaurant was a pleasant change; and come mid-afternoon, the fursuits were out in full force ready for our furwalk around Millennium Square. Photos, hilarity and priceless reactions ensued. I tell you, seeing a child's face light up when they see a giant fox or a fluffy pink puppy... that's always a delight to see.

In the evening we relocated to another nearby bar for more drinks and chats. Then, while some of the group 'split' to head bowling, I joined a group heading for dinner at the Japanese restaurant Little Tokyo. With its low ceilings, Oriental ornaments and natural wood tables, it's an impressive dining experience. And the food was gorgeous as well. My first teriyaki in my first bento box, and needless to say I will be back again for more! And even a crowded rail-replacement bus could not detract from a superb day as I left the city behind, once again and all too soon. A lazy Sunday morning, and then it was off to the station for the long ride home.

So, for a truly unforegtatable weekend, all I can say is thank you. It is testament to each and every one of you up there in Yorkshire. That's as true for the superb organisers
 wolfieuk,  lupestripe and  arcais,
as it is for every meet-goer, old and new. Thank you to everyone who took time to chat with me, including but by no means limited to:
 avon  skawinski  cheetahkid  englishmuttley  enteirah  foxb  kisaro  kyuubikira  mikune articuno southpaw suburbanfox taneligepardi tynedragon wallymunster wierdgoku wolfieoracle
(Now I know I have missed some people out, so apologies, I've tried my best!)

And, hooves crossed, I will see you all in October!