There’s something magical about April in the UK. The days are stretching longer, the garden is waking up, and there’s that unmistakable feeling that summer is just around the corner. This month felt like a proper mix of adventure, relaxation, and tinkering – which, let’s be honest, is exactly my kind of month.
Alton Towers and MAGNA Adventure
We kicked off April with a proper day out – Alton Towers followed by a stop at MAGNA Science Adventure Centre on the way home. Two very different experiences, both brilliant in their own way.
The Wicker Man remains one of my favourite coasters there. There’s just something about a wooden coaster with actual fire effects that hits different. The queue theming alone is worth the wait, and the ride itself delivers that perfect combination of speed and atmosphere. If you haven’t been on it yet, put it on your list.
But the unexpected highlight of Alton Towers? This absolute unit of a pheasant who decided we were his new best friends. He followed us from the car to the park entrance, and was waiting for us when we got back. Proper escort service.
On the way back, we stopped at MAGNA in Rotherham. If you’ve never been, it’s a science centre built inside an old steelworks, and the atmosphere is incredible. They’ve kept the industrial bones of the building and added interactive science exhibits throughout.
The lighting in there is something else – all moody reds and blues against the industrial backdrop. It’s the kind of place where you can easily lose a few hours exploring. Definitely worth a visit if you’re in the area.
Garden Season Is Here
With the evenings getting lighter, we’ve been making the most of the garden. The bird feeders have been absolutely heaving with goldfinches and blue tits, and the real highlight has been getting the fire pit going again.
There’s nothing quite like sitting outside with a drink, watching the flames, and actually being able to do it without freezing. We’ve had a few evenings out there now, and it’s become our go-to way to wind down after work. There’s something almost meditative about tending a fire – plus it’s a great excuse to stay outside longer.
Tech Corner: Getting Started with 3D Printing
On the maker side of things, I’ve been doing more 3D printing this month. If you’ve been thinking about getting into it, here are a few things I’ve learned:
Tip 1: Bed Adhesion Is Everything
Seriously, 90% of failed prints come down to the first layer not sticking properly. A clean bed, the right temperature, and proper levelling will save you hours of frustration. I use isopropyl alcohol to clean the bed before every print – it takes 30 seconds and makes a massive difference.
Tip 2: Start with PLA
Don’t jump straight into exotic filaments. PLA is forgiving, prints at lower temperatures, and doesn’t need an enclosure. Once you’ve got consistent results with PLA, then branch out into PETG or ABS.
Tip 3: Thingiverse Isn’t the Only Option
While Thingiverse is the classic go-to for 3D models, check out Printables (by Prusa) and Thangs as well. The search functions are often better, and you’ll find some excellent models that aren’t on Thingiverse.
Bonus Docker Tip
If you’re running OctoPrint in Docker to manage your printer remotely, make sure you’re passing through the USB device properly. Here’s a quick snippet:
devices:
- /dev/ttyUSB0:/dev/ttyUSB0And if your device path changes on reboot, look into udev rules to create a consistent symlink. Future you will thank present you.
Looking Ahead
April set a good pace for the year. With May approaching, I’m hoping for more garden evenings, maybe another day trip or two, and definitely more time at the workbench. The weather’s on our side now, so it’s time to make the most of it.
Until next time!
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