Of course, some chips would have cheered us up while we were walking round Eastside in the rain, preferably from Deritend fish & chips because:

1) they're nice; and

2) the chip shop is half way up the hill, so you get some exercise which means you are allowed a few chips!

Can't lose!

Oh dear....

It all started so well.

A really interesting interview with a respondent who spoke clearly, made fascinating observations and was thoughtful about his own place in Eastside. 

Our aim of assessing walking interviews was also given a boost, as it appeared to me that the beginning and end of the interview 'proper' were even more blurred than usual.  I usually chat to interviewees while setting up the equipment (although that used to mean a tape recorder - this project really has Equipment!), and we usually chat afterwards.  Frequently, this is when the really good observations are made!!  However, with a 'normal' interview there is a kind of formal ending, usually with me giving the respondent a chance to ask questions or make any other comments.  In this case, though, the whole interview had been more of a chat and before we reached the end of the walk, my respondent was asking me questions about the project and my own academic background - something that usually happens 'afterwards', off-tape.  Does this prove the increased informality of the walking interview - and, therefore, its value where informality is particularly useful?  Or is it a one-off, dependent on the character of this one interviewee????

Yes, very interesting!

But...

It rained!  And we discovered that bad weather doesn't put off all respondents!

And...

(Future employers look away now!)  The audio recording failed!!  Yes, I confess, I hate anything more technical than a tape recorder, and my relationship with them has been fraught on occasion!  It may have been the rain, gremlins in the machinery- or, more probably, I didn't turn it on properly.  Still, this interviewee did want to be anonymous , although probably not to the extent of silence....

So, learning points: 

1) just looking at the weather forecast isn't enough - sometimes it is correct and you have to act on it!

2) double-check everything....