tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82505502793314930772024-03-19T04:30:47.941+00:00John & Lin's Continuing Adventure in Their CaravanLinda Varneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10023578343265888742noreply@blogger.comBlogger315125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8250550279331493077.post-46351055537409413232022-07-16T16:03:00.000+01:002022-07-16T16:03:53.777+01:00Another Little Holiday in Yorkshire 9th - 15th July Part 4<p><b>Another Little Holiday in Yorkshire 9th - 15th July Part 4</b></p><p>And that brings us to the end of this 'holiday' and also to the end of an era - but more on that later!! We've spent this last week visiting grand houses, doing lots of walking, just a little bit of cycling, and on some days we've done nothing much at all!</p><p>Saturday saw us visit the nearby Georgian Grade I listed Sewerby Hall which has stunning views over Bridlington and the coast, and it's a place we've passed by without calling in on many occasions. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyf0VhWe_4TkvXy6urLCMxSE3qkNAEhLFphw8-yKt5JpcQS8dLHlWU8OwTMqfhb6lB-hwfrtwRXorEIMMbD0jS097MNUK-9Ao2Yfc-7Otxh0t-O4vsN6i1tRZ0lj88IsDV_lZBtdn5Rqx2ZciU5OQuSMBowOoO85bMAo2aSGlwOL0uD9VEPDukyculWA/s5184/IMG_4307.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2893" data-original-width="5184" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyf0VhWe_4TkvXy6urLCMxSE3qkNAEhLFphw8-yKt5JpcQS8dLHlWU8OwTMqfhb6lB-hwfrtwRXorEIMMbD0jS097MNUK-9Ao2Yfc-7Otxh0t-O4vsN6i1tRZ0lj88IsDV_lZBtdn5Rqx2ZciU5OQuSMBowOoO85bMAo2aSGlwOL0uD9VEPDukyculWA/w640-h358/IMG_4307.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The main part of the house was built between 1714 and 1720 <br />but was later added to in 1808 and 1830</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>The rooms themselves were lavishly decorated but for us the best bit was the Wildlife Photography exhibition!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7NwdALhXwcB4ExXtQJR8qszx_ZBM8Tnd8XDBk5GLg1fBsiBdjhULh7njqUw328zdRqE4W2-Qp2J7m_7ouN_E5pZ4OgClHabdwry7CZL4FgSxbfiuoypXfA3CjtbbSpF6Wkuyhz_9wgYs-2MBPd66xe6-JGctvRVc_zExdDddSnzHHVsyUoeHn6szIaw/s955/Screenshot%202022-07-15%2011.51.14.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="523" data-original-width="955" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7NwdALhXwcB4ExXtQJR8qszx_ZBM8Tnd8XDBk5GLg1fBsiBdjhULh7njqUw328zdRqE4W2-Qp2J7m_7ouN_E5pZ4OgClHabdwry7CZL4FgSxbfiuoypXfA3CjtbbSpF6Wkuyhz_9wgYs-2MBPd66xe6-JGctvRVc_zExdDddSnzHHVsyUoeHn6szIaw/w640-h350/Screenshot%202022-07-15%2011.51.14.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLxemuhQsHCPiVfVCHheURnKkAd9igudfnrcoO219mPg2fRidxgnlvYTninXXK2JpdtXxwjQholl0m45SO6DU43iwNP6wOV3G5c-RSt5cGEFxrxDurX5Pf8tXzB0-WQmY3eAobLLh8_6UwQtnA7gcNI99N_1tkYxVlp3K0617WtEQIOXhX3jbESUzDVQ/s1355/Screenshot%202022-07-15%2011.50.48.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="505" data-original-width="1355" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLxemuhQsHCPiVfVCHheURnKkAd9igudfnrcoO219mPg2fRidxgnlvYTninXXK2JpdtXxwjQholl0m45SO6DU43iwNP6wOV3G5c-RSt5cGEFxrxDurX5Pf8tXzB0-WQmY3eAobLLh8_6UwQtnA7gcNI99N_1tkYxVlp3K0617WtEQIOXhX3jbESUzDVQ/w640-h238/Screenshot%202022-07-15%2011.50.48.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>There were loads of brilliant pics, some of which had been taken by children but it seems a bit wrong to take too many pics of pics!</div><div><br /></div><div>We also had a quick look around the park's zoo where we met Rosie who is an 'old lady' penguin!</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8PGHoYaZKKx75fHgvD8PEzFcHw7uBFdbFMpeT7xbH5y0xog5DOhdzgtDwd-aS4JK5PGRPbJ6czEjrRX8jqp00sOqWDbo3-2NBzCU9RkoBVeOHDfHJvE0ldFw6wdkz6gH9k6CEbtnH7A-JRM1yv53grJVgW9vkxS-rBxaph2BynAZQGroTvrPGSeyZOw/s5184/IMG_4302.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8PGHoYaZKKx75fHgvD8PEzFcHw7uBFdbFMpeT7xbH5y0xog5DOhdzgtDwd-aS4JK5PGRPbJ6czEjrRX8jqp00sOqWDbo3-2NBzCU9RkoBVeOHDfHJvE0ldFw6wdkz6gH9k6CEbtnH7A-JRM1yv53grJVgW9vkxS-rBxaph2BynAZQGroTvrPGSeyZOw/w640-h480/IMG_4302.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rosie is a Humboldt Penguin who was born on 20th April 1990 and has since reared 3 chicks!<br />The other bit of interesting info about her is that at 32 she is possibly the oldest Humboldt <br />in the world!</td></tr></tbody></table>But it has to be said, we're really not that keen on zoos so we didn't linger long there! Instead we nipped into the lovely colourful Walled garden......</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuu_vhpV__KEa3spG33GkPIDeXy_OaiU00r69xSlPsflIiL5cqsacDx1cVKm9BW3Y_ndeS7v8Op_AWWmTQYjQY82D09qPzly2nXoZUDj4AE7ODZ1BAB8lzvSqd7OesIMzSR2EOw31mV9Aep9qooPYb9F7FE6rkpzSvSpNZuU7qz84rLdFqb3iBAo_Lyw/s5184/IMG_4313.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuu_vhpV__KEa3spG33GkPIDeXy_OaiU00r69xSlPsflIiL5cqsacDx1cVKm9BW3Y_ndeS7v8Op_AWWmTQYjQY82D09qPzly2nXoZUDj4AE7ODZ1BAB8lzvSqd7OesIMzSR2EOw31mV9Aep9qooPYb9F7FE6rkpzSvSpNZuU7qz84rLdFqb3iBAo_Lyw/w640-h480/IMG_4313.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>........ and then into the very fragrant Rose Garden for lunch........</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDm_IHqharcT6dqx-6A2_CNG0fqgiFRv2TfQhK8GvjGuKRr7hUP2hwjFF2aQtSPvEovj7KLnOHnpkizYETUh9ONd1SJOFUKEMfpmMgAw5RUxmGmTgFeP2NwCgTMvnhcLKjCFgIqYOOp-T0JJWMy9PizBtuBuvRRuJAuBXbRxDkOASdR447pqrq04MFRA/s5184/IMG_4315.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDm_IHqharcT6dqx-6A2_CNG0fqgiFRv2TfQhK8GvjGuKRr7hUP2hwjFF2aQtSPvEovj7KLnOHnpkizYETUh9ONd1SJOFUKEMfpmMgAw5RUxmGmTgFeP2NwCgTMvnhcLKjCFgIqYOOp-T0JJWMy9PizBtuBuvRRuJAuBXbRxDkOASdR447pqrq04MFRA/w640-h480/IMG_4315.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">..........and we also took the time to marvel at the ancient and magnificent Monkey Trees which date back to the 1860s ..........</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyR5RuZIpf-TRtoAl299sBEJeseB9g8LqJwskGL1vcOJAJX93TJ7hTAqXLAnZ4qiPMvXD3gY_S8hKIi-W6OkSLTMEdDx8Qf1YnhuUraGQoXzgKUpYCiUhnZhaa4DuENQX5sinIVkUuPJ7Cl2Ml7CVEB5GuuWy4e-MEW6BkmK7PTiexwBJOX3-eJ4hDwA/s5184/IMG_4309.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5184" data-original-width="3888" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyR5RuZIpf-TRtoAl299sBEJeseB9g8LqJwskGL1vcOJAJX93TJ7hTAqXLAnZ4qiPMvXD3gY_S8hKIi-W6OkSLTMEdDx8Qf1YnhuUraGQoXzgKUpYCiUhnZhaa4DuENQX5sinIVkUuPJ7Cl2Ml7CVEB5GuuWy4e-MEW6BkmK7PTiexwBJOX3-eJ4hDwA/w480-h640/IMG_4309.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Later we learned that during a recent storm (2018) one of them had been blown down and it's wood was used to make 'nature plaques' that adorn the sides of the woodland walk way within the gardens.<div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizBfZBa9wMNJ-iF-xoBB79xwD6LJt6-S5EvE8gsRzaJ-JIZ3omtroPFC3AsSUe2tZiT0D1BNaz9lUHEvUKcwbyQBxcpj-PcTkL2tI0WdwhaW07-b2NRw6L8viTfFERe2JOenn8LPbtdLjqGq-3lq1GiyNFsJqqNOnv0n2I4JNIpGZZP5LUyFhVmQgNcA/s5184/IMG_4317.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1223" data-original-width="5184" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizBfZBa9wMNJ-iF-xoBB79xwD6LJt6-S5EvE8gsRzaJ-JIZ3omtroPFC3AsSUe2tZiT0D1BNaz9lUHEvUKcwbyQBxcpj-PcTkL2tI0WdwhaW07-b2NRw6L8viTfFERe2JOenn8LPbtdLjqGq-3lq1GiyNFsJqqNOnv0n2I4JNIpGZZP5LUyFhVmQgNcA/w640-h150/IMG_4317.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was just one of many</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>Sunday the 10th July was John's birthday so for that special (but very hot ๐๐) day we decided to walk from the North to South Landings of the Flamborough Peninsula but to do that we also needed to walk from the campsite through Flamborough, and then at the other end, up through the Danes Dike Nature Reserve. Therefore, altogether our walk was about 8 miles of <i>spectacular-ness</i> which is very hard to demonstrate in pictures! <br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWYvpx5_1R103DU18nOxJLFepkJaCba9Ii5oSyUyuoOwlonD8PUM3Y5d_ji2tb-7WaC3zcZNGeMV4J8wL-KOZDqWGczmk6XtDqwQSOd2CH4dQZa6P0VdEJ3Nk75g1xbXU7JoLPA5ojPYVIjlfWMv3Zak6vnnIPBye6tnRgLoulbCixSrXmHryDkNmtpw/s5184/IMG_4299.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2946" data-original-width="5184" height="364" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWYvpx5_1R103DU18nOxJLFepkJaCba9Ii5oSyUyuoOwlonD8PUM3Y5d_ji2tb-7WaC3zcZNGeMV4J8wL-KOZDqWGczmk6XtDqwQSOd2CH4dQZa6P0VdEJ3Nk75g1xbXU7JoLPA5ojPYVIjlfWMv3Zak6vnnIPBye6tnRgLoulbCixSrXmHryDkNmtpw/w640-h364/IMG_4299.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0jTDo-_EuWH3vXQayMY6qvfNKJRUreNTNwACMycZDmLLrPMCWcs4FyeUny0TzGBFXT03RNg7DugBzOa40XbTfxrjFjZgGa6ayBNA5TgNTnJbbcK1mTBaDiyLcBU0sRGDLSmgDjy9_wf3HHioHd1CEdWtNom4XT_rPbMnsnvy5wi9aiGhX0792jQwDuQ/s4128/20220710_144734.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="1956" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0jTDo-_EuWH3vXQayMY6qvfNKJRUreNTNwACMycZDmLLrPMCWcs4FyeUny0TzGBFXT03RNg7DugBzOa40XbTfxrjFjZgGa6ayBNA5TgNTnJbbcK1mTBaDiyLcBU0sRGDLSmgDjy9_wf3HHioHd1CEdWtNom4XT_rPbMnsnvy5wi9aiGhX0792jQwDuQ/w304-h640/20220710_144734.jpg" width="304" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Replica Lighthouse that we found<br />on the Coastal Path </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV9boLfJnCRIfp5_Fu78QA39h74B98IkmSxJ0wtCCDILPctvSJeAVRjBNSJ3W1BaUzAzU4VouAeSgcEIaM0AJ8Ni7yYwdZaMX3rO7DkBHmP8rKyYI2hnDLdZCJkJYkO_1bElKtPcPjHk9RxeIr7o4SF2Om-knWumTY7eoNCBXGNa3lEa5chyukAdZOpw/s4128/20220710_144949.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="1956" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV9boLfJnCRIfp5_Fu78QA39h74B98IkmSxJ0wtCCDILPctvSJeAVRjBNSJ3W1BaUzAzU4VouAeSgcEIaM0AJ8Ni7yYwdZaMX3rO7DkBHmP8rKyYI2hnDLdZCJkJYkO_1bElKtPcPjHk9RxeIr7o4SF2Om-knWumTY7eoNCBXGNa3lEa5chyukAdZOpw/w304-h640/20220710_144949.jpg" width="304" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And the Birthday Boy viewed through <br />Dashing Blades</td></tr></tbody></table>The monument represents an ancient dance that would be performed by 8 men where they would interlock wooden swords of about a yard long in the air ๐ฒ and apparently the most recent re-enactment of it was quite recently in 1977!</div><div><br /></div><div>During our wanderings on some of the other days we also increased our <a href="http://puffinsgalore.co.uk/">Puffin Score</a> when we spotted them in Flamborough, Sewerby, and North Landing but out of the 42 along the coast I think we only scored about 10!</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw3fvYsdGbCLkAafA1X9cxVbJ6W1tc3z5QnE1bU3_8KFiSKJfRRuqJr2NboOsv5EcRcDw2U2DYpA1mbDj2QDUesQ69dB8qjzuS3VldI95NQJAjnQ-2SNCn8k_OBD7VaVA5Q0CQHuCutgGsXeJd4KPv0TmOAkhfrDN0dhO_9tUPnBkwVU2jrQtNzHulTA/s5184/IMG_4301.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5184" data-original-width="3888" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw3fvYsdGbCLkAafA1X9cxVbJ6W1tc3z5QnE1bU3_8KFiSKJfRRuqJr2NboOsv5EcRcDw2U2DYpA1mbDj2QDUesQ69dB8qjzuS3VldI95NQJAjnQ-2SNCn8k_OBD7VaVA5Q0CQHuCutgGsXeJd4KPv0TmOAkhfrDN0dhO_9tUPnBkwVU2jrQtNzHulTA/s320/IMG_4301.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Butterfly City at Sewerby</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCARv4sWukE1huMUONwrgaVP8QIhPSBECd63ih1-WdjxAXVYCn6NYj0KP5TVXfu13rpGHmT6GjUL5pKkMlQ5wGwAw6__f7hPA64g2migMqY29Fm0j4iku2yd_0aNAbBEg1ndG5YD9XEgx1VVpCQKwu4fJgdaMlHaExfqQhIsxSJPBoJyWeoVAgPhZW7A/s4128/20220710_113536.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="1956" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCARv4sWukE1huMUONwrgaVP8QIhPSBECd63ih1-WdjxAXVYCn6NYj0KP5TVXfu13rpGHmT6GjUL5pKkMlQ5wGwAw6__f7hPA64g2migMqY29Fm0j4iku2yd_0aNAbBEg1ndG5YD9XEgx1VVpCQKwu4fJgdaMlHaExfqQhIsxSJPBoJyWeoVAgPhZW7A/w304-h640/20220710_113536.jpg" width="304" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coasty at Flamborough </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD5CVIjGCo8JNijLQaHN5H_e8y5ZvKFypM2HZpIcFhgzrawPLi8VX16Lk0PGHk1JuOawjG6pr83OVC5FdY-hZqxt2kpzxQV1et6Iga9cESZ4Mo7LEEhYv8-Oo0iD_bsqI5yNvOzVmQPV3bz8nooSDE3GV5X6trecH6ivHm5XPkURBON-PVyefq-3LEHQ/s4128/20220710_121133.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="1956" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD5CVIjGCo8JNijLQaHN5H_e8y5ZvKFypM2HZpIcFhgzrawPLi8VX16Lk0PGHk1JuOawjG6pr83OVC5FdY-hZqxt2kpzxQV1et6Iga9cESZ4Mo7LEEhYv8-Oo0iD_bsqI5yNvOzVmQPV3bz8nooSDE3GV5X6trecH6ivHm5XPkURBON-PVyefq-3LEHQ/w304-h640/20220710_121133.jpg" width="304" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Migration 'The Dance of Life' <br />at North Landing</td></tr></tbody></table><div>On one of our lazy๐ด days (which turned out not to be very lazy) we parked up in the meadow above Thornwick Bay (North Landing) for the amazingly cheap price of ยฃ1.50 for all day! From there we did a 6 mile there and back walk to the <a href="https://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves-and-events/reserves-a-z/bempton-cliffs/">RSPB Nature Reserve</a> at Bempton, before sitting on the cliff edge in our deck chairs for the rest of the afternoon!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjmcliLg8xuSHUxpfJXY-5QbMVdM_Y6i_j7zfhMNwKsZeNO_eqcssXVC0RGgqBBxH_o4SktUMmzj3ZRfVpn8Kf6Is8ykWUebLKbIvgP28tOD_D8SJWdEFQpjAjdjQmxMqG-0U5xdQUeFAur6IMPYIXMdgP_KpTRyZVwONEXFkjTvyZpBLydu4tvEjYEQ/s5184/IMG_4319.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjmcliLg8xuSHUxpfJXY-5QbMVdM_Y6i_j7zfhMNwKsZeNO_eqcssXVC0RGgqBBxH_o4SktUMmzj3ZRfVpn8Kf6Is8ykWUebLKbIvgP28tOD_D8SJWdEFQpjAjdjQmxMqG-0U5xdQUeFAur6IMPYIXMdgP_KpTRyZVwONEXFkjTvyZpBLydu4tvEjYEQ/w640-h480/IMG_4319.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwrgCNdQqx8SqXBv2SZn84HL-igqLyHaEhhE8BviQ0AePACNZO5opJqgeG_VZVo7vrO5_HPIiW4omZ7Zxa-2EECBG3IQV5jcV76IOemFsTv-fraYF8ykdUuETXtuqzE4nEjDUdGoe15ZuAZe_PyV3cE4kBULdMTMpOkuAAawuho9FSj04_OBbzwxkYnA/s658/Screenshot%202022-07-16%2015.34.36.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="560" data-original-width="658" height="544" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwrgCNdQqx8SqXBv2SZn84HL-igqLyHaEhhE8BviQ0AePACNZO5opJqgeG_VZVo7vrO5_HPIiW4omZ7Zxa-2EECBG3IQV5jcV76IOemFsTv-fraYF8ykdUuETXtuqzE4nEjDUdGoe15ZuAZe_PyV3cE4kBULdMTMpOkuAAawuho9FSj04_OBbzwxkYnA/w640-h544/Screenshot%202022-07-16%2015.34.36.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>And on our other lazy day (after another long walk along the coast) we sat in Filey Brigg Country Park for a picnic and snooze ๐ค!<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9hjyS_DqdZQbSO-IqPYm3APwBR5GJs40LYYq8dqkNo4yCJWM_7BED4vlhTNryTNCQViUsunGJzi8mTVz_9CAGnF9-xuanBiFzJqmRRfC3UWSUg-SGOwkDJHgI2eqvB3ZVLNnC32Q6acymRlchwULAeK_HibJZaNEB6pZAmi6L_FSGr1yP2CY9-3ikOw/s896/Screenshot%202022-07-16%2015.40.02.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="398" data-original-width="896" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9hjyS_DqdZQbSO-IqPYm3APwBR5GJs40LYYq8dqkNo4yCJWM_7BED4vlhTNryTNCQViUsunGJzi8mTVz_9CAGnF9-xuanBiFzJqmRRfC3UWSUg-SGOwkDJHgI2eqvB3ZVLNnC32Q6acymRlchwULAeK_HibJZaNEB6pZAmi6L_FSGr1yP2CY9-3ikOw/w640-h284/Screenshot%202022-07-16%2015.40.02.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>So why is this the end of an era??? Well, after very nearly 7 years our full-time roving and van life is coming to an end because we're in the process of buying a small flat in Allestree that will become our bolt hole for the winter months and also in the summer when sites are really busy. However, once we've done all our renovations (and lots are needed) we have got some long 'holidays' planned but they will be holidays rather than our current lifestyle. Therefore, on that note I'm going to bring this blog to a close - but who knows, maybe in the future I'll want to record our excursions in a new chapter!</div><div><br /></div><div>So bye for now and thanks for reading ๐๐<br /><div><div><br /></div></div></div>Linda Varneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10023578343265888742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8250550279331493077.post-81942785129134203742022-07-08T17:34:00.000+01:002022-07-08T17:34:49.796+01:00Another Little Holiday in Yorkshire 2nd - 8th July Part 3<p>Well, this episode is only going to be a quickie because over the last few days I haven't the time or inclination to pop my fingers onto the keyboard to keep up with our story! Instead, for the last 5 days we've been spending most of our time in the company of our very good friends Keith and Jackie who joined us here (with their caravan) at <a href="https://www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk/campsites/uk/east-riding-of-yorkshire/bridlington/beaconhouse/">The Camping and Caravan CS Beacon House</a>. We've all had a lovely time catching up, and our itinerary has included outings, lots of nattering and plenty of feasting๐, which of course was accompanied with several <strike>little</strike> or maybe that should be large bevvies or three! So after that, now we're on our own again, we'll be back to a much more healthy and TEE-total regime for the next few days (or at least until the 10th cos that's John's birthday)! </p><p>So what have we actually been doing??</p><p>We've toddled along parts of Danes Dyke a couple of times and while we were walking through the woods we were lucky enough to spot deer but not quick enough to snap a pic so you'll have to look at the lovely views from the beach there instead๐</p><p>And just cos I like local facts I found that Danes Dyke is an ancient 2 mile long ditch that runs north to south (or even the other way around) that isolates the seaward side of the headland from the mainland, and it's at each end that the North and South Landings are found!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXIq0DlcJySAMUuIMgUlkKW9Uj7Zt9NPxx7TfGToLOprlrDaX_5JuwRcDZctF2p4ujoFMDGjxejuPcev8eNfyZ-FhuxSsXBKQJwXFlL38ky6QRUreTuIyS9XrQns-Ivu0JmGogFIISQEgPkf8LrPr06id8u43eyXXyxnni6mYdfAtYhDIxWvdTXMgBkw/s5184/IMG_4299.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2946" data-original-width="5184" height="364" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXIq0DlcJySAMUuIMgUlkKW9Uj7Zt9NPxx7TfGToLOprlrDaX_5JuwRcDZctF2p4ujoFMDGjxejuPcev8eNfyZ-FhuxSsXBKQJwXFlL38ky6QRUreTuIyS9XrQns-Ivu0JmGogFIISQEgPkf8LrPr06id8u43eyXXyxnni6mYdfAtYhDIxWvdTXMgBkw/w640-h364/IMG_4299.JPG" width="640" /></a></div> <div>The second time we went down to the beach we took our flask of coffee and cake and found a wonderful peaceful seat on a rock where we could watch the tide ebbing and the birds feeding!</div><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2nSjgoMG7L8vqU0_Ca_b288P5BombTwxoKvEXGpbVP272hAt6SGZPM-Iws2ErL3r7aj5-z3Ki_96jgsgpYSEVMSyeAEg0wqPLV-OhkVtRXdvWwhm5TXYW9s0k7mquGY-pqRKFZ3eYXHYdrLFRsJ1fLuR3htxe7uLgPzHfk2YP1TE4fuVY9CGDEInYgg/s5184/IMG_4300.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2nSjgoMG7L8vqU0_Ca_b288P5BombTwxoKvEXGpbVP272hAt6SGZPM-Iws2ErL3r7aj5-z3Ki_96jgsgpYSEVMSyeAEg0wqPLV-OhkVtRXdvWwhm5TXYW9s0k7mquGY-pqRKFZ3eYXHYdrLFRsJ1fLuR3htxe7uLgPzHfk2YP1TE4fuVY9CGDEInYgg/w640-h480/IMG_4300.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">However, John was quite keen to keep checking that the white<br />flaky chalk cliffs above us weren't going to fall on our heads๐ฎ<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>We've also walked on the cliff tops from Danes Dyke to Flamborough Lighthouse which can trace it's history back to 1806!</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1W4gE70zw8wu9dL-GwTTx04LEc8YPRdviFXCWy13SIws5ajR7ZgJxGiElP4nVRE-u45VB5thn_qAthmdGLiwSe3I30vgVLekOQ0QKtHVlYAIaRh9NI1c1FsIo-E7sXOtz7JIWVxZ5XApZ/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1448" data-original-width="2048" height="453" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1W4gE70zw8wu9dL-GwTTx04LEc8YPRdviFXCWy13SIws5ajR7ZgJxGiElP4nVRE-u45VB5thn_qAthmdGLiwSe3I30vgVLekOQ0QKtHVlYAIaRh9NI1c1FsIo-E7sXOtz7JIWVxZ5XApZ/" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The price then was just ยฃ8,000</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p></div><div>And we've been Puffin spotting at several locations!</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQRyvgujgXfWn4ZR6Sb73u43Qp3leBnnBU9Shf547rN6yvTphYqkuS1gM8y7Mr4537rwo6VOROOo29J7I_8FYSzOL7CQ9RaXcmxqvt7bGVr9yix3Ml06jqjLCgJzTHfRmu2eQO49BjANZBgat1nYmxza0NY0w_eqC3pgTNOx02r3ZKQPMbWlHMCgHuYw/s3278/IMG_4281.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3278" data-original-width="3199" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQRyvgujgXfWn4ZR6Sb73u43Qp3leBnnBU9Shf547rN6yvTphYqkuS1gM8y7Mr4537rwo6VOROOo29J7I_8FYSzOL7CQ9RaXcmxqvt7bGVr9yix3Ml06jqjLCgJzTHfRmu2eQO49BjANZBgat1nYmxza0NY0w_eqC3pgTNOx02r3ZKQPMbWlHMCgHuYw/w624-h640/IMG_4281.JPG" width="624" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This one was on the cliffs at <a href="https://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves-and-events/reserves-a-z/bempton-cliffs/">RSPB Bempton</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0i-mcsysAXrZ8eYzwMjCQj-AqKT7sV6ScWmke1MvXCTN4ESf9862RnPRoOlaeBBepuG3FzfEXy_5TaL0KvJySpdu_GhiTRdZM-x1VGQXltypFppBvxbmr1WbSOEH0k6OtDVz3_mwO8yuCpPKS9Am0RXZnkFEbE2tFiQXxDCgkrkkkGAQCBPwAu9ABxw/s3888/IMG_4282.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="3665" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0i-mcsysAXrZ8eYzwMjCQj-AqKT7sV6ScWmke1MvXCTN4ESf9862RnPRoOlaeBBepuG3FzfEXy_5TaL0KvJySpdu_GhiTRdZM-x1VGQXltypFppBvxbmr1WbSOEH0k6OtDVz3_mwO8yuCpPKS9Am0RXZnkFEbE2tFiQXxDCgkrkkkGAQCBPwAu9ABxw/w604-h640/IMG_4282.JPG" width="604" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Along with many hundreds of squawking Gannets </td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9R4rkRsinZ2Hs6cXjLMZdW0Lqfq7yaC8N0ne6DK6xdBGk9hI9EKCEZhzFdlSsuOkyKGVj7qx-3kPUnJC9zkw5RPmz7vG4GBkjB0CrzsAAVH2np_AL9AV4uy9oM0z00qnmSUuXgQcura6J3Oxcv_sE1ExTfeeNdwKoWpoVgfv8e6AjfSXfXq1n1-MEVg/s5184/IMG_4292.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5184" data-original-width="3888" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9R4rkRsinZ2Hs6cXjLMZdW0Lqfq7yaC8N0ne6DK6xdBGk9hI9EKCEZhzFdlSsuOkyKGVj7qx-3kPUnJC9zkw5RPmz7vG4GBkjB0CrzsAAVH2np_AL9AV4uy9oM0z00qnmSUuXgQcura6J3Oxcv_sE1ExTfeeNdwKoWpoVgfv8e6AjfSXfXq1n1-MEVg/w480-h640/IMG_4292.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">But it was an incredibly windy day and cold with it <br />so we didn't stay long!<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>And after that we also met some more very colourful puffins from The Puffins Galore exhibition where 42 Puffin Sculptures have been set out along the coast from Bempton to Spurn Point, and the guide leaflet says there are even a few that have migrated a little bit inland!<div><br /></div><div>So far we've met Cliff </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHyFPBNwqIS2YcLsPH7p_xnBs3U33jPZH_Xt_p-Q-HMDDPGGe0QDhn1eTyfFMoGwEKxOT2zGLbgGUhM4fkeUc9kQ_VGANxCln-TCpfzX7wdYvja1S9UqOffWWXi5znN9FeYIYkulYP29JBaZADfxP4ef8oVz6KPqheVhCIucWgRalsiMCdxWIdmG0SxQ/s5184/IMG_4293.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5184" data-original-width="3118" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHyFPBNwqIS2YcLsPH7p_xnBs3U33jPZH_Xt_p-Q-HMDDPGGe0QDhn1eTyfFMoGwEKxOT2zGLbgGUhM4fkeUc9kQ_VGANxCln-TCpfzX7wdYvja1S9UqOffWWXi5znN9FeYIYkulYP29JBaZADfxP4ef8oVz6KPqheVhCIucWgRalsiMCdxWIdmG0SxQ/w384-h640/IMG_4293.JPG" width="384" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He's got his feet in the sea, his body depicts the cliffs<br />and his head shows the meadows above!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaf9ee6xMnb9QFwZYO5-u72KLyjZSAbE8BrtmDPgKqgVxuVmR2SoQwKFMGqdKq-1id4SZ4OqN6Wbe-qhwsWuLBtAqpvuU19f_WCOdC-3x8ytKsfvI3j7VMu7ibgFd6kCLTrS9Z-GOFKiPvDdKoPNOtVS7NHowxUSF5lMaPU0tvSsWsbU_0mvxMTd0TDA/s3295/IMG_4296.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3295" data-original-width="2485" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaf9ee6xMnb9QFwZYO5-u72KLyjZSAbE8BrtmDPgKqgVxuVmR2SoQwKFMGqdKq-1id4SZ4OqN6Wbe-qhwsWuLBtAqpvuU19f_WCOdC-3x8ytKsfvI3j7VMu7ibgFd6kCLTrS9Z-GOFKiPvDdKoPNOtVS7NHowxUSF5lMaPU0tvSsWsbU_0mvxMTd0TDA/w482-h640/IMG_4296.JPG" width="482" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This one was Swim, Dive Catch</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgln-BTJ9L437g5sMDZER7LNXsjy8jcDOxYVNltpzZkWCFTon8jZI80mA-gm91sxm_HeHqQs_LWLkmcnS7kaTOZUr_jkpLqfutn6wKKT5JO68OjMEaKVVB70rA8tjMYhJE73i6EQ8gcs4hD1XvpqmiCQ1Wntxn_0_8VzU-ZHZpo15zXAZfMOQ05QJAnIA/s3980/IMG_4294.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3980" data-original-width="2832" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgln-BTJ9L437g5sMDZER7LNXsjy8jcDOxYVNltpzZkWCFTon8jZI80mA-gm91sxm_HeHqQs_LWLkmcnS7kaTOZUr_jkpLqfutn6wKKT5JO68OjMEaKVVB70rA8tjMYhJE73i6EQ8gcs4hD1XvpqmiCQ1Wntxn_0_8VzU-ZHZpo15zXAZfMOQ05QJAnIA/w456-h640/IMG_4294.JPG" width="456" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And Starlet!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>I don't think we'll be finding all 42 but hopefully we'll be able to track a few more of them in places like Hornsea and Withernsea!</div><div><br /></div><div>Along with all the above we've also managed to fit in a couple of bike rides of 10 and 28 miles, and part of the latter of the two (which we did today on 8th July) was a bit of a ๐ด'roll' ๐ด down memory lane along a 'lane' called Wold Gate! Google memories has reliably informed us that back in 2013 July 8th was the day that we completed the 170 mile long distance Coast to Coast cycle route 'The Way of the Roses'!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Nj4NV5u6KfV6n0vzQvDnlOmdNFV2mJJ0emYBhDeu-AG8YXqapNF94mK0GikBAvcx8RUazl6cs4psR1QY_HJ4GqFsgXP1HgnM6UxXE4seLsEVQiOmiwcj1qLJ2eEWAjGZNAFZUhQWvx9_tIVbjRPWyAJsaYsusbZ2peSbEHU_oyqBgqlDe0Ty5cRjJg/s592/Screenshot%202022-07-08%2017.09.08.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="286" data-original-width="592" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Nj4NV5u6KfV6n0vzQvDnlOmdNFV2mJJ0emYBhDeu-AG8YXqapNF94mK0GikBAvcx8RUazl6cs4psR1QY_HJ4GqFsgXP1HgnM6UxXE4seLsEVQiOmiwcj1qLJ2eEWAjGZNAFZUhQWvx9_tIVbjRPWyAJsaYsusbZ2peSbEHU_oyqBgqlDe0Ty5cRjJg/w640-h310/Screenshot%202022-07-08%2017.09.08.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>But we didn't just do that! We'd set of from our home in Heanor, cycled to Morecambe, then did The Way of the Roses which terminated in Bridlington, and then rode all the way home again. So by the time we'd done we didn't have much change out of 500 miles๐ - I'm not sure we could still do it these days!!!</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt6tqT56mMKxBwpTsMd1glo-cFTaN0LVOeq_aZthj4Laed8jCAoYBzJtE968htHZSBneEs3YT7MFcGONIz9wbVxlMHS1Vo2WxoudPAuf0yWUnhwMRa6DRzmUlkPfh72fp_iW9lGDCPsAs6LzJDMBmEUZNugE1bwXnvRI2imNwmOW2JI7AVU95JNPIrew/s1416/WhatsApp%20Image%202022-07-08%20at%204.20.52%20PM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1066" data-original-width="1416" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt6tqT56mMKxBwpTsMd1glo-cFTaN0LVOeq_aZthj4Laed8jCAoYBzJtE968htHZSBneEs3YT7MFcGONIz9wbVxlMHS1Vo2WxoudPAuf0yWUnhwMRa6DRzmUlkPfh72fp_iW9lGDCPsAs6LzJDMBmEUZNugE1bwXnvRI2imNwmOW2JI7AVU95JNPIrew/w640-h482/WhatsApp%20Image%202022-07-08%20at%204.20.52%20PM.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Google Memory!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>Anyway, that's all for today ๐</div>Linda Varneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10023578343265888742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8250550279331493077.post-16411424785567434132022-06-30T20:47:00.001+01:002022-06-30T20:47:42.631+01:00Another Little Holiday in Yorkshire 25th June - 1st July Part 2<p><b>Another Little Holiday in Yorkshire 25th June - 1st July Par</b>t 2</p><p>Continuing on from Part One of this story :- </p><p>On Saturday 25th we visited <a href="https://www.thorpperrow.com/">Thorp Perrow</a> Arboretum which we'd found in our Gardeners' World 2 for 1 entry magazine! The blurb says the park is unique in England because it's 100 acres are home to some very rare collections of trees some of which (in the park lands) date back as far as the 16th and 17th centuries. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikCilkLMtjHmADr8SFflblgdAHaHCWftYPC2I67qSLuWw0P7tjCzNQbBj7fCDtyJ2QSp05CclyNKr3Z4QS3pvxJI7ozstcS_zBFG0P-Um9f1Okgc_YmzfyzL75gnfEaRZRyO4WvYlC5S3pbTS3yC098--aZbDoFWqdxs5PpRq3pGkrcvwL-q_PgdmwmA/s1177/Screenshot%202022-06-29%2016.44.57.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="402" data-original-width="1177" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikCilkLMtjHmADr8SFflblgdAHaHCWftYPC2I67qSLuWw0P7tjCzNQbBj7fCDtyJ2QSp05CclyNKr3Z4QS3pvxJI7ozstcS_zBFG0P-Um9f1Okgc_YmzfyzL75gnfEaRZRyO4WvYlC5S3pbTS3yC098--aZbDoFWqdxs5PpRq3pGkrcvwL-q_PgdmwmA/w640-h218/Screenshot%202022-06-29%2016.44.57.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6XcqNZv_BSyB2HOZMVJUELwNLQrczDpOa_cWCKkFirLzr5P-gPlgoBef4OZ0lmUg7z_1tCvO4woo80eKhyXbclF0hj_ifzHKkro0cNLdlotGfsyya9c6o_hzHaRS52HMN0hb558eMuTwUiGhmaIGR1cg1aG0VUzsR_ZabvdKAqyuyPMijjr4Dh12JSg/s586/Screenshot%202022-06-29%2016.55.32.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="376" data-original-width="586" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6XcqNZv_BSyB2HOZMVJUELwNLQrczDpOa_cWCKkFirLzr5P-gPlgoBef4OZ0lmUg7z_1tCvO4woo80eKhyXbclF0hj_ifzHKkro0cNLdlotGfsyya9c6o_hzHaRS52HMN0hb558eMuTwUiGhmaIGR1cg1aG0VUzsR_ZabvdKAqyuyPMijjr4Dh12JSg/w640-h410/Screenshot%202022-06-29%2016.55.32.png" width="640" /></a></div><p>However, it wasn't just the trees that we'd gone to see! The park is also home to about 100 birds of prey which included ๐ฆ eagles ๐ฆ falcons and ๐ฆowls ๐ฆto name but a few, and while we were there they seemed quite happy to display their ๐ชถ feathers ๐ชถ in a show!</p><p>The first on stage were a couple of Caracaras by the names of George and Mildred!</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge_uG9A5MNNvs7ii3iBPXTloNlnUvdC9cqwlqz6F5Tv6zOEaiHCj7eI28Nt1rdDKajpK2VlLxMu0nYAct9L7OQO6n0pBNsC67BSVjELuHq16qmpb4Wd4iy0Pu5744whEkCUEzd-zdrRIgWMECIPVLNFGP-x2QMHIXYrJ0zIfzfBYNdo8FgKwBcgEgdhw/s5184/IMG_4203.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge_uG9A5MNNvs7ii3iBPXTloNlnUvdC9cqwlqz6F5Tv6zOEaiHCj7eI28Nt1rdDKajpK2VlLxMu0nYAct9L7OQO6n0pBNsC67BSVjELuHq16qmpb4Wd4iy0Pu5744whEkCUEzd-zdrRIgWMECIPVLNFGP-x2QMHIXYrJ0zIfzfBYNdo8FgKwBcgEgdhw/w640-h480/IMG_4203.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">George and Mildred with crops full of food!</td></tr></tbody></table><br />They were very eager to get out of their cage and once they did they dashed about the arena looking for any odd ice cream or butty that they could steal from an unsuspecting spectators hands.<div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU7GgOXIHPKuMTUwiJLnqw5ji6W3cWYJJ7eTVoc8fvyMRXk3L7dIldU84LBCLNgdpCDmKrfkL6mz8AoND4BsY5XsVwqLLCN33DFHGdr8d53RYEriygULQsYG1l0LTcOXlXrumql_U0bX3aKjShgx1t-Icq3XzfiqcrlmmkwkiTAquQ6enzY7wVwbQjCg/s3888/IMG_4206.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="3205" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU7GgOXIHPKuMTUwiJLnqw5ji6W3cWYJJ7eTVoc8fvyMRXk3L7dIldU84LBCLNgdpCDmKrfkL6mz8AoND4BsY5XsVwqLLCN33DFHGdr8d53RYEriygULQsYG1l0LTcOXlXrumql_U0bX3aKjShgx1t-Icq3XzfiqcrlmmkwkiTAquQ6enzY7wVwbQjCg/w528-h640/IMG_4206.JPG" width="528" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Next came a beautiful Eagle Owl</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7wa28LS2ZwTH0F_h5o2BybW4SUpn0EiVEHOp00AA1fmk6x1D1Bh6w8197tiMLjtrueLRKSg5KWAS0kGbnQ0G4xcnTMUJY_xRLFn5plSN6_MEA8pIJqVG12ydCqgG8Ei-tc862e4ZkeS2dzfbmVHG_ZztMnfnatOhnijdsMtQ3uUa5ylrDhHwLo0cNLA/s5184/IMG_4217.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7wa28LS2ZwTH0F_h5o2BybW4SUpn0EiVEHOp00AA1fmk6x1D1Bh6w8197tiMLjtrueLRKSg5KWAS0kGbnQ0G4xcnTMUJY_xRLFn5plSN6_MEA8pIJqVG12ydCqgG8Ei-tc862e4ZkeS2dzfbmVHG_ZztMnfnatOhnijdsMtQ3uUa5ylrDhHwLo0cNLA/w640-h480/IMG_4217.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And finally a falcon who soared and dipped as he chased a Lure with prey attached!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSoMAtRyniK-Y9gGkfwPEBXMVKsur0C0P0yeN6AQdmyOB5qd4rA_jeRS3_yY-nIp7hb84VzENlxzQQbfpa5CpZ-4m-zutaTIPAvb-eAAjACxIoaaIjdlDJBsHHHamvM9i6PP6LGHuRDIxxf8Dd11xaJjFavqQarmYIk7RMnwGn4Iqg85qi5zAyN1uS2w/s3116/IMG_4218.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3116" data-original-width="2545" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSoMAtRyniK-Y9gGkfwPEBXMVKsur0C0P0yeN6AQdmyOB5qd4rA_jeRS3_yY-nIp7hb84VzENlxzQQbfpa5CpZ-4m-zutaTIPAvb-eAAjACxIoaaIjdlDJBsHHHamvM9i6PP6LGHuRDIxxf8Dd11xaJjFavqQarmYIk7RMnwGn4Iqg85qi5zAyN1uS2w/w522-h640/IMG_4218.JPG" width="522" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And maybe this little chap should have hidden away in case <br />one of the big birds thought he was dinner. </td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>After the show we wandered for a while longer in the gardens and wondered if we should have joined Penny the Pixie for afternoon tea!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqms12cykRpqjGfK33jdMzGEhE9OXKCnAyDAfAu6Lnjb1Ed_xWHLFL_stYOjJ1J9xATLjaXq-dPWnhMV-Job92CIhYlw4l5BixXmHFCf3Zjn0xBjsap5EKcqs8opwymB1bOunARAs-AzkzQb8MkUmc7ouuyFG4ECKTUJ3BbzxhJK-O26yXolX0RcFkdw/s5184/IMG_4223.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqms12cykRpqjGfK33jdMzGEhE9OXKCnAyDAfAu6Lnjb1Ed_xWHLFL_stYOjJ1J9xATLjaXq-dPWnhMV-Job92CIhYlw4l5BixXmHFCf3Zjn0xBjsap5EKcqs8opwymB1bOunARAs-AzkzQb8MkUmc7ouuyFG4ECKTUJ3BbzxhJK-O26yXolX0RcFkdw/w640-h480/IMG_4223.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5zxlvAMDaAVg1X3BdVMCbNmB7CAHCM46Jupbpp_m1qaHCQjno7PtluVTGhWuALcb55ZjhH6a5RrqS6Ixwt8FxIQeGNooNJCVlVn4gIKMi18YHi8WU7lGpGlajlKn78-nHYXb50y-zH_WEQnN5A2hNetnIE46ogr-8JvkrNn9Rc7I--JelIHUbZmS6BQ/s5184/IMG_4221.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5184" data-original-width="3888" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5zxlvAMDaAVg1X3BdVMCbNmB7CAHCM46Jupbpp_m1qaHCQjno7PtluVTGhWuALcb55ZjhH6a5RrqS6Ixwt8FxIQeGNooNJCVlVn4gIKMi18YHi8WU7lGpGlajlKn78-nHYXb50y-zH_WEQnN5A2hNetnIE46ogr-8JvkrNn9Rc7I--JelIHUbZmS6BQ/w480-h640/IMG_4221.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div>But her neat little home wasn't quite big enough for us so we opted for a bench by the waterside where we sat and sipped coffee and munched cake instead!</div><div><br /></div><div>On Sunday we couldn't quite decide what to do because with it being the weekend we thought that many of the local attractions might have been rammed! However, in the end we settled on a circular walk along <a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/fountains-abbey-and-studley-royal-water-garden/trails/the-seven-bridges-valley-walk">The Seven Bridges Valley Trail</a> that would lead us into the National Trusts <a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/fountains-abbey-and-studley-royal-water-garden">Fountains Abbey and Studley Water Park</a> </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho0xv1RDVXn41MW-ghwUBB30ePq83v4BCllTbCyGYjG_ZceYXPwVM5tdgwanLUFhIHhIkgGS_M_2D9ZPckobfBo6o4e93qmFpLMZZZakd3nfEl7cJM3jPiZOO_vzbXbdi7IfR04f0P21LBTa0svAWA42Dgq6Z-Z4ZWbrlomRpJmqwMKJ8MSvge0A5BgA/s4128/20220626_123025.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1956" data-original-width="4128" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho0xv1RDVXn41MW-ghwUBB30ePq83v4BCllTbCyGYjG_ZceYXPwVM5tdgwanLUFhIHhIkgGS_M_2D9ZPckobfBo6o4e93qmFpLMZZZakd3nfEl7cJM3jPiZOO_vzbXbdi7IfR04f0P21LBTa0svAWA42Dgq6Z-Z4ZWbrlomRpJmqwMKJ8MSvge0A5BgA/w640-h304/20220626_123025.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There are only 5 of the old rustic bridges left now and they crisscross the mostly <br />dry river bed of the Skell River<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj50NUq1X2amuS3trT3Mffl1ukBRPsxyJhLZMvp7SUgbS5miZ9LLGu-NJEGgSEDK8wUdoMfPbbG_jCWx96Gm41S4M9-R25c8-o11c84y2cKjiJ_-eCvfbIqek8Or-i0fP2yDWLBPY75H-vc164-1sdOzQcRz6eJKCQOggnFd4VnmIg-cR0FUNAz8yLHqA/s5184/IMG_4031.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj50NUq1X2amuS3trT3Mffl1ukBRPsxyJhLZMvp7SUgbS5miZ9LLGu-NJEGgSEDK8wUdoMfPbbG_jCWx96Gm41S4M9-R25c8-o11c84y2cKjiJ_-eCvfbIqek8Or-i0fP2yDWLBPY75H-vc164-1sdOzQcRz6eJKCQOggnFd4VnmIg-cR0FUNAz8yLHqA/w640-h480/IMG_4031.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Studley Water Park - a lovely peaceful place to rest even on a busy sunny Sunday</td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYPuvr2R_5AjO5Kbmp83vh5yNIJhXfCoi28ITMjlZA8mw4s0GxL5n8y3HzRBiRI07TJ4vo4MHFuoQg7K-DgT2-1DFZnpK2j396H0iDSDn4wzBZ63ty92okWG8lw5ZLYc8XRp_w-jTR8OLiJGTjtC7gh1C892KgtoLnNee2bJgEP6PMB3RGwttjesghCA/s5184/IMG_4045.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYPuvr2R_5AjO5Kbmp83vh5yNIJhXfCoi28ITMjlZA8mw4s0GxL5n8y3HzRBiRI07TJ4vo4MHFuoQg7K-DgT2-1DFZnpK2j396H0iDSDn4wzBZ63ty92okWG8lw5ZLYc8XRp_w-jTR8OLiJGTjtC7gh1C892KgtoLnNee2bJgEP6PMB3RGwttjesghCA/w640-h480/IMG_4045.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fountains Abbey</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Monday saw us venture out to Malham Cove which we've visited before many <span style="font-size: large;">many </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">many</span> ๐ moons ago! </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB1DFydmM9S2h1itTdjRLyZZ25l3XveiHAx-vvHACpK1MwhYMcMn7pIxJitznxBsG1Dpdku2mtQrNtGKugWqh7hqNODuXvuuW75kS2EDzFn0XGurJeCpJUOL9OangeDVj_PYNSZrqDm9swK_mYYtEXMvrm-FfsyJRB7wIKrxdHkqcCIe0DYPpf1wsLIg/s5184/IMG_4238.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2104" data-original-width="5184" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB1DFydmM9S2h1itTdjRLyZZ25l3XveiHAx-vvHACpK1MwhYMcMn7pIxJitznxBsG1Dpdku2mtQrNtGKugWqh7hqNODuXvuuW75kS2EDzFn0XGurJeCpJUOL9OangeDVj_PYNSZrqDm9swK_mYYtEXMvrm-FfsyJRB7wIKrxdHkqcCIe0DYPpf1wsLIg/w640-h260/IMG_4238.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Malham Cove is a huge curving amphitheatre limestone rock cliff formation<br />that has a vertical face that stands about 260 feet high. <br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>However, we didn't head directly to the cove! First of all we ventured towards Gordale Scar with the intention of climbing up the scar's waterfall๐จ but when we got to the bottom of it we very quickly realised it was probably not the safest thing for a couple of old crumblies to do๐!</div><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG9hjPflcMXQOatYL1IGfjkDBhAVOrJcbUZ-CmG2W0tfXu58l232WL0WL92x5ZTKpjN5o7JC3ufgT59MasUKBUVuGeleauD2E3ZFZQ2AZXfbAumWlgbvgWyV5tQBDEPdlxARSHP0885EQIKAx4BLqjuURXGwSTUdVMk9GvIqRzcv22Zo0Tk9Im_8DyTw/s5184/IMG_4231.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2856" data-original-width="5184" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG9hjPflcMXQOatYL1IGfjkDBhAVOrJcbUZ-CmG2W0tfXu58l232WL0WL92x5ZTKpjN5o7JC3ufgT59MasUKBUVuGeleauD2E3ZFZQ2AZXfbAumWlgbvgWyV5tQBDEPdlxARSHP0885EQIKAx4BLqjuURXGwSTUdVMk9GvIqRzcv22Zo0Tk9Im_8DyTw/w640-h352/IMG_4231.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was heading towards the Scar</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR9X4rAwzii871WvydergEaBOXATvQtcKEn53qUmpAsvLo_fUx4SHjX8VSFUCb_3iw-VjnGGA5CwY_MpmbZiq_VPINMDmYzjbd6dLY1tASYC5OxoLzV1-fU7DE5pqnIrWlnYyyjZ-5qPCpY6V1PuN075oa8FyhD5XV2ZYznST1Z3npt9TAMkBwfQT5Uw/s483/Screenshot%202022-06-29%2018.03.11.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="356" data-original-width="483" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR9X4rAwzii871WvydergEaBOXATvQtcKEn53qUmpAsvLo_fUx4SHjX8VSFUCb_3iw-VjnGGA5CwY_MpmbZiq_VPINMDmYzjbd6dLY1tASYC5OxoLzV1-fU7DE5pqnIrWlnYyyjZ-5qPCpY6V1PuN075oa8FyhD5XV2ZYznST1Z3npt9TAMkBwfQT5Uw/w640-h472/Screenshot%202022-06-29%2018.03.11.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And this was part of the Scar itself</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDa469v-ltJ6lcqDyl2E4rMxcdzSL_Yvax6s7XafxUiTflMyu-miJt2JG5BnCZrCTrFW_ldFgavmMs5dX8inuNEq2BpSh4hB8ctSqjz4m-WaBWUJexJvj1JgnLvB8-7hnXfRaZJf9XVsoEk1i1RFEhik6b9vmQYe8D0WPS-v_VNLEFcd-DVCz6wjbmUw/s5184/IMG_4232.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDa469v-ltJ6lcqDyl2E4rMxcdzSL_Yvax6s7XafxUiTflMyu-miJt2JG5BnCZrCTrFW_ldFgavmMs5dX8inuNEq2BpSh4hB8ctSqjz4m-WaBWUJexJvj1JgnLvB8-7hnXfRaZJf9XVsoEk1i1RFEhik6b9vmQYe8D0WPS-v_VNLEFcd-DVCz6wjbmUw/w640-h480/IMG_4232.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So instead of climbing it we sat and had our picnic at the bottom of it!<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivy_DuXzOTynWAmklgNBk1OoxZDvEnqVz2ll9Y2_U1gdudBfduO8wei_D0hhGTB0UU_Py08RUV2yM7_JuNSJp90Wk-MWT9_UTTrA3lOrNh8ZSuQn0aB4P4O3TVrJACZFpDgfX7CGDYUA7PMKf1d365YwIkMEyU0VDJ7Fmu59K50IBHDEKNEVFczInrxw/s5184/IMG_4246.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivy_DuXzOTynWAmklgNBk1OoxZDvEnqVz2ll9Y2_U1gdudBfduO8wei_D0hhGTB0UU_Py08RUV2yM7_JuNSJp90Wk-MWT9_UTTrA3lOrNh8ZSuQn0aB4P4O3TVrJACZFpDgfX7CGDYUA7PMKf1d365YwIkMEyU0VDJ7Fmu59K50IBHDEKNEVFczInrxw/w640-h480/IMG_4246.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maybe if we'd had this chap's ๐ท๏ธ Spiderman's ๐ท๏ธ capabilities <br />we might have tried the climb</td></tr></tbody></table><p>But playing it safe we retraced our steps for a short way and then followed a footpath through several miles of rock strewn fields before we eventually climbed onto the top of the cove which has a deeply eroded limestone surface - it would have been very easy to fall down one of the craters!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtnEfOT5M_RK1hjP_5z8MP3y5fcN_9N_u1Yu0MzDBdFyhfG4kpMmiy-6IHI3Gwzml4RycBzDpcrjH1-RYW52ERpBINgAVxhEWytpQHw2JKvuN7SQe5Dyc01QumjbIWL9bBZkE5Ga2V74oaZkgOGed92l3zoZ0yQw_XuiTKnKsBl_v3ymmCzWDx97RGyA/s5184/IMG_4242.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtnEfOT5M_RK1hjP_5z8MP3y5fcN_9N_u1Yu0MzDBdFyhfG4kpMmiy-6IHI3Gwzml4RycBzDpcrjH1-RYW52ERpBINgAVxhEWytpQHw2JKvuN7SQe5Dyc01QumjbIWL9bBZkE5Ga2V74oaZkgOGed92l3zoZ0yQw_XuiTKnKsBl_v3ymmCzWDx97RGyA/w640-h480/IMG_4242.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSHjpVzhID9swobaMq5Fs3rZdhfV-B808FiC4Btvx4LDJHWyoLAtL4f9AZCK_Ztu3Z7UbOo5GqxJRlqTLGjOdcH5jixv5dwe9ErwnQ65jL5-R9-ezi6L_zxMyseZ16WtWLB_ltuCXIIVRbsfvZ_e3SHD8rqaJ_WMVEMJa-TGvBZmwB0WtaGpQwOr_ahg/s5184/IMG_4241.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSHjpVzhID9swobaMq5Fs3rZdhfV-B808FiC4Btvx4LDJHWyoLAtL4f9AZCK_Ztu3Z7UbOo5GqxJRlqTLGjOdcH5jixv5dwe9ErwnQ65jL5-R9-ezi6L_zxMyseZ16WtWLB_ltuCXIIVRbsfvZ_e3SHD8rqaJ_WMVEMJa-TGvBZmwB0WtaGpQwOr_ahg/w640-h480/IMG_4241.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr4fZoOhIvvi5I--gAIgvP60Ykym6LWoNpoKfuzmlz7ROOb8nmNUAW4fJiaKtkF5JfyLIFIfPq5haI6Sh1PydSjyfKGrFc2l162ffZOdBu9BZq96Q-6hiIbL8QC_G5lwXzvvWaxlSgGezDzBhgKq3vYYFrrT5rxNz5-BXOHrbUjpARHIEK3NcQ3ixYyg/s5184/IMG_4244.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr4fZoOhIvvi5I--gAIgvP60Ykym6LWoNpoKfuzmlz7ROOb8nmNUAW4fJiaKtkF5JfyLIFIfPq5haI6Sh1PydSjyfKGrFc2l162ffZOdBu9BZq96Q-6hiIbL8QC_G5lwXzvvWaxlSgGezDzBhgKq3vYYFrrT5rxNz5-BXOHrbUjpARHIEK3NcQ3ixYyg/w640-h480/IMG_4244.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looks like Big Foot must have visited at sometime in the distant past!</td></tr></tbody></table><p>All in all we had a fantastic day and both agreed that Malham is somewhere we'll have to revisit in the near future!</p><p>However, we're unlikely to say the same for Ilkley Moor which we visited on Tuesday! I'm not quite sure why we were unimpressed by it; maybe it was because the sun was hiding behind thick cloud, maybe it was because we were still a bit tired from our long walk the previous day, or maybe it was because for much of the way we were walking through narrow paths that were lined by high ferns that eventually gave way to dark heather! </p><p>We parked our car in a free space high above the spa town of Ilkley, and from there we continued to climb upwards to a plateau that looked directly down onto the town!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZzwjg7oR6CaxNAk4Ug_kZlLYiJoVmKyhVDhyt8C3yPDM6zXcpGPNrcJPI7BLdOAe2ueAYgLROdGWF_vXIkzoEojR3bIVpZg8fa0eXX_SQA8zTooNEbvJfK-ovyHFUat9wvjFfeOVGvX5E-etUlu4c6IkR_-4eocTdvTNYUVNMQwXVKKbVuQj1QQxuow/s5184/IMG_4248.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZzwjg7oR6CaxNAk4Ug_kZlLYiJoVmKyhVDhyt8C3yPDM6zXcpGPNrcJPI7BLdOAe2ueAYgLROdGWF_vXIkzoEojR3bIVpZg8fa0eXX_SQA8zTooNEbvJfK-ovyHFUat9wvjFfeOVGvX5E-etUlu4c6IkR_-4eocTdvTNYUVNMQwXVKKbVuQj1QQxuow/w640-h480/IMG_4248.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>And it was only after several more miles that the landscape became more interesting! First we found a Celtic Cross with someone hiding behind it.........</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-4Ao1D6RUhp5pPLrZ8ASoorns1lqKKrp7Qm3zdr9b8q_FpagFY-OHllSrYbwXEs80jo9uSs9H0yEWpNm8MFqEE5mkTJ_zmFitqLOrsknpPXCqsMcD8OlOAVlps9tJHcH9yXEIUYHifX2Gcp8IpzrPL87d6aJatUbboWSBNsBY5jQmenCyacBut1IdkQ/s5184/IMG_4249.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-4Ao1D6RUhp5pPLrZ8ASoorns1lqKKrp7Qm3zdr9b8q_FpagFY-OHllSrYbwXEs80jo9uSs9H0yEWpNm8MFqEE5mkTJ_zmFitqLOrsknpPXCqsMcD8OlOAVlps9tJHcH9yXEIUYHifX2Gcp8IpzrPL87d6aJatUbboWSBNsBY5jQmenCyacBut1IdkQ/w640-h480/IMG_4249.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>..........and when we reached The Buck Stones that legend says were scattered there by a giants wife!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp6hFYZYMAakdSDz-zAMVHPPSFK6Ez7ecO0IOMrp_5ikrjF0WORwvTL0SHTR1uc12NxNhG1yJeaDFoY6ld2uH0pMp1s8eNKh7tualvnI2ctoYbi0CTN8qrhrNaWkvdGYrlyb5ar6PbetoibMLvVzwJirgESJeKcV0_abOCEjfegoF74EniX1R08YJ12Q/s5184/IMG_4252.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp6hFYZYMAakdSDz-zAMVHPPSFK6Ez7ecO0IOMrp_5ikrjF0WORwvTL0SHTR1uc12NxNhG1yJeaDFoY6ld2uH0pMp1s8eNKh7tualvnI2ctoYbi0CTN8qrhrNaWkvdGYrlyb5ar6PbetoibMLvVzwJirgESJeKcV0_abOCEjfegoF74EniX1R08YJ12Q/w640-h480/IMG_4252.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Further on still we came across a memorial to a Halifax Bomber that crashed on the Moor in 1944 and on the plaque there was a request! It read '<i>When you go home tell them of us and say, for your tomorrow we gave life today'</i></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixkNSpzyFFD2gPuU8s2ZEHfOmUc7ffZqS0XTsUApJ4EM8pWvEeMO4tjD_TxNFwDZTLfxIir0IOTzyLEQzO3OS7mvf9fZdmGfYDDsKewcOaqkwRMzDLq3TsPkD7DXj-mi2qYfE6qCNkUFvruxbVxxaPA6Wi3Feed4Ov7cMM1A7XpLockyKdbsWtlASioA/s546/Screenshot%202022-06-30%2017.53.56.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="497" data-original-width="546" height="582" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixkNSpzyFFD2gPuU8s2ZEHfOmUc7ffZqS0XTsUApJ4EM8pWvEeMO4tjD_TxNFwDZTLfxIir0IOTzyLEQzO3OS7mvf9fZdmGfYDDsKewcOaqkwRMzDLq3TsPkD7DXj-mi2qYfE6qCNkUFvruxbVxxaPA6Wi3Feed4Ov7cMM1A7XpLockyKdbsWtlASioA/w640-h582/Screenshot%202022-06-30%2017.53.56.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Part of the wreckage</td></tr></tbody></table><div>A bit of research also revealed more items of interest! The Moor rises 1,319 feet above sea level and it's well known for the song <i>'On Ilkley Moor Baht'at'! </i>But maybe a less well known tale is that of a retired policeman who thought he saw an ๐ฝalien ๐ฝ on the Moor back in 1987! Apparently he saw a strange creature rush up the hill and as it went it waved threateningly to him, then later he saw a dome topped craft shoot into the air at a blinding speed! I'm glad to say nothing quite as exciting as that happened while we were there!</div><div><br /></div><div>Anyway, back to our story for Wednesday which we'd initially decided would be a day off! However, John will always say I don't really know how to sit still, and by lunch time I'd got the fidgets๐! Therefore, I suggested a little trip to the near by <a href="https://www.friendsofvalleygardens.co.uk/">Valley Gardens </a>in Harrogate, and following a deep sigh ๐ he agreed as long as lunch was thrown in, and that turned out to be fish and chips in the park! </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUo7gTD0EQatMU99xu4EnRa1U45XL6VRcWpeWqfS8IKxjQl1Ly4McvFpLFxjZGCd6Le8HKoqrBFZ06d4gXrx-G7MzsPVCzoQWrcq3J2gPRHZhcT4OttR9Xy8mzaKOBb64UpPdtmOKPqtNeiPJjQ6_5I5yiWQS4SYC8-qc6LGi6eJe18wJsL9N2rSDLwA/s5184/IMG_4262.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUo7gTD0EQatMU99xu4EnRa1U45XL6VRcWpeWqfS8IKxjQl1Ly4McvFpLFxjZGCd6Le8HKoqrBFZ06d4gXrx-G7MzsPVCzoQWrcq3J2gPRHZhcT4OttR9Xy8mzaKOBb64UpPdtmOKPqtNeiPJjQ6_5I5yiWQS4SYC8-qc6LGi6eJe18wJsL9N2rSDLwA/w640-h480/IMG_4262.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The flower displays were lovely and lots of them were themed for the Jubilee </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEDo5v6IKxUtRjH_6DXF93FwCehhb5_0UIAtSJEVvADHCeLgzswg2cUW67_iS2l0qIfwZChgvLBd2Twmh8T47YbID6_FZAixFrAE2zE-pY1zlLZVohOccV1R_vla8OnHOb_dAJ-DR97zuuSMp8HkMv0uzC_qIguqTWRu3_yVnPdA8jWGsUhqwBYJvMqQ/s5184/IMG_4260.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEDo5v6IKxUtRjH_6DXF93FwCehhb5_0UIAtSJEVvADHCeLgzswg2cUW67_iS2l0qIfwZChgvLBd2Twmh8T47YbID6_FZAixFrAE2zE-pY1zlLZVohOccV1R_vla8OnHOb_dAJ-DR97zuuSMp8HkMv0uzC_qIguqTWRu3_yVnPdA8jWGsUhqwBYJvMqQ/w640-h480/IMG_4260.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And there were several pretty statues as well!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>But probably the most interesting bit was the Bogs Field where a greater number of unique mineral springs come to the surface than at any other location in the world. Apparently 36 of Harrogate's 88 mineral wells are found in the park and no two are alike in their water chemistry. The waters are Magmatic or Plutonic and have never existed as rain water having flowed deep beneath the earth for at least 20,000 years before rising to the surface through vertical shafts in the strata. History has it that Bogs Field was investigated by the Victorians who piped the mineral waters to Royal Bath Hospital where different ones were used to treat conditions such as rheumatic diseases, gout, anaemia and nervous dispositions!</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXA-cqEiLmiaO9kecUoSJD7isBuIi__7EfJQ62j88lOdnVODx3jYuOCeBn2ZRYGkp4mGRyG9AjowYRX-P92uFKGdeya5VeQs8lGT7DF1v-DgE41Q18Lg7uHSk3vNuqhjAN5D2q0jzHodNDoQw-m4Nwi9HXJEq_qQkd8b5lYOtWMve_85u3KWRn_ESVkA/s5184/IMG_4258.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5184" data-original-width="3888" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXA-cqEiLmiaO9kecUoSJD7isBuIi__7EfJQ62j88lOdnVODx3jYuOCeBn2ZRYGkp4mGRyG9AjowYRX-P92uFKGdeya5VeQs8lGT7DF1v-DgE41Q18Lg7uHSk3vNuqhjAN5D2q0jzHodNDoQw-m4Nwi9HXJEq_qQkd8b5lYOtWMve_85u3KWRn_ESVkA/w480-h640/IMG_4258.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the Well Heads<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>Thursday was our penultimate day here at The Cud Life Campsite and the weatherman had told us the big fat fib that it was going to rain for most of the day! However, we completely ignored him and set of for <a href="https://boltonabbey.com/">Bolton Abbey</a>, and we were very glad we did because not a drop of rain fell until about 6pm by which time we were back inside the nice dry warm confines of our caravan!</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_k295DdL8xapO-Hmyr7rq__XFriT-hmvPr5wffQe_0SF-Dxw8mGq5ZMnak_evA874-EZsTW1XICezH4xjJVxbGRbAmLw8YIk21uJI0H3dMXws_IMPfJvsoM3vhuCCrJNi1zzqxfcfhcCaDeHuQu0biy-LwgJp2_gG2eFv-q1gqZ4kviPGMxAlKG4T-A/s5184/IMG_4266.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2173" data-original-width="5184" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_k295DdL8xapO-Hmyr7rq__XFriT-hmvPr5wffQe_0SF-Dxw8mGq5ZMnak_evA874-EZsTW1XICezH4xjJVxbGRbAmLw8YIk21uJI0H3dMXws_IMPfJvsoM3vhuCCrJNi1zzqxfcfhcCaDeHuQu0biy-LwgJp2_gG2eFv-q1gqZ4kviPGMxAlKG4T-A/w640-h268/IMG_4266.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Beautiful old ruins of Bolton Abbey which can trace it's history<br />back to the 12th Century. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div>However, it wasn't just the ruins that we'd come to see! Our plan was to take a walk beside the River Wharfe and the map showed that we could trek along one side of the water to Barden Bridge and then back down the other side through Strid Wood.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjceEbEB10koY16vUWEhurFfm4BP6Yndovcp11AAmCP5tGT1ZIfxvZaGFWraA53mjX9nhYYA-Mkub8xVnCge4OcharMmfBrwjLE8kpQgBOc05lQ8Yqu7idVbWmlcerZNF_DXnKhTndRvhy-r09MSorhSmZUyLKBUe-N71Av4cA9xAjCVU1kflD5zURzOg/s4456/IMG_4264.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4456" data-original-width="2946" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjceEbEB10koY16vUWEhurFfm4BP6Yndovcp11AAmCP5tGT1ZIfxvZaGFWraA53mjX9nhYYA-Mkub8xVnCge4OcharMmfBrwjLE8kpQgBOc05lQ8Yqu7idVbWmlcerZNF_DXnKhTndRvhy-r09MSorhSmZUyLKBUe-N71Av4cA9xAjCVU1kflD5zURzOg/w424-h640/IMG_4264.JPG" width="424" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>And after coughing up our ยฃ15 parking charge that was exactly what we did! However our first challenge was to get across the river and to do that we could have toddled across the 60 slippery wet stepping stones, that in years gone by, provided the only way across for the lay workers at the Priory๐จ - but rather than do that we used the bridge which ensured we stayed dry for the rest of our walk!</div></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face=""Source Sans Pro", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif" style="background-color: #fcfcfc; color: #231f20; font-size: 15px; text-align: start;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPwC9WqVZdAAgpkPopfDilVAsZpnbqHq7DqjcDUjtyi_3Ffz-rRKn97BN0l7UTA43-H1V_QzBQjbfLaXSFTrUdvZ4Ywocj-Qnv9DJ-0YJI-Lqgg0o_aG3RfmTuQ-sCwkyci4leSyTuSfH5Y6yFht9Ave1gYgk9SGkEhvxw4i3FyKUpoB0NTHlvUnR6vQ/s5184/IMG_4267.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPwC9WqVZdAAgpkPopfDilVAsZpnbqHq7DqjcDUjtyi_3Ffz-rRKn97BN0l7UTA43-H1V_QzBQjbfLaXSFTrUdvZ4Ywocj-Qnv9DJ-0YJI-Lqgg0o_aG3RfmTuQ-sCwkyci4leSyTuSfH5Y6yFht9Ave1gYgk9SGkEhvxw4i3FyKUpoB0NTHlvUnR6vQ/w640-h480/IMG_4267.JPG" width="640" /></a></div> </span></div>A short way into our walk we came across a log with lots of coins hammered into it! I think John was trying to recoup some of our parking charge but he couldn't quite grasp them!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWrSXdhRLAFN4sdV4FatkKnNzXbn4DcnVSEfiC56bhF1-C0sAhUiTf0PzeMsPdwgCeeI_k0Ath7cKCPMkXHS_mG4Dsxwa2T1LBngEbsr-GFjVapK95frNfkJJottXPxb1PtZCmCPP5xdk3WHhn9OlVviK7O5WO04ePiJB-WolvBRk-5LgbIdHcR6YHtg/s5184/IMG_4270.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWrSXdhRLAFN4sdV4FatkKnNzXbn4DcnVSEfiC56bhF1-C0sAhUiTf0PzeMsPdwgCeeI_k0Ath7cKCPMkXHS_mG4Dsxwa2T1LBngEbsr-GFjVapK95frNfkJJottXPxb1PtZCmCPP5xdk3WHhn9OlVviK7O5WO04ePiJB-WolvBRk-5LgbIdHcR6YHtg/w640-h480/IMG_4270.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>After about 3 miles we came across this lovely <i>peaceful, tranquil, serene, quiet and restful</i> place to have our picnic ....... but that didn't last for long! We'd just finished munching our sarnies when a school teacher came over and apologised because our lovely spot was about to be invaded by hordes of school kids who had picked the same spot for their lunch! Needless to say, we gulped our coffee in double quick time before skedaddling further up steam๐ </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioFrIqajT5--XdnNEzHBrLWQ5BUuFlte0RWR7LvXS1sbLlr2vjQi0o1LT66JsyKqwx9vnKBvMZ2-XP8_Ap_vtMZOB57-pGYZ1F9O7tPMzwMpXm2nvs_EjCb4J6fnXh9FbULngAELdKOAcPMwbXwYhfTq0lFvIf9NPadO5kVlCpr6mA0jTkr47Trv0VCQ/s5184/IMG_4272.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioFrIqajT5--XdnNEzHBrLWQ5BUuFlte0RWR7LvXS1sbLlr2vjQi0o1LT66JsyKqwx9vnKBvMZ2-XP8_Ap_vtMZOB57-pGYZ1F9O7tPMzwMpXm2nvs_EjCb4J6fnXh9FbULngAELdKOAcPMwbXwYhfTq0lFvIf9NPadO5kVlCpr6mA0jTkr47Trv0VCQ/w640-h480/IMG_4272.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>And then once we'd crossed the water and walked most of the way back I decided I needed a quick rest and found the perfect place to do it!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyXVRVDOfOq1JO1wyRe6uKFjhtxy95C6kqsX2s6FeheppbUlkivm8P7j-vYy1AricpaWrXXh4X3N0jMlop1Den9rN-1hvoIbM8TBz4Az6ckfDaX0f5_SmVg5vNNhAesPnTmJFRVaYcESunAtnYjzniF-2lzhT7KxN2d6q6YK8mKpcJZJMNej3ahhra1w/s5184/IMG_4274.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyXVRVDOfOq1JO1wyRe6uKFjhtxy95C6kqsX2s6FeheppbUlkivm8P7j-vYy1AricpaWrXXh4X3N0jMlop1Den9rN-1hvoIbM8TBz4Az6ckfDaX0f5_SmVg5vNNhAesPnTmJFRVaYcESunAtnYjzniF-2lzhT7KxN2d6q6YK8mKpcJZJMNej3ahhra1w/w640-h480/IMG_4274.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Then towards the end of our walk we came across this monument to Frederick Charles Cavendish</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHlUM8X_9m7Rmux6n3dLAc1nsRcBOMl7JDxL-6GtSqhKyQyFTpo3yietBmTMl6L2iHNk3rRjJyupmn5EStYZ1SeqlmkkSQcLvqt6CTjQof5KDJsGklPLL-JlBsBZ-AmVwp54C1JXSR6L5FTSeVlSmuAb6KVOGxfXPyzUhshW7Xj3gxRVHLa2REVRrsSQ/s5184/IMG_4275.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5184" data-original-width="3888" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHlUM8X_9m7Rmux6n3dLAc1nsRcBOMl7JDxL-6GtSqhKyQyFTpo3yietBmTMl6L2iHNk3rRjJyupmn5EStYZ1SeqlmkkSQcLvqt6CTjQof5KDJsGklPLL-JlBsBZ-AmVwp54C1JXSR6L5FTSeVlSmuAb6KVOGxfXPyzUhshW7Xj3gxRVHLa2REVRrsSQ/w480-h640/IMG_4275.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Can you work out what year he was born? (the answer is at the bottom of the page)</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhArdms93GFClIiPqAYFZzJA0XxrQvzb8Bdso_2EGWpajA5cWNr6WH7ZNcC6ATlzkUJ4bi8YBJaiObTbd1ZpYWPGBiOT06eSf7QdROImX8PxYTiuI_3oT3BTcOQHxfd8cKl7J9v2LofFW7EhQhn6uxlqrhC60RZW0qaYcU4HSduwglB9RT_2BSr2_FHhA/s5184/IMG_4276.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhArdms93GFClIiPqAYFZzJA0XxrQvzb8Bdso_2EGWpajA5cWNr6WH7ZNcC6ATlzkUJ4bi8YBJaiObTbd1ZpYWPGBiOT06eSf7QdROImX8PxYTiuI_3oT3BTcOQHxfd8cKl7J9v2LofFW7EhQhn6uxlqrhC60RZW0qaYcU4HSduwglB9RT_2BSr2_FHhA/w640-h480/IMG_4276.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>And that brings us around to Friday but I'm writing this on Thursday! Tomorrow we'll be setting off for 12 nights on another Camping and Caravan Certified Site at Flamborough and we're just keeping everything crossed that the weatherman has made another <b style="font-size: x-large;">BIG</b> mistake because he's telling us it's going to rain ๐ฑs and ๐s so if he's right we're going to get rather wet when we take our awning down in the morning๐ง๏ธ โ โ.</div><div><br /></div><div>So it's goodbye from us here near Ripley and it'll be hello again in a few days time in Flamborough๐ </div><div><br /></div><div>(And the answer is 1836)</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></div>Linda Varneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10023578343265888742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8250550279331493077.post-64122065155186716672022-06-24T16:50:00.004+01:002022-06-29T16:42:00.027+01:00Another Little Holiday in Yorkshire 17th - 24th June - Part 1<p><b>Another Little Holiday in Yorkshire 17th - 24th June - Part 1</b></p><p>After a little over 2 weeks at 'Home'(near Ripley) (<a href="https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?hl=en&mid=1tG7G55azXmNAvv09V4MjcDksouY&ll=53.057759420218666%2C-1.4260239363525296&z=14">Butterley Bank</a> CCC) we set off for another Ripley but this time it was the one in Yorkshire! We'd booked 2 weeks at <a href="https://thecudlife.co.uk/">The Cud Life</a> which is an idyllic secluded small campsite near Harrogate which will be our home for the next 2 weeks. So for our first week here are some of the things we've been doing in mostly lovely weather ๐๐๐!</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEipfY633HjuqABXDvAeRllfjR5nzOaeqNNVuEk3ritoJJD-dBFOdpC4eg8LsNnaoUG-S81QRpQzK35leVTuADEO2v29nXZBiZvSiC5W9FTyurGHHho3Uonka3TvdEoNI5ODACmGMaKQ1TLrAvs3Po0zWn7SQ2Nmhdyw3ESB0yz9TqdLBt0JH1uYzeONJg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="338" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEipfY633HjuqABXDvAeRllfjR5nzOaeqNNVuEk3ritoJJD-dBFOdpC4eg8LsNnaoUG-S81QRpQzK35leVTuADEO2v29nXZBiZvSiC5W9FTyurGHHho3Uonka3TvdEoNI5ODACmGMaKQ1TLrAvs3Po0zWn7SQ2Nmhdyw3ESB0yz9TqdLBt0JH1uYzeONJg" width="180" /></a></div>On Saturday 18th June we decided to explore our near surroundings so had a walk into the town of Ripley where we toddled around the outskirts of the castle and sampled the towns famous ice cream - delicious ๐<div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdfsdmSXt9W6vm_eaYn-o1Nes4Uj_1096KU3l4-wkD4D8urA_a1B0BlmaBXv0b7RwlnHn-sGeGR2rMYwMCxY2bsIXqLZAUiloecMSYsQ0OkirRKVwWxEbrvSWsO1W7GV6EgFUd5eJ44A9lXzKSIIJ0ZtA2_rkYcN-u5Rf3-E9GnX4CJAy2vWAsW7KDaA/s1075/Screenshot%202022-06-24%2012.55.31.png" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="519" data-original-width="1075" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdfsdmSXt9W6vm_eaYn-o1Nes4Uj_1096KU3l4-wkD4D8urA_a1B0BlmaBXv0b7RwlnHn-sGeGR2rMYwMCxY2bsIXqLZAUiloecMSYsQ0OkirRKVwWxEbrvSWsO1W7GV6EgFUd5eJ44A9lXzKSIIJ0ZtA2_rkYcN-u5Rf3-E9GnX4CJAy2vWAsW7KDaA/w400-h192/Screenshot%202022-06-24%2012.55.31.png" width="400" /></a></div><div><div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjVGX2rc_pozUMx8Kh1VubxGgJYV15cnyTo1tWUIzILtnnriRxK5801a2mdogNt0eDqmy1ZtBrhwnskYbva4oQ9VNa77CMtC60PJhYVvbFcGREPa9KoZNVpFBTeoelDQI-LF7HSMb3S03BYtMiWBiMC2t_QgL830q7NR4lFc-1FDUOqb6KhqboeUd9wzg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="307" data-original-width="460" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjVGX2rc_pozUMx8Kh1VubxGgJYV15cnyTo1tWUIzILtnnriRxK5801a2mdogNt0eDqmy1ZtBrhwnskYbva4oQ9VNa77CMtC60PJhYVvbFcGREPa9KoZNVpFBTeoelDQI-LF7HSMb3S03BYtMiWBiMC2t_QgL830q7NR4lFc-1FDUOqb6KhqboeUd9wzg=w640-h428" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tour de France Monument near Ripley</td></tr></tbody></table><br />On Sunday we decided to stay local again and picked The National Trust's <a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/brimham-rocks">Brimham Rocks</a> as our destination, but as you would imagine, on a lovely Sunday it was heaving!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFYtxQqN3h9ry_-pJ1b--Zjy91JcRBV0De0DcemtFcLdFWvcalQjisGdMostjWKWoBZKjwIChyV6WDJ7thyMviyVeH2HT4m2iUwa4nScmPgxGPcNOgoJo5_x4UB8ozAF389XrSCwRLtj5TgGUJrAZrMnnjTg1ZcVZH7c0qCcmfGM0AMf3q274OnNPqog/s5184/IMG_4162.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFYtxQqN3h9ry_-pJ1b--Zjy91JcRBV0De0DcemtFcLdFWvcalQjisGdMostjWKWoBZKjwIChyV6WDJ7thyMviyVeH2HT4m2iUwa4nScmPgxGPcNOgoJo5_x4UB8ozAF389XrSCwRLtj5TgGUJrAZrMnnjTg1ZcVZH7c0qCcmfGM0AMf3q274OnNPqog/w640-h480/IMG_4162.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>However, we made the most of it, and rather than staying within the crowded noisy immediate area above the car park we followed part of The Nidd Valley trail which led us up hill and down dale through old woodland where we had the company of the babbling Fell Beck, and then out across open fields.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTucVkjAWglV-cazObFT9Y22zlQZ2DGqEYyBf13eiBNdKlWX4bkevv5BIQlr7Tti-7gETNcvp3W9YnWbEqr4pWOGQdc-ASsQbdklQpdgvbbJJyAecYnd1vnIy56D7ni7THhNRUr4uXIW7C-PQ_4l4PaRqsd4eFegtaM-M9bFJbQ_ud1B--RL3anI9dQw/s5184/IMG_4160.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTucVkjAWglV-cazObFT9Y22zlQZ2DGqEYyBf13eiBNdKlWX4bkevv5BIQlr7Tti-7gETNcvp3W9YnWbEqr4pWOGQdc-ASsQbdklQpdgvbbJJyAecYnd1vnIy56D7ni7THhNRUr4uXIW7C-PQ_4l4PaRqsd4eFegtaM-M9bFJbQ_ud1B--RL3anI9dQw/w640-h480/IMG_4160.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">John's hiding in there somewhere!</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div>The path eventually led us full circle back to the main area of the rock formations but as it was still very busy we decided we'd leave our explorations of them until a quieter day!</div><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkGC5TxmLJ46k4boE_0ys_XzYNRhLo42Av9REGXGMTW762RZZwcFyCVl2mdPxesgd01LXU4TWXt-OhwtR5gqu_WPZnbCvLZmw0QMU2BGvjNKfalrxeIFilW7Ll_ks_wmljwEQ0Dfp5RSvXJZeQmGVCkgQbw7tBRJQ-sWdF2o_N9nPkB8pDR8nQ5TwQxQ/s5184/IMG_4163.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkGC5TxmLJ46k4boE_0ys_XzYNRhLo42Av9REGXGMTW762RZZwcFyCVl2mdPxesgd01LXU4TWXt-OhwtR5gqu_WPZnbCvLZmw0QMU2BGvjNKfalrxeIFilW7Ll_ks_wmljwEQ0Dfp5RSvXJZeQmGVCkgQbw7tBRJQ-sWdF2o_N9nPkB8pDR8nQ5TwQxQ/w640-h480/IMG_4163.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I hope the little chap on the top doesn't upset the balance!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><div>Monday 20th found us walking around both Fewston and Swinsty Reservoirs both of which can trace their history back to the 19th century (1879 and 1876 respectively) when they were built to supply the water needs of nearby Leeds and Bradford</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1jyVl__k75vfz9U4lOy-RQnIXiK6geBcZ6DLSqY0jJOqmdhr8LtrVgpEF4XzYiKG5HE03s3j1knbN7aBArFtEdtXx2J6aSR-H27A0b73AyZOheBNFlz5MqUUI1lm7TesYkWM1tTwpW3TSmBYezXp8fJfzozLd9hYqxnJIeMeoH7P0L7yZEaX_7iIVJQ/s3889/IMG_4166.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="3889" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1jyVl__k75vfz9U4lOy-RQnIXiK6geBcZ6DLSqY0jJOqmdhr8LtrVgpEF4XzYiKG5HE03s3j1knbN7aBArFtEdtXx2J6aSR-H27A0b73AyZOheBNFlz5MqUUI1lm7TesYkWM1tTwpW3TSmBYezXp8fJfzozLd9hYqxnJIeMeoH7P0L7yZEaX_7iIVJQ/w640-h640/IMG_4166.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJUPBw3MYckZf0AhENVoQbXbjDRYmNeeagIlAZNp6nh6MZLscopd5r64XFxxzGGvawAMn-dm8PU9JoQ9sWAHOiyrjDY9afu75OddQm54Oj6z2hiVDJzBtSdY-dyaYdIQl3a2qjCzp23X58T9h6BtVZ16z4BAycnlUOZHzmcVgBewEIfiYdZM1K9RFFWA/s5184/IMG_4169.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJUPBw3MYckZf0AhENVoQbXbjDRYmNeeagIlAZNp6nh6MZLscopd5r64XFxxzGGvawAMn-dm8PU9JoQ9sWAHOiyrjDY9afu75OddQm54Oj6z2hiVDJzBtSdY-dyaYdIQl3a2qjCzp23X58T9h6BtVZ16z4BAycnlUOZHzmcVgBewEIfiYdZM1K9RFFWA/w640-h480/IMG_4169.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A View Over Fewston Water</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>On Tuesday 21st I forgot my camera so no pics, but we set off on what turned out to be a 28 mile a bike ride along quite country roads and dedicated tracks. Soon after we started we found ourselves on the The Beryl Burton Way, and although I'd heard of Beryl Burton OBE I hadn't realised she was such a national champion. The info boards told us that her early life had been dominated by chronic health problems that included a 15 month stay in hospital due to rheumatic fever, and that the medics had suggested that she should avoid strong physical exertion in her future. However, she mostly ignored that and in her later life she dominated women's cycling for many years by winning more than 90 domestic championships, seven world titles and setting a record for a 12 hour time trial that exceeded the men's record for two years. Sadly, on May 5th 1995 (at the age of 58) Beryl's body was found next to her bike! It seems she had suffered a fatal heart attack while out delivering invitations to her 59th birthday party!</div><div><br /></div><div>From there our ride took us onto Farnham which has won the best kept village award, and then on to the Cricket Ground at Bishop Monkton where a croquette match was in progress! We had our picnic in the very hot sunshine, and we were made very welcome by a lady who told us we could use the 'necessary' in the club house if it was 'necessary' ๐! After that we had a second break at Markington Village Community Centre before a quick swoop downhill all the way back into Ripley!</div></div></div></div><div><br /></div><div>Wednesday saw us visit the lovely town of Knaresborough but on a market day that was quite busy as well! However, after an aborted attempt to park within the town centre we ended up in Conyngham Hall car park which sits right beside the River Nidd. From there we toddled into the town via Bebra Gardens and just after we were expelled from there we found ourselves gazing at the magnificent old Viaduct that spans the River Nidd!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU52jz-fBlIxGlRJu6Ogg7KEKXqCMcEPPQW0eBu15Mn1BANDClCr3stEvcm8wv38HZl3moFxLrjzQSVJcPdtMXH5Vw9aNyxNO8zusKNjco_X_RB-ygVruBoaW3000wktzZmaP4wDds6bK3bCNBBUeRHDbeTjZdqPH3Ko99QnBYE435wMwJsbkdCmLyeQ/s1600/WhatsApp%20Image%202022-06-24%20at%203.04.29%20PM.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU52jz-fBlIxGlRJu6Ogg7KEKXqCMcEPPQW0eBu15Mn1BANDClCr3stEvcm8wv38HZl3moFxLrjzQSVJcPdtMXH5Vw9aNyxNO8zusKNjco_X_RB-ygVruBoaW3000wktzZmaP4wDds6bK3bCNBBUeRHDbeTjZdqPH3Ko99QnBYE435wMwJsbkdCmLyeQ/w480-h640/WhatsApp%20Image%202022-06-24%20at%203.04.29%20PM.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div>The info boards informed us that we were standing in the Nidd Gorge - a valley that is up to 120 feet deep and that was carved by the River Nidd 16,000 years ago. The original Viaduct was built back in 1848 but due to shoddy workmanship it collapsed into the river on a Saturday afternoon on March 11th 1848 and that caused the river to rise by 12 feet and dozens of fish were killed by the lime in the mortar. It was rebuilt in 1851 at a cost of ยฃ9,803 and since then the structure has stood 78 feet high with each of it's 4 spans stretching nearly 57 feet. <br /><div><br /></div><div>From there we proceeded into the Castle Grounds before a quick recci of the market followed by lunch at 'Spoonies' Crown Inn. However, while we were in the pub we abstained from having a pudding! Instead we visited Thomas the Bakers and indulged in two delicious cream apple turnovers which we took back to the Castle grounds to scoff with our thermos of coffee!</div><div><br /></div><div>Thursday saw us back at Brimham Rocks and thankfully it was much quieter thus allowing us to play climbing and scrambling games amongst the rocks that with a bit of imagination became animations of various well known objects and characters. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbii6I_tLy-zsPrRF-A42mvNjPFx7FrI6oLtlDarIWXePQLdbrd9vd_dHE7d6nlHcYCZTNtiBK266DcW7x-dQtj6anSHmj2czAJRJ1I5jjUkaySyfZmiUetcOd9oHZU_S-4q4tBosItonusuotl_AU_6XvrfSDsE7ElI1hQ9YVd6pdk0qU_GmbCJ3QmA/s1600/WhatsApp%20Image%202022-06-24%20at%203.04.30%20PM.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbii6I_tLy-zsPrRF-A42mvNjPFx7FrI6oLtlDarIWXePQLdbrd9vd_dHE7d6nlHcYCZTNtiBK266DcW7x-dQtj6anSHmj2czAJRJ1I5jjUkaySyfZmiUetcOd9oHZU_S-4q4tBosItonusuotl_AU_6XvrfSDsE7ElI1hQ9YVd6pdk0qU_GmbCJ3QmA/w640-h480/WhatsApp%20Image%202022-06-24%20at%203.04.30%20PM.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLDyhnY0g1eVhXWcx1QSdZP5U3Z7FFE7baoDcoA4nePYmSlilDrnl60MViQ5P7MvNQp6bJyptA723eARN27Bz5r5S0Ezlquzrvrq2dTNLIwnix3MlSEiFwZS4AS9AkdgDS4skGGLTiAZ1JWTfzZUSrXbE8Y4h1wD6dmu5TOHRodYzH80bTcBWwOcumqw/s5184/IMG_4182.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLDyhnY0g1eVhXWcx1QSdZP5U3Z7FFE7baoDcoA4nePYmSlilDrnl60MViQ5P7MvNQp6bJyptA723eARN27Bz5r5S0Ezlquzrvrq2dTNLIwnix3MlSEiFwZS4AS9AkdgDS4skGGLTiAZ1JWTfzZUSrXbE8Y4h1wD6dmu5TOHRodYzH80bTcBWwOcumqw/w640-h480/IMG_4182.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Come down you silly Bugger! Your to old to be up thereโบ</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjaQYSVNkVtvpjyVnKCzd-QZUxzHR5K02cMpQK-zHqg8R94RS4FNhx_Su4PZqYCJeqMAeZB3aKT7m0KbGzNgGi7rwh4bLXhn5gm3YhLyQ63hIl2QRkHkkWe27xp4dRGt-8s2efzcCkpaQWuyxxj2fJyuh3326x0yF3QnkjUNRAFH6aaxBgQ8aDFYTVbA/s1600/WhatsApp%20Image%202022-06-24%20at%203.04.28%20PM.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjaQYSVNkVtvpjyVnKCzd-QZUxzHR5K02cMpQK-zHqg8R94RS4FNhx_Su4PZqYCJeqMAeZB3aKT7m0KbGzNgGi7rwh4bLXhn5gm3YhLyQ63hIl2QRkHkkWe27xp4dRGt-8s2efzcCkpaQWuyxxj2fJyuh3326x0yF3QnkjUNRAFH6aaxBgQ8aDFYTVbA/w640-h480/WhatsApp%20Image%202022-06-24%20at%203.04.28%20PM.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNP7USaABkmlayhjB4OPC84xQrqS771qugJ62lamQg7ZLujHORdUYgEu4rEb9Fbu_Zox4YEHSRrPwL9DbZYQCwQ8cnANIsAjt8reij_GmHNcRnEMmeAyjTs0Y5VsWvIYpWg8yUK7eookLw0Lx3gNodTaAxNODAi6SX2M-zGc9Xmdcn799TqoTuGB2KAg/s1600/WhatsApp%20Image%202022-06-24%20at%203.01.19%20PM.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNP7USaABkmlayhjB4OPC84xQrqS771qugJ62lamQg7ZLujHORdUYgEu4rEb9Fbu_Zox4YEHSRrPwL9DbZYQCwQ8cnANIsAjt8reij_GmHNcRnEMmeAyjTs0Y5VsWvIYpWg8yUK7eookLw0Lx3gNodTaAxNODAi6SX2M-zGc9Xmdcn799TqoTuGB2KAg/w480-h640/WhatsApp%20Image%202022-06-24%20at%203.01.19%20PM.jpeg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Smartie Tube </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHyMQxe_Du7kK7iIico3honw1n4ivM6b73kri-dKwLo7HEfOpQiR9pnrk79cWxAWYWx10bv4ItJyBmEYzcxzL0dc9T7kotMTEgaA7DuJXrMrrsKg3hkIrC4DgdyLpzBfHhnIVpOxo22GeGfq7GSC62Q9Xr1WTfFO58JD5T16tS-uQQcwKn9YYrZ_zUjw/s5184/IMG_4185.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHyMQxe_Du7kK7iIico3honw1n4ivM6b73kri-dKwLo7HEfOpQiR9pnrk79cWxAWYWx10bv4ItJyBmEYzcxzL0dc9T7kotMTEgaA7DuJXrMrrsKg3hkIrC4DgdyLpzBfHhnIVpOxo22GeGfq7GSC62Q9Xr1WTfFO58JD5T16tS-uQQcwKn9YYrZ_zUjw/w640-h480/IMG_4185.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We thought this one looked a bit like ET!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>We also ventured out across the Moorlands to see the Mushroom Rock and from there we had magnificent views over Nidderdale and the moors of Pateley and Eavestone. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWFnY7pezIHnN3QFSE0gQBJopt-JIbXQrAXfObEAmWnb11Rlg3pS-b3yVA5Jq1mKwcbgXzk9v8wzh8OeJ4ZRX9gi3Qbd3zNoTuAxMo_O-TbnCZrQl0rEzqsEVew-BkAAphxPP0gx7k8Y_5QRiOxAI-BeYkKfSO69ElCuWuiyIFWEay63ReZu8x0hkGGw/s5184/IMG_4187.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWFnY7pezIHnN3QFSE0gQBJopt-JIbXQrAXfObEAmWnb11Rlg3pS-b3yVA5Jq1mKwcbgXzk9v8wzh8OeJ4ZRX9gi3Qbd3zNoTuAxMo_O-TbnCZrQl0rEzqsEVew-BkAAphxPP0gx7k8Y_5QRiOxAI-BeYkKfSO69ElCuWuiyIFWEay63ReZu8x0hkGGw/w640-h480/IMG_4187.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>And that brings us around to Friday where heavy thunderstorms were forecast for the afternoon! Therefore, we awarded ourselves a day off but we did nip into Ripley on our bikes to the local butcher for some good old Yorkshire Meats. Thankfully, the thunderstorms seemed to be a figment of the weatherman's imagination, but hey ho, we enjoyed our day of relaxing!!!</div>Linda Varneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10023578343265888742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8250550279331493077.post-77648478391465551332022-05-30T13:40:00.003+01:002022-06-24T12:35:34.181+01:00A Short Tour to Boroughbridge and the Lakes - Part 2<p><b>A Short Tour to Boroughbridge and the Lakes - Part 2</b></p><p>Hello again ๐๐! Our last instalment ended on Friday 20th May with us exploring parts of Whinlatter Forest and it was a good job we'd made use of that bit of good weather because the next couple of days were a bit of a washout with regard to our activities ๐ง๏ธ ๐ง๏ธ ๐ง๏ธ! </p><p>On Saturday 21st May John decided that we should attempt an ascent of Grisdale Pike, a hill (or a Wainwright as they are called here in the Lake District) which stands at 2,595 feet and to which we could walk to right from our doorstep. However, we didn't make it but before we gave up we had at least 4 miles under our belts trying! </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU9pgB2K8KV3W6oHKf-uYWzt8TrDLBdYhMa1eSfyRQwbpA8U4-wQBuWf-Sat5Y42T9_cfhz1W8qCRUKe8zTDImFoJCuENab44kvb7hbG98U8OnpT9_PqBbzhzqx-998KMOMycIVvl-c-fryEyzTT75NKuVC6GCEt8seaQwwxZ-FX_vcm4gEK2kbbkn8A/s5184/IMG_4104.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU9pgB2K8KV3W6oHKf-uYWzt8TrDLBdYhMa1eSfyRQwbpA8U4-wQBuWf-Sat5Y42T9_cfhz1W8qCRUKe8zTDImFoJCuENab44kvb7hbG98U8OnpT9_PqBbzhzqx-998KMOMycIVvl-c-fryEyzTT75NKuVC6GCEt8seaQwwxZ-FX_vcm4gEK2kbbkn8A/w640-h480/IMG_4104.JPG" width="640" /></a></p><p>The weatherman had assured us that there might be some short sharp showers around 11ish but as we left the campsite and started to tramp ever upwards heavy rain started to pour almost in a horizontal direction, and even though we've got very good waterproof gear there was absolutely no pleasure in the battle that we seemed to be facing! And additionally, there might even have been a degree of danger โ ๏ธ in the form of very slippery slopes โ ๏ธ ! </p><p>Therefore, after a couple of miles and as we gazed at the very steep scree slopes of the Pike itself we decided we'd had enough! But would you know it? By the time we got back to the van the sun shine ๐๐๐๐ had won the battle and it was one of the best afternoons we've had so far - fantastic for lazing outside the van while sipping a cider of two๐ป</p><p>Sunday, in biblical terms, is meant to be a day of rest, and that's more or less exactly what the 22nd turned out to be because from before dawn and until about 6pm the rain lashed down with furious ferocity, so for the most part it was definetely a duvet day๐!</p><p>But, not to be outdone, on Monday we decided to have another go at Grisdale Pike but this time we planned to attack it by walking our circular route in the opposite direction! </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQdIBAuQwE2cEg5JPLsGnPw1OLFwsA6GiIIsdy3eKadfFzucAWesuthtq1rkD-WmxqQS27WcTvjm_ZCaxxvgBbg2rjzhKb6SyXcEiMlyx2YSBCxVaslJcGK7uBQWx3HoAJSfj5hiJIgrlqXv-xFf2fTVaGA34YufMQ9eup0C1XgyvgmKMPtgmT4UQUgA/s5184/IMG_4102.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQdIBAuQwE2cEg5JPLsGnPw1OLFwsA6GiIIsdy3eKadfFzucAWesuthtq1rkD-WmxqQS27WcTvjm_ZCaxxvgBbg2rjzhKb6SyXcEiMlyx2YSBCxVaslJcGK7uBQWx3HoAJSfj5hiJIgrlqXv-xFf2fTVaGA34YufMQ9eup0C1XgyvgmKMPtgmT4UQUgA/w640-h480/IMG_4102.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Near the beginning of our walk we could look down at our campsite! Our van is<br />at the back of the green field slightly right of the middle of the picture.</td></tr></tbody></table><p>However, once again, we didn't make it because after a good couple of miles of slogging steeply uphill we came to a crossroads where we had the choice of turning right to Grisdale or left to ascend Crag Hill, and it was at this point that John realised that Grisdale wasn't the tallest peak in the area! That honour was Crag Hill's (and that was the peak we chose) which stands nearly 200 feet higher at 2,749 feet, but that required at least another hour's worth of ๐pace climbing ๐to reach the summit.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPRkaDlx4AP_xBa_5hyWejIJ9Frh9edW5KyyUsZYSW29h2A7-z3Bhfu8ZiTfujg-dF2vMsljU_Ve6vs09FzGezVtd_U2HtRcLahqEijhB0dZRAfF6b0J3JV2qJdSrq95bxGKNSKPF97UutbM3XJMLdyHD3Rkgcv5JBp2Zp8KSN7wRFW-RkeI26iGbQmA/s5184/IMG_4110.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPRkaDlx4AP_xBa_5hyWejIJ9Frh9edW5KyyUsZYSW29h2A7-z3Bhfu8ZiTfujg-dF2vMsljU_Ve6vs09FzGezVtd_U2HtRcLahqEijhB0dZRAfF6b0J3JV2qJdSrq95bxGKNSKPF97UutbM3XJMLdyHD3Rkgcv5JBp2Zp8KSN7wRFW-RkeI26iGbQmA/w640-h480/IMG_4110.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And it was definetely very wild and windy when we got there.</td></tr></tbody></table><p>However, the views were stunning despite the fact that the mist and low cloud kept floating in to obscure them!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitX6B_Z0L6sMx7JowRlGHA4PiSuQri3_6ZtsGya0R2YDufDDlDbEenzmeqr1U1Y879GLTxTQbz8mPGSvNH8eUKv065Jyt4PKA3yUN_M_17q0Hnw4hPYBGB2nFlHdkmuNjzzHau0O9znsV0kAqIMt4pXHD-LTD-CF8_Ry3S7rAn4I9SlYvVHrpgrXeP0A/s5184/IMG_4111.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitX6B_Z0L6sMx7JowRlGHA4PiSuQri3_6ZtsGya0R2YDufDDlDbEenzmeqr1U1Y879GLTxTQbz8mPGSvNH8eUKv065Jyt4PKA3yUN_M_17q0Hnw4hPYBGB2nFlHdkmuNjzzHau0O9znsV0kAqIMt4pXHD-LTD-CF8_Ry3S7rAn4I9SlYvVHrpgrXeP0A/w640-h480/IMG_4111.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiasSrfiSfjB5tjRIoZ1temnaAkfvZS3hlNTNJMojRjNepmaaOOluv5eZ45aeKlSIYFnQ81xlnEUK71ZztWVmc5SRW3By-CgbCLVQiKX_SVD5wUjpwqpm-S3xxtz5M0eQKmOpmL4ovzkCNu_cdu7zoryNJ9P8RNWkSthkx-Vu5-ySOpJ4bf4ZAUGRqWdw/s5184/IMG_4105.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiasSrfiSfjB5tjRIoZ1temnaAkfvZS3hlNTNJMojRjNepmaaOOluv5eZ45aeKlSIYFnQ81xlnEUK71ZztWVmc5SRW3By-CgbCLVQiKX_SVD5wUjpwqpm-S3xxtz5M0eQKmOpmL4ovzkCNu_cdu7zoryNJ9P8RNWkSthkx-Vu5-ySOpJ4bf4ZAUGRqWdw/w640-h480/IMG_4105.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view back to the first couple of miles of our walk</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKtAni4NRJ-I_PurT508P1C4opOQTKz5mz2A4HeUm7_c9eUvI7_T064GQtIGH55kffY5cot3_Jf2zWs6QOvl_Z72OC0TWjk2QTBxRRxcdvFwnqlUWIeSOKsjdOCmrRKZv3CB7SqK8hhUxjIKdsu6dAep7aa3JLq8kW97h-AsU0mUNYXKWs94C55Mv7Cg/s4128/20220523_141219.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1956" data-original-width="4128" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKtAni4NRJ-I_PurT508P1C4opOQTKz5mz2A4HeUm7_c9eUvI7_T064GQtIGH55kffY5cot3_Jf2zWs6QOvl_Z72OC0TWjk2QTBxRRxcdvFwnqlUWIeSOKsjdOCmrRKZv3CB7SqK8hhUxjIKdsu6dAep7aa3JLq8kW97h-AsU0mUNYXKWs94C55Mv7Cg/w640-h304/20220523_141219.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And a view of the Scar which would lead us on to a hill called Sail<br />and that was where we were heading"<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXRrqvxODcS8bL43jranmRU1CmZPMDccerhoSfl5tGNuJ1-T8oWTUDh8EITrRIf3GhSwjHfHJJsUDkorlUcV9zkFnpU8_7Pt4fGv58vFzo5KEw1cBnLgN1OrhHkNmHd24oeOiPIO4TBiw5sslg2WQdgn7rAN3xBwwL-2yeeiP_6Xu9jS0Pi4UHrppn5Q/s4128/20220523_140853.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="1956" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXRrqvxODcS8bL43jranmRU1CmZPMDccerhoSfl5tGNuJ1-T8oWTUDh8EITrRIf3GhSwjHfHJJsUDkorlUcV9zkFnpU8_7Pt4fGv58vFzo5KEw1cBnLgN1OrhHkNmHd24oeOiPIO4TBiw5sslg2WQdgn7rAN3xBwwL-2yeeiP_6Xu9jS0Pi4UHrppn5Q/w304-h640/20220523_140853.jpg" width="304" /></a></div>We picnicked on the top of Crag Hill sheltering from the fierce wind as best we could before setting of steeply down onto a ridge called the Scar from where we could look down into valleys on both sides. </div><div>This trail eventually let us to the base of Sail Hill, but to get to the top of that all four paws were required to scramble up!</div><div>Then, as I've said before, what goes up must come down, so it was another slippy slidey decent over more scree before we reached a zig zag path that we thought might make for easier walking but the rolling stones along it's length required great care to avoid going '<i>bottom over boob</i>'๐ </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4bj1z-kx4dCvrZbD7127x1X3iGwWmCfgFDwwTEId-xGSvmXBD-ELxxVd5JQ8fPTtfiB9diuC4F1imn5otzcqECMC8W7NoCTW719Ot9JOuXrnHe9xYOwRbLwSoPx-AUDxmHtjACqK7e9JaVwEVNYcnG_7JzgjHHi7K6wSHRuGiUPbZvMLdRNAd3KMDcw/s2410/20220523_141829.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2410" data-original-width="1956" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4bj1z-kx4dCvrZbD7127x1X3iGwWmCfgFDwwTEId-xGSvmXBD-ELxxVd5JQ8fPTtfiB9diuC4F1imn5otzcqECMC8W7NoCTW719Ot9JOuXrnHe9xYOwRbLwSoPx-AUDxmHtjACqK7e9JaVwEVNYcnG_7JzgjHHi7K6wSHRuGiUPbZvMLdRNAd3KMDcw/w325-h400/20220523_141829.jpg" width="325" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Altogether our walk was probably only about 10 miles but with all the steep climbing it felt much more and we were certainly glad to get home for a cuppa!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So after such an exhausting day yesterday we decided we might have an easier one on Tuesday - and although we didn't ascend much in height we nearly matched it in distance! We toddled into Keswick to do a bit of gear shopping, and then down by the side of Derwent Water to view it from a different perspective!</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg88Re4Qe45eDhCrJ7p5lwhro1cAacHC6IOUu3Vn3OmRJbgMllyQ--VulS8ib3LgjatCVhnyR6YRqthpH4WzRKEvdkwNQ2M_ueV2o1RCg0sZmkYKSzQxLVo057bqYCY-uaiisXUAHHp7WeWzV2GD-_qcA5j5dtdBXeO05mmZmeYNkqhi4ZtnBVk8bzONg/s4128/20220524_113939.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1956" data-original-width="4128" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg88Re4Qe45eDhCrJ7p5lwhro1cAacHC6IOUu3Vn3OmRJbgMllyQ--VulS8ib3LgjatCVhnyR6YRqthpH4WzRKEvdkwNQ2M_ueV2o1RCg0sZmkYKSzQxLVo057bqYCY-uaiisXUAHHp7WeWzV2GD-_qcA5j5dtdBXeO05mmZmeYNkqhi4ZtnBVk8bzONg/w640-h304/20220524_113939.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A View Across the Calm Waters of Derwent Water</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwlnma9hPtSOcTldGWYDFe0Yb_SFU2ULUKh7W2qv7W_4fmm_J6lcl3Efv_AXbEYLEQ2E5LXlaz8Vy-2geVWb1b9Y3FLC5JcO-W84VNGurNlqUmRH-byORFb1Ea6qvLIJqKngIFuMRgVxnm0t3mVmSFa33oCkcDFHszk-PPf73GTXjmn1hxEGkEnR5O5Q/s4128/20220524_124532.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1956" data-original-width="4128" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwlnma9hPtSOcTldGWYDFe0Yb_SFU2ULUKh7W2qv7W_4fmm_J6lcl3Efv_AXbEYLEQ2E5LXlaz8Vy-2geVWb1b9Y3FLC5JcO-W84VNGurNlqUmRH-byORFb1Ea6qvLIJqKngIFuMRgVxnm0t3mVmSFa33oCkcDFHszk-PPf73GTXjmn1hxEGkEnR5O5Q/w640-h304/20220524_124532.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From our picnic spot by the lake we could see Crag Hill top which we'd climbed previously!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoHWvmHo_SE2yQhu_cxSh8tx5DFY1dzudFLlTEIa4eMVt8_1ydZYbu6ghoLHto_HEhDhT-d1E0_gIMjkXW3qTncbZFcrhu1UJ2KL5s2qUuT0MTJe17NAwTWz1xx-dUMIj1CQxS3EnXh7cXsrmc4dwt1O75U8cXFtkrFj9ZinrNBPqFJmxGg4Pc1R1dIg/s4128/20220524_120343.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1956" data-original-width="4128" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoHWvmHo_SE2yQhu_cxSh8tx5DFY1dzudFLlTEIa4eMVt8_1ydZYbu6ghoLHto_HEhDhT-d1E0_gIMjkXW3qTncbZFcrhu1UJ2KL5s2qUuT0MTJe17NAwTWz1xx-dUMIj1CQxS3EnXh7cXsrmc4dwt1O75U8cXFtkrFj9ZinrNBPqFJmxGg4Pc1R1dIg/w640-h304/20220524_120343.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Millennium Stone which sits on the shore of Derwent Water. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>Wednesday 25th turned out to be rainy in the morning and very blustery ๐ in the afternoon with the weatherman suggesting gusts might reach 40 mph! Therefore, we stayed snug in our van in the morning and satisfied ourselves with just a ๐ฌ๏ธshort blow ๐ฌ๏ธ in the afternoon to ensure we hadn't got any ๐ธ๏ธ!</div><div><br /></div><div>Thursday dawned much the same as Wednesday but by mid-day the dark skies were clearing but the gale force winds were persisting. However, after being stuck inside for most of yesterday we were quite determined to go out and enjoy ourselves today, and for that we chose a drive over Honister Pass and a visit to The Pass's famous Slate Mining area! </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Y6bDM1eHfwC12oVC7MPikFmbFaBnj4A3gti-INyROKdfYyLhP52p0nUHk55P5g9lcHDyvfyYlsB5U6uogf9uaDbsIZFdgYVyE6iVNE_EummJK75wk2D_V_aGG89qxOwJMi5TQdD8v0gGnFvNjlr9T6e-PI3GK-D-tz8hPchpsphHmLDORruoLZPvBA/s5184/IMG_4117.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Y6bDM1eHfwC12oVC7MPikFmbFaBnj4A3gti-INyROKdfYyLhP52p0nUHk55P5g9lcHDyvfyYlsB5U6uogf9uaDbsIZFdgYVyE6iVNE_EummJK75wk2D_V_aGG89qxOwJMi5TQdD8v0gGnFvNjlr9T6e-PI3GK-D-tz8hPchpsphHmLDORruoLZPvBA/w640-h480/IMG_4117.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view for the National Trust Car Park back down the way we had just come up!<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div>But we didn't go down into the cold dank dark mine; instead we climbed another very steep stony hill which led us up very high and from where we could gaze back down to the visitors centre!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAkvfrsHbIl5DmMA0aBxkzMSTeQ7YDa3MKI6502vRZDRoFM2wABvRgBPQmCbZPH7DHNHFWMa22G_pA6_T_BWITooTjAOkwE5yPCZtNz-NtQxcfGRIvSH6xnRRnfpGyenG_NuQy7-tiQTGTdtquFHJvumZKYQmtIyoRg2XVLfSoQGXEOSCy7xT2IkkxrQ/s5184/IMG_4126.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAkvfrsHbIl5DmMA0aBxkzMSTeQ7YDa3MKI6502vRZDRoFM2wABvRgBPQmCbZPH7DHNHFWMa22G_pA6_T_BWITooTjAOkwE5yPCZtNz-NtQxcfGRIvSH6xnRRnfpGyenG_NuQy7-tiQTGTdtquFHJvumZKYQmtIyoRg2XVLfSoQGXEOSCy7xT2IkkxrQ/w640-h480/IMG_4126.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">While we were in the Visitor's Centre I was going to by some coasters<br />for our new home but I thought 50 quid for 4 small polished bits of slate was a bit steep!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzi6Hd-T9z2so3tl8WUSRonpcpMb0dszBlMi-2NT7TI_-g9lkg-h7w1JpkOXdAxBLhLk7PRDK67Ji4MB7H8QpufHLtphzJ5lmH13Eq-05GNgg2wVKxprHCyWy3HHYDUhUregfhYyAA0aU2aTEoRn54XlNeFZJQcKyLlAx_gfHWHmPhieS8ioGXCXtIqQ/s5184/IMG_4119.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzi6Hd-T9z2so3tl8WUSRonpcpMb0dszBlMi-2NT7TI_-g9lkg-h7w1JpkOXdAxBLhLk7PRDK67Ji4MB7H8QpufHLtphzJ5lmH13Eq-05GNgg2wVKxprHCyWy3HHYDUhUregfhYyAA0aU2aTEoRn54XlNeFZJQcKyLlAx_gfHWHmPhieS8ioGXCXtIqQ/w640-h480/IMG_4119.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQqw2EGBpe-YtB2DyBXmNU-edPiLZvl3UIers4qQEjgEVpRahj83P4IedRj6ALxTTY3aD4vBbao7xIb78ZqR_bfdFGHqAwlGf-h56iRCJ9emqPGqlmq3NPumkNiIblOz46N9mlVeEVUCPYXDNWq435FFh0XeAdvLm7lZGiJ4I63yay9rnTkaDa04qETw/s5184/IMG_4120.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQqw2EGBpe-YtB2DyBXmNU-edPiLZvl3UIers4qQEjgEVpRahj83P4IedRj6ALxTTY3aD4vBbao7xIb78ZqR_bfdFGHqAwlGf-h56iRCJ9emqPGqlmq3NPumkNiIblOz46N9mlVeEVUCPYXDNWq435FFh0XeAdvLm7lZGiJ4I63yay9rnTkaDa04qETw/w640-h480/IMG_4120.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijL7vesOwxvG7vpS0b6k0ROwEhUQ5ejIEm8dzmH4gfvjYmU3kwjr_aiKqog2048Fmczz1Dk_fgOk0fmpba1x7lr6aeEELfzDV7DvZvkfQgyHNF6yugDPYIE76Iqa6UniUuXbPTI9NLe4n3rOJMl-EBPGt2pA0truFLuUOAdLq76KDMPahiKJI-ueg9Fw/s5184/IMG_4122.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijL7vesOwxvG7vpS0b6k0ROwEhUQ5ejIEm8dzmH4gfvjYmU3kwjr_aiKqog2048Fmczz1Dk_fgOk0fmpba1x7lr6aeEELfzDV7DvZvkfQgyHNF6yugDPYIE76Iqa6UniUuXbPTI9NLe4n3rOJMl-EBPGt2pA0truFLuUOAdLq76KDMPahiKJI-ueg9Fw/w640-h480/IMG_4122.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Outside the Visitor's Centre there were loads of sculptures all crated from the mine's Slate. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyDa_CrF-bSKWufKzNn6KvOSWoFQR6ek4utVSxecA3cAXDj5omQ-aJx0dSN6ThRDkEb31RQ_wm1o16dG2--AyDZvmmLQf4SMo2gRYGdmgUemy0IWLMaYEn2hzNYti_JgE9MmZyTAX9xyUyW8zgm7KTGePaqRe2orQLLuh4IwHDWA8YU3qHHN5fl8Wu1Q/s5184/IMG_4124.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyDa_CrF-bSKWufKzNn6KvOSWoFQR6ek4utVSxecA3cAXDj5omQ-aJx0dSN6ThRDkEb31RQ_wm1o16dG2--AyDZvmmLQf4SMo2gRYGdmgUemy0IWLMaYEn2hzNYti_JgE9MmZyTAX9xyUyW8zgm7KTGePaqRe2orQLLuh4IwHDWA8YU3qHHN5fl8Wu1Q/w640-h480/IMG_4124.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">John - nearly at the top of our climb near the Honister Visitor Centre</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ32kc2WEheBHmKRQvDt87QMkbvaES_zI6htVszqXERMesCdWRYR9tswmssA34rJz6OgiMDEOvi0YSJFQui8rD0xwjGmMzWbCYX8hPoJluit-xYOU_uXzxrHC5ua4IJXowyjIzVHFczfwG3nzDtKfTNCQ1BDgg6P8ZKGxZ7ryTQkNNKn04mHjrVSCN2w/s5184/IMG_4127.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ32kc2WEheBHmKRQvDt87QMkbvaES_zI6htVszqXERMesCdWRYR9tswmssA34rJz6OgiMDEOvi0YSJFQui8rD0xwjGmMzWbCYX8hPoJluit-xYOU_uXzxrHC5ua4IJXowyjIzVHFczfwG3nzDtKfTNCQ1BDgg6P8ZKGxZ7ryTQkNNKn04mHjrVSCN2w/w640-h480/IMG_4127.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And me - nearly at the bottom<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZrgSTibn7ns8bxKRn8EBFdEMQvNB64xUxP39j-s0G5rU0jE5zFi2PyQFselWY57fvAMNeWF42-zoM30RAVoeDWyXuH-sG2zmJQDH1dnUVV7THOLGz6cpELGc7oZAH_bzzT638rjSi0Ul5GWYcUJ-5w47rHEnmkrehhimd8l5UjfOGqb3pyxGriedAAg/s5184/IMG_4116.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZrgSTibn7ns8bxKRn8EBFdEMQvNB64xUxP39j-s0G5rU0jE5zFi2PyQFselWY57fvAMNeWF42-zoM30RAVoeDWyXuH-sG2zmJQDH1dnUVV7THOLGz6cpELGc7oZAH_bzzT638rjSi0Ul5GWYcUJ-5w47rHEnmkrehhimd8l5UjfOGqb3pyxGriedAAg/w640-h480/IMG_4116.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And all the time we were there we were surrounded by waterfalls gushing off the high hills.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmDejktKhMqrmp_OBgk1ITbFe6SmfRV0qXP55sW5I9KJDDBHQ7VPcW6KnXA-ILjjUr9gl9lMPbRN9EnwMwdZqdZ2_hz-_IcWadxZyRIJam8jd8DSfXBjLOjAOjmkAysULuGvdLpDWh0vlP_m00ZiKfTu9G4x4jBnp_n6Ui-99lXqMwotpnH0JINE6Ylg/s5184/IMG_4121.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmDejktKhMqrmp_OBgk1ITbFe6SmfRV0qXP55sW5I9KJDDBHQ7VPcW6KnXA-ILjjUr9gl9lMPbRN9EnwMwdZqdZ2_hz-_IcWadxZyRIJam8jd8DSfXBjLOjAOjmkAysULuGvdLpDWh0vlP_m00ZiKfTu9G4x4jBnp_n6Ui-99lXqMwotpnH0JINE6Ylg/w640-h480/IMG_4121.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Then as we left the mine area this was our way forward</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsDZ62AagYuxHvOsBSpWMaBg710MeKbs0tbWhKa7ofuwFPJ3gjdf2kCZ3tuHULsbMho3qrGp39Cqh1D1jqxXw_uECLeB7VIDZLBDl-Kzoa3T1awAuz37Dqp6pbyUFCI9egb-xnsXClKIP1ETJPiDlQ7tK1rQPlWZWY3qUmcwZjT-GjXkNBhF0_yaL1Kg/s5184/IMG_4129.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsDZ62AagYuxHvOsBSpWMaBg710MeKbs0tbWhKa7ofuwFPJ3gjdf2kCZ3tuHULsbMho3qrGp39Cqh1D1jqxXw_uECLeB7VIDZLBDl-Kzoa3T1awAuz37Dqp6pbyUFCI9egb-xnsXClKIP1ETJPiDlQ7tK1rQPlWZWY3qUmcwZjT-GjXkNBhF0_yaL1Kg/w640-h480/IMG_4129.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And this was our coffee and cake stop surrounded by the high rocky hills. <br />All the way down the scenery was mesmerising and although it was bleak it was <br />very beautiful<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>We finished our day by passing Lake Buttermere and walking around part of Crummock Water - all very peaceful and tranquil!<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt7xQ-o2GNpfA_FOZrTY5DvD5CX_QMTw-TbkZY63v62oC5QnR7cXhs6ny2BBmYjq-H3NlG73bf_HeibaxutTufM1uR9fG3nFCLIHcXQGUf9cLhBEB9fVioOKYLaqnEkGxpCGIjPHjzatmUzDs6zoQIZzyqOgCegGBB0sLycEpLAv2YoeVyZxFd90htGg/s5184/IMG_4130.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt7xQ-o2GNpfA_FOZrTY5DvD5CX_QMTw-TbkZY63v62oC5QnR7cXhs6ny2BBmYjq-H3NlG73bf_HeibaxutTufM1uR9fG3nFCLIHcXQGUf9cLhBEB9fVioOKYLaqnEkGxpCGIjPHjzatmUzDs6zoQIZzyqOgCegGBB0sLycEpLAv2YoeVyZxFd90htGg/w640-h480/IMG_4130.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><div>On Friday we needed shopping but before we got stuck into that chore we visited the Keswick to Threlkeld Railway Trail which is a perfect tarmac multi purpose track that runs for about 3 miles (so our there and aback walk was 6.) However, it hadn't always been so pristine because back in 2015 storm Desmond flooded the River Greta (which runs along side the trail) and caused havoc that destroyed the path in many places, and it wasn't until 2020 that it was fully restored. </div><div><br /></div><div>A short way into our walk we came across The Bobbin Mill Tunnel which had it's own history to tell! In 1970 it was infilled and sealed to prevent any collapse which might damage or weaken the foundations of the huge road viaduct (for the A66) that had been built above it, and in 1999 that structure won the 'Best Civil Engineering Structure of the Century'. However, after Storm Desmond the tunnel was reopened following 4,000 tones of rubble being removed along it's 80 metre length. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyxX7zoCPFgnLuGhNUyLBd_l0EHSxUQfT4uu6qirre0SAovZMzuIc6KBQkcvWRMjEGZElvUxpdyWFILf8xEhhZJ6q1hD3njlgVVtAXG_CrKU6layUWiYZmM6RszOGWYQWyIHuvtPrGd4csJgBky5XmPrCb164yExsprnLdGLHb7uiyJZu9iYHg0JOTxw/s5184/IMG_4138.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyxX7zoCPFgnLuGhNUyLBd_l0EHSxUQfT4uu6qirre0SAovZMzuIc6KBQkcvWRMjEGZElvUxpdyWFILf8xEhhZJ6q1hD3njlgVVtAXG_CrKU6layUWiYZmM6RszOGWYQWyIHuvtPrGd4csJgBky5XmPrCb164yExsprnLdGLHb7uiyJZu9iYHg0JOTxw/w640-h480/IMG_4138.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVEwdCLKAS1sNMZ_pQktXjbhsZP-MD6uWpHdD-ScJ11GMUDDjH62IuZYrecVD52xmJDTRo8XY1id4MYXJazT7dymzn25SD2Hf_gn7Xpytgpq2vsEcg3KYL0CYOf1EPHDbaaGOF4QwjTczIMX-GjjDCCT5PcZ7PrMFXIrjuPSX31YslKZOo7YhAMduA1w/s5184/IMG_4139.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVEwdCLKAS1sNMZ_pQktXjbhsZP-MD6uWpHdD-ScJ11GMUDDjH62IuZYrecVD52xmJDTRo8XY1id4MYXJazT7dymzn25SD2Hf_gn7Xpytgpq2vsEcg3KYL0CYOf1EPHDbaaGOF4QwjTczIMX-GjjDCCT5PcZ7PrMFXIrjuPSX31YslKZOo7YhAMduA1w/w640-h480/IMG_4139.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>There was also lots more industrial history along the way, but in these more modern times the route forms a small section of the C2C cycling trail that runs for 137 miles from Whitehaven on the Irish Sea to Tyneside on the North Sea (and that was a cycle trip we made about 11 years ago)</div><div><br /></div><div>But today's outing was a much more restful, and one where we took our time to sit beside the River Greta watching the wild life as we tucked into our picnic!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrSctHHs1kg8WTXjYc4wYrzyrKG4ZyZcrqiNNYwEWCKv5fKkK-ynNavWNKfEv8ry6pAlVZtw44HByTJq1CFJD8OV9vVbEb1H80yQ_CvtgPN1oXj4sqHDXC8vzSNGhBzQFAVN3Q4SvUKREkOBpOTm5_EbDdVS8MIVPXK0jCWnhWUQEoGBGUsMrHn2ZrPw/s5184/IMG_4143.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrSctHHs1kg8WTXjYc4wYrzyrKG4ZyZcrqiNNYwEWCKv5fKkK-ynNavWNKfEv8ry6pAlVZtw44HByTJq1CFJD8OV9vVbEb1H80yQ_CvtgPN1oXj4sqHDXC8vzSNGhBzQFAVN3Q4SvUKREkOBpOTm5_EbDdVS8MIVPXK0jCWnhWUQEoGBGUsMrHn2ZrPw/w640-h480/IMG_4143.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>Our plan for Saturday had been to complete a bit more of the <a href="https://www.walklakes.co.uk/walk_119.html">Coledale Horseshoe</a> part of which we'd already done last Sunday. However, when we rose from our beds we both felt a bit weary so we decided to postpone that challenge until tomorrow and to award ourselves a day of rest and laziness for today ๐ด๐</div><div><br /></div><div>So on Sunday morning, which dawned bright and sunny, we rose ready for our challenge! We set of from the campsite and trundled up a hill called Barrow, the top of which is at 1,494 feet.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_z6rGV0lJaagekGIuJ2Iyyo4y8VOlggs1c54-miOHyVgksr_Zi24NhRbp1l8dBiaRV4Ppc97oqFRm1kaB7M7Q2995zJ7VnoRPgpL23aKiY-MWURF5u9iz1Lu8dgTeylFwHGqWZ5yfqGSTFaSHJJx71c0B8ZVbkTbpR6SrEtJtsQaZ3YWuXWFvYHQcJw/s5184/IMG_4145.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2126" data-original-width="5184" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_z6rGV0lJaagekGIuJ2Iyyo4y8VOlggs1c54-miOHyVgksr_Zi24NhRbp1l8dBiaRV4Ppc97oqFRm1kaB7M7Q2995zJ7VnoRPgpL23aKiY-MWURF5u9iz1Lu8dgTeylFwHGqWZ5yfqGSTFaSHJJx71c0B8ZVbkTbpR6SrEtJtsQaZ3YWuXWFvYHQcJw/w640-h262/IMG_4145.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The rise onto Barrow starts on the left of the pic and the slope looks fairly<br />tame - until your actually on it! However, it has to be said, this was <br />probably the easiest ascent of the day๐ณ</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>Next came Scar Crags which elevated us further to 2,205 feet but in between the ups there were also downs - so this required us to re-climb some of the height we'd lost!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFX1XpEQpqRO7HmJgHhoItAXBYYFvOTuAUDG7jhZJXsP5O0MLilXmS4HZLOqmj_BkSncKgbZOxPCfh6T2aTGcZLNgCveFtGgTEkl9VH8B9qkiOIwDrshQ7h5twQIQkbSvs-8MIabPWcrUaw54lIaXCSnQaLN0uxGUjU3LiSnp_rVxhd-AzyyZotSRMpQ/s5184/IMG_4155.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFX1XpEQpqRO7HmJgHhoItAXBYYFvOTuAUDG7jhZJXsP5O0MLilXmS4HZLOqmj_BkSncKgbZOxPCfh6T2aTGcZLNgCveFtGgTEkl9VH8B9qkiOIwDrshQ7h5twQIQkbSvs-8MIabPWcrUaw54lIaXCSnQaLN0uxGUjU3LiSnp_rVxhd-AzyyZotSRMpQ/w640-h480/IMG_4155.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">John admiring some of the magnificent views!</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhePV7fo8gtRGvTDdHLI0pjNxlJqHB2iLZIr13-nRXlC0lXgRKIkhCYx4NzFbFyIpMVE_UndpRAJhjw5LtPKEoZL6CAqGc8c98XTj-CUTgFoodt6GoIjHgRFyBiIvlNNoy6Lrgw1XCsWrZZC2011TKbDi5viWwhJWTEXRmeJEwwqVTs48vS8evxzkNngQ/s5184/IMG_4153.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhePV7fo8gtRGvTDdHLI0pjNxlJqHB2iLZIr13-nRXlC0lXgRKIkhCYx4NzFbFyIpMVE_UndpRAJhjw5LtPKEoZL6CAqGc8c98XTj-CUTgFoodt6GoIjHgRFyBiIvlNNoy6Lrgw1XCsWrZZC2011TKbDi5viWwhJWTEXRmeJEwwqVTs48vS8evxzkNngQ/w640-h480/IMG_4153.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Ridge leading us on towards Causey Pike <br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>And once we got onto the top of Causey Pike which stands at a height of 2090 feet I realised I'd absolutely on reason to worry about my eyesight! </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTWvwVnnDFg_EGEsEXyF3D8LUQEuMAAK3XGOcxMjDIGaLs_dMdd5jpUiIjoCN3iHpi4v2fn8oVehgyp1JdhrchHVAFxns81aIvTmZBxtwuOC4cqz1JrQdeXNctjy53zKx480sBXchJdUQEeEztanrc5Rn815OCPAW5fmRDHw2fU2AOiHwTUVrJDcKq8Q/s5184/IMG_4152.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTWvwVnnDFg_EGEsEXyF3D8LUQEuMAAK3XGOcxMjDIGaLs_dMdd5jpUiIjoCN3iHpi4v2fn8oVehgyp1JdhrchHVAFxns81aIvTmZBxtwuOC4cqz1JrQdeXNctjy53zKx480sBXchJdUQEeEztanrc5Rn815OCPAW5fmRDHw2fU2AOiHwTUVrJDcKq8Q/w640-h480/IMG_4152.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From where we stood on the top of the hill we could see all the way to <br />Dumfries and Galloway in Scotland and also the waters of the Solway Firth</td></tr></tbody></table><br />However, it was at this point that there was a slight problem! Having achieved all that height we had to get down off Causey Pike and to do that we needed to scramble down a very steep and craggy rocky face which dropped for about 300 feet!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihsn1tTHUvg4PgJ9nLU5us6b7BOhOq8axUNqyqAdndfQM7qar1pUvqE6_kz7wQXn1rE9LwZjAJ7d0IvTzuNklR-PEk7cvYyQM3DIqI5uPGl8xDKpOFHYVmPiLklQILJUKAyPe5XiwV2EhZynLBpJMkjpQA3LYpzICM-b0lv0SW-99Pozfwi7fQwZ28oQ/s5184/IMG_4156.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihsn1tTHUvg4PgJ9nLU5us6b7BOhOq8axUNqyqAdndfQM7qar1pUvqE6_kz7wQXn1rE9LwZjAJ7d0IvTzuNklR-PEk7cvYyQM3DIqI5uPGl8xDKpOFHYVmPiLklQILJUKAyPe5XiwV2EhZynLBpJMkjpQA3LYpzICM-b0lv0SW-99Pozfwi7fQwZ28oQ/w640-h480/IMG_4156.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkyhiUj_pGQCcbnab9HwjqD9fYEVUYc9weAdUCtCMrNhasmf62g_e0rIlKtvJaZKTs4AgQ63uwGTPKFX8L3I1Y0ZU6d3iI-vbHmYTmDI9tRudBHUZOc4VeOUF_7oVyiEOtFpQpK7aP3vpOMYlX5fhzBV-R3U8iCkaiIZUaPMDOr_XCKV0g4kT4d4dRWg/s1600/WhatsApp%20Image%202022-05-29%20at%205.03.57%20PM.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkyhiUj_pGQCcbnab9HwjqD9fYEVUYc9weAdUCtCMrNhasmf62g_e0rIlKtvJaZKTs4AgQ63uwGTPKFX8L3I1Y0ZU6d3iI-vbHmYTmDI9tRudBHUZOc4VeOUF_7oVyiEOtFpQpK7aP3vpOMYlX5fhzBV-R3U8iCkaiIZUaPMDOr_XCKV0g4kT4d4dRWg/w480-h640/WhatsApp%20Image%202022-05-29%20at%205.03.57%20PM.jpeg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This certainly required 3 points of contact at all times and to<br />achieve that I had to employ 'ones' that I don't usually use when out walking!</td></tr></tbody></table><br />John was also a bit concerned because if I hadn't managed to get down he might have had to cook his own tea๐<br /><div><br /><div>And even once we got to the bottom of that steep drop the going didn't get much easier because then we had about a mile or more to continue downhill over a steep rocky path called the Flank of Rolling End and on this part of our walk the stones often rolled under our boots causing slips and squeals (from me) as we went! </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLRn_d6X8eKP2LyRKeC4UOJ56ux9PzwgcU0EnFApKUv2IifcLoRSrljr72OXhy1F3_phOVQZKutVRCAjDzXGmJ5wy1FdHEr0DffySnqugYsYpY77X8XreEqPrtcevwol-jJfiTw6fWyF0zvXDpJbC2F9STPoGqSt2nBWas2_mIB5t4SIEp9Ho2h75zFA/s5184/IMG_4157.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLRn_d6X8eKP2LyRKeC4UOJ56ux9PzwgcU0EnFApKUv2IifcLoRSrljr72OXhy1F3_phOVQZKutVRCAjDzXGmJ5wy1FdHEr0DffySnqugYsYpY77X8XreEqPrtcevwol-jJfiTw6fWyF0zvXDpJbC2F9STPoGqSt2nBWas2_mIB5t4SIEp9Ho2h75zFA/w640-h480/IMG_4157.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Causey Pike</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>Eventually, the path dropped us back down onto the road near Stoneycroft in the Newland's Valley and from there we just had another mile and half of easy walking to get back to the campsite. Overall this route had been a mixed bag of very steep ascents, rocky paths and sometimes near shear rock faces that had to be scrambled down very carefully, but in the end we both agreed it was probably the best walk we'd been on.</div><div><br /></div><div>Monday was our penultimate day of this tour and our plan had been to walk into Keswick for lunch. However, right from the 'get go' the rain had pitter pattered on and off, and additionally we'd both got tired legs from yesterday! So in the end we opted for a quite day in and just passed our time doing a bit of cleaning and packing ready for our trip home tomorrow, and while we're there we'll be staying on our usual caravan site at <a href="https://www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk/campsites/uk/derbyshire/alfreton/butterleybank/">Butterley Bank</a>!</div><div><br /></div><div>But we wont be 'home' for long because it's only a little over 2 weeks before we set off for the <a href="https://thecudlife.co.uk/the-cud-life-camping">Cud Life</a> in Yorkshire!</div><div><br /></div><div>Bye for now๐๐</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk/campsites/uk/cumbria/keswick/braithwaite-village-camping-and-caravanning-club-site/">Braithwaite CCC Site</a></div></div>Linda Varneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10023578343265888742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8250550279331493077.post-40625141040205312972022-05-20T18:32:00.002+01:002022-06-24T12:38:24.753+01:00A Short Tour to Boroughbridge and the Lakes - Part 1<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>A Short Tour to Boroughbridge and the Lakes - Part 1</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div>Good Morning! And boy oh boy, hasn't it been a long time since my last post, and during that time Gremlins seem to have invaded my space๐. I say that because all of my maps (which took a very long time to 'map out') have disappeared ๐ญ and now, when the links are tapped page 404 appears to tell you that <i>'the page no longer exists'! </i>And a rescue mission isn't an option because it would involve hours of work that I can't be bothered to put in, and therefore, from now on I'm just going to put our location as a link to Google Maps in the text of the blog and that will have to do.<p></p><p>I'm also going to change the format for our story because, in times gone by, writing it for every day we're away or travelling has been hugely time consuming and sometimes (often due to poor wifi connections) very frustrating. Additionally, the main purpose of the blog is to remind us (๐ตin our old age๐ด) of what we've been up to, so going forward I'm only going to include our most interesting days and even that will mostly be done in pictures with just a few notes to say where we've been and what we've been doing.</p><p>So to get started we travelled up to The Camping and Caravaning Club site at <a href="https://www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk/campsites/uk/north-yorkshire/boroughbridge/boroughbridge-camping-and-caravanning-club-site/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_content=Boroughbridge&utm_campaign=google_places">Boroughbridge</a> on 9th May with the specific intention of spending our ๐๐47th Wedding Anniversary๐๐ (which was on the 10th) flying birds๐ฆ at the <a href="https://falconrycentre.co.uk/">Thirsk Birds of Prey Centre</a>. A while back we'd visited the centre just to watch one of their daily flying exhibitions, and we were so impressed that we decided that we wanted to get a bit more up close and personal with the birds so we booked a full days experience for our special day (for me to fly them and for John to take the pics)!</p><p>However, when the day arrived we were a bit worried because it was very windy and we wondered if the Experience would go ahead but a quick phone call confirmed that it would and what a magical day it turned out to be!</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig0jImAoCghPI4kGMSB8zFZ-MlDjVMe5h1p6PaYgC_VgyUblC1Ej9tVip2S30JuQWod3arhNAQzpPRBsQiAJSFo7GDohevDzTpFfdAthjiYTL9tll78gAj-3yiH340o1zz583PopRipkzSnHGAiXvu9y7T7MlXyusQy_ENbXnHdjg5PGgK97LCJD2FtA/s3888/IMG_4011.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="3670" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig0jImAoCghPI4kGMSB8zFZ-MlDjVMe5h1p6PaYgC_VgyUblC1Ej9tVip2S30JuQWod3arhNAQzpPRBsQiAJSFo7GDohevDzTpFfdAthjiYTL9tll78gAj-3yiH340o1zz583PopRipkzSnHGAiXvu9y7T7MlXyusQy_ENbXnHdjg5PGgK97LCJD2FtA/w604-h640/IMG_4011.JPG" width="604" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A very heavy Bald Eagle called Nanook</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijkwjQe8FHxsCz1Gk1s-7VdEociUYx5lcVtoU9mHr45Y5qY_F7d6_SniYvQSHPYQTOPsUwx33Aiv-WI6TbpDKZAZGLXCIFLynUyKvQGjxO2XmVCJ3QO3jy9u7zjvJNhL0bPUeWMTy5S4swmQxPSkH4RHQVOsO1hRur-Wx6-UK_mc8CDKySW1CVTryLeA/s5184/IMG_3984.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5184" data-original-width="3888" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijkwjQe8FHxsCz1Gk1s-7VdEociUYx5lcVtoU9mHr45Y5qY_F7d6_SniYvQSHPYQTOPsUwx33Aiv-WI6TbpDKZAZGLXCIFLynUyKvQGjxO2XmVCJ3QO3jy9u7zjvJNhL0bPUeWMTy5S4swmQxPSkH4RHQVOsO1hRur-Wx6-UK_mc8CDKySW1CVTryLeA/w480-h640/IMG_3984.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maniera - a Peregrine Falcon</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLrj8uDxPLhjm7jZrOVG-HslMxkAeaz5ohWpjMSzFqJMoQPFL8cproxSjnLgUw9xCNqBd9Xz9jHHgcBuhpF1jb6BZdhQDWN628kwrho90XUdNocuuR9tblj-3h56oMO4BRqPOc48uBN4gQshti5svAVM9ZkuPZv3RK6CLuGRPUxXXG-SdBpOLeDRKUvA/s5184/IMG_4017.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLrj8uDxPLhjm7jZrOVG-HslMxkAeaz5ohWpjMSzFqJMoQPFL8cproxSjnLgUw9xCNqBd9Xz9jHHgcBuhpF1jb6BZdhQDWN628kwrho90XUdNocuuR9tblj-3h56oMO4BRqPOc48uBN4gQshti5svAVM9ZkuPZv3RK6CLuGRPUxXXG-SdBpOLeDRKUvA/w640-h480/IMG_4017.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Toruk who is a 10 lb Steller's Sea Eagle with an 8 foot wing span who was just <br />coming in to land on my arm</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivFowWxMD-MHUm-4cLECI64ivQ0paXsh8L1cwtRomMCSXMUcfPwd6OoCtF-ykzmFeQll7XrQXs5FWdgiMiJNDlBesBb8hkhLxxzBjfG2gjN_uBRd5tyPS-mZ1w2FgB6wfEbNuqDRAFTQxHXkaHV2RLPZYghlS9mazhgyGlgI6em1hbYUDk5hovaoO68w/s5184/IMG_4006.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivFowWxMD-MHUm-4cLECI64ivQ0paXsh8L1cwtRomMCSXMUcfPwd6OoCtF-ykzmFeQll7XrQXs5FWdgiMiJNDlBesBb8hkhLxxzBjfG2gjN_uBRd5tyPS-mZ1w2FgB6wfEbNuqDRAFTQxHXkaHV2RLPZYghlS9mazhgyGlgI6em1hbYUDk5hovaoO68w/w640-h480/IMG_4006.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Violet - An African White Backed Vulture </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Zt0v-1IX-UmrOT_TFjHdH3BmmZaF3MV5q0Wn56pA5zVy5r3TuZHd5uXBekrLKqoUT56iggzEDxj_NYdefQYpeOrZj0FPC_R0wqJSgjZwhlQONhkCGi9dtubZInbQZa_f2fNDPvE5o77tkACVkDjtjfC7QZt52Vgqzb3fv07OBE-dr7xX78arB7h_tA/s5184/IMG_4002.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Zt0v-1IX-UmrOT_TFjHdH3BmmZaF3MV5q0Wn56pA5zVy5r3TuZHd5uXBekrLKqoUT56iggzEDxj_NYdefQYpeOrZj0FPC_R0wqJSgjZwhlQONhkCGi9dtubZInbQZa_f2fNDPvE5o77tkACVkDjtjfC7QZt52Vgqzb3fv07OBE-dr7xX78arB7h_tA/w640-h480/IMG_4002.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sassy who looked a bit like a seagull but was actually a Palm Nut Vulture</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Zt0v-1IX-UmrOT_TFjHdH3BmmZaF3MV5q0Wn56pA5zVy5r3TuZHd5uXBekrLKqoUT56iggzEDxj_NYdefQYpeOrZj0FPC_R0wqJSgjZwhlQONhkCGi9dtubZInbQZa_f2fNDPvE5o77tkACVkDjtjfC7QZt52Vgqzb3fv07OBE-dr7xX78arB7h_tA/s5184/IMG_4002.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMAcSPihV_6QHz4IkEv9IfOGgQkDfxzxKLYywOeNstmoGVbyI4O8zB5oa2Wmo0rIPQSJHF8QmUnupk5RaEdb-xfg36SzDaSPx9-n0g-OzU-Mq4v-xPOYgy5oFgJ6TqDWwHIuhX3IhhO055zg6lCuvodqieXAYC2EY061VxKngnwn6-PjDUulGIWhfHZA/s5184/IMG_3989%20(1).JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMAcSPihV_6QHz4IkEv9IfOGgQkDfxzxKLYywOeNstmoGVbyI4O8zB5oa2Wmo0rIPQSJHF8QmUnupk5RaEdb-xfg36SzDaSPx9-n0g-OzU-Mq4v-xPOYgy5oFgJ6TqDWwHIuhX3IhhO055zg6lCuvodqieXAYC2EY061VxKngnwn6-PjDUulGIWhfHZA/w640-h480/IMG_3989%20(1).JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pingu - An African Pygmy Falcon - Hand reared and the smallest of the raptor family.<br />He was tiny and only weighed about 40 grams. </td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHbsJrmdnX7UyGsRjm7f_zQA_AnllIbPogSeTMlCb-UHUaGAphSpnKMSrSNHeaOVhJQQbYs6u_Fn9T4Sl4zGf4hHnT8xiGYPR3MSOEO3u071kZ6RCMGeXpSdbRzBSoC3fQsGeNH3Gx_c0ipgTyeu5lpqFzqNorF0Tj90Lh5P78g3gkKk1oczD4HSUwsA/s5184/IMG_3991.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHbsJrmdnX7UyGsRjm7f_zQA_AnllIbPogSeTMlCb-UHUaGAphSpnKMSrSNHeaOVhJQQbYs6u_Fn9T4Sl4zGf4hHnT8xiGYPR3MSOEO3u071kZ6RCMGeXpSdbRzBSoC3fQsGeNH3Gx_c0ipgTyeu5lpqFzqNorF0Tj90Lh5P78g3gkKk1oczD4HSUwsA/w640-h480/IMG_3991.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Harris Hawk which we took out for a walk (and a fly) in the grounds of Sion Hill Hall</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvS-pdPeQfyyXjpZEuyuYFdwbESC-TpVc8_dpsSNqNGRV_8lFaCCPPAmllqr04rmUCv6MrCnJ1ntOHlVgD104i8jGlDd4IAfY8V5uGroqO35KAKJMDRu0QVDch8fx1g28FTBLNJfhGQtRAd6StuGuchUXVkRcbZb61Lrs6Xza2-UlReKii3qYDlx7kcA/s3888/IMG_3976.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3029" data-original-width="3888" height="498" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvS-pdPeQfyyXjpZEuyuYFdwbESC-TpVc8_dpsSNqNGRV_8lFaCCPPAmllqr04rmUCv6MrCnJ1ntOHlVgD104i8jGlDd4IAfY8V5uGroqO35KAKJMDRu0QVDch8fx1g28FTBLNJfhGQtRAd6StuGuchUXVkRcbZb61Lrs6Xza2-UlReKii3qYDlx7kcA/w640-h498/IMG_3976.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And Zimba - a Mackinders Eagle Owl</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2xMolydBYY0MyHeMxy14iG_qmE8cQqEV8T49MvAHutjP7oH4t1vpFCBPkrzvSc6tu7XgiQs-TSx9IV8HOxS0i5vryIAz5yqaIb3as7uBS6jBuEGQZKzDAiSrkFdtMKrtTNoy_k7wuE7YI7C3qqDfhYAt8OLzocLebPqw1oTJOFm9fAGxTYhc-z1tXHw/s354/Screenshot%202022-05-16%2010.55.18.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="261" data-original-width="354" height="474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2xMolydBYY0MyHeMxy14iG_qmE8cQqEV8T49MvAHutjP7oH4t1vpFCBPkrzvSc6tu7XgiQs-TSx9IV8HOxS0i5vryIAz5yqaIb3as7uBS6jBuEGQZKzDAiSrkFdtMKrtTNoy_k7wuE7YI7C3qqDfhYAt8OLzocLebPqw1oTJOFm9fAGxTYhc-z1tXHw/w640-h474/Screenshot%202022-05-16%2010.55.18.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>There were also loads more birds that we met on the day which included 3 black vultures called Fozzy, Gonzo and Marvin and 3 beautiful Storks called Daz Persil and Fairy - I think maybe there was a bit of a theme going on!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIKFmsCLujYl-9yjs0HlczvHsZdOAJ4l9z1Yzp4yi-kz_7FDtRCJje2FE_mG-vAgzfseuvi1-KNISoSwcU5MEDio3ZhkUSeuCEymNjY82zNrky0K3RX7r_SrmotrmvXTa2ITJfuXi6YuxJYKEXw7DliNYj3od4jbwCcFr0wZM5kG3sdxTpN-b72uoCbA/s5184/IMG_4021.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIKFmsCLujYl-9yjs0HlczvHsZdOAJ4l9z1Yzp4yi-kz_7FDtRCJje2FE_mG-vAgzfseuvi1-KNISoSwcU5MEDio3ZhkUSeuCEymNjY82zNrky0K3RX7r_SrmotrmvXTa2ITJfuXi6YuxJYKEXw7DliNYj3od4jbwCcFr0wZM5kG3sdxTpN-b72uoCbA/w640-h480/IMG_4021.JPG" width="640" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">On the 11th May (which was our only other day at Boroughbridge we had to make a bit of a dash of it! For this trip we'd only brought our rather flimsy small awning with us, and maybe because it had been so windy it came to rather a catastrophic end! It was an Air awning and unfortunately, soon after we pumped it up the middle tube exploded from it's confinement and ended up sticking out of the roof!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLmq9AfvdXXAM1mRKMn6IaAvNRRc-MtqLue_c_2TXcEr7QLYOUn6kK7PEytQ_r4jG5X-x_equX_XLZhxzSUXM755-z__6OEY-fOL4v0Ph0fy8NCLbq_ss7xP-FYu0X7uCcXbNH8LNNoy7jzR03MxrRwNy9I9_szfiTrN7ubmDcNlVg5X3Qx2PA8w0jBw/s4128/20220509_171449.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1956" data-original-width="4128" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLmq9AfvdXXAM1mRKMn6IaAvNRRc-MtqLue_c_2TXcEr7QLYOUn6kK7PEytQ_r4jG5X-x_equX_XLZhxzSUXM755-z__6OEY-fOL4v0Ph0fy8NCLbq_ss7xP-FYu0X7uCcXbNH8LNNoy7jzR03MxrRwNy9I9_szfiTrN7ubmDcNlVg5X3Qx2PA8w0jBw/w640-h304/20220509_171449.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This rendered the awning completely useless because with no support in the middle the rain would have puddled on the roof and eventually caused the whole structure to collapse, and despite the fact that it was only just over a year old it was way beyond repair and therefore had to be scrapped.๐ก</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So, because we wanted the use of an awning for the rest of our trip we decided to make the 180 mile round trip back to our daughter's in Ripley to collect our much more resilient 4 season Kampa awning, which despite being used in all sorts of inclement weather has never let us down. This trip was accomplished by about 1pm and then we were able to get on with enjoying this part of our tour at the National Trusts <a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/fountains-abbey-and-studley-royal-water-garden">Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden</a> which turned out to be another stunning treat. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYPuvr2R_5AjO5Kbmp83vh5yNIJhXfCoi28ITMjlZA8mw4s0GxL5n8y3HzRBiRI07TJ4vo4MHFuoQg7K-DgT2-1DFZnpK2j396H0iDSDn4wzBZ63ty92okWG8lw5ZLYc8XRp_w-jTR8OLiJGTjtC7gh1C892KgtoLnNee2bJgEP6PMB3RGwttjesghCA/s5184/IMG_4045.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYPuvr2R_5AjO5Kbmp83vh5yNIJhXfCoi28ITMjlZA8mw4s0GxL5n8y3HzRBiRI07TJ4vo4MHFuoQg7K-DgT2-1DFZnpK2j396H0iDSDn4wzBZ63ty92okWG8lw5ZLYc8XRp_w-jTR8OLiJGTjtC7gh1C892KgtoLnNee2bJgEP6PMB3RGwttjesghCA/w640-h480/IMG_4045.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The Abbey can trace it's history back to 1132 when a group of 13 monks from York came in search of a quiet devout life and they were nicknamed the 'white monks' because they wore undyed sheep's wool habits. However, it didn't stay a small quiet place for long because by the mid 1200's it had become one of the largest and most powerful religious houses, and additionally, one of the leading producers and exporters of wool in the country. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhVOSFcSoVauLAnqWjkgiTNe8ZAoilkHFCnYacvNXcXPmFbL6oWSmtxKA1_4rvMU2eRbkZxEJ6StIK6GMLvKulka8cIDBZH2ITgKJqCCtCF1dnHMafEA60QnxKNfw-3R1N2lRpOsWshKKwanlyjKrZR247XAqAEzCZVmEufW6kk49KVd3FYlRLJ6U38w/s5184/IMG_4024.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhVOSFcSoVauLAnqWjkgiTNe8ZAoilkHFCnYacvNXcXPmFbL6oWSmtxKA1_4rvMU2eRbkZxEJ6StIK6GMLvKulka8cIDBZH2ITgKJqCCtCF1dnHMafEA60QnxKNfw-3R1N2lRpOsWshKKwanlyjKrZR247XAqAEzCZVmEufW6kk49KVd3FYlRLJ6U38w/w640-h480/IMG_4024.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3gFhed-ZH4q5BIHjY2STJDCFNxx3EakOHIYatS1eqEEgeP1WyDottMOwzgzqS8SwTeN6SDbPTGbQoZD3Dq1UM1UuKY09HL35SOIL8DDMpFAm5lM6St3eQaF04evkWgB51ZHTNKM6f_VXVbsyOu2mRYlmjp7KPvjSdrYdEN5Fl7LE9FPUpWUvz4zSAgg/s5184/IMG_4026.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3gFhed-ZH4q5BIHjY2STJDCFNxx3EakOHIYatS1eqEEgeP1WyDottMOwzgzqS8SwTeN6SDbPTGbQoZD3Dq1UM1UuKY09HL35SOIL8DDMpFAm5lM6St3eQaF04evkWgB51ZHTNKM6f_VXVbsyOu2mRYlmjp7KPvjSdrYdEN5Fl7LE9FPUpWUvz4zSAgg/w640-h480/IMG_4026.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQmYQkMv1zTZFDWk1aBjvX6JHo8dlsVaQdxGdLHuvCOa4o1RjubY_-pHitXCDWtuX-8M5DIfPmdiLchH5gqK_1o6h11sxlBf-AbWzeDBRy8WZRCRwE3Fd728vJmGXsURA67W1wE0APxx1pfr27GBKmxX4CKKXUPxgvChbrmPU5gIO4dXUrQ_IT9c6vww/s5184/IMG_4025.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQmYQkMv1zTZFDWk1aBjvX6JHo8dlsVaQdxGdLHuvCOa4o1RjubY_-pHitXCDWtuX-8M5DIfPmdiLchH5gqK_1o6h11sxlBf-AbWzeDBRy8WZRCRwE3Fd728vJmGXsURA67W1wE0APxx1pfr27GBKmxX4CKKXUPxgvChbrmPU5gIO4dXUrQ_IT9c6vww/w640-h480/IMG_4025.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After we'd picnicked and explored the Abbey ruins we toddled along the walkway (that you can see behind John) into Studley Royal Water Garden where we found mirrored ponds, pretty cascades and several follies, and if we'd had more time we could have also explored The Royal Deer Park and St Mary's Church (which is supposed to be one of the most beautiful in the country) but we decided that rather than rush we'd save those for another visit. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj50NUq1X2amuS3trT3Mffl1ukBRPsxyJhLZMvp7SUgbS5miZ9LLGu-NJEGgSEDK8wUdoMfPbbG_jCWx96Gm41S4M9-R25c8-o11c84y2cKjiJ_-eCvfbIqek8Or-i0fP2yDWLBPY75H-vc164-1sdOzQcRz6eJKCQOggnFd4VnmIg-cR0FUNAz8yLHqA/s5184/IMG_4031.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj50NUq1X2amuS3trT3Mffl1ukBRPsxyJhLZMvp7SUgbS5miZ9LLGu-NJEGgSEDK8wUdoMfPbbG_jCWx96Gm41S4M9-R25c8-o11c84y2cKjiJ_-eCvfbIqek8Or-i0fP2yDWLBPY75H-vc164-1sdOzQcRz6eJKCQOggnFd4VnmIg-cR0FUNAz8yLHqA/w640-h480/IMG_4031.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC6MAtWspiF18cyvXCZf8L8jr4h24SyzEGRNsuK9UVHUFx2EMv0DrpYJFISkifsDqpTY48obCOoJ8wBa5ZBliFLRf-6dZlgyG3cy-5MF57aURVon_XeXtf3a8r3Tx5lLIMy-fwD4dcFx8c_QKVaUCHbwB80ZAdcx7m2a_qgcM6vRQU5fnWXcbCMKZMmQ/s5184/IMG_4033.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5184" data-original-width="3888" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC6MAtWspiF18cyvXCZf8L8jr4h24SyzEGRNsuK9UVHUFx2EMv0DrpYJFISkifsDqpTY48obCOoJ8wBa5ZBliFLRf-6dZlgyG3cy-5MF57aURVon_XeXtf3a8r3Tx5lLIMy-fwD4dcFx8c_QKVaUCHbwB80ZAdcx7m2a_qgcM6vRQU5fnWXcbCMKZMmQ/w480-h640/IMG_4033.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhztFH9D5QpWE7u0pRiLAQkhohr8Mq5hkeR13x_qKiO_SqMx2XKoP-ChNdiXBrWLf_lti4WGH2_EvFRWRUuPEsqNsEidXt4aH78wETthuVy35zzKGZT6dM2k_oAHdQ4m96sHzB3juOXL2Q-WMSFw2N6MG8YkSrQ-jEjPbuovpbyzAXWTKgFquKLDHd3JA/s5184/IMG_4036.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhztFH9D5QpWE7u0pRiLAQkhohr8Mq5hkeR13x_qKiO_SqMx2XKoP-ChNdiXBrWLf_lti4WGH2_EvFRWRUuPEsqNsEidXt4aH78wETthuVy35zzKGZT6dM2k_oAHdQ4m96sHzB3juOXL2Q-WMSFw2N6MG8YkSrQ-jEjPbuovpbyzAXWTKgFquKLDHd3JA/w640-h480/IMG_4036.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can you see the ghost?</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQGBPij0UxzU-KoPEIzNCG4hboIsd8z7AmKiddKo_3H7KqapoHKuPzsQ75-Ey9Hqci9lTsk44_gLvhZxWIsjsu5MfD7igVxSq02WWY8PJpMoKi8V8KkiEVQtoMadaE0sDoruFkZYAcWfPlNHjNKSvkavML09fiGCt6O_kS7C3AsdXQPFTKRNXrUT7pdg/s5184/IMG_4034.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5184" data-original-width="3888" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQGBPij0UxzU-KoPEIzNCG4hboIsd8z7AmKiddKo_3H7KqapoHKuPzsQ75-Ey9Hqci9lTsk44_gLvhZxWIsjsu5MfD7igVxSq02WWY8PJpMoKi8V8KkiEVQtoMadaE0sDoruFkZYAcWfPlNHjNKSvkavML09fiGCt6O_kS7C3AsdXQPFTKRNXrUT7pdg/w480-h640/IMG_4034.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gone Fishing</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRx-0FCGDiFG-6st4MCQhKzlGkV6myLUssDIXKYFKxNX6l9NNe32xTvX6xJO2jnfnghKSeBxhA_twYlYgioNxvd_ljAgRgt8_k5a1wXUQ_Kd5BAUUofcMs8pUsHIEFO5pTdGiCbA2-v6vr9CO4J8QD1x79ryqT0C5hNGM78p6862kxC_SU9IHHg3GWpA/s5184/IMG_4035.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRx-0FCGDiFG-6st4MCQhKzlGkV6myLUssDIXKYFKxNX6l9NNe32xTvX6xJO2jnfnghKSeBxhA_twYlYgioNxvd_ljAgRgt8_k5a1wXUQ_Kd5BAUUofcMs8pUsHIEFO5pTdGiCbA2-v6vr9CO4J8QD1x79ryqT0C5hNGM78p6862kxC_SU9IHHg3GWpA/w640-h480/IMG_4035.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">On May 12th we moved the 100ish miles up into the Lake District and settled in for the next 19 nights on the <a href="https://www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk/campsites/uk/cumbria/keswick/braithwaite-village-camping-and-caravanning-club-site/">Braithwaite CCC Site</a>, and we were very lucky cos right from our pitch we have fantastic views of the surrounding hills and there are also lots of lovely walks right from our doorstep!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYkXimOLm5NcACdljSWQeNchaq87nkc4C13zbUDgwmM_dT6dqBbqSJVB1JvFI5WUFKTA803JTd3jou0xBqEeB5iQS9S2vNRadJpNKtuYj5KqoDrhf-iy2P7GvsJp3B_jrVL3mHUtw00LKd6Pe83tl21D-jJyU3aQTbVaH0eEk3ympLkIytOLY39JNIRg/s1200/WhatsApp%20Image%202022-05-12%20at%205.26.01%20PM.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1198" data-original-width="1200" height="638" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYkXimOLm5NcACdljSWQeNchaq87nkc4C13zbUDgwmM_dT6dqBbqSJVB1JvFI5WUFKTA803JTd3jou0xBqEeB5iQS9S2vNRadJpNKtuYj5KqoDrhf-iy2P7GvsJp3B_jrVL3mHUtw00LKd6Pe83tl21D-jJyU3aQTbVaH0eEk3ympLkIytOLY39JNIRg/w640-h638/WhatsApp%20Image%202022-05-12%20at%205.26.01%20PM.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>On the 14th we'd arranged a pub lunch with John's Sister Ange and her husband Kev who also happened to be on holiday in the Lakes but they were on the CCC's other site near Derwent Water. Therefore, so that we could all enjoy a drink we arranged to meet at The Farmer's Arms in the village of Portinscale which was mid way between the 2 sites. <div><br /></div><div>Then on the Monday 16th it was time for some more serious walkies!!! And for that my darling husband chose a walk from our doorstep to The National Trust's Force Crag Mine, then up over a hill called High Moss that led us between Outerside and Scar Crags and into the next valley to make circular route that would take us home.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGiLvHRTUX3hsdsH68sUC8WTv4ti6Cc2R59Vvb8tSBWJvK0DtTt7V4-P4nvMB7rqwYvjm5mkq_qeRVnqYzQ17tABtrw0-ryznsTqGusuPZ0c6BcOfckzOt22InpE8Tb8WsZohjtkzrTnImwOrmnbqAAmpCcWHU32MMZTFdC1IquJN4L7MPVyvcB16MhA/s4128/20220515_104752.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1956" data-original-width="4128" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGiLvHRTUX3hsdsH68sUC8WTv4ti6Cc2R59Vvb8tSBWJvK0DtTt7V4-P4nvMB7rqwYvjm5mkq_qeRVnqYzQ17tABtrw0-ryznsTqGusuPZ0c6BcOfckzOt22InpE8Tb8WsZohjtkzrTnImwOrmnbqAAmpCcWHU32MMZTFdC1IquJN4L7MPVyvcB16MhA/w640-h304/20220515_104752.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>And initially, although the route was all uphill, it was a gentle slope with a very pretty Beck running beside us so really not challenging at all. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy_xbZf-1-u9apaOX9KDgsJcSQujlZyQ_2ENGq1MBGVMynYarz212yHxARpCTSac3uw375c1ZB7PmiVKhqT45_ywwuZ1VDeFscUVwwWnFY9huEhl1WQHZcMrTz-G7h-HwXgmHyOfzLr9C7lVdxCt1SmmuFCWAA9jp2qD0HXtWceXuSWwZmADTP_QmxaA/s2048/WhatsApp%20Image%202022-05-16%20at%208.06.03%20PM.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="970" data-original-width="2048" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy_xbZf-1-u9apaOX9KDgsJcSQujlZyQ_2ENGq1MBGVMynYarz212yHxARpCTSac3uw375c1ZB7PmiVKhqT45_ywwuZ1VDeFscUVwwWnFY9huEhl1WQHZcMrTz-G7h-HwXgmHyOfzLr9C7lVdxCt1SmmuFCWAA9jp2qD0HXtWceXuSWwZmADTP_QmxaA/w640-h304/WhatsApp%20Image%202022-05-16%20at%208.06.03%20PM.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>After about 2 miles we came to the ruins of Force Crag mine which was the last working mineral mine in the Lake District and it was here that lead and zinc had been mined for over 130 years. It finally closed in 1991 but sadly the pollution from it still needs to be filtered from the water and this is done by 2 clever filtration pools that function without the use of any further chemicals or artificial energy. <br /><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8r-ZZosQ2ZYuyMK7we6nA90rkPiARvHy2WD7LIyyukfM1-qn0RuYwW2uDipfamFPEBI-smeNvn6ZcSnrdkeoGCfP7Gx5KZXbdsUg6raUkRyktzZwQxWUN8BPcf4PmywSuyKHoimYVXW3sh5OWAxo2nriLpeXXPoAqnPsnsvU11F3MjE_6J_VjgXTzGw/s4128/20220515_114653.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1956" data-original-width="4128" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8r-ZZosQ2ZYuyMK7we6nA90rkPiARvHy2WD7LIyyukfM1-qn0RuYwW2uDipfamFPEBI-smeNvn6ZcSnrdkeoGCfP7Gx5KZXbdsUg6raUkRyktzZwQxWUN8BPcf4PmywSuyKHoimYVXW3sh5OWAxo2nriLpeXXPoAqnPsnsvU11F3MjE_6J_VjgXTzGw/w640-h304/20220515_114653.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxwDwHhRhR3Dm-glF9eD9UXO1FWSTAmAG1WPoIJ4-LlEb6f9uLv08xTk0JSuUmnRdiLS7L8XFzuh-obYDWJYvdNBvIqVDSrYdW5CKMyLm9Yl0E1IB80Og638rdhBoQvY8CoYFiutLuDKMZ4YGoBJ55BCdNuB0tg4stuSHl2HoL4ORiLsO3Rfqa0qSNjw/s4128/20220515_112555.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="1956" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxwDwHhRhR3Dm-glF9eD9UXO1FWSTAmAG1WPoIJ4-LlEb6f9uLv08xTk0JSuUmnRdiLS7L8XFzuh-obYDWJYvdNBvIqVDSrYdW5CKMyLm9Yl0E1IB80Og638rdhBoQvY8CoYFiutLuDKMZ4YGoBJ55BCdNuB0tg4stuSHl2HoL4ORiLsO3Rfqa0qSNjw/w304-h640/20220515_112555.jpg" width="304" /></a></div><div><br /></div>To the side of the mine there were several pretty waterfalls falling from a great height and these fed the little Beck that we'd followed earlier, and at this point we needed to cross it, but with the help of stepping stones this was an easy task!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT5XNFCX9BlKGEtG6A0Y0fOHCdPL7cCQgxy1mR3vtKGvmPcNiMnrcvJbu-noAflg6uzq480aYEzCSeXR9m6IekDxX-RDqYcrgQUyFXHSoe488x5ytnA_6glLWVthYAlBrsaJ2Ze11Y-RvTuw33NNK8C71EUn75Nih--uZlmpjs8DAmtUMVQE_e5zmc-g/s4128/20220515_113549.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1956" data-original-width="4128" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT5XNFCX9BlKGEtG6A0Y0fOHCdPL7cCQgxy1mR3vtKGvmPcNiMnrcvJbu-noAflg6uzq480aYEzCSeXR9m6IekDxX-RDqYcrgQUyFXHSoe488x5ytnA_6glLWVthYAlBrsaJ2Ze11Y-RvTuw33NNK8C71EUn75Nih--uZlmpjs8DAmtUMVQE_e5zmc-g/w640-h304/20220515_113549.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>However, what wasn't quite so easy was the climb that came after it - that required much huffing, puffing and very frequent quick rests for us to conquer it! ๐๐ซ๐ซ , and by the time we got to the top we were extremely hot, bothered and almost exhausted!</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM58J6ZIYQGl84w4ivrx22oVD0TskDckQ4TFQUaAdy5NclTMsvsYX-S7SXekczGjjyy-kMFyYtxByEQ0Ic6bM__3Z_o9dvqkq1kwsFA0sIaWeTwT63gkvt01Gjc-sy3HKHAdQkIn-rR40dJVdcuExG2truQpW4zZ391WCCDbRPGBHWGw7NVBYyVhME6g/s4128/20220515_114158.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1956" data-original-width="4128" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM58J6ZIYQGl84w4ivrx22oVD0TskDckQ4TFQUaAdy5NclTMsvsYX-S7SXekczGjjyy-kMFyYtxByEQ0Ic6bM__3Z_o9dvqkq1kwsFA0sIaWeTwT63gkvt01Gjc-sy3HKHAdQkIn-rR40dJVdcuExG2truQpW4zZ391WCCDbRPGBHWGw7NVBYyVhME6g/w640-h304/20220515_114158.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As we climbed the mine became a tiny blot in the valley!</td></tr></tbody></table><br />But what goes up must come down, so after an hours walk over fairly level but rough ground we eventually started our decent, and it was as we were doing this that we got our first glimpse of Derwent Water nestled far below us. </div><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhd650yT6JDWiBZnpnWQ1sFwjDiK-GpjDYlrRdeetoXZsdqz9hzoRHQCKV-x_E-MGHB72adEjXbNK8qbtBxXXQ_fL7gkebswfCBd7Kz6pUGkXXFXHF5Tk5KEHQeAAf_DEXn8atMV_XL25kKjpKGS-gyA_48JuburIwzl3gtFIV5Oqymi_f5QE0Ysnm0A/s4128/20220515_123954.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1956" data-original-width="4128" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhd650yT6JDWiBZnpnWQ1sFwjDiK-GpjDYlrRdeetoXZsdqz9hzoRHQCKV-x_E-MGHB72adEjXbNK8qbtBxXXQ_fL7gkebswfCBd7Kz6pUGkXXFXHF5Tk5KEHQeAAf_DEXn8atMV_XL25kKjpKGS-gyA_48JuburIwzl3gtFIV5Oqymi_f5QE0Ysnm0A/w640-h304/20220515_123954.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table>In all our walk was only about 6 miles but with all the climbing that was certainly far enough for our first recent attempt at walking in the magnificent hills of the Lake District. </div><div><br /></div><div>On Wednesday 18th we opted for something a little less strenuous, and because I'd brought April's Gardeners' World Mag that offered 2 for 1 entry to lots of gardens throught the country we decided to put it to good use! The gardens we picked were <a href="https://www.levenshall.co.uk/">Levens Hall</a> and The National Trust's <a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/sizergh">Sizergh Castle</a> which were both in very close proximity to each other but about 35 miles away from us. </div><div><br /></div><div>However the trip was well worth it! We'd picked Levens Hall because because it's home to the world's oldest topiary garden which dates back to the 1690s, and when we got there we were able to explore a spectracular array of abstract and geometric shapes which were mainly made up of ancient box and yew trees. Additionally, beneth them there were multiple pristine beds of very pretty spring flowers that included multy coloured pansies, violas and asters to name but a few. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaQVO7Kc6kkLV0TViiSzsajd85KlVPf1JZC3eV0pmMrcyGed81BK4sSTt_1So3XH6JRs55ozOL_BiGCsw9IsMkwNARC4ADq3npG2TXgvxWEdVEYh-Lfoqq_ivQ1xz4CtysDs7IxoshvrTaDCUeaELdMDz6vKuXs4C2oBsDd0pq1vpVsVVWlNPRsltkWg/s1600/WhatsApp%20Image%202022-05-18%20at%204.38.20%20PM.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaQVO7Kc6kkLV0TViiSzsajd85KlVPf1JZC3eV0pmMrcyGed81BK4sSTt_1So3XH6JRs55ozOL_BiGCsw9IsMkwNARC4ADq3npG2TXgvxWEdVEYh-Lfoqq_ivQ1xz4CtysDs7IxoshvrTaDCUeaELdMDz6vKuXs4C2oBsDd0pq1vpVsVVWlNPRsltkWg/w480-h640/WhatsApp%20Image%202022-05-18%20at%204.38.20%20PM.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9nm4GiSDrqyXlLKS4KvC2Sfy4jI4f36dchROdASMO51TkZpcNx0Ml06vYf5sRwrqvS_Hbc4aSMo-yFSlibrevHbWvjKfpmFjgfIu-O0woTVAZ5dRnDVU9b3kxa3wefwDifzNWSlJMjEKZVj7zhstC7lWYIFxgxC5eRBpc2msaAeDRefbfc9665cbS2A/s5184/IMG_4054.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9nm4GiSDrqyXlLKS4KvC2Sfy4jI4f36dchROdASMO51TkZpcNx0Ml06vYf5sRwrqvS_Hbc4aSMo-yFSlibrevHbWvjKfpmFjgfIu-O0woTVAZ5dRnDVU9b3kxa3wefwDifzNWSlJMjEKZVj7zhstC7lWYIFxgxC5eRBpc2msaAeDRefbfc9665cbS2A/w640-h480/IMG_4054.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOdAiwjbluvZcX-NawK74Y5kpFmAVq2twFJGWRD0Ndlbu-TwkYfFsci01bcAnmCHyqbmszTulD-Z3xlqMrya5cRRH5pIUNMZ1r4HZseDvYReY1EU3iGZJY3jE-pc_DkWA3ffCNlPMFVhhN7fJ-5OJouwyyWUIDx2HUp7gc1pae58qzx7F7qQx2jdTiig/s5184/IMG_4053.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOdAiwjbluvZcX-NawK74Y5kpFmAVq2twFJGWRD0Ndlbu-TwkYfFsci01bcAnmCHyqbmszTulD-Z3xlqMrya5cRRH5pIUNMZ1r4HZseDvYReY1EU3iGZJY3jE-pc_DkWA3ffCNlPMFVhhN7fJ-5OJouwyyWUIDx2HUp7gc1pae58qzx7F7qQx2jdTiig/w640-h480/IMG_4053.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>And as an added bonus, once we'd explored the garden we were able to nip across the road to Leven's Deer Park where we found herds of both deer and very long horned goats with their young.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq6rcirkeRAokQS1Y39AxAOiobmaSp7h2BMx_AIu-UNWorBmMq5tSI7g1BRxACU3wsmMFHBINROxka7CG51xrjj2sCnkLqBI8aGiZ3R9SlwXficIuSdNQrEEGqyI1SL8zCkalxs-iV1rkdxnJUrgDpCKt9BflNMmVNKYfviGMwUfthyZzW_GpDCknxQA/s5184/IMG_4071.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq6rcirkeRAokQS1Y39AxAOiobmaSp7h2BMx_AIu-UNWorBmMq5tSI7g1BRxACU3wsmMFHBINROxka7CG51xrjj2sCnkLqBI8aGiZ3R9SlwXficIuSdNQrEEGqyI1SL8zCkalxs-iV1rkdxnJUrgDpCKt9BflNMmVNKYfviGMwUfthyZzW_GpDCknxQA/w640-h480/IMG_4071.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihTx7NKnF0vIExZ_1d6lbSVBg4zBMer-d88TJ2HuKLewdpUlA48y7v7sdLCoHvp-HpTtFE7U552JG8zVZCfZPDE63k8jCjlp6hf659caJ50KsdpONSHOLj863fKFl79B2tKJTWOyDJwoWZfSJ62SM1VsZpkUl760ymKCW2Ee_JcghxyGhqVziQEl__Uw/s5184/IMG_4067.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihTx7NKnF0vIExZ_1d6lbSVBg4zBMer-d88TJ2HuKLewdpUlA48y7v7sdLCoHvp-HpTtFE7U552JG8zVZCfZPDE63k8jCjlp6hf659caJ50KsdpONSHOLj863fKFl79B2tKJTWOyDJwoWZfSJ62SM1VsZpkUl760ymKCW2Ee_JcghxyGhqVziQEl__Uw/w640-h480/IMG_4067.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>It was in this part of the park that we also scoffed our lunch while overlooking The Kent River and while we were eating we spotted two long brown shapes in the water! John initially thought that they were probably only refections as the water bubbled along but as we walked back towards the exit we spotted what appeared to be a big ๐ฆซ beaver dam ๐ฆซ so I think our sighting was actually quite interesting. </div><div><br /></div><div>Next on our agenda was Sizergh Castle where we explored both the gardens and the Castle - however, although the castle had some very beatiful antiques and decorations it's auster interior didn't really float our philistine boats - but the gardens were quite lovely!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPfMOGRZDg9GeFA0p_NmJc08iA6Orf7HrLl6LnOpiy7023JGCdEvlzqkaAQXqL87DteVuFx9ZAslpJrrBq3ftmDHPJY99WqdC8WaC5MJk50Ht6l0_u-G4mCagDVd7BKBuOqI7a7u8lJ6h2Ob_zGt5YcexioCY4JBJeNg0Ca2rwxq9DJQy33jJOxVlboQ/s1106/Screenshot%202022-05-20%2017.07.48.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="518" data-original-width="1106" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPfMOGRZDg9GeFA0p_NmJc08iA6Orf7HrLl6LnOpiy7023JGCdEvlzqkaAQXqL87DteVuFx9ZAslpJrrBq3ftmDHPJY99WqdC8WaC5MJk50Ht6l0_u-G4mCagDVd7BKBuOqI7a7u8lJ6h2Ob_zGt5YcexioCY4JBJeNg0Ca2rwxq9DJQy33jJOxVlboQ/w640-h300/Screenshot%202022-05-20%2017.07.48.png" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijKIQUCueMPBZpJ5nK-Ecr1NP21d1Yt2XfXww0F2lS2RWN8I7hciNhPQ3sxEFyCmkaCASFW-eSDal3VyohcVQq79Fh9FhEj6hDC-LcmuEZJxvfjeOyGM6H0Uu4VIFNKlLcq7fieZNnSndEz9_HOG2gmVAqcYTVPp_dcWX8IlHlO0dJZzzGFQbb4jJYrw/s5184/IMG_4078.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijKIQUCueMPBZpJ5nK-Ecr1NP21d1Yt2XfXww0F2lS2RWN8I7hciNhPQ3sxEFyCmkaCASFW-eSDal3VyohcVQq79Fh9FhEj6hDC-LcmuEZJxvfjeOyGM6H0Uu4VIFNKlLcq7fieZNnSndEz9_HOG2gmVAqcYTVPp_dcWX8IlHlO0dJZzzGFQbb4jJYrw/w640-h480/IMG_4078.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of the Acers were over 100 years old</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdwllO4aQ2otIKlZcstiI1f3i2SVNyYu46G_ta2FfsHQKTJgAwEWRuEQuA3xUpwCJH0HJV76fQD9U60aME38_LoJxTWjiQ7K2XgJJ4Wc-ZwbkEaLH7-0S6JOOyMESQsMUtvGL38-nWIKUaXcqGzME0CXwmZKpMQQ1kRk7JReebPUQw90JLpSWqCjhLaw/s5184/IMG_4079.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdwllO4aQ2otIKlZcstiI1f3i2SVNyYu46G_ta2FfsHQKTJgAwEWRuEQuA3xUpwCJH0HJV76fQD9U60aME38_LoJxTWjiQ7K2XgJJ4Wc-ZwbkEaLH7-0S6JOOyMESQsMUtvGL38-nWIKUaXcqGzME0CXwmZKpMQQ1kRk7JReebPUQw90JLpSWqCjhLaw/w640-h480/IMG_4079.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAurL33tlsb5YEiwj27Ryhpm1MliwrmR21gtGjbOh_697krolJhCffopAiPpioC2RZ1VT-j5cDHQjGqxBrPjQuAHYPE2Twe2_hckjv_c-4rwcqzYUpKuFwGAOi8M1OKM9Qmfi0SmyDawjC354ot2WF3iaLKHUVd0UFHnPbJkimBCpzytE0mCLn1Rwc1g/s5184/IMG_4082.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAurL33tlsb5YEiwj27Ryhpm1MliwrmR21gtGjbOh_697krolJhCffopAiPpioC2RZ1VT-j5cDHQjGqxBrPjQuAHYPE2Twe2_hckjv_c-4rwcqzYUpKuFwGAOi8M1OKM9Qmfi0SmyDawjC354ot2WF3iaLKHUVd0UFHnPbJkimBCpzytE0mCLn1Rwc1g/w640-h480/IMG_4082.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt62RMlcPv_yuVq8-yBB9AUKpUznX9b-GQahLYbGlQ71fX5PfGl4FzSnVGXTMivhthOPQthWkk5jIk1CkZzZhaod2liG2hJBYX_3U_erIBfy_-Br_-nhVwmiRpMBkPFOD1gf-7SOx-_by0PZ8vBrS473UgPP3OiLWB11fMH_hs9e83iM82CbW5W1VTMw/s5184/IMG_4076.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt62RMlcPv_yuVq8-yBB9AUKpUznX9b-GQahLYbGlQ71fX5PfGl4FzSnVGXTMivhthOPQthWkk5jIk1CkZzZhaod2liG2hJBYX_3U_erIBfy_-Br_-nhVwmiRpMBkPFOD1gf-7SOx-_by0PZ8vBrS473UgPP3OiLWB11fMH_hs9e83iM82CbW5W1VTMw/w640-h480/IMG_4076.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We sampled the honey and it was delicious.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>On Thursday 19th Cat Bells was our target, and that was going to be another walk directly from the camp site. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPkfb72WESc8w7FfdVR_m8BNh9yJQzffRy5N4a1r9uRefoFgTxsrpULHzOR79KN1HtbWa2HTW1uN9PuQxIc3TGzLJmvntaIw9a0YJGK6jmExyGZhjglspTLW9zhq-fg-GsOmVkjqSxi-QueBLXCbVeswTU9HQweUTq0Jh1cOI9aul294Pqem_-TFROSA/s5184/IMG_4083.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2194" data-original-width="5184" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPkfb72WESc8w7FfdVR_m8BNh9yJQzffRy5N4a1r9uRefoFgTxsrpULHzOR79KN1HtbWa2HTW1uN9PuQxIc3TGzLJmvntaIw9a0YJGK6jmExyGZhjglspTLW9zhq-fg-GsOmVkjqSxi-QueBLXCbVeswTU9HQweUTq0Jh1cOI9aul294Pqem_-TFROSA/w640-h270/IMG_4083.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cat Bells is the bump in the middle of the pic and it stands 1,479 feet high๐</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>John reliably tells me that the walk from the site to the base of the 'hill' was 1.7 miles, and then the sign at the bottom reckoned we'd only got 1 mile to go to reach the top but all of that was very steeply uphill!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4vZDyQ-QMBAoIg5Is26HSKd71ohyPkJlo9O-4btVhZSJ0lJq0IRnAwoVIGI14yMvFyO9WDaNOVCM9hj_DmJ7N6qRua9asygq3ahzFD52PuvuSRBp0rc8c0MWfjGvUkDB50pgtJZDxucyiEMtRA_3eTmo6eH_npg8KZUmXrPvU30sjDiRnsuUGraoJdQ/s5184/IMG_4085.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4vZDyQ-QMBAoIg5Is26HSKd71ohyPkJlo9O-4btVhZSJ0lJq0IRnAwoVIGI14yMvFyO9WDaNOVCM9hj_DmJ7N6qRua9asygq3ahzFD52PuvuSRBp0rc8c0MWfjGvUkDB50pgtJZDxucyiEMtRA_3eTmo6eH_npg8KZUmXrPvU30sjDiRnsuUGraoJdQ/w640-h480/IMG_4085.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0hMQPxFA350L9nhHO-IrW12RFMx-Z52IL4v9DjcAmy7rTxhUoNh90-Idj0zuINRxuOO61WLH0d3kgPdYRaLaOz8d2chb2T6YALfx2F1epxvDjatTOs37-dI7p2A_J6HEZ4EJpRAnIOJLjxWY6neFzFcMDspbxU3rLnjFxARoQ5fowQnBQc93eQfWDLQ/s5184/IMG_4088.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0hMQPxFA350L9nhHO-IrW12RFMx-Z52IL4v9DjcAmy7rTxhUoNh90-Idj0zuINRxuOO61WLH0d3kgPdYRaLaOz8d2chb2T6YALfx2F1epxvDjatTOs37-dI7p2A_J6HEZ4EJpRAnIOJLjxWY6neFzFcMDspbxU3rLnjFxARoQ5fowQnBQc93eQfWDLQ/w640-h480/IMG_4088.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAI2Ww8ncwoE9swJd3cnHD8u38WG4iesWPwiFINogZO4a8tXyP5I0bdCLg5WGEqdndM4eo8z_J8X5Li6eR7cfoN_5OLCPdNKaeGoYZFebp5QI07l7ESS-FcIMmo58Cr-KXxrk56nKB6Fb-7uK7yMJqgfr3at6YqNnIa4RVDbizTt4ABCZwfCnaq5gNcQ/s5184/IMG_4090.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAI2Ww8ncwoE9swJd3cnHD8u38WG4iesWPwiFINogZO4a8tXyP5I0bdCLg5WGEqdndM4eo8z_J8X5Li6eR7cfoN_5OLCPdNKaeGoYZFebp5QI07l7ESS-FcIMmo58Cr-KXxrk56nKB6Fb-7uK7yMJqgfr3at6YqNnIa4RVDbizTt4ABCZwfCnaq5gNcQ/w640-h480/IMG_4090.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFikONAuXy5KU5oQG1mPfZAxOa-H0qyV01uCHrsXx6X5eMP7KBsq6ET1b7ZtTz1xkLGX6joMeHV-JPoWdu0ddZ58Wv-aQTu_N3XWRNDLh15rXmkh1e5nAk9lXQAtJY4VXE7ZXhAYFrjPL6VdYui5h9VRRHCb5wFRPjx9qGVK0gqh1v8IlZ283DzxD51g/s5184/IMG_4091.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFikONAuXy5KU5oQG1mPfZAxOa-H0qyV01uCHrsXx6X5eMP7KBsq6ET1b7ZtTz1xkLGX6joMeHV-JPoWdu0ddZ58Wv-aQTu_N3XWRNDLh15rXmkh1e5nAk9lXQAtJY4VXE7ZXhAYFrjPL6VdYui5h9VRRHCb5wFRPjx9qGVK0gqh1v8IlZ283DzxD51g/w640-h480/IMG_4091.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Derwent Water from the top of Cat Bells, I'm not sure who the bloke is though!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizgDcf28OWJ-ayY0FHDSAKFo32k0JeL1NZoJ7jMqzAQqk7nlFzHQ68Lfhk7TpC9oE2lTM53qHGgpC4lsoh2BydnaawfW74d4XS2h29ez1vCsbMECe0cuyFnYtTdsiagICSMadPCQm944orQbrmQQCpbK_pFwFZRsRA2VKtSuGe_SF4iRvIrMOokxCZWA/s5184/IMG_4092.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizgDcf28OWJ-ayY0FHDSAKFo32k0JeL1NZoJ7jMqzAQqk7nlFzHQ68Lfhk7TpC9oE2lTM53qHGgpC4lsoh2BydnaawfW74d4XS2h29ez1vCsbMECe0cuyFnYtTdsiagICSMadPCQm944orQbrmQQCpbK_pFwFZRsRA2VKtSuGe_SF4iRvIrMOokxCZWA/w640-h480/IMG_4092.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bassenthswaite Lake</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo8x8QRhA_A6pH9yRtD-VqTLAjxXN2rdmS1H7p6nAHgwt-V8fiKLCrYbbRQsfeJRXZazKx1FYqJ-pva2nWOeHWvY8d-k55W8FHVQwwQSsb2BLwTgxEV3rCDAsDzOQGCqH_CG0VPXIUZvmE2eV9AoXVA8F1ggXOfW7KNPxo5bnHqexrQz0wRCxsJ1pf6A/s5184/IMG_4096.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo8x8QRhA_A6pH9yRtD-VqTLAjxXN2rdmS1H7p6nAHgwt-V8fiKLCrYbbRQsfeJRXZazKx1FYqJ-pva2nWOeHWvY8d-k55W8FHVQwwQSsb2BLwTgxEV3rCDAsDzOQGCqH_CG0VPXIUZvmE2eV9AoXVA8F1ggXOfW7KNPxo5bnHqexrQz0wRCxsJ1pf6A/w640-h480/IMG_4096.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Us at the top of Cat Bells in an almost gale force wind</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>We picnicked at the top overlooking Derwent Water and sheltering from the wind as best we could before setting of down the other side of the hill which required us to traverse down numerous steep steps which taxed our knees more than the upward journey had taxed our lungs ๐ซ!</div><div><br /></div><div>Friday 20th May was spent shower dodging ๐ง๏ธ ๐ง๏ธ โ๏ธ โ๏ธ ๐ง๏ธ ๐ง๏ธ, the day started wet then low cloud for a few hours and then more rain! However, we took full advantage of the dry spell to explore the Green Walkers Route form the near by Whinlatter Pass's Visitor's Centre. This walk was only about 3 miles but once aging mostly uphill. The route took us through dark forest to a magnificent view point at Seat How, and on the way we met the Gruffalo. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsPDCES4oduEma_B0-8kc53AdrTvrEdx1e7VrpCQO5KscGPRMYi5FCXLEyfsVwhm7uQE4ZzeXNf83v4yUBfQw2XArMW4SZbmMCwHCXrGIO0ITrY18_-RFBCmm2L7-VXXpOvGa6sz44tg-aNDQBnGi4PJHItnKZ5brovV-gK4mL8z64ciwli1HFtfRS7g/s5184/IMG_4097.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5184" data-original-width="3888" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsPDCES4oduEma_B0-8kc53AdrTvrEdx1e7VrpCQO5KscGPRMYi5FCXLEyfsVwhm7uQE4ZzeXNf83v4yUBfQw2XArMW4SZbmMCwHCXrGIO0ITrY18_-RFBCmm2L7-VXXpOvGa6sz44tg-aNDQBnGi4PJHItnKZ5brovV-gK4mL8z64ciwli1HFtfRS7g/w480-h640/IMG_4097.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div>And once we reached the top we had another fantastic view of Derwent Water but from a different angle. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigrLJyNskDzGIWFxwwZQqu6ik_p1fMDcFKo1f1nNvAa3_nVzinGyv04gXRBvFUZL29jves02xO1-tMONio25Zt7SV1EZcHuYBfC9Ku4jDY7z8hbZ4YDb4_kFxSJDu5Le0W0RI6cXrjcQCN87A8THOScTXZh3NukpdFYYe1R-pY85OSvaxZp4bZ1rcCaQ/s5184/IMG_4098.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigrLJyNskDzGIWFxwwZQqu6ik_p1fMDcFKo1f1nNvAa3_nVzinGyv04gXRBvFUZL29jves02xO1-tMONio25Zt7SV1EZcHuYBfC9Ku4jDY7z8hbZ4YDb4_kFxSJDu5Le0W0RI6cXrjcQCN87A8THOScTXZh3NukpdFYYe1R-pY85OSvaxZp4bZ1rcCaQ/w640-h480/IMG_4098.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>From this vantage point we were looking down on Cat Bells because this summit was at 1,597 feet ๐ but maybe we'd cheated a bit cos we'd started from a higher point!</div><div><br /></div><div>Anyway, as we're about half way through this tour I'm going to close for now and add the rest in my next post!</div><div><br /></div><div>Bye for now ๐</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div></div>Linda Varneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10023578343265888742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8250550279331493077.post-70034742505783928602021-12-12T16:13:00.003+00:002022-06-24T12:39:36.942+01:00Filey Brigg Caravan Site - Days 85 - 91 of our Autumn/Winter Tour<p><b>Filey Brigg Caravan Site - Days 85 - 91 of our Autumn/Winter Tour</b></p><p>Monday 6th to Wednesday 8th December 2021 ๐จ๐ง๏ธ ๐จ๐จ๐ง๏ธ๐จ๐จ๐ง๏ธ ๐จ</p><p>Well, I've got very little to say about the last few days except that the weather has been fairly miserable - but as we're deep into winter now I suppose that's only to be expected! On Monday squally heavy rain and howling winds kept us in all day, and on Tuesday we only had a short window to get out for a blow! So for that we chose to potter along part of the Cleveland Way which was easily accessible right from our doorstep. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE00e5x110-9WZQ5HsitSnjalpVzfJvw9oefI5Tvu5J9_Q9lv8AvLrOd-ewCasEFugGQmPebjoBl2lGPG15v5apZc26CXrNwW4hRMrJxy594RMyaM7BPB2MZRrfggq2ChIyxiyzLpYYGIH/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE00e5x110-9WZQ5HsitSnjalpVzfJvw9oefI5Tvu5J9_Q9lv8AvLrOd-ewCasEFugGQmPebjoBl2lGPG15v5apZc26CXrNwW4hRMrJxy594RMyaM7BPB2MZRrfggq2ChIyxiyzLpYYGIH/w640-h480/IMG_3835.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>But the track was quite wet and muddy, and although initially the wind wasn't too bad, after about an hour it became a force to be reckoned with, so by the time we were retracing our steps battle had commenced! </p><p>However, along the way, as well as enjoying fantastic oceanic views, we learnt about a strange pole that was fenced off in a field at the side of the path. Apparently, it's one of several on the Yorkshire Coast which were used to simulate rescues from stricken cargo ships. The Filey Volunteer Life Saving Rocket Company which was founded in 1872 practised rescue techniques by firing a line towards one of their members positioned at the top of the pole, but I can't imagine sitting or standing up there would have been very comfortable!</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjj3ezGrfUIiGVYQB_zLCoh2YNccxs6eSDZ-x-r7u9ynH3Z698OU9fY09vf-dWbdb4NoiDPe1ZgN0VLgauAdXNAAGQre9nuM_J_5ft8-Em24qGyWebrko3VsfUtds5AtSdSdySLpf67fSD_JWVQHiBQiV7_tXHnzxFWEqkIBztORWg0PICNxiuHE0myGQ=s5184" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjj3ezGrfUIiGVYQB_zLCoh2YNccxs6eSDZ-x-r7u9ynH3Z698OU9fY09vf-dWbdb4NoiDPe1ZgN0VLgauAdXNAAGQre9nuM_J_5ft8-Em24qGyWebrko3VsfUtds5AtSdSdySLpf67fSD_JWVQHiBQiV7_tXHnzxFWEqkIBztORWg0PICNxiuHE0myGQ=w640-h480" width="640" /></a> </p><p>By the time we got home we were very glad to get out of the gusting winds, but the second storm of this winter 'Barra' was due in overnight so the howling gales and rattling rain that it brought with it rocked our van and disturbed our sleep throughout most of the night. However, once again, no complaints because we didn't suffer any damage and sleep can always be caught up with ๐ด! </p><p>By Wednesday morning the winds had lessened slightly but the intermittent rain was 'piss-isting' on and off, but we did manage to do a bit of weather dodging for a walk down onto Filey Prom without getting wet! And it's not that we really mind getting wet, and we've got all the gear to cope with it, but at the mo, because we haven't got our awning up it's quite difficult to get wet gear dry again - thus we aim to avoid a soaking if we can!</p><p>Tuesday 9th December โ โ โ ๐๐๐โ โ โ </p><p>Hooray, at last a lovely but coldish day so we certainly weren't going to waste it! We'd soon packed a picnic and were heading for Flamborough Head for a walk from there to South Landing, and as we arrived one of the first things we saw was the imposing Lighthouse!</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1W4gE70zw8wu9dL-GwTTx04LEc8YPRdviFXCWy13SIws5ajR7ZgJxGiElP4nVRE-u45VB5thn_qAthmdGLiwSe3I30vgVLekOQ0QKtHVlYAIaRh9NI1c1FsIo-E7sXOtz7JIWVxZ5XApZ/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1448" data-original-width="2048" height="453" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1W4gE70zw8wu9dL-GwTTx04LEc8YPRdviFXCWy13SIws5ajR7ZgJxGiElP4nVRE-u45VB5thn_qAthmdGLiwSe3I30vgVLekOQ0QKtHVlYAIaRh9NI1c1FsIo-E7sXOtz7JIWVxZ5XApZ/" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Built in 1806 by Samuel Wyatt at a cost of ยฃ8000, and first lit on 1st December 1806.</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>However, that wasn't the first lighthouse in this area, the honour for that went to the octagonal chalk tower that stood a little further back from the cliffs. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIsVaF9T1KSbLOE229ddb8Pbj22Ex43uHgwzGgLnllXDyDHhsCr-7SsbCe6HKQD_kai83hyphenhyphenW6WgjXaJLBHb0NSvHhMaSX1zVMNuMCBZK92HI1QtadK3sCJQ_tP0-Tpp472k8FzgwT9H2U2/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1887" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIsVaF9T1KSbLOE229ddb8Pbj22Ex43uHgwzGgLnllXDyDHhsCr-7SsbCe6HKQD_kai83hyphenhyphenW6WgjXaJLBHb0NSvHhMaSX1zVMNuMCBZK92HI1QtadK3sCJQ_tP0-Tpp472k8FzgwT9H2U2/w589-h640/IMG_3852.JPG" width="589" /></a></div><br />This one was built back in 1669 by Sir John Clayton and this nearly 80 foot high tower with 98 steps was designed to have a coal or brushwood fire burning on it's top! It seems that ships passing the tower were supposed to pay a tax to support the provision of the fires based on the weight of their cargo, but this wasn't enforced so many mariners didn't bother which resulted in Clayton's bankruptcy!<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg72MMD6qoC1uHQuVzpntHAkGND1djXOL8YXH0jQXhJqlEHZgcxPkoDh-jO2uNnwV5Z48AscBsLEwsLm5twam8Ofy5Q8QVt0Ze7mkfbOzeKtiXddwzBygLmu5lGXTEoX3ofsdWFoMQwSGId/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="375" data-original-width="521" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg72MMD6qoC1uHQuVzpntHAkGND1djXOL8YXH0jQXhJqlEHZgcxPkoDh-jO2uNnwV5Z48AscBsLEwsLm5twam8Ofy5Q8QVt0Ze7mkfbOzeKtiXddwzBygLmu5lGXTEoX3ofsdWFoMQwSGId/w320-h230/Screenshot+2021-12-11+15.31.47.png" width="320" /></a></div>From there we didn't have far to walk before we came across a locked bird hide that is used by volunteers to log migratory birds as they come and go! There we learnt about the Arctic Terns and Sooty Shearwaters and their mammoth flights. They pass Flamborough on their long journey from their northern breeding grounds to the Antarctic pack ice making a round trip of about 22,000 miles and they do that every year. This results in an average Arctic Tern flying about 500,000 miles in it's life time which is the equivalent of travelling to the moon and back! Even if we add all our travel miles together John and I can't come anywhere near equalling that!<p></p><p>Our next magnificent sight was the cliffs just a short distance away from the lighthouse. Initially neither of us had noticed them so they came as quite a surprise as we turned to admire their glory, and the seals lazing on the beach were also an added bonus </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_ICGw8zdBcvYZ90kGFMy6rPDU6A_0oshn3eXvAOatV-yoqAe3mc1VrLuzBUFBgLLVz81qmpMSa4449J5mMu2uqsH8sqGgSRBc_ePB2rCZIRfIAh6_hT8yYRSRRMUQCTieBi_rHwVFxdBQ/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_ICGw8zdBcvYZ90kGFMy6rPDU6A_0oshn3eXvAOatV-yoqAe3mc1VrLuzBUFBgLLVz81qmpMSa4449J5mMu2uqsH8sqGgSRBc_ePB2rCZIRfIAh6_hT8yYRSRRMUQCTieBi_rHwVFxdBQ/w640-h480/IMG_3846.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg3dLBc3s3VZ_1tYhLGQm7PMsGrBoD7zWMaaZlTT5aMt1iJEJfYGcwQlAxCtTMQqBu-OsKxanSbLQaYAX_ltO19-xv5x9AyZp-298ETPPStJUpg0tZSlvDGSXMpd_m5KpL0Zk5tEP4AB5w/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1553" data-original-width="2048" height="486" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg3dLBc3s3VZ_1tYhLGQm7PMsGrBoD7zWMaaZlTT5aMt1iJEJfYGcwQlAxCtTMQqBu-OsKxanSbLQaYAX_ltO19-xv5x9AyZp-298ETPPStJUpg0tZSlvDGSXMpd_m5KpL0Zk5tEP4AB5w/w640-h486/IMG_3847.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Initially I thought there were just 2 seals on the rocks</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqHo4-FHzIhGFc8sq2o8Y77vVE14Lcs4mPAkULykItW9c2vcnmcVDNzXHzhMx7mM945zGa_xADKYD2ju3az7qRcRfpixNq8r76s2jNCzbeOXf9G-Uy-Hd_BsZltWur1x6HU2Y8OzSUrDE6/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqHo4-FHzIhGFc8sq2o8Y77vVE14Lcs4mPAkULykItW9c2vcnmcVDNzXHzhMx7mM945zGa_xADKYD2ju3az7qRcRfpixNq8r76s2jNCzbeOXf9G-Uy-Hd_BsZltWur1x6HU2Y8OzSUrDE6/w640-h480/IMG_3848.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">But then we noticed a whole family having a doze!</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><p style="text-align: left;"></p></td></tr></tbody></table>And very soon after that I very nearly came to grief! As we were pottering along admiring the scenery I managed to slip in the mud on a down hill section and very nearly did the splits with one leg going in one direction and the other in the opposite. However, just before my 'btm' hit the ground my Knight in Shining Armour managed to grab me and restore me to an upright position๐ฑ! So with no harm having been done (other than a bit of a sore leg) we continued on (with me slipping and sliding) along the muddy path to our destination........<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU0G6p7sWUcD8hb58micqimqA_ExRvnKfObJHP6HhXWz-GPzvNlS_K4yxSNh4_ZHKrLcykv-Z3OQnxTmMINlXZTZsBHzHb68bQ2bdHAzAG2FjTCBqAXaLh5BXAQ-Ss6LDdDHe3znllsPV8/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU0G6p7sWUcD8hb58micqimqA_ExRvnKfObJHP6HhXWz-GPzvNlS_K4yxSNh4_ZHKrLcykv-Z3OQnxTmMINlXZTZsBHzHb68bQ2bdHAzAG2FjTCBqAXaLh5BXAQ-Ss6LDdDHe3znllsPV8/w640-h480/IMG_3851.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A bench above South Landing which was soon employed as today's dining room!</td></tr></tbody></table><br />.......but rather than risk a 2nd 'incident' we decided to make our way back along the quiet country roads. <p></p><p>Friday 10th December 2021 ๐๐๐๐๐โ โ </p><p>Another fantastic day on which our destination was Bridlington! The plan was to park at Sewerby which is about a mile outside Bridlington and then to walk along the Coastal Path into the town. However, that was slightly thwarted because all the clifftop car parks at Sewerby were waterlogged and closed, so in the end we had to park nearer to the north east end of Bridlington but it didn't really matter because later in the day, after our walk along Bridlington prom, we headed back to the car, swapped our flask then walked in the opposite direction. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBGJm6nj_C2BxNBwXY7cbjz7W8VjsCWO4VT_P_T5QeaJG6jQEmid_u_2slBb-tXzAquqzMz_kKWOjIVp8QEOc-54nLyEb7dYEDKP6pqGpgxIJ49mNA0eqlclZqIUySp-WKw17Ikx001l0o/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="395" data-original-width="623" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBGJm6nj_C2BxNBwXY7cbjz7W8VjsCWO4VT_P_T5QeaJG6jQEmid_u_2slBb-tXzAquqzMz_kKWOjIVp8QEOc-54nLyEb7dYEDKP6pqGpgxIJ49mNA0eqlclZqIUySp-WKw17Ikx001l0o/w640-h406/Screenshot+2021-12-12+10.37.19.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table>We joined the immaculate prom at Limekiln Lane and along it's 2 mile length there were lots of interesting facts to find, one of which was about how Surfing came to this country! It seems it was brought to our shores in 1890 by 2 Hawaiian Princes who came to England to study. Their college tutor, a Yorkshire man called John Wrightson, brought them to the seaside during a break from their studies where they rode the waves on Bridlington beach and thus the local people were introduced to the ancient Hawaiian sport of surfing ๐โโ๏ธ !<div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3cUSfO4A7fGiunK2NqPhaKFdK7wkfsqh6rMs3EsVlEYG91ZLjshkVChKE0Pdy0BDAIEJi52jap-hkZM9Bt5faJEjEmJ5y1-2L1bExL9epWQFEEQkbAgAx1FQ8EGc08kptghD8KCxkbCwH/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3cUSfO4A7fGiunK2NqPhaKFdK7wkfsqh6rMs3EsVlEYG91ZLjshkVChKE0Pdy0BDAIEJi52jap-hkZM9Bt5faJEjEmJ5y1-2L1bExL9epWQFEEQkbAgAx1FQ8EGc08kptghD8KCxkbCwH/" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And of course no seaside town would be quite complete without something to do with Punch and Judy</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Our walk then proceeded on to Bridlington's old harbour which dates back to the 12th Century when the monks of Bridlington Priory had a hand in running it. Today it's undergone several rounds of modernisation and is home to more than 200 vessels that include fishing boats, angling craft, yachts, cabin cruisers and of course pleasure boats that sometimes rip you off for a 10 minute trip out onto the north sea. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyg4SvbKiErK3-_a2pjj_dFmB2smGEJspcBcr4n-vYyDxneRqdOa5ntDqeZd9VIbioUiyTx3VgTJgQwelloP_NdQ8asi8CYtp05cK4y1HGIbEHNhzmccMEmN8p-RbdyQUmFzbN6CvSA-Op/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyg4SvbKiErK3-_a2pjj_dFmB2smGEJspcBcr4n-vYyDxneRqdOa5ntDqeZd9VIbioUiyTx3VgTJgQwelloP_NdQ8asi8CYtp05cK4y1HGIbEHNhzmccMEmN8p-RbdyQUmFzbN6CvSA-Op/w640-h480/IMG_3865.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOoK6M8PyZT-m7Yrd38G74IuRha-zCJRTt-orKMt_2tmvPRPiKXuPklVaHi0vDvtY5zEOPM3AKTrHMDubJvUZ4D71CAYId3_lppPl5ZT2K9KUo0bLPQmYU5f7W0OfUVg1TQDQQQ4OXzAV8/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOoK6M8PyZT-m7Yrd38G74IuRha-zCJRTt-orKMt_2tmvPRPiKXuPklVaHi0vDvtY5zEOPM3AKTrHMDubJvUZ4D71CAYId3_lppPl5ZT2K9KUo0bLPQmYU5f7W0OfUVg1TQDQQQ4OXzAV8/w640-h480/IMG_3872.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Harbour Mouth</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><br /></div><div>Bridlington used to be home to a huge fleet of traditional trawling vessels but following the decline of this industry it adapted, and now one of it's claims to fame is the fact that it's the biggest shell fish port in England! The boats launch a 'fleet' of up to 40 baited lobster pots from their stern to lie on the sea bed overnight, and then the catch of crabs and lobsters are stored in boxes or large drums called bongos. These are kept in an area with fresh sea water running over then while being sorted and any unwanted catch is returned to the sea alive. As we walked we saw loads of colourful lobster pots and it was interesting to learn that each fisherman has his own way of making a pot so they are uniquely identifiable to him. </div><div><br /></div><div>From the Harbour we continued on our way along the very smart South Prom with the intention of buying some chips to go with our sarnies, but this area was much less commercial and less busy so by the time we got to the end there was no chips to be had! Instead we made do with crisps and just enjoyed the tranquillity and sunshine as we gobbled our lunch! </div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmQsxwxEolrgpIMcq41goqe-lJqTcbtTruaT_ol02WsHoAzbHEAzBTw4VkOS9FhlG12yGnr25CWdpRbgKXwpCrCMF_6ti2B-qV2xLabyxxWJBShu9vOcrJPUR4X7NLR_uGg6Slf5dh073a/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1656" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmQsxwxEolrgpIMcq41goqe-lJqTcbtTruaT_ol02WsHoAzbHEAzBTw4VkOS9FhlG12yGnr25CWdpRbgKXwpCrCMF_6ti2B-qV2xLabyxxWJBShu9vOcrJPUR4X7NLR_uGg6Slf5dh073a/" width="594" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A little Turnstone looking for crumbs!<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>By walking the full length of both North and South promenades we'd walked about 3 miles so after our picnic it was time to retrace our steps, and as we did so we nipped back onto the Harbour Wall to admire the bronze sculpture of the 'Gansey Girl' who sits knitting a Gansey (a traditional fisherman's jumper) while waiting for her husband to return from the sea.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC8grsLlFTuSkhq7EnVx8O4w_4JNvLyP8yy0RUAqLkVKY5piUPsX-9QnV56pxog2HnYSdhwjKsWdAyFtIq18qWne5SLNc5wHy6CHe-cGLRhQ0BLzIKKX1Bu1HcJzrEIiIfG5qcttjLPYq7/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5184" data-original-width="3888" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC8grsLlFTuSkhq7EnVx8O4w_4JNvLyP8yy0RUAqLkVKY5piUPsX-9QnV56pxog2HnYSdhwjKsWdAyFtIq18qWne5SLNc5wHy6CHe-cGLRhQ0BLzIKKX1Bu1HcJzrEIiIfG5qcttjLPYq7/w480-h640/IMG_3871.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br />Then finally, as we got back to the bottom of Limekiln Lane we paused to reminisce about a cycle tour we'd done back in July 2013! </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEpF6d_tlyQ-zqv7J9ujnLISmWCi0A0RLfR8RiLXNAaSZENxdqOfVAEwb8z4iy4FmbPO211WOqePjNinHYh0tlHvQIaeVJN11tz1qcX4PFCI4eqF6GCLhSUyRWyzwn8sXLZCTRoR_EbYQJ/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1770" data-original-width="2048" height="553" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEpF6d_tlyQ-zqv7J9ujnLISmWCi0A0RLfR8RiLXNAaSZENxdqOfVAEwb8z4iy4FmbPO211WOqePjNinHYh0tlHvQIaeVJN11tz1qcX4PFCI4eqF6GCLhSUyRWyzwn8sXLZCTRoR_EbYQJ/w640-h553/IMG_3874.JPG" width="640" /></a></div></div><br />For that expedition we'd packed our panniers and cycled from our home in Heanor, stopped in Morecambe, then cycled across the country to Bridlington before peddling home again! I think it was a round trip of about 400 miles which is probably about 370 more than we could manage now!</div><div><br /></div><div>Saturday 11th December 2021 โโโ โโโโโ</div><div><br /></div><div>For today the weatherman had promised rain in the afternoon, but in the event it didn't really come until much later in the evening. However, as our plan had been to miss it we'd decided to go out in the morning and to just repeat one of the walks we'd done last week. So that took us back down into Filey and up onto the cliffs beyond, before making our walk a circular one by retracing our steps along the beach. Then we climbed back up the very steep path near the sailing club which brought us back to the campsite where we tucked ourselves in for the rest of the day. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbKSD31YYQeLARNRSFeyA8rV9zEEX-zSeOpJgICm6-_Q__C7T0i4gYGDo9ca5f3XX_NKPqYqHJB8aIyFDXIA3KGe2_3VNKKbKaQugFNLoPvczJnR5Qh1gviFwxeVQwW4KKwtM2mXwVm49T/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="758" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbKSD31YYQeLARNRSFeyA8rV9zEEX-zSeOpJgICm6-_Q__C7T0i4gYGDo9ca5f3XX_NKPqYqHJB8aIyFDXIA3KGe2_3VNKKbKaQugFNLoPvczJnR5Qh1gviFwxeVQwW4KKwtM2mXwVm49T/w304-h640/WhatsApp+Image+2021-12-12+at+11.19.40.jpeg" width="304" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A lobster pot Christmas Tree๐ ๐ป</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div>Sunday 12th December 2021 โโโโโโโ</div><div><br /></div><div>This tour is definitely heading towards it's close now and tomorrow should be our penultimate day, but because we were delayed by snow and ice in Cannock we moved our stay here at Filey on by a day so now we don't have to leave until Tuesday. However, this will probably be my last post until at least after Christmas (unless anything of great interest happens), and Tuesday will see us heading 'home' to our little Certified Location at <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?hl=en&mid=1tG7G55azXmNAvv09V4MjcDksouY&ll=53.057759420218666%2C-1.4260239363525296&z=14">Butterley Bank</a> (between Ripley and Swanwick) to spend the holiday period with our family. Then, all being well, (and if Omicron doesn't get in the way) we'll be heading for Hull for the next 3 months to do a spot of house sitting for our friends Keith and Jackie while they trot off to Spain๐ค.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0q5hxNY1SXccQYrx3G2BDVxzUgedVGmVkVU1ll3QJZ-eJBLvj9ZWXBHJyaeDY9TRfrByZHJ_ZpU9xehgPQmR-dMrV9R4vhbj8Jvkqg4Zz4POZpAybXDjoFHr6CNOrdYgFDJqMratqsckM/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="108" data-original-width="108" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0q5hxNY1SXccQYrx3G2BDVxzUgedVGmVkVU1ll3QJZ-eJBLvj9ZWXBHJyaeDY9TRfrByZHJ_ZpU9xehgPQmR-dMrV9R4vhbj8Jvkqg4Zz4POZpAybXDjoFHr6CNOrdYgFDJqMratqsckM/w200-h200/image.png" width="200" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div>So with that thought in mind all that remains is to wish anyone who's reading this a </div><div><span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">Very Merry Christmas and a New Year that's filled with happiness and Joy xxx</span></div><div><span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: red;"><a href="Click here to see our present Camping Spot">Click here to see our present camping spot</a><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div>P.S End of Tour celebratory Sunday Lunch at Charlotte's - a restaurant that claims connections with the famous author Charlotte Bronte and also one that has the 2nd oldest grape vine in the UK at nearly 200 years old!</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6b3GTzXmnzigyh53oUuXz_8jyXhhhHYV45dvsIYXZcfJCSN6JaqI8eFPp9sCkDIcDII-ZoRAtjudcIiPDFb2CMNd5Oy0ij49MjZFTC1Jpfke7IYCW1M3ktuzE8sA4TxnuJ38pJY2BmAYf/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="560" data-original-width="1320" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6b3GTzXmnzigyh53oUuXz_8jyXhhhHYV45dvsIYXZcfJCSN6JaqI8eFPp9sCkDIcDII-ZoRAtjudcIiPDFb2CMNd5Oy0ij49MjZFTC1Jpfke7IYCW1M3ktuzE8sA4TxnuJ38pJY2BmAYf/w640-h272/Screenshot+2021-12-12+16.02.40.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A pinched pic of it in full leaf</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl9Rr8OjWIFloA5J32hi-hS0jOUsA9Dj1k6CJu7EhzqLNuBR-XT5sfeMVd4mqvwGJh3dDAPHxqIU0p8PjtTN7IAnQPcQB11dytK6Ak2FNBSLLUG1gEgVx7NmTJjPhwlISGVjreVY1Gm8Tn/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl9Rr8OjWIFloA5J32hi-hS0jOUsA9Dj1k6CJu7EhzqLNuBR-XT5sfeMVd4mqvwGJh3dDAPHxqIU0p8PjtTN7IAnQPcQB11dytK6Ak2FNBSLLUG1gEgVx7NmTJjPhwlISGVjreVY1Gm8Tn/w640-h480/IMG_3881.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And one from today when it was festooned in Christmas decs</td></tr></tbody></table><br /> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicwaQeA2zUbf3svGF83curlhCldbyCVsapyx1XDaDoaXBdKhdm8MGtM-TGVSYKrBjmZNZADdpcCFj_4kDHllhUhZaiBodLt-hF-ai3i0MPxkRlQRAReoChUCO1a0zZkTz0ajYotKXizzmS/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicwaQeA2zUbf3svGF83curlhCldbyCVsapyx1XDaDoaXBdKhdm8MGtM-TGVSYKrBjmZNZADdpcCFj_4kDHllhUhZaiBodLt-hF-ai3i0MPxkRlQRAReoChUCO1a0zZkTz0ajYotKXizzmS/w640-h480/IMG_3879.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">John ready to tuck into his massive plateful of Roast Lamb with lots of trimmings</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPm694PWjnBv80LGNrdutHbJ_8dHpOvuBLC4Rteuu3YtCGCACQFMDa0boDV3x6pLNpt6FU1-hXa7s3roJeBRALAiP8346NCsxcmAbGgWmjTy8PQp2BpnRLFaB__37ZSnwVKkHVwnc9e927/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1335" data-original-width="2048" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPm694PWjnBv80LGNrdutHbJ_8dHpOvuBLC4Rteuu3YtCGCACQFMDa0boDV3x6pLNpt6FU1-hXa7s3roJeBRALAiP8346NCsxcmAbGgWmjTy8PQp2BpnRLFaB__37ZSnwVKkHVwnc9e927/w640-h418/IMG_3882.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And an Aaaah moment as we strolled down onto Filey Prom as the sun was setting behind us!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div>Linda Varneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10023578343265888742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8250550279331493077.post-73987433592828778332021-12-05T16:20:00.000+00:002021-12-05T16:20:28.369+00:00Filey Brigg Caravan Site - Days 78 - 84 of our Autumn/Winter Tour<p><b>Filey Brigg Caravan Site - Days 78 - 84 of our Autumn/Winter Tour</b></p><p>Monday 29th November 2021 โ๏ธ โ๏ธ โ๏ธ โ โ๏ธ </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjTUhXUAXFAbFL9lUQNucjUOEhGMiJ9xtI1S_cOHHbTKAIt_sXc662EcidpRlDYl9u_ApfW_dyRxyjoB-2p-vpDXWGIrPoCuUBCZ5IHxe1d70vFWEmMY5_OxsJ9TI6UHqwEHnFgQCmgw6U47oMzWvL6McDxRrewrjDOQvCEOwHBpubWBVdo-LHW9ZC4PA=s2048" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="970" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjTUhXUAXFAbFL9lUQNucjUOEhGMiJ9xtI1S_cOHHbTKAIt_sXc662EcidpRlDYl9u_ApfW_dyRxyjoB-2p-vpDXWGIrPoCuUBCZ5IHxe1d70vFWEmMY5_OxsJ9TI6UHqwEHnFgQCmgw6U47oMzWvL6McDxRrewrjDOQvCEOwHBpubWBVdo-LHW9ZC4PA=w304-h640" width="304" /></a></div>This is what our campsite at Cannock looked like on Sunday after a large dump of snow overnight Friday to Saturday, and then another on Sunday afternoon. But despite the very cold and icy conditions we were all packed up and ready to travel by about 10.30 on Monday morning ...... only to find that when John tried to start the car it was as dead as a 'doh doh' โฐ๏ธ ๐ชฆ๐ <p></p><p>Therefore, we had no choice other than to phone <strike>a friend</strike> the AA ๐ป but that was easier said than done! It was impossible to pick up any sort of phone signal from inside the van but I did manage to find one by standing outside ๐ฅถ, but as you might guess, when I got through it was only to be told by a mechanical voice that '<i>there was a large volume of calls and I was in a queue'. </i>30 minutes later I did actually speak to a real person but only very briefly because before I could state our problem I lost my signal and the call died ๐คฌ! </p><p>So at that point I went to ask for help from the site wardens who were extremely helpful and let me use their landline. Unfortunately, that resulted in another 20 minute wait until I could arrange the assistance we needed - and even then I was told it could take until 3pm in the afternoon before anybody would be with us! </p><p>So at that point we decided to settle in and stay at Cannock for another night, but in the event our wait wasn't as bad as forecast because the AA van rolled up at about 1.30pm. Then the chap did the usual checks, told us our battery was flat (which we already knew), and that it was also about knackered and shouldn't be relied upon! He then jumped back into his van and nipped off to Cannock to fetch us a new one and once that was fitted we were all fixed and ready for our onward journey to Filey Brigg! </p><p><br /></p><p>Tuesday 30th November 2021 โโโโ โ โ โ and much warmer</p><p>This morning when we pulled our blinds back we found a lot of the snow had melted just leaving behind muddy patches and large pools of water, but we were quite happy with that and just glad to see the back of all the treacherous ice. And by 9.30 we were packed up once again and waving goodbye to the site wardens at Cannock as we set of on our 160 mile journey to Filey Brigg Campsite, which happily went without a hitch! </p><p>When we arrived we were directed to a hard standing pitch along the back of the site, and initially we felt a bit disappointed because even though we'd paid to be able to put our awning up this was impossible because the pitch was made of solid concrete pavers and we couldn't peg it down. But it was no good complaining because the only alternative would have been to pitch on the grass and that was so wet and muddy that it wasn't really an option. However, in the end it was a <b style="font-size: x-large;">VERY</b> good job that we hadn't put it up because overnight the wind picked up with massive ferocity that would probably have damaged the awning or us if we'd had to go out in the dark to try and rescue it!</p><p><br /></p><p>Wednesday 1st December 2021 ๐๐ฐ๐ ๐จ๐ง๏ธ ๐จ๐จ๐ง๏ธ๐จ</p><p>Well, that was a bad night and the wind and intermittent lashing rain never really abated all day. It positively howled around the van buffeting and rocking us until we almost felt sea sick, and the bad news was that it was going to continue for most of Wednesday night as well. </p><p>However, we did manage to nip down into Filey for a walk along the prom without getting too wet - but to say the least, it was bracing๐๐! Our plan had been to go home and have some lunch and then to walk the other way out onto the Brigg, but unfortunately that had to wait for another day because, other than getting soaked to the skin, there was no chance! But 'hey ho' we've still got 12 days to go so๐ค things will get better.</p><p>Thursday 2nd December 2021 โ โ โ ๐ง๏ธ ๐จ๐จ๐ง๏ธ๐จ</p><p>As expected we had another bad night, and if anything, it was worse than the one before๐ฑ! However, by morning the sun was occasionally peaking through (although the wind still hadn't abated), so we quickly donned our walking boots and nipped out onto the Brigg! </p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXY08QUB2n1Ic_8wd3LCJK5cLfAc8HWCXgKviC_n6shLogpZDIKfCsOhL3CqxDkdKzx_QtPsClSHoc0TbqAGFARdbo17RlAFm2NuHRThf_lrV_k5SWolSYTENlbUv_7gDyj0OAqQjoMoZH/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXY08QUB2n1Ic_8wd3LCJK5cLfAc8HWCXgKviC_n6shLogpZDIKfCsOhL3CqxDkdKzx_QtPsClSHoc0TbqAGFARdbo17RlAFm2NuHRThf_lrV_k5SWolSYTENlbUv_7gDyj0OAqQjoMoZH/w640-h480/IMG_3798.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Filey Brigg</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Filey Brigg is a long narrow peninsula of steep cliffs that stick out into the North Sea about a mile north of Filey town. The landward end of the peninsula is known as Carr Naze whilst the long neck of rock at the seaward end is call the 'Brigg', and since the early 1970's it has been backed by the fields of Filey Brigg Country Park. <p></p><p>The Brigg also forms the spectacular meeting place of 2 National Trails; to the north The Cleveland Way runs for 110 miles, and the other way the Wolds Way runs 79 miles before it terminates at Hessle near the Humber Bridge, so between the two we should have plenty of choice for coastal path walking (if the weather lets us!)</p><p>However, back to today and along the Brigg path we had spectacular views of boiling cauldrons of heaving waves as they pounded up against the shelving rocks on the Scarborough side of the peninsula, but on the other side the water was much calmer as it headed towards Filey beach. </p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5tGabpYk_p_ZCVMnuMFxXFt-q7QOWEt0nd8CUmvJp3CdN-cAstQOdBg9HrcuDdOObgB_axsyW6amXGH21bxHFdhRJ4_I0MA-OjFrWRPeVTaDhQNIeqDplPXMUEBnTi33Tyr_21JKE41jX/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5tGabpYk_p_ZCVMnuMFxXFt-q7QOWEt0nd8CUmvJp3CdN-cAstQOdBg9HrcuDdOObgB_axsyW6amXGH21bxHFdhRJ4_I0MA-OjFrWRPeVTaDhQNIeqDplPXMUEBnTi33Tyr_21JKE41jX/w640-h480/IMG_3808.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2UVZMqsOfQcitU6Xx3erITVhA85D5sxZTgridCo7kP7iXZ2Bqln47J0jozEy7op7qekQIPDYHIZnlejCdSE8tH1krFfLIX8qhU0h_WbPhdZwQlzaT6X1yJ3n0dCMbUYrwEgrXpdrCrzM3/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2UVZMqsOfQcitU6Xx3erITVhA85D5sxZTgridCo7kP7iXZ2Bqln47J0jozEy7op7qekQIPDYHIZnlejCdSE8tH1krFfLIX8qhU0h_WbPhdZwQlzaT6X1yJ3n0dCMbUYrwEgrXpdrCrzM3/w640-h480/IMG_3810.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Rainbow that was the result of Sea Spray<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>Along the way there were several info boards telling about the geological formation of the Brigg, and how in times gone by it was much broader than the path we were walking today. They went on to tell about multiple land slips that had occurred over the years, and as we gazed down towards the waves it was easy to see how the land was being claimed. However, I found one of fanciful legends more entertaining! That explained that the rocks were the bones of a dragon who used to terrorise the area, but it seems he was outsmarted by the townsfolk because they drowned him when he dived into the sea to wash 'parkin' (Yorkshire Cake) from between his teeth!<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguSXmf-N9tpqSg6Aco0yaVlfbjwxlI9LvP7lmGFyRpFXPdZgqg1pJvZC2DPsQ9IHieEVUOZvRAwZs7382p-TyvLMlrB6YBwk_PIlPlHKw2uxbm-sNdwvZjyyG073Ju7MhXTpkb7sMcXKhyphenhyphen/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguSXmf-N9tpqSg6Aco0yaVlfbjwxlI9LvP7lmGFyRpFXPdZgqg1pJvZC2DPsQ9IHieEVUOZvRAwZs7382p-TyvLMlrB6YBwk_PIlPlHKw2uxbm-sNdwvZjyyG073Ju7MhXTpkb7sMcXKhyphenhyphen/w640-h480/IMG_3813.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Tip of the Brigg<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>When we got to the end of the Brigg we sat and watched the fierce waves for a short while, but by being still the icy tendrils of wind soon crept down our necks and made us shiver so that ensured we were soon heading home for lunch, but on the way we did manage to do a bit of bird spotting. <div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl2GnRpek6td-KcwbVZhyphenhyphenbsMtxHM46c1gUgQhMsL9kdxZAinEZO662xlgIljHdCqpRQR6C0V6JLzoFGVfmkgm1JsHdho1_g1IFh7SYnC0rSEmy4_3mZKMOPwc4acby-SmcvcnXgqzqSk7V/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1224" data-original-width="2048" height="382" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl2GnRpek6td-KcwbVZhyphenhyphenbsMtxHM46c1gUgQhMsL9kdxZAinEZO662xlgIljHdCqpRQR6C0V6JLzoFGVfmkgm1JsHdho1_g1IFh7SYnC0rSEmy4_3mZKMOPwc4acby-SmcvcnXgqzqSk7V/w640-h382/IMG_3818.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Red Shank</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkFVD4HFsdOCdPAp3RevIptEg3FhSiW30bCt2_mRsAdne0SrDcnCTC0iXRIz6-UN7BPO7EM6_By4wrnuK8CrOBhn9izRFQgfa6UGyBzpj9_JRrXYTdNWV6DZo6OVnpVHdmPo8tRuGUKs1q/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1494" data-original-width="2048" height="466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkFVD4HFsdOCdPAp3RevIptEg3FhSiW30bCt2_mRsAdne0SrDcnCTC0iXRIz6-UN7BPO7EM6_By4wrnuK8CrOBhn9izRFQgfa6UGyBzpj9_JRrXYTdNWV6DZo6OVnpVHdmPo8tRuGUKs1q/w640-h466/IMG_3800.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And just 2 of the many hundreds of oyster catches that were grazing on the fields of the park</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>Friday 3rd December 2021 โ โ โโโโโโ</p><p>Well, thank goodness for that! The gale force winds seem to have finally settled. but from our window we can still see what could be snow on the hills beyond Filey. Additionally, we didn't have to be out long before we noticed a proper winter nip in the air, but that didn't stop us from setting of on another outing! We wrapped up snug and headed for a car park at the beginning of Scarborough's South Shore and then headed steeply downhill before passing by the Grand Scarborough Spa which dates back to the Victorian Era. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2rgOZ85tSZbFIXhvEsJI8DnWOwOuK5GQqM3QUQf8Rl2vHgtIQI86tbrZWkMIT4E-TOxEbja-ER2EuryXj-IOoiyAOi9OjTdPMl3NJBMcvsg6ch_emMC4bMGEY4h8UfaNJB_H-cPzrQMms/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="248" data-original-width="623" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2rgOZ85tSZbFIXhvEsJI8DnWOwOuK5GQqM3QUQf8Rl2vHgtIQI86tbrZWkMIT4E-TOxEbja-ER2EuryXj-IOoiyAOi9OjTdPMl3NJBMcvsg6ch_emMC4bMGEY4h8UfaNJB_H-cPzrQMms/w640-h254/Screenshot+2021-12-04+15.50.59.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_AgKy5CLYJWF1KwcChmjxCdjtiBFmQ7sskKR9msgZC8lENb73fjR0G4weG3bvj1xRPatCTuFopVtw-xOiCjuyXa0MM8O4SHZIbFsqEBVwYTfWbpzwV9bU4j2A6LL53VFYefPylP5KRiD1/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5184" data-original-width="3888" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_AgKy5CLYJWF1KwcChmjxCdjtiBFmQ7sskKR9msgZC8lENb73fjR0G4weG3bvj1xRPatCTuFopVtw-xOiCjuyXa0MM8O4SHZIbFsqEBVwYTfWbpzwV9bU4j2A6LL53VFYefPylP5KRiD1/w480-h640/IMG_3822.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Queen Victoria watching over Scarborough Town </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP2BK-5OKTYbbD1C9o6XaHlQf8kay_toDSQR2qemGl54q4L97Cun5hxI1AJOZKxKK3gLh58cuhMG6pWRZqN4DEXxKn0fJ2bV6UBZ26SJu2UQMkKGSOjiV0ztjhBsbMndd_UDv_xhLAZKAf/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1061" data-original-width="2048" height="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP2BK-5OKTYbbD1C9o6XaHlQf8kay_toDSQR2qemGl54q4L97Cun5hxI1AJOZKxKK3gLh58cuhMG6pWRZqN4DEXxKn0fJ2bV6UBZ26SJu2UQMkKGSOjiV0ztjhBsbMndd_UDv_xhLAZKAf/w640-h332/IMG_3821.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scarborough Lighthouse</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>After a short walk along the South Beach Prom we sauntered up into the town to do a bit of window shopping before wending our way through some fairly tatty back streets as we headed for the far end of the North Bay. Then we had the pleasure of traversing along Scarborough's Marine Drive which runs around Scarborough's sticky out bit, where on one side there are steep cliffs where seagulls squawk and where Scarborough Castle is mounted, and on the other, the pounding waves of the North Sea splash up onto the pavement and wet the unwary through to the skin.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjabNnrhB_Eb5n7Owl7-NVirXnVJ9qwmq969sibVpAUdrVSzI5_IAtvDjapxisngEmIEsCILGe7vyhrhM5ukBxCQWMuSAnsxnv5aAyKfKcjhyphenhyphenpEm5ZDhqZPvAZXNYM_9d1EmYc7rE4AHX5U/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1825" data-original-width="2048" height="571" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjabNnrhB_Eb5n7Owl7-NVirXnVJ9qwmq969sibVpAUdrVSzI5_IAtvDjapxisngEmIEsCILGe7vyhrhM5ukBxCQWMuSAnsxnv5aAyKfKcjhyphenhyphenpEm5ZDhqZPvAZXNYM_9d1EmYc7rE4AHX5U/w640-h571/IMG_3826.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />It was also here that we reintroduced ourselves to Freddie Gilroy who passed away back in 2008. The info board told us that he was born into a family of 6 children in County Durham in 1921, and that he was the son of a very poor mining family. When he reached adulthood he followed in his father's footsteps and became a bricklayer at the local colliery building walls to prevent water from flooding the shafts. Additionally, he was also a member of the Territorial Army so when the war started he was immediately called up into active service resulting in him initially serving with The Royal Artillery, and then later he became a Regimental Police Officer. In 1945 he was amongst those who took surrender of a concentration camp near Hamburg which was known as the Bergen Belson, and there he met unimaginable horrors! Even before they got to the site they were met with the stench of rotting bodies which they could smell from more than 3 miles away, and the camp was riddled with typhus, dysentery and TB which resulted in the death of many thousands of men. <p></p><p>And after that sobering event we made our way back to South Bay with the intention of finding Harry Ramsden's for posh Fish and Chips ......... and we did get Fish and Chips but not of the variety we wanted. When we got to the restaurant it was 'no more' ๐ญ, and in it's place was a Takeaway called Papa's, so as we were hungry we decided it would have to do! The food wasn't bad but rather than eating outside we were guided to a scruffy dark cafe where we could sit and eat our food, but even that turned out to be a bit on the greasy side!</p><p>Then once fed (but not watered) we made our way back towards our car but only to find part of the prom was now being doused with large quantities of seawater as the heavy sea washed up onto it. Therefore, a long climb was required back up onto Scarborough's high cliffs and that was maybe a good thing because the trail then also took us through the very pretty maze of the Italian Gardens. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYA2hIfOzCQE0uuP6m7tueefTjUIUBn5Ut9LgnvNCb2Dv64cRqtqoB_YDodE7l_xTlLFPil5xI8XScXywA58X4BTRfHd8qbrvLF3HNzqNSo-RXfF9HoiGnc1bFuio74XbhyphenhyphenxzXG_U44psP/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="409" data-original-width="623" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYA2hIfOzCQE0uuP6m7tueefTjUIUBn5Ut9LgnvNCb2Dv64cRqtqoB_YDodE7l_xTlLFPil5xI8XScXywA58X4BTRfHd8qbrvLF3HNzqNSo-RXfF9HoiGnc1bFuio74XbhyphenhyphenxzXG_U44psP/w640-h420/Screenshot+2021-12-04+16.04.03.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not really at their best today but I'm sure they would be spectacular in Spring and Summer.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Saturday 4th December 2021 ๐๐๐โโโโโ</div><div><br /></div><div>Today our short outing was to RSPB's Bempton Cliffs, a place we've visited several times before but we've never seen it as quite as it was today. And I'm not talking about people, although there wasn't many of them either. When we've been there before it's always been a screaming metropolis of gannets, razor bills and guillemots as they all compete for nesting space to raise their young, however at this time of year ,they've all disappeared and all that were left were lots of common pigeons and fulmars which some may say are less interesting. </div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2vNJG6IK9SUbIk3wXPePBECxsfp_nRMJOkMM063blLdkw0asBYmAWxjEY6mArsbhaXwc4xFk9qTMKDHEKdCwFRZKSloUIY4kJkIPe1JRx0t-qf-GbfNs7pKNCBd8cmJW8GuKx6xXOJOn9/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2vNJG6IK9SUbIk3wXPePBECxsfp_nRMJOkMM063blLdkw0asBYmAWxjEY6mArsbhaXwc4xFk9qTMKDHEKdCwFRZKSloUIY4kJkIPe1JRx0t-qf-GbfNs7pKNCBd8cmJW8GuKx6xXOJOn9/w640-h480/IMG_3829.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table>But during our muddy and chilly walk (the wind was arctic) we learnt a few interesting facts about the latter! It seems that they have a fancy beak with tube like nostrils that allow them to smell their dinner from 15 miles away - maybe similarly to us smelling fish and chips in Scarborough! Additionally, fulmars protect themselves by spitting sticky and very stinky stomach oils at their enemies so it would definetely be a mistake to upset one!</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6VoSsIO_SdjgOb7JU8XhL1ZhHZVfouiMUSBD_Qs7b0HRYwNCSuCGvxA-AzwzsENdSxJEi7Qm2-w1e1k8nxOM3q7kRcSUPyAE-hHvkrDQYnTcXMJL9a7tDsQZq2mK_yROpNsQZxjND-_eE/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6VoSsIO_SdjgOb7JU8XhL1ZhHZVfouiMUSBD_Qs7b0HRYwNCSuCGvxA-AzwzsENdSxJEi7Qm2-w1e1k8nxOM3q7kRcSUPyAE-hHvkrDQYnTcXMJL9a7tDsQZq2mK_yROpNsQZxjND-_eE/w640-h480/IMG_3832.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /> As we walked we once again admired the magnificent cliff formations but we were also saddened to see some of the materials that were woven into the old bird's nests - lots of plastics and other man made materials. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJl-cNR95-odPr2agDN6Z7_0YjfeW8gF0H_X52BH2emIl4KKrRzrTzFFBmbq6BtNMBlR-1D89pWY3ne2g0195BVu3jl8QP1hS5ZcUWmkMHmDXcT8dfZJl0_0wB9fy6mGmA0JqRUpAGMYhH/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJl-cNR95-odPr2agDN6Z7_0YjfeW8gF0H_X52BH2emIl4KKrRzrTzFFBmbq6BtNMBlR-1D89pWY3ne2g0195BVu3jl8QP1hS5ZcUWmkMHmDXcT8dfZJl0_0wB9fy6mGmA0JqRUpAGMYhH/w640-h480/IMG_3833.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div>Sunday 5th December 2021 โ โ โ ๐ง๏ธ โ โ ๐ง๏ธ๐ง๏ธ๐ง๏ธ</div><div><br /></div><div>It was definetely a shower dodging day today so it took us till about 11am to venture out, and then we settled for another walk down into Filey and a bit further beyond. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiknfu_q1WBjKSt2vRZjaW3J5AzLHLN_eeKLT-UiIuo_YtG3aXPUiEwqtZPSCYXedUwDX7H4Jjb535nhiXBHQeZjDKBALsFfc5CXK5-uC4WQDtHhF2GoqD1w8XVPMwWF7LCXRctzSTia48i/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2576" data-original-width="1221" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiknfu_q1WBjKSt2vRZjaW3J5AzLHLN_eeKLT-UiIuo_YtG3aXPUiEwqtZPSCYXedUwDX7H4Jjb535nhiXBHQeZjDKBALsFfc5CXK5-uC4WQDtHhF2GoqD1w8XVPMwWF7LCXRctzSTia48i/w304-h640/20211205_122101.jpg" width="304" /></a></div>As we traversed along Filey Prom we met Finlay - a steel giant sculpture described as 'High Tide in Short Wellies', and put there to represent the decline of the Filey fishing industry!</div><div><br /></div><div>Then a little further along we came across 'A Beach Hut'</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEWWaxXqvB6oTEfrE2pgbH-76CvKuX_CCgD2YPi0lN_qUDb6kjVbhKUAn6Y_-gcVLFdxHDn0jt1hhqch34Tf9fKjE4NG__A3tHokZ0zIFp71bqjd5-vT61x0QI17qBgmWrE45KBLps3GZ8/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1221" data-original-width="2576" height="167" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEWWaxXqvB6oTEfrE2pgbH-76CvKuX_CCgD2YPi0lN_qUDb6kjVbhKUAn6Y_-gcVLFdxHDn0jt1hhqch34Tf9fKjE4NG__A3tHokZ0zIFp71bqjd5-vT61x0QI17qBgmWrE45KBLps3GZ8/w273-h167/20211205_122917.jpg" width="273" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>That had been put there to reflect the heritage of Filey as a posh Edwardian seaside town! At that time people would bathe in the sea for therapeutic reasons, but it wouldn't have been the 'done thing' to be seen in any state of undress! Therefore, the hut would have been drawn down to the water's edge so that the occupant could step down into the water thus preserving their dignity. </div><div><br /></div><div>Next we tripped down steep steps and then straight back up again into Glen Gardens where we found a wooden structure that we first thought was a seal with a long neck! However, when we read the info it was identified as a Plesiosaur which had been carved using a chain saw. Apparently, in 2001 a 149 million year old skeleton of a similar creature had been found close by in the clay soil near Speeton. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1NrvGKbo1-873T42hnPVJAWTjZqsNkAufR0U0YZ7vbubsgqk3jObHLKgkS7iA235tp5RZX__6Qp9BF9E_fVv-pmVNws6uuys0tFJfRIflKb1_NPCiddAUPNIjFLC5Y30PJxciEQvVAmFe/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1041" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1NrvGKbo1-873T42hnPVJAWTjZqsNkAufR0U0YZ7vbubsgqk3jObHLKgkS7iA235tp5RZX__6Qp9BF9E_fVv-pmVNws6uuys0tFJfRIflKb1_NPCiddAUPNIjFLC5Y30PJxciEQvVAmFe/w555-h640/WhatsApp+Image+2021-12-05+at+14.22.25.jpeg" width="555" /></a></div><br />From the park we continued on our way along what looked like a new section of coastal path that ran alongside a golf course, and then because the sky was looking quite 'iffy' we decided to start our homeward trek. And for that we descended down to the beach and made our way home along the sands, and once again our timing was good because very soon after we closed our door the heavens opened again!</div><div><br /></div><div>Bye for now ๐</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?hl=en&mid=1tG7G55azXmNAvv09V4MjcDksouY&ll=54.20664218506889%2C-0.32078216083983424&z=12">Click here to see our present Camping Spot</a><br /></div><div><br /></div>Linda Varneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10023578343265888742noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8250550279331493077.post-18469582758495495392021-11-28T21:14:00.001+00:002022-06-24T12:41:31.295+01:00Cannock Chase Caravan and Camping Club Site - Days 71 - 77 of our Autumn/Winter Tour<p><b>Cannock Chase Caravan and Camping Club Site - Days 71 - 77 of our Autumn/Winter Tour</b></p><p>Well, it really has been a funny old week! As you possibly know, I'd usually write our blog as a daily diary, however, the wifi here at Cannock is intermittent to say the least, so that's made blogging extremely frustrating! Therefore, I'm going to jot a short version of this weeks story down all in one go and just keep my fingers crossed it'll save and publish by the time I get to the end! </p><p>I'll start with the weather which has been a real mixed bag, ๐๐ lots of lovely Autumn sunshine๐๐ to start the week, then the strong rough winds of storm Arwen, and finally a big dumping of โsnowโwhich resulted in us being more or less trapped on the campsite! The roads just outside the gate were completely clear but the uphill drive to get out was just sheet ice, and because the site isn't usually open this late in the year they didn't have any salt to help clear it. Having said that the stewards made every effort with shovels and hard work which allowed one or two motorhomes to escape late on this afternoon (Sunday), but when a caravan tried there was an awful lot of wheel spinning before he finally got up the hill. Then I think everybody must have been watching because once one or two had reached the road there was a mass exodus, but not us because we're booked in until tomorrow anyway. And even that might be debatable because at the time of writing it's just starting to snow again ๐ฎ</p><p>So, for a quick run through the week; on Monday we went for a brisk Autumnal walk from the site to a place called Castle Ring which was an area dedicated to coal mining in times gone by, and also a spot from where your supposed to be able to see as far away as the Peak District - but I think you'd have to have very powerful binoculars for that! </p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjMUSCI0hhbr97Zi3xQmq5N1Q-_HA-shAGDsirZwCupsk8sXbIpVS8LKE1yDqVyaRnRq5605gBZw0AiEsjXNkPpIu6XQAseXJ_Vj5AWwbw9scGx9sULbZPDU7MtS4NZnN__9kZgG13p0GuHVzo3Q1eWkX2boR0JUBAFoD_E6xHIWP9jcstJvb-8za7DOw=s2048" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1521" data-original-width="2048" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjMUSCI0hhbr97Zi3xQmq5N1Q-_HA-shAGDsirZwCupsk8sXbIpVS8LKE1yDqVyaRnRq5605gBZw0AiEsjXNkPpIu6XQAseXJ_Vj5AWwbw9scGx9sULbZPDU7MtS4NZnN__9kZgG13p0GuHVzo3Q1eWkX2boR0JUBAFoD_E6xHIWP9jcstJvb-8za7DOw=w640-h476" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I was a bit worried in case the branch snapped and landed on my head๐๐๐<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>On Tuesday and Wednesday we didn't stray far from the site because our main mission was to get our rather large and heavy awning down and packed away for the rest of the winter while it was dry, and that meant giving it a bit of a clean as well! And the timing became quite crucial because it was nearly always quite damp in the mornings, so we had quite a narrow window in the early afternoon for cleaning and packing and thus it resulted in the task becoming a 2 stage job - the 5 panels on Monday and the main body on Tuesday! <p></p><p>Wednesday saw us venture out to the shores of Chase Water resevoir near Burntwood which can trace it's history back to 1797 when it was created as a feeder to supply the Birmingham Canal Network. However, later as canals became less important, the reservoir diversified and became more of a leisure facility for sailing, water skiing and walking! We circumnavigated the shores and briefly picnicked but it was a bit chilly to hang about for too long. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgzqiaK-jc_moLXyebB3PGF3Y0t6Ox5EwbPY-onY4dSVn_BZH-jE_KAU9ubzfTj3u0C5joYAA5c99qvmlt1gLWO0curCeqYsvecyCC1z7k1aVIziVVJ-6tsr8MqbLCoEnuB7hg3P8prW30Bp2LZw9Wx2Qh0mtm7T3jjXF9kv7FcwY6zvP_jJ4bZw7LmsA=s506" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="305" data-original-width="506" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgzqiaK-jc_moLXyebB3PGF3Y0t6Ox5EwbPY-onY4dSVn_BZH-jE_KAU9ubzfTj3u0C5joYAA5c99qvmlt1gLWO0curCeqYsvecyCC1z7k1aVIziVVJ-6tsr8MqbLCoEnuB7hg3P8prW30Bp2LZw9Wx2Qh0mtm7T3jjXF9kv7FcwY6zvP_jJ4bZw7LmsA=w640-h386" width="640" /></a></div><p>On Thursday we parked up in the Devil's Punch-bowl and took a walk along the Trent and Mersey Canal where we had the pleasure of catching sight of an iridescent Kingfisher taking a rest on the opposite bank. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiXg4wRQUtVf-dvLUqZcg7IK4ElicvC76ep5BHgNr5j_K2U8sJFUKk-MGbp00hNmcoUbjB39Ucrgw2D59qxHljiAlViDFgfhpkIMYzfjsPBNQfzsezPMfg5jmBsH0sdjmAkzCQSx8KR42rnRPHVlXYMsqfzbXFsTPJslntQzCQP6C50RMzcxLq9J4TO_A=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1438" data-original-width="2048" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiXg4wRQUtVf-dvLUqZcg7IK4ElicvC76ep5BHgNr5j_K2U8sJFUKk-MGbp00hNmcoUbjB39Ucrgw2D59qxHljiAlViDFgfhpkIMYzfjsPBNQfzsezPMfg5jmBsH0sdjmAkzCQSx8KR42rnRPHVlXYMsqfzbXFsTPJslntQzCQP6C50RMzcxLq9J4TO_A=w640-h450" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEil2u8mjV4OXhdUlqNnSRMT1u_7V3UaFMLYlbcshvN_ldaNuYWBHofh3F309jRF4qLLyPWJiu6GGGA8oHt5c5V-_ydiyiSdDqbckdoav0xKqmj6K-WpVGcMBddQu_XatzxbR07myVUoj_w0N_mJ2FDqc4mzY-Ld0zRdYnx1nJuq1fULkqMHh_HkWOJpDw=s2048" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1532" data-original-width="2048" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEil2u8mjV4OXhdUlqNnSRMT1u_7V3UaFMLYlbcshvN_ldaNuYWBHofh3F309jRF4qLLyPWJiu6GGGA8oHt5c5V-_ydiyiSdDqbckdoav0xKqmj6K-WpVGcMBddQu_XatzxbR07myVUoj_w0N_mJ2FDqc4mzY-Ld0zRdYnx1nJuq1fULkqMHh_HkWOJpDw=w640-h478" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And the ducks didn't want to be left out because they just lined up to have <br />their pic taken</td></tr></tbody></table><p>From there we proceeded back into the grounds of Shugborough Hall which J.R.R Tolkien imaginatively referred to as 'The House of a Hundred Chimneys' in one of his novels. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgPtSgwWsec74RO-DwKUiQAKcqMjfxCZl50XtevV4xJQSjwN8yusqJTIvzcffhlSdWbeeSbzDNmjeHYg_qNhsGEasi-cxdh1kCo5EHj-KVVFhMy2yB2wIrhjdQI_HzNh__0LNOqGYk0QeWBysUQ-jPN6EQpZyRZUg_urRNSj06Bp1-uHoyOzrV1hvlaYQ=s5184" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgPtSgwWsec74RO-DwKUiQAKcqMjfxCZl50XtevV4xJQSjwN8yusqJTIvzcffhlSdWbeeSbzDNmjeHYg_qNhsGEasi-cxdh1kCo5EHj-KVVFhMy2yB2wIrhjdQI_HzNh__0LNOqGYk0QeWBysUQ-jPN6EQpZyRZUg_urRNSj06Bp1-uHoyOzrV1hvlaYQ=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">But to get there we had to paddle across a stream. We were a bit worried <br />that the stones might have been slippy but neither of us fell in๐</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Then Friday and Saturday were non event days mainly due to Storm Arwen! We'd watched the weather man predict very strong winds and snow overnight on Friday, and John was a bit worried about what the result would be! But not me, I'd said to him '<i>don't worry, I'm sure it wont be much' </i>only to open my blind on Saturday morning after a fairly sleepless night (due to the howling wind) to find a thick layer of about 6 inches of snow covering the ground and making the tree boughs bend alarmingly! The wind had also brought tree branches down both in the woods behind us and on site, and as the temperature never really got above zero through the day the whole site soon started to resemble an ice rink with people skidding and flailing when they ventured out. </p><p>And Sunday morning was no better! We went out for a short walk along the tracks behind the site but it was so treacherous underfoot (and I'm always like Bambi in snow) that we soon gave it up and returned to the warm confines of our snug little home. </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiqbK5yYqWUwZPV_rbfMqEaL6Ke79LdaI2JB3SjddFQ4Ef775EUpeB2yqUKFumJYHTnghWCJeQ6kqPhQHKvCJ_k_Q1TlIaYKEN2VgFWB_aHZkidxXO4Iuh9qyXJu52g-tI60uiO9mQPfwyj93MloLN0LNMTC3YKMTsq2rMHBBBnpGl5EZIY3xg1oPOZbQ=s5184" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiqbK5yYqWUwZPV_rbfMqEaL6Ke79LdaI2JB3SjddFQ4Ef775EUpeB2yqUKFumJYHTnghWCJeQ6kqPhQHKvCJ_k_Q1TlIaYKEN2VgFWB_aHZkidxXO4Iuh9qyXJu52g-tI60uiO9mQPfwyj93MloLN0LNMTC3YKMTsq2rMHBBBnpGl5EZIY3xg1oPOZbQ=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></p><p>Tomorrow our plan was to move onto Filey but the snow is still falling thick and fast so if the conditions remain grim we may well stay put for another day and them move on Tuesday when (if the weather predictions are correct) the snow should be more or less gone. We'll decide in the morning but the very kind stewards have already said we can stay if necessary!</p><p><a href="https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?hl=en&mid=1tG7G55azXmNAvv09V4MjcDksouY&ll=52.72811878552956%2C-1.9442421499999973&z=17">Click here to see our present camping spot.</a></p>Linda Varneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10023578343265888742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8250550279331493077.post-42721683967550675582021-11-22T13:18:00.000+00:002021-11-22T13:18:59.377+00:00Cannock Chase Caravan and Camping Club Site - Days 64 - 70 of our Autumn/Winter Tour<p><br /></p><p><b>Cannock Chase Caravan and Camping Club Site - Days 64 - 70 of our Autumn/Winter Tour</b></p><p>Monday 15th November - โโโโ โโโ</p><p>Just a journey today from Malvern's Blackmore CCC site to Cannock Chase CCC site. 60 miles in all but the last 10 took as long as first 50 due to heavy traffic. </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiT42_UxYNi6PlqZPoOWtK80kZYUTqsS95YIyNw9qve-biC6gkDACd31U5dquo31tRer_h6iLY_pbpuEkz9HUvrmefR3sT6vay2sqTv2Zn3C_0sMea2Y_U1d1sIg7kOa-bMqwdjIKlSP_8CaYC9dYUH_Jm_ifCPvWRW-w14LCPREjPEa2ZUAdZ64h6fHg=s5184" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiT42_UxYNi6PlqZPoOWtK80kZYUTqsS95YIyNw9qve-biC6gkDACd31U5dquo31tRer_h6iLY_pbpuEkz9HUvrmefR3sT6vay2sqTv2Zn3C_0sMea2Y_U1d1sIg7kOa-bMqwdjIKlSP_8CaYC9dYUH_Jm_ifCPvWRW-w14LCPREjPEa2ZUAdZ64h6fHg=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></p><p><br /></p><p>Tuesday 16th โโโโโโโโโ - a bit dull and dank. </p><p>So to get our bearings in this new area we headed out for a 5 ish mile Walk along Marquis's Drive (which runs quite close to the site) to Brindley Heath Road Visitor's centre. And in so doing we pottered through lots of colourful woodland and passed by the old site of what was once RAF Hednesford. During the Second World War the site was established as a training facility and over 18,000 recruits including flight mechanics, riggers, and fitters passed through it and it was also host to a large number of civilians many of whom were employed as instructors. Later, in 1956 the site became a resettlement camp for Hungarian refugees, then later still the land was auctioned off and became part of Cannock Chase Country Park. </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgg8vLDitwJc9QIGXSy0fEzdZEzRNh7YlK2I-CNdrMaLIQYY2Z-1pjxnBvXXIGSIsXNGtLk6BjuBaeWuAMrUXgw5l7lYCS-j8UZt4rwmFFiB5Tc85y5fHQsmJ0yvuK1n91-LCQkZzYz8Db4Js6_ddIt0ghc7DBXmmhPxNHA2yLXa0Y0gKSkpeYHsplE9Q=s5184" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgg8vLDitwJc9QIGXSy0fEzdZEzRNh7YlK2I-CNdrMaLIQYY2Z-1pjxnBvXXIGSIsXNGtLk6BjuBaeWuAMrUXgw5l7lYCS-j8UZt4rwmFFiB5Tc85y5fHQsmJ0yvuK1n91-LCQkZzYz8Db4Js6_ddIt0ghc7DBXmmhPxNHA2yLXa0Y0gKSkpeYHsplE9Q=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></p><p>Certain areas of the forested parts of the Chase have become runs for mountain bikers and this one was called Devil's Staircase!๐ However, there were lots more 'runs' with quite fanciful names, but possibly more worrying were the location posts that provided info for emergency services in case of accidents. ๐</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjYF5gPMp8VZD5s1IzjXA1Fd_DjvF456LlKXn6mh4IxHSKYCAn8BF2qje2kh99h5br7PLZZg9_Q1OB_xGVvb_rK-PRqkGFLdRQXMiPxWnBeZUiM5C-mvXxCw2U16dNJNEL0WKdp9y-r7sGx-uMIZqjGNYdl6RN4HJFMRP3xHh7w4IiRNvFrKxz9Mk4KxA=s5184" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjYF5gPMp8VZD5s1IzjXA1Fd_DjvF456LlKXn6mh4IxHSKYCAn8BF2qje2kh99h5br7PLZZg9_Q1OB_xGVvb_rK-PRqkGFLdRQXMiPxWnBeZUiM5C-mvXxCw2U16dNJNEL0WKdp9y-r7sGx-uMIZqjGNYdl6RN4HJFMRP3xHh7w4IiRNvFrKxz9Mk4KxA=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></p><p><br /></p><p>Wednesday 17th โโโ โ โ โ โ </p><p>Today we paid a return visit to the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire which is a place we visited a couple of years ago. However, since then quite a few new Memorials have been added, and this lovely November day proved to be an ideal time for our exploration of them. The Arboretum is situated at the corner of the National Forest and the 150 acre site is home to many thousands of young trees, some fantastic flowering gardens and also nearly 400 memorials that represent the Armed Forces, the Emergency Services and also tributes to many civilian organisations. Therefore, it would be absolutely impossible to mention all of them but I did take pics of some of the most visually impressive ones.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEieM8nn9qTzu-RNrFSBY49_Q8PK6S0vNcy8NOp1MNtc3-XC7i16MbGMScWK7m5kvz0JQR2qoUoubZzzp8r110lwz7T1xEJcTOsV-xqWN18oAenDytVbyhG5IhoaaBhCGJW1bbXuwndZrSAau2eADmkh3AAYubAZjt2Rml4-IsX7tS3ig2bYngh_an-2Rw=s3284" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="958" data-original-width="3284" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEieM8nn9qTzu-RNrFSBY49_Q8PK6S0vNcy8NOp1MNtc3-XC7i16MbGMScWK7m5kvz0JQR2qoUoubZzzp8r110lwz7T1xEJcTOsV-xqWN18oAenDytVbyhG5IhoaaBhCGJW1bbXuwndZrSAau2eADmkh3AAYubAZjt2Rml4-IsX7tS3ig2bYngh_an-2Rw=w640-h186" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This huge Memorial is the centre piece of the Arboretum and it's oval shape is divided into 3 sections by curved walls. The walls are then divided into numbered panels and the names of those from the <br />armed forces who have died since 1945 are represented there. However, what I found very <br />ominous was a huge area in the 3rd section that had no inscriptions! That area was obviously <br />waiting for those who are yet to perish in wars to come!<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh5E9sRAAAvDqp_D0Wed45ieJp1H7atGtlQr9OYvp2VvlIyMWk15MSgnFtRvtu2e6t17CLCmpZhx6juynqmtWe8F4fYqSMMHTq_WcPTR5myVZNaFNVGb6NUiH_cAxL46QkF8iC7XmvrT3vOuxP5eJjrZZtZrIa3E3QPkqJ8No15Fc2wqot1ck00LmCt2A=s5184" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh5E9sRAAAvDqp_D0Wed45ieJp1H7atGtlQr9OYvp2VvlIyMWk15MSgnFtRvtu2e6t17CLCmpZhx6juynqmtWe8F4fYqSMMHTq_WcPTR5myVZNaFNVGb6NUiH_cAxL46QkF8iC7XmvrT3vOuxP5eJjrZZtZrIa3E3QPkqJ8No15Fc2wqot1ck00LmCt2A=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEim_B5Uf7tMkVnNHrthGoL7B1-lksl0-FjKTqISxWD6juvYBGDVTqQskgdvmzBOnT9A3hVjdj6_q_vZZGqBWYGO5fieLmTFoffLBY_1uOC3PVVj_Lib3b9Spa_r2F1S_iTqKYdFVFIm2v8-D8WlRoC0VVElY0xUlSx73ff59NOHvn7YYD_AOZknujWM3g=s5184" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEim_B5Uf7tMkVnNHrthGoL7B1-lksl0-FjKTqISxWD6juvYBGDVTqQskgdvmzBOnT9A3hVjdj6_q_vZZGqBWYGO5fieLmTFoffLBY_1uOC3PVVj_Lib3b9Spa_r2F1S_iTqKYdFVFIm2v8-D8WlRoC0VVElY0xUlSx73ff59NOHvn7YYD_AOZknujWM3g=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The two sculptures above were found in the centre section of the main memorial. <br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiQ2BwAGPOUHPSzYBjX5cvFWjtz2jMb8Tk0NJ92exGhajKqzkrBYlvDRG22VGssReeRaD5OJIfmsB8Qgu0eNTWI4_Yx3ZtxV_5nOE-omSHKB0XN49SOMOzvW-KTPRdDexLo77pDUakXv2x2P1Yoomee4G1Pu-S9LXleAf7EocUWRj8aKcZeQBVncNmoQg=s5184" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiQ2BwAGPOUHPSzYBjX5cvFWjtz2jMb8Tk0NJ92exGhajKqzkrBYlvDRG22VGssReeRaD5OJIfmsB8Qgu0eNTWI4_Yx3ZtxV_5nOE-omSHKB0XN49SOMOzvW-KTPRdDexLo77pDUakXv2x2P1Yoomee4G1Pu-S9LXleAf7EocUWRj8aKcZeQBVncNmoQg=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Every poppy had a name on and they were all arranged according to the month <br />in which that person died.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjpgoEMFFrZbIzcM4K5R9YPMDuFaM3zEBRCJ75jN1IY6BqNuVv2A8BhpxYpnP9ZQYce8Fbxubb78oLrT4BgQnuNkpA4xK6ZLGOzrEDtIVwgPVnsvNdqaBjpWcg_8jOLZt1YTjfpaixfEZUaufe_U0NRNq_BP4XIbUCWfydZfeC0h0sXqTzsWmuevVwmCg=s5184" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjpgoEMFFrZbIzcM4K5R9YPMDuFaM3zEBRCJ75jN1IY6BqNuVv2A8BhpxYpnP9ZQYce8Fbxubb78oLrT4BgQnuNkpA4xK6ZLGOzrEDtIVwgPVnsvNdqaBjpWcg_8jOLZt1YTjfpaixfEZUaufe_U0NRNq_BP4XIbUCWfydZfeC0h0sXqTzsWmuevVwmCg=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This one was dedicated to the Parachute Regiment which was originally set up in 1940 following a directive by the then Prime Minister Winston Churchill.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgmqSbgdPHUiEkBNObVXZChhRnK6GKjKTaGiL8AMcvz77DBGS9_MOCylgIkd6fFh3bt6544GKO6hI8XA6xBqNVWutaDQ5ANHuDfP2t6bKXLAirQGEsWfpPx78wFX9kS1jbB3kcvrA1Dd5KpWTNwgps5Is9N5xfDzuJwwmqt6YLO5CKMHzHnjyRwMHZ63g=s5184" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5184" data-original-width="3888" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgmqSbgdPHUiEkBNObVXZChhRnK6GKjKTaGiL8AMcvz77DBGS9_MOCylgIkd6fFh3bt6544GKO6hI8XA6xBqNVWutaDQ5ANHuDfP2t6bKXLAirQGEsWfpPx78wFX9kS1jbB3kcvrA1Dd5KpWTNwgps5Is9N5xfDzuJwwmqt6YLO5CKMHzHnjyRwMHZ63g=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This one represented The Pegasus Bridge Memorial Flight.<br />On D-Day 6th June 1944 six Gliders were released from British aircraft and <br />had to glide down in complete darkness to secure bridges over the River Orne, <br />The Caen Canal and The River Dives in a mission that was vital<br />to defending the D-Day landings on the beaches of Normandy. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj_1Cslj-2H8i-k6zj7LA-sHSnt1qSv2tfIZifPbS68hA6XmUMm-dc9Ju5x8xZalzJ5UOCuDi0NRs72psVriG_fYzJxVrnnzepAuS_s7SgcoR05cJ8Wom3g4GnjAwK4hjL5o6eKGOgKJCVfv2mvtw_wkTN2mY6Aj51-GPHRkc1daQnw3XnWuJmVYfUrig=s5184" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5184" data-original-width="3888" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj_1Cslj-2H8i-k6zj7LA-sHSnt1qSv2tfIZifPbS68hA6XmUMm-dc9Ju5x8xZalzJ5UOCuDi0NRs72psVriG_fYzJxVrnnzepAuS_s7SgcoR05cJ8Wom3g4GnjAwK4hjL5o6eKGOgKJCVfv2mvtw_wkTN2mY6Aj51-GPHRkc1daQnw3XnWuJmVYfUrig=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This Portal represents the threshold to the dangerous places the Police <br />go to protect us - a place from where some never return. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhikRabRend7Zxe2aBfnOllDgYyVuit15nkpQ1YT4PuxtbTPOnw5tk_gceB8uWwG2rUYjj_RUW9cxFip3IOVxMz2ECdwnACZ9zYyTvxWab2zghtxXekJnfg2IpLY4SpM6oTWnSd2fUCFOjgKllXURAe8mjp3ZyH5SuTo1BBpI-YRxvjyNlxvtkgyHEhaw=s5184" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhikRabRend7Zxe2aBfnOllDgYyVuit15nkpQ1YT4PuxtbTPOnw5tk_gceB8uWwG2rUYjj_RUW9cxFip3IOVxMz2ECdwnACZ9zYyTvxWab2zghtxXekJnfg2IpLY4SpM6oTWnSd2fUCFOjgKllXURAe8mjp3ZyH5SuTo1BBpI-YRxvjyNlxvtkgyHEhaw=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This one was to remember the British Children who were evacuated and separated from their<br />families during the 2nd World War.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiw18v4GeN3XFtKOpJrK6V-w1WHY7FAODgegvRKPLpU7OZGTZqu1xPJPdongE3TIuxMAJFq4D_1KS7u18jxECZMNFuMwwBeZtrKfeQkPZFI-oJefb6lAYGmKM8LAs6NZZt63RaKfu4oX_6DhZwux9WiLLOlHxrKGX1Gc4AwX7FOI-AZ731pPeodqSPbfA=s5184" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5184" data-original-width="3888" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiw18v4GeN3XFtKOpJrK6V-w1WHY7FAODgegvRKPLpU7OZGTZqu1xPJPdongE3TIuxMAJFq4D_1KS7u18jxECZMNFuMwwBeZtrKfeQkPZFI-oJefb6lAYGmKM8LAs6NZZt63RaKfu4oX_6DhZwux9WiLLOlHxrKGX1Gc4AwX7FOI-AZ731pPeodqSPbfA=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Royal National Lifeboat Institution was represented by this memorial</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiMXXNkKXj0sBxgXHO8aji-hWZT3xK7eWyokfODiao1hKkaLiAQiRiwoFhlB0Bz1YdWGxJZjsKgryCJJEM9J7anZX7ehry0WdDKlQglFOqZbNkXXm53vU6y175jkte2DDfadxdVSfJlQ4A8p9oxLinUOf5pyCCFK_-9m31lnL4WoEYgF-SmmqfSAoT7zw=s5184" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5184" data-original-width="3888" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiMXXNkKXj0sBxgXHO8aji-hWZT3xK7eWyokfODiao1hKkaLiAQiRiwoFhlB0Bz1YdWGxJZjsKgryCJJEM9J7anZX7ehry0WdDKlQglFOqZbNkXXm53vU6y175jkte2DDfadxdVSfJlQ4A8p9oxLinUOf5pyCCFK_-9m31lnL4WoEYgF-SmmqfSAoT7zw=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And this one recalled the sacrifice of numerous firefighters following<br />the horror of 9/11 when four coordinated terrorist attacks by the militant Islamist terrorist <br />group al-Qaeda brought the Twin Towers down in New York<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgxN5pIgEw0BY_AoJcHYwTOOmAdiw7uu567OyBdwt4b91k2AN02SJ11BefbmIZM5sRhqFY5l2ok0riGyxiUXvV4rFNagBXT7RyqyMytIKFaYVGwQ-6gsj3Ldtpkh6m_uJi4WEv3peGK8H0B9onD8G1CYNMvcOhcC86dx1OGU5GsJehjjQrLQFhsEaRyuQ=s5184" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgxN5pIgEw0BY_AoJcHYwTOOmAdiw7uu567OyBdwt4b91k2AN02SJ11BefbmIZM5sRhqFY5l2ok0riGyxiUXvV4rFNagBXT7RyqyMytIKFaYVGwQ-6gsj3Ldtpkh6m_uJi4WEv3peGK8H0B9onD8G1CYNMvcOhcC86dx1OGU5GsJehjjQrLQFhsEaRyuQ=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another touching memorial was inspired by 'The Donor Family Network' in memory of those who have<br />donated organs and saved lives. <br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiuw9eIuoloPbuPaDuW0fm4N3jUgSltXwMpTGavVLuWMYlssiUB1oSFy7ISXH3JBORXqcBEEyAjEiTTfw4M8m9CLm7rBnoouFn0jrvP3rm9dz4k-B9sTPMmVcDuQV2WTO_GzawM-W_bMsCNPKLkGxCXv79nJmgU9lKGfFUKVJz4_oAkMFkbUmp06XrFjA=s5184" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiuw9eIuoloPbuPaDuW0fm4N3jUgSltXwMpTGavVLuWMYlssiUB1oSFy7ISXH3JBORXqcBEEyAjEiTTfw4M8m9CLm7rBnoouFn0jrvP3rm9dz4k-B9sTPMmVcDuQV2WTO_GzawM-W_bMsCNPKLkGxCXv79nJmgU9lKGfFUKVJz4_oAkMFkbUmp06XrFjA=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A memorial to the Gulf War (1990 - 1991)<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgwwe1d8QU3pOAJ_mLD_ThvlnhxUd_RHPHartS5WSbZRbipStyM_mvH5veRwYXWlcx3Eu7yv9__qCenOerfBx0owOeVaDrxEMBl0cqV-bUVlVrjOK7YD7ms7de0ty-5PNjSnUyTrZSeSmmere8A7SeObvxQgf67ifBIhZESvmpcKtqbVuzT5uAuYs51pQ=s5184" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5184" data-original-width="3888" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgwwe1d8QU3pOAJ_mLD_ThvlnhxUd_RHPHartS5WSbZRbipStyM_mvH5veRwYXWlcx3Eu7yv9__qCenOerfBx0owOeVaDrxEMBl0cqV-bUVlVrjOK7YD7ms7de0ty-5PNjSnUyTrZSeSmmere8A7SeObvxQgf67ifBIhZESvmpcKtqbVuzT5uAuYs51pQ=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The very sad Shot at Dawn Memorial that commemorates the 306 soldiers <br />who where executed after court-martial for desertion <br />and other offences during WW I. Each post represented a life lost!<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgX5Rh0z0LNGE5Qzwn53zpDxkYWFEA7pBM0KYeXIvxKiVXaIbekYYfzyp7g61CikUzKr8sjP1TqDcimtHgz4DJiC6PQpw7YIej0MadaW-GSA5grpY3cKGiWbj_cxRhOoV01GIJojoF9DJlUzN8ZRviViA4OBcq4bgQkJH9DR6wjA_jql0XmghbSCNZHsQ=s5184" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5184" data-original-width="3888" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgX5Rh0z0LNGE5Qzwn53zpDxkYWFEA7pBM0KYeXIvxKiVXaIbekYYfzyp7g61CikUzKr8sjP1TqDcimtHgz4DJiC6PQpw7YIej0MadaW-GSA5grpY3cKGiWbj_cxRhOoV01GIJojoF9DJlUzN8ZRviViA4OBcq4bgQkJH9DR6wjA_jql0XmghbSCNZHsQ=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This one was to commemorate The Royal Army Medical Corps<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi8ezppvMr8Ui4z-9qhDXL2-TC3uYK0ByWklcYq-KZXHQWJqK9kJGLcx7312Tt5DulH43kZUCHidJdAmZcgRGbAORhead2ByrurkhVetPWatn4OXlYRqo7WEM6-U_STQ4Xr7AlrjlNeA2DKbiKBpv4wSkOLkZa_lDgGO4OZvWJiGW_g9_5mXeIQ1RuWyw=s5184" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi8ezppvMr8Ui4z-9qhDXL2-TC3uYK0ByWklcYq-KZXHQWJqK9kJGLcx7312Tt5DulH43kZUCHidJdAmZcgRGbAORhead2ByrurkhVetPWatn4OXlYRqo7WEM6-U_STQ4Xr7AlrjlNeA2DKbiKBpv4wSkOLkZa_lDgGO4OZvWJiGW_g9_5mXeIQ1RuWyw=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And a beautiful Horse represented the contribution made by horses throughout history <br />in times of war! <br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhFkNwFewqTFJGOhC_CjtXujHybJdc8buiD0bPkj_3uimEl7Q9Bs4IoGeMpNClYYtoptdEOGwXarEjNju8LRgk-CglwwCBLpKpR-O40OKNisl24ydQapfz4GH-UDag9shAYDmdwIg944dNF8aWSyyk-Out6p5qsDE1KJaTDCGAox2Oe1SLvXsZQP9ljEQ=s5184" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhFkNwFewqTFJGOhC_CjtXujHybJdc8buiD0bPkj_3uimEl7Q9Bs4IoGeMpNClYYtoptdEOGwXarEjNju8LRgk-CglwwCBLpKpR-O40OKNisl24ydQapfz4GH-UDag9shAYDmdwIg944dNF8aWSyyk-Out6p5qsDE1KJaTDCGAox2Oe1SLvXsZQP9ljEQ=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And Captain Tom had to be there somewhere! One of the streets was named after him!</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Thursday 18th November 2021 โ โ ๐๐โ โ โโโ</div><div><br /></div><div>Today's outing took us to the National Trust's fairly newly acquired magnificent 900 acre Shugborough Estate which sits on the edge of Cannock Chase. In times gone by the estate was owed by the Bishops of Lichfield, but eventually, in 1624 it was purchased by a local lawyer called William Anson and then it stayed in his family for the next 3 centuries. Following the death of the 4th Earl of Lichfield in 1960 the estate was allocated to the National Trust in lieu of death duties, but soon after it was leased to Staffordshire County Council and it stayed in their care for the next 50 years. However, during that time parts of the estate suffered from dire neglect so when the Trust regained it's possession in November 2016 a lot of work was needed to restore it to it's former glory. Thus a ten year project was hatched to restore many of it's grand features, particularly the walled garden and the Grand House.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhpjd9sl7Wax61Eo150mIjI1Fk5SHvHGC4odwmb-cd786HhApRanWfQ9aBGzjQlW9PUisRh8e5sN2moayJQuKQj9fuCjZDTaI1Y8Co93tSTZZ8gLNoqL1vW2kiFbCzkf6SOrJFFSUEtHjEumHuPVm-YtV0_cf4Dvpab0aNGx9VBDA4eeaXqyMnlHiTEJg=s5184" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhpjd9sl7Wax61Eo150mIjI1Fk5SHvHGC4odwmb-cd786HhApRanWfQ9aBGzjQlW9PUisRh8e5sN2moayJQuKQj9fuCjZDTaI1Y8Co93tSTZZ8gLNoqL1vW2kiFbCzkf6SOrJFFSUEtHjEumHuPVm-YtV0_cf4Dvpab0aNGx9VBDA4eeaXqyMnlHiTEJg=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shugborough Hall from the front</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi0HGq3BVQvzxHX1F6eVK6OnMLbQtR8xsJN2GUJw4cdik7kA5lMQ8UQJP1Rzp9hOUEtXzDlK4Zpoumsb6Y6iPMXTH-CxSefrL_etgEqlrGUaeRPhj-bWQgOVn5UsUXABEbWpb3UkbAPGYCi10Gg05dcsIJkUiCyMIXyjhK6OW0YbZoUaJAeHgTGMQCxuA=s5184" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi0HGq3BVQvzxHX1F6eVK6OnMLbQtR8xsJN2GUJw4cdik7kA5lMQ8UQJP1Rzp9hOUEtXzDlK4Zpoumsb6Y6iPMXTH-CxSefrL_etgEqlrGUaeRPhj-bWQgOVn5UsUXABEbWpb3UkbAPGYCi10Gg05dcsIJkUiCyMIXyjhK6OW0YbZoUaJAeHgTGMQCxuA=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And from the back</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjHLfsE_L_4_SFoL02vPvo5N8GRVT_A1r7kjzI25tpCZbEyq4_oUWXUOaKP_gPaS4SIxpsIo7pMuxEzTmyUwUNL-DknwuZuyGLt2RcSCHXqfEnDXIMaRp4i6dM-YZ5PDEkQyiqrF2xRoQ2efkdH8fAyWX_Axxub5Quq3Wv_zW8fQrfJ7eDFrGQNLj6FCQ=s5184" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjHLfsE_L_4_SFoL02vPvo5N8GRVT_A1r7kjzI25tpCZbEyq4_oUWXUOaKP_gPaS4SIxpsIo7pMuxEzTmyUwUNL-DknwuZuyGLt2RcSCHXqfEnDXIMaRp4i6dM-YZ5PDEkQyiqrF2xRoQ2efkdH8fAyWX_Axxub5Quq3Wv_zW8fQrfJ7eDFrGQNLj6FCQ=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The footings of one of several old glasshouses. </td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>The walled garden was one of the first areas that we entered and it was one that seemed to have suffered from possibly the most neglect. During the time that Staffordshire County Council had been in charge the area had been mostly used for storage and huge swarths of it had become very dilapidated and overgrown with thistles and bracken. However, much of that has now been cleared to leave bear soil where planting will take place eventually, and additionally, the old greenhouses have been partially excavated to expose footings, tunnels and the old steam pipes that were used to heat them. The info boards told us that in the garden's 'hey day' the glasshouses grew everything from cucumbers, tomatoes, melons and pineapples, and the outside 'hot walls' were where pears, cherries and apricots would have been planted. </div><div><br /></div><div>The estate also had a number of 'Follies', the first one being The Tower of the Winds! </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEismfuHUEDRIrfv-aPvfn8C8PF3P6Vq-OrLKG3nKLq52CzSBjicsdzePcwIZWaQJ9Q7StqxtzdOrtA6XPiS7OyFCB4pEuxjOYKLm_d8x-2emoWlIy9z8TdggugpQOoYeK24Rld0GNkqQJZrPgIIGGyakyjgudyvac3-2Ljy34Hj2rWY26hyY8wyWMmypQ=s5184" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEismfuHUEDRIrfv-aPvfn8C8PF3P6Vq-OrLKG3nKLq52CzSBjicsdzePcwIZWaQJ9Q7StqxtzdOrtA6XPiS7OyFCB4pEuxjOYKLm_d8x-2emoWlIy9z8TdggugpQOoYeK24Rld0GNkqQJZrPgIIGGyakyjgudyvac3-2Ljy34Hj2rWY26hyY8wyWMmypQ=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>It was originally built in 1765 for ornamental use but later in the nineteenth century it became a dairy. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhkCtbvxQyl6QZXxABKUvsqMwV8hHwd8KAB6vhbIC35ySDoyQqOF_wJD1k59MI6N1wvbBMqsKEKwqOfKSntZ92sjs5qOeQL2ovcGF6ThMQBpe5svNyCIJ88-A-_lMMbQ9c1TsfRI_JvoaMUl_EF4_F5IB8ZJ3rIkuabEZ3SMNwpAxlDec4LcEYvAaOHsg=s5184" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhkCtbvxQyl6QZXxABKUvsqMwV8hHwd8KAB6vhbIC35ySDoyQqOF_wJD1k59MI6N1wvbBMqsKEKwqOfKSntZ92sjs5qOeQL2ovcGF6ThMQBpe5svNyCIJ88-A-_lMMbQ9c1TsfRI_JvoaMUl_EF4_F5IB8ZJ3rIkuabEZ3SMNwpAxlDec4LcEYvAaOHsg=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Then, in the formal garden just in front of the lake we found this strange structure but I couldn't find any info to explain it's origins. You can't see it very well but in the middle of the pic there's the head and lower body parts of a bearded man but his chest and abdomen are missing! Maybe the ravages of the hundreds of years of weather caused them to crumble away!</div><div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhg_z1FGH1mfo1j_OsM1li5zvWDoNXOIiQ27jN14DInQc9m10Hie4T-PekpIl72r8jn5Mzj1SO0jedAwZ8EICFHaGnmpulm2dzUM_S2Qss2cc29rJzpnnA1m6P4dDcCZ_8_Vhgta6QcjXTIgxiIJzzJnAilh4UIL9gqHl7sVUDBK942eHUq90TFedevcg=s1222" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="467" data-original-width="1222" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhg_z1FGH1mfo1j_OsM1li5zvWDoNXOIiQ27jN14DInQc9m10Hie4T-PekpIl72r8jn5Mzj1SO0jedAwZ8EICFHaGnmpulm2dzUM_S2Qss2cc29rJzpnnA1m6P4dDcCZ_8_Vhgta6QcjXTIgxiIJzzJnAilh4UIL9gqHl7sVUDBK942eHUq90TFedevcg=w640-h244" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Next came the Chinese House and bridge which was one of the earliest buildings on the estate. </div><div><br /></div><div>And after that there were a couple more strange structures - The Cat Monument and The Lantern - but I didn't get very good pics of them!</div></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhrHIBcli8aKUua50D6pkfZO31RQN25NZaAQPDfN874yPw19m1GP4dj9S4UymQWbdHAgRS2PoA5HNoIk1dj8kvzYYlIT2PliM_Y8CDsd1EZuJ6FS4ghyHKZqhnaGranUsXxpkQiViThNqzGSbjYTEMiKOxz06rpO0iU820jvJLC0Ois7Asix6LWauy6zQ=s5184" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhrHIBcli8aKUua50D6pkfZO31RQN25NZaAQPDfN874yPw19m1GP4dj9S4UymQWbdHAgRS2PoA5HNoIk1dj8kvzYYlIT2PliM_Y8CDsd1EZuJ6FS4ghyHKZqhnaGranUsXxpkQiViThNqzGSbjYTEMiKOxz06rpO0iU820jvJLC0Ois7Asix6LWauy6zQ=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Our final stop was at Hadrian's Arch which was constructed in 1765 and is a copy of an arch by the same name that can be found in Athens. It commemorates Admiral Anson, who in his time, circumnavigated the globe and oversaw the Royal Navy during the Seven Years' War. </div><div><br /></div><div>The plinth of the arch also provided a comfy seat for us to sit and sip our coffee while watching the Estate's herd of deer who seemed quite unconcerned by passer's by!</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhLvB3SHLwm6M5x9D0rr3zaZZZKJ4GzzeCEdOQDrQ8CB_jivUVszXOs90VxwXN2kyENkq4Z08VBy0G_dZ9NV0SI4jv7saY-gNNXz96m1FXoGyq7Ls2pYVkAku1jKsi9JmvPwOXh7QtfuAtJwyKsDo0bi4H1p7bcBSgsaQ4HJPOz8nw7sgm-Vl1-je7kmA=s5184" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhLvB3SHLwm6M5x9D0rr3zaZZZKJ4GzzeCEdOQDrQ8CB_jivUVszXOs90VxwXN2kyENkq4Z08VBy0G_dZ9NV0SI4jv7saY-gNNXz96m1FXoGyq7Ls2pYVkAku1jKsi9JmvPwOXh7QtfuAtJwyKsDo0bi4H1p7bcBSgsaQ4HJPOz8nw7sgm-Vl1-je7kmA=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXzmRN3SroRfFaeVZvyLGFrwwkdC9MXIf8Ey5K5APlgHzOXfON5zq1X1J7hK6XDMKoBN-rECHYvYPXUmwypoG7YTyn1VxV0s7hwIH9B84k0XxWqda5lIYnPVz_L78h-fqUIQkU_5z6nhVI/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1479" data-original-width="2048" height="462" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXzmRN3SroRfFaeVZvyLGFrwwkdC9MXIf8Ey5K5APlgHzOXfON5zq1X1J7hK6XDMKoBN-rECHYvYPXUmwypoG7YTyn1VxV0s7hwIH9B84k0XxWqda5lIYnPVz_L78h-fqUIQkU_5z6nhVI/w640-h462/IMG_3748.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /></div></div><div>Friday 19th November 2021 โ โ โ โ ๐๐โ โ</div><div><br /></div><div>Today we decided to visit Lichfield's 1,300 year old 3 spired Cathedral, and we were quite amazed by the ornateness of it's outside sandstone walls and the many sculptures that welcomed us towards it's doors. </div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhLzHY9RuIw7JlzhneW8TCYLXM7uJEapS4A1tzm2P_cCBQapJgL23l_K7dwfbKzbquszjE9FSAheXTLbu6t9GPgyA9pvzWV2JQPd48rRNEcqG1kkZ72aLnjDmJHpPntnawkXTYtoaaOyd6Jf10anOQykSKgw9tr1r9jy8nU4b1gtCGIu78-oMykTNtGcQ=s2048" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1606" data-original-width="2048" height="502" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhLzHY9RuIw7JlzhneW8TCYLXM7uJEapS4A1tzm2P_cCBQapJgL23l_K7dwfbKzbquszjE9FSAheXTLbu6t9GPgyA9pvzWV2JQPd48rRNEcqG1kkZ72aLnjDmJHpPntnawkXTYtoaaOyd6Jf10anOQykSKgw9tr1r9jy8nU4b1gtCGIu78-oMykTNtGcQ=w640-h502" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj5qw2q7pdIrRMblVrY_DQOOYON_NzgUOZ2S7RYCXfkfF15tP_8ZSefe2QqL-e_ifVXSACZ4rEdEMoHiDoXLhKctHe6iAw3NCxBYMBLd_Z7Pu_6Bah3NDSLzmRYA3e8DGOBIMGj3UrfgHVrw7pQiyAk9sTzP6cten8kS-5bVGv9WdTLQG_38Pql9a7HIg=s5184" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj5qw2q7pdIrRMblVrY_DQOOYON_NzgUOZ2S7RYCXfkfF15tP_8ZSefe2QqL-e_ifVXSACZ4rEdEMoHiDoXLhKctHe6iAw3NCxBYMBLd_Z7Pu_6Bah3NDSLzmRYA3e8DGOBIMGj3UrfgHVrw7pQiyAk9sTzP6cten8kS-5bVGv9WdTLQG_38Pql9a7HIg=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Part of the Cathedral's hugely ornate masonry - there were literally hundreds of statues hanging from<br />the walls. </td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhYmkXvE1seJWQzZEGMr2FjGup2cI2-1jrVLMkN17l42xXie0hSpmjRIZSGm8bBRB4BI8-MhYiQJNxBFHHgaPwsi_PcX6qw1q8FxM_-SlBNF8VkdYBeeRK4msPA0orsKnek7i2mypHSMpTRuahHuwhN83P--PP_ij5egub08sCqvLBG0DxYpz09lz3L8g=s5184" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5184" data-original-width="3888" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhYmkXvE1seJWQzZEGMr2FjGup2cI2-1jrVLMkN17l42xXie0hSpmjRIZSGm8bBRB4BI8-MhYiQJNxBFHHgaPwsi_PcX6qw1q8FxM_-SlBNF8VkdYBeeRK4msPA0orsKnek7i2mypHSMpTRuahHuwhN83P--PP_ij5egub08sCqvLBG0DxYpz09lz3L8g=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Central Spire which stands 252 feet 7 inches high!<br />Apparently, in 1646 during the English Civil War the Roundheads<br />aimed their cannons at the spire and caused it to crash down causing <br />huge damage. However it was obviously later rebuilt!<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhlk7vORb-dOYp9HZvnlHYWbIXQ5sq-oDjVnw0BzCbD997wTjh0U4dtcfKcun-2aLV2Srivma9g9OEgrqTHeCxuIp0xOX94CTz-e1pL4mMO7vUmDBzANpX2Hes5JWnWav6bqHDstyit6RuUOVvuCtG1uoKD84KpQwAhmUrD1qPWVDpq8S-vJ0MqAaeWGA=s5184" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5184" data-original-width="3888" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhlk7vORb-dOYp9HZvnlHYWbIXQ5sq-oDjVnw0BzCbD997wTjh0U4dtcfKcun-2aLV2Srivma9g9OEgrqTHeCxuIp0xOX94CTz-e1pL4mMO7vUmDBzANpX2Hes5JWnWav6bqHDstyit6RuUOVvuCtG1uoKD84KpQwAhmUrD1qPWVDpq8S-vJ0MqAaeWGA=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Cathedral's twin spires are 190 feet high.<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: center;">And once we went inside there was even more intricate and beautiful things to see. </div></div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhXKwKYamZrpT9S_1MODZw2EhE4AMIHhs9EGE3IqbCyJuk0o2ItfZCZUeBq6EUcHkWhjAhZv75KlYmPVhZeCIJPNXpncR9nSVmFHGYsYe4g1J9hjnV9jU2uiUS5-UwfpONfa9m7t7iguskZ2edMqkQGGgaIBjVQMNkkrZKz_wUkOFfsM88Q3iIpXuvrNQ=s2048" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1135" data-original-width="2048" height="354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhXKwKYamZrpT9S_1MODZw2EhE4AMIHhs9EGE3IqbCyJuk0o2ItfZCZUeBq6EUcHkWhjAhZv75KlYmPVhZeCIJPNXpncR9nSVmFHGYsYe4g1J9hjnV9jU2uiUS5-UwfpONfa9m7t7iguskZ2edMqkQGGgaIBjVQMNkkrZKz_wUkOFfsM88Q3iIpXuvrNQ=w640-h354" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEilXrqkda6-44TOuT23fimwefr0nHt8wixO6b6earQbTt_313Ao93JlieVtM7scjgPVvGu8tGzHlv4EFoJTNYfgO4fmj33zK2c7CfERT1Cf1edhbMOhjwo9cXCSkKeVmhXV6tUP4DqJkWgUxUmK8kNJVkIHm-o3kc6EBYKvw4s1kWBAr4aJ9vm57Ugx_w=s5184" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEilXrqkda6-44TOuT23fimwefr0nHt8wixO6b6earQbTt_313Ao93JlieVtM7scjgPVvGu8tGzHlv4EFoJTNYfgO4fmj33zK2c7CfERT1Cf1edhbMOhjwo9cXCSkKeVmhXV6tUP4DqJkWgUxUmK8kNJVkIHm-o3kc6EBYKvw4s1kWBAr4aJ9vm57Ugx_w=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two magnificent Alter Pieces<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj1uiqWAKcNoKgv0RsU7xpqG9s6cm6SE4oa7nOT-0IA6O43HB0jQXQ_-MJcCf9JpcJpSdkUrRktBYNgpTblpVlHLRwMVfTtNzR3M_xJfrZjOSt_ruS_irohuQ2X9O8p8ndkuwxjo7QmNoek5AQYbgr2F3ENiFpEAzrzB-jCNYtSlEj7irswtsKJOHA0-w=s618" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="451" data-original-width="618" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj1uiqWAKcNoKgv0RsU7xpqG9s6cm6SE4oa7nOT-0IA6O43HB0jQXQ_-MJcCf9JpcJpSdkUrRktBYNgpTblpVlHLRwMVfTtNzR3M_xJfrZjOSt_ruS_irohuQ2X9O8p8ndkuwxjo7QmNoek5AQYbgr2F3ENiFpEAzrzB-jCNYtSlEj7irswtsKJOHA0-w=w640-h468" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Font which didn't arrive in the Cathedral until the 19th Century</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgw8-rKV_SEtfi9fi-usbysGM6R0XvaMD2wwqNPX8V6H2gEuSiER0evqFIg7x0leOHTcgtkXydnSEiYf1wa6SCgDps95PClzy8mHeZlgCEjuBWZF_XNaGKNyVD2VbarTWuPwbe2c0IHr7khXLsYRwCUH4Ws6--j0evOl0bzOSsfCoBjQWwZO3vPYzxLXw=s2651" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2651" data-original-width="1186" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgw8-rKV_SEtfi9fi-usbysGM6R0XvaMD2wwqNPX8V6H2gEuSiER0evqFIg7x0leOHTcgtkXydnSEiYf1wa6SCgDps95PClzy8mHeZlgCEjuBWZF_XNaGKNyVD2VbarTWuPwbe2c0IHr7khXLsYRwCUH4Ws6--j0evOl0bzOSsfCoBjQWwZO3vPYzxLXw=w286-h640" width="286" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And The Lichfield Angel - this stone panel was <br />discovered in 2003 and is thought to date back to<br />the 8th Century. <br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgcHV1RdJ_Xw8Bk13qAeFYd8-PvzAXYewhsrJ3TEqtxDzTOgaals29Xurm1gvNltTKEQojJKBjhb273XyJIFejELo04Tp2VNogmyWkSMFnrLJXcE70pu15XxzF4it_ctQlKn_wjAjGvU07WF2G8v0AQxAf1-Q0oD1xksnHmb-cIlrIq_zjlobQhM68Svw=s2048" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1592" data-original-width="2048" height="498" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgcHV1RdJ_Xw8Bk13qAeFYd8-PvzAXYewhsrJ3TEqtxDzTOgaals29Xurm1gvNltTKEQojJKBjhb273XyJIFejELo04Tp2VNogmyWkSMFnrLJXcE70pu15XxzF4it_ctQlKn_wjAjGvU07WF2G8v0AQxAf1-Q0oD1xksnHmb-cIlrIq_zjlobQhM68Svw=w640-h498" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The only Medieval Cathedral in England with 3 Spires. <br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>While we were in the Cathedral we couldn't possibly have missed the name 'St Chad' so it was quite interesting to find out who he was! Apparently he was a saint and bishop to whom the Cathedral is dedicated, and the info board also told us that he was about in 'c 634 - 672' so I think that would make him quite ancient!<div><br /></div><div>After the Cathedral we went for a walk in the nearby Beacon Park and it was there that we found the unfortunate Captain Smith who was Captain of the ill fated White Star liner 'Titanic' which sunk on it's maiden voyage on 15th April 1912. He lost his life along with more than 1,500 people when the ship (which was said to unsinkable) sunk after hitting an iceberg.</div><div> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjH3hKwI_LwLFyo1ZTTXS9hurWFNwF66mDYKJHxk_CXjqLlg2IHaudQvxokgQ-G74tiJNr5RgT1FrAKM-Evm_H6ZgwthPcMkw69nP2Jhll7A6pvw1_tPhoZ7YtbLIToBGD0PgcRRzHTCJrN6kIuBTSkk9xKIdQD9oJvokbPUFeTzNIbkJwPBTYE1EQEXw=s5184" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj0fcBLAwtSlyxuwqRN7BhaMp5a3RRZFd8Xkrt5WenPLI0uyvMxQ0IZxoC-PKDBcj6F0KlwYFzi8O47GrPm9XK1mSk0Mhm33egmTTZmRAYNyyWtL9Y0FNkVXWe5tLwKQ12cm0UGaLZ8FyW4-rvZB7x53WVh3D8RNLGisLc7EJyK4K875jvQ6mr3TXdEPQ=s5184" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5184" data-original-width="3888" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj0fcBLAwtSlyxuwqRN7BhaMp5a3RRZFd8Xkrt5WenPLI0uyvMxQ0IZxoC-PKDBcj6F0KlwYFzi8O47GrPm9XK1mSk0Mhm33egmTTZmRAYNyyWtL9Y0FNkVXWe5tLwKQ12cm0UGaLZ8FyW4-rvZB7x53WVh3D8RNLGisLc7EJyK4K875jvQ6mr3TXdEPQ=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Captain Smith</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Saturday 20th November 2021 โ โ โ โ โ โ โ </div><div><br /></div><div>Today we decided to have a quick trip 'home' (Ripley) because we'd decided we'd got quite a bit of gear that was more or less surplus to our present requirements. Therefore, we loaded up the car and made the 40ish mile trip to deposit said gear in our daughter's garage, and hopefully this will make packing for our up coming moves a little quicker. </div><div><br /></div><div>The other benefit to our trip was that we got to visit most of our close family while we were there. Our first call was to see John's Mum along with Sister Val and her husband John, and then we nipped over to Heanor to see Son Adam, his partner Vicky and Grandson's Max and Jack. Poor Vicky is still in a wheelchair (with 2 fractured ankles) after her accident while they were holidaying with us back in late October, but she's in good spirits and we've got everything crossed that her recovery will be rapid. Then after that flying visit we went back to our daughter Sarah and her family for a quick catch up before we headed back to our cosy home on Cannock Chase. </div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV2M_xNv2uXpXGG9dCBv37vleiHzwrn1VDUzDbj7MARDyeqxK_WDtenVQm-hZthaABtNOipp4k12DA3onVPDi4qXstbNGIAA0NwLtcDwjTqIhHCAXoUFgkSKNukUPwJyq2FU12Q_U5IRyP/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV2M_xNv2uXpXGG9dCBv37vleiHzwrn1VDUzDbj7MARDyeqxK_WDtenVQm-hZthaABtNOipp4k12DA3onVPDi4qXstbNGIAA0NwLtcDwjTqIhHCAXoUFgkSKNukUPwJyq2FU12Q_U5IRyP/w640-h480/WhatsApp+Image+2021-11-20+at+12.34.36.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Most of the family had been Axe Throwing on Saturday morning.<br />Paul, Jack, Adam, Thomas, Ben, Evelyn and Sarah. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /></div><div>Sunday 21st November 2021 ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐</div><div><br /></div><div>Today was one of those gorgeous sunny autumn days so a walk was definetely in order, and for that we chose part of the famous writer J.R.R Tolkien's Trail. Apparently he spent a good part of his early life on Cannock Chase and he took a lot of inspiration for his books 'The Hobbit' and 'The Lord of the Rings' from features that he found in this area. </div><div><br /></div><div>Our walk initially took us by The Commonwealth War Cemeteries where more than 5,000 British German and Polish soldiers rest. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhDb2P4uEFB8O3k1OogHKAR6d-knJWNWRvprQ17HkSn1s8e9U2TGzaoA6RmwrCwTVzLs9HIIWN0myXsTY0IsUIFsiheQ_sasNx1Fib-Vjljs5Bvz0VM4KVkAmbsyCAISob-0SLEAtpACcTtMh2szFihgq19jiCU6hiYuJ68H_Kryh2l8j64BOo0mZgLlw=s5184" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhDb2P4uEFB8O3k1OogHKAR6d-knJWNWRvprQ17HkSn1s8e9U2TGzaoA6RmwrCwTVzLs9HIIWN0myXsTY0IsUIFsiheQ_sasNx1Fib-Vjljs5Bvz0VM4KVkAmbsyCAISob-0SLEAtpACcTtMh2szFihgq19jiCU6hiYuJ68H_Kryh2l8j64BOo0mZgLlw=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgQw6emiQ9YLIyQCuCNFekSYswDu0ztrDgR0M4dagsauvDOKLxGZvMmvql2hGqY-TtIx3hdtPKUSfKJsS-VWB9lrWMEQaoC6Kff8oXA_vCcQSy7k57slnE7wNfwB5vj0zVC22p7LEneRfzA1aAl7bgs-hklaPD9LPfO8l69eCrL2PWtR6Aefda0D2p4xA=s5184" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgQw6emiQ9YLIyQCuCNFekSYswDu0ztrDgR0M4dagsauvDOKLxGZvMmvql2hGqY-TtIx3hdtPKUSfKJsS-VWB9lrWMEQaoC6Kff8oXA_vCcQSy7k57slnE7wNfwB5vj0zVC22p7LEneRfzA1aAl7bgs-hklaPD9LPfO8l69eCrL2PWtR6Aefda0D2p4xA=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Then we continued along gravel paths to The Glacial Boulder which is thought to have been transported to it's present position under a glacier from the Lake District many thousands of years ago. </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhMB1qodzBT248dDyRK_ByCuKo6DEGE2zPNxzKkeflxamTKKbfh1ZRY68YSOV3hTcC1O8L4_7xNluqRkQdPUqdRG6_XlfoXCHRQrTHZwNX36_fSaMj_pvXWQX_1SE_5kkwr5qqc4IdFBlryqWGQHfOwVYu2vMsozBmH9SaMTkK_bxPrljd_slSHsDg-mQ=s5184" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhMB1qodzBT248dDyRK_ByCuKo6DEGE2zPNxzKkeflxamTKKbfh1ZRY68YSOV3hTcC1O8L4_7xNluqRkQdPUqdRG6_XlfoXCHRQrTHZwNX36_fSaMj_pvXWQX_1SE_5kkwr5qqc4IdFBlryqWGQHfOwVYu2vMsozBmH9SaMTkK_bxPrljd_slSHsDg-mQ=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>And then we visited another grave - Freda - who was a much loved Dalmation dog who was the mascot of the New Zealand Rifle Brigade who were stationed on Cannock Chase during the First World War.</div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #4d5156; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">.</span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEimkOpqLICnN721sc0s_mkM5Yyc8dnnRnyQlnZcLIOD-TmMUteCfriirhKjSUrr_e1mdgjtrHbl3K14bMS9ud4k617H7ASRRMmCVPgtKJvE3fRBoVPffmt2igNJIPmozaNm_yA0Hg90fzfXdc_2R62Iu2o6lFZNrBloSlGBtosUYKuttP_G0rBuMJuFCA=s5184" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEimkOpqLICnN721sc0s_mkM5Yyc8dnnRnyQlnZcLIOD-TmMUteCfriirhKjSUrr_e1mdgjtrHbl3K14bMS9ud4k617H7ASRRMmCVPgtKJvE3fRBoVPffmt2igNJIPmozaNm_yA0Hg90fzfXdc_2R62Iu2o6lFZNrBloSlGBtosUYKuttP_G0rBuMJuFCA=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Next we passed through Brocton Coppice before dropping down into the Sherebrook Valley were we lunched by a bubbling stream before joining up the circle of our walk by ending back at the Cemeteries. Our walk was probably about 6 miles in all but that was enough because by the time we got back to the car the sun had dropped low in the sky and the frosty wind was nipping at our fingers and toes so we were quite happy to go home for a nice warm cuppa. </div><div><br /></div><div>And there you go, that's another week done. See you soon ๐</div><div><br /><div><a href="https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?hl=en&mid=1tG7G55azXmNAvv09V4MjcDksouY&ll=52.72811878552956%2C-1.9442421499999973&z=17">Click here to see our present camping spot.</a></div></div>Linda Varneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10023578343265888742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8250550279331493077.post-89798025523380375722021-11-14T16:56:00.000+00:002021-11-14T16:56:02.355+00:00Blackmore Caravan and Camping Club Site - Days 57 - 63 of our Autumn/Winter Tour<p><b>Blackmore Caravan and Camping Club Site - Days 57 - 63 of our Autumn/Winter Tour</b></p><p>Monday 8th and Tuesday 9th November 2021 โโโ โ โโโโ โโ</p><p>For Monday we had a single mission and that was to get John his Covid Booster jab after our failed attempt on Saturday, but to complete the mission we were fairly sure we needed to put aside a good chunk of time. On Saturday John had searched all around and about us to try and book a proper appointment but other than travelling a long way nothing was available. Therefore, his only other option was to attend the local Three Counties Show Ground as a 'Walk In' but it seemed a lot of other people were taking that option as well. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif62eF964F2rJTyKfnpuRGKZsN5GGgqnOFDWX35EEbASj1rb5n5L2meL3l2jHg7L9flIGBQDGkbzcQZpKPHawrSY6W_W7VMn2zS4ovK2NN7JnCDr4m4bEYq38pFFzzDZ3nsx2g_gFDAY-D/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="160" data-original-width="160" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif62eF964F2rJTyKfnpuRGKZsN5GGgqnOFDWX35EEbASj1rb5n5L2meL3l2jHg7L9flIGBQDGkbzcQZpKPHawrSY6W_W7VMn2zS4ovK2NN7JnCDr4m4bEYq38pFFzzDZ3nsx2g_gFDAY-D/w200-h200/image.png" width="200" /></a></div><br /><p>In the end we got there (in the car this time and with a flask of coffee) at about 8.45, and left about 10.30 but at least we got the job done. However, that had more or less excluded any outings on Tuesday because John felt quite rough and achy by then so it was feet up, electronic jigsaws and paintings out and plenty of rest for him while we watched squirrels, fat pigeons and the occasional camper scurrying about on site. </p><p><br /></p><p> Wednesday 10th November 2021๐ง๏ธ๐ง๏ธ๐ซ๏ธ๐ซ๏ธโโโโ</p><p>Today was another non event day for us because it was one of those mizzly drizzly days when it's really hard to know what to do! So we messed about in the van until after lunch time, but then because we'd done so little over the last 2 days we decided we needed some exercise and should take ourselves off out somewhere. But where? In the end we dismissed going out in the car in favour of a stomp around the local lanes and villages within this area, so with that in mind we quickly donned our walking shoes and waterproof coats (just in case) and initially headed down to the nearby village of Hanley Swan with it's very lovely duck pond. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyGLASUmlyagH4uumhX-bCc1kRTC6FbiWDNHDqdh0Utt0wL6Om_Bjx5A5WHfEL1UC6SJu7h6bRA3K3gxrU1tOPpsMkAKOGiNaudhkGOkFkh_mIWkSu073xZyfGqEHxhUkk1XITzaPWVZBq/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyGLASUmlyagH4uumhX-bCc1kRTC6FbiWDNHDqdh0Utt0wL6Om_Bjx5A5WHfEL1UC6SJu7h6bRA3K3gxrU1tOPpsMkAKOGiNaudhkGOkFkh_mIWkSu073xZyfGqEHxhUkk1XITzaPWVZBq/w640-h480/IMG_3597.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>From there we toddled off on a 6ish mile circular walk mainly along quiet country roads that were edged by farms, fields, old woodland and lots of quaint pretty cottages many of which looked as if they'd have listed status. Our way took us to Gilbert's End, almost to Hanley Castle and then back to the camp site by passing through Hanley Swan again. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA24wYUsziFgT-YLrNxW3S0949rYFvJlHqEttLyXWl4PlVIf_ip9sjWEHEnLLYQ-LbOEqa1uVsOy_2U7NvjDAywhh5bVUcCIJNhGQ4T9JtwUVORWHGZ4V0kLCH1kxPk1nOfIc4uUTCsdMq/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1120" data-original-width="2809" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA24wYUsziFgT-YLrNxW3S0949rYFvJlHqEttLyXWl4PlVIf_ip9sjWEHEnLLYQ-LbOEqa1uVsOy_2U7NvjDAywhh5bVUcCIJNhGQ4T9JtwUVORWHGZ4V0kLCH1kxPk1nOfIc4uUTCsdMq/w640-h256/IMG_3613.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkinyR8QEzpTlqAvZlp_ehHpdhM2qeCbVTK37aNTOGVRAyqrXPRu9bDPtL0tsnV3KYCPgdgJaxXd2b-TN0hrf_6N9P0xMz7vPxtm_zhv3jF9CVh-Rv1Zs8aMN7c_ssfNhyphenhyphenNaytf_PRy5qC/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1207" data-original-width="2048" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkinyR8QEzpTlqAvZlp_ehHpdhM2qeCbVTK37aNTOGVRAyqrXPRu9bDPtL0tsnV3KYCPgdgJaxXd2b-TN0hrf_6N9P0xMz7vPxtm_zhv3jF9CVh-Rv1Zs8aMN7c_ssfNhyphenhyphenNaytf_PRy5qC/w640-h378/IMG_3619.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTpjJFit-PWMUZHRwXaWeLRYecEvKfsDvLRw930raJB0zBC1mQNDUAyEU96H2eNfkTTK9KwiSAs4PFyq7ioS2NRyzh9dxOImgEQLGtAs0ot1u7kC4KqeUpjN4fM_ms58sqELZITFDThDof/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1798" data-original-width="2048" height="563" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTpjJFit-PWMUZHRwXaWeLRYecEvKfsDvLRw930raJB0zBC1mQNDUAyEU96H2eNfkTTK9KwiSAs4PFyq7ioS2NRyzh9dxOImgEQLGtAs0ot1u7kC4KqeUpjN4fM_ms58sqELZITFDThDof/w640-h563/IMG_3617.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We saw this little chap singing sweetly in the top of a tree <br />but we weren't able to identify him! Any guesses?<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUcl_mx21ae2D71XGcyMHlTdj4GWWNXwKvtNm3PVVR_hThqBrMIYwavRtHxj4DdiMZe3uK6sGjUs7DOmIUmSMsVIvh5t20kSd5IxTfM9SYh0PdtoGsXCNhRl33HomjofU_buVVAFCKllFz/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUcl_mx21ae2D71XGcyMHlTdj4GWWNXwKvtNm3PVVR_hThqBrMIYwavRtHxj4DdiMZe3uK6sGjUs7DOmIUmSMsVIvh5t20kSd5IxTfM9SYh0PdtoGsXCNhRl33HomjofU_buVVAFCKllFz/" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And this beautiful old oak on Hanley Swan Green</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Thursday 11th November 2021 ๐ซ๏ธ๐ซ๏ธโโโโโโโ <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhHYAiGMEia_EfoiEvnANJ1BvAWi4tBgeqAyCvTsv0IphANmS8ZAIJFMWnqkD4flPSUvVq_Ep9oZBeZXrcGeixdUv0fjGVBsdq6qY8OwP7HDCsyv2Y5c8i-1KnK_ep4BkIdEPv6Xa6AOj3Zbblnfgiw5gLC4MRKwxAa6A3LOGw15l1K7T7B76U8ecWKlQ=s248" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="248" data-original-width="196" height="151" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhHYAiGMEia_EfoiEvnANJ1BvAWi4tBgeqAyCvTsv0IphANmS8ZAIJFMWnqkD4flPSUvVq_Ep9oZBeZXrcGeixdUv0fjGVBsdq6qY8OwP7HDCsyv2Y5c8i-1KnK_ep4BkIdEPv6Xa6AOj3Zbblnfgiw5gLC4MRKwxAa6A3LOGw15l1K7T7B76U8ecWKlQ=w200-h151" width="200" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Another dank and cloudy day dawned today so we decided to spend it in the nearby City of Worcester, and in going there we had two main objectives! One was to see the Historic Worcester Cathedral and the other was to purchase a 100% waterproof coat for John - and we accomplished both things but not before being robbed when we first arrived! </div><div><br /></div><div>Obviously in a City we expected to pay for car parking, and when we got to the Croft Road carpark and noted that the charge was only ยฃ3 for 6 hours we thought that was very reasonable. However, after I'd put in our car reg number and wafted my card all the machine did was whirr and whizz without spitting out a ticket๐ ! Therefore, to try and sort the problem I rang the number advertised by the meter but only to be spouted at by a recorded voice that went <i>on and on .......and on........ and on...... </i>before it finally got to parking issues and told me to deal with the problem by visiting their web site - maybe they were all working from home and nobody was available in the office! Unfortunately that wasn't practical at the time so other than risk a ยฃ75 parking fine we had no other option than to go to another machine and pay again! This time I decided to pay with coins but that didn't stop the outcome of us being robbed for a second time because as some of them dropped they didn't register so we needed to add extra ones ๐ ๐คฌ. As you may expect this resulted in a few choice words that I wont put into print- but hey ho- at least we got a ticket, and frustratingly that one was for 24 hours ๐!</div><div><br /></div><div>Anyway, back to the story! From the carpark we wandered into the City's shopping area and almost immedietly spotted a Rohan shop (which sells quality outdoor gear), so we nipped in to see if they had anything that fitted the bill, and of course they did. John tried on a jacket and he more or less decided there and then that it ticked all his boxes, but the only draw back was the price tag. Even so he would have brought it there and then without looking any further, but as I quite like shopping, I had other ideas so I dragged him round several more shops but all to no avail as he'd set his heart on the first one so that's what he got! However, we did manage to barter a 15% discount with our CCC card and I did warn him, that seeing as he'd blown our budget we'd just have to manage on bread and jam for the rest of the week๐คฃ๐คฃ๐คฃ.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi-on23PeXxFZUV9i-Xa8spFTemytpI2roz3CxJ2DXubAwI1kIMt4toD8F9vN5s3-IuXxK-WT1_iM73h3fYYNgqQk6fXqx9pSuy__pVLFQ485KyB1W6pO7zbrX3GA7qzkVEaNqu8SkGAu285BWaGq9Ksc7epVr1V56SJ5-xUlvl8LZnyn_HOxfvf0Rv0g=s5184" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi-on23PeXxFZUV9i-Xa8spFTemytpI2roz3CxJ2DXubAwI1kIMt4toD8F9vN5s3-IuXxK-WT1_iM73h3fYYNgqQk6fXqx9pSuy__pVLFQ485KyB1W6pO7zbrX3GA7qzkVEaNqu8SkGAu285BWaGq9Ksc7epVr1V56SJ5-xUlvl8LZnyn_HOxfvf0Rv0g=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>The Nave and Tower of the Cathedral <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>Our next stop was at the architecturally beautiful Worcester Cathedral, and even if your not religious (like us) it would be impossible not to marvel at the structures and artistry in this magnificent ancient building! The info we were given told us that the first Cathedral on the site was founded in 680, but later in 983 St Oswald built another cathedral and established a monastery attached to it. However, it wasn't until 1084 that St Wulfstan began to build the Cathedral that stands on the site today. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj5lpKUY3BazLI1rxC20EEJYXYY-SzV83ImadYligTun0rbJgQ43U0UBO60-igNrgBYYOUjqxHN4YiXeHVz5e5oygSret4ttjA85JGwqtf9Hmfv-WJUTa4ukA9xKF8tpSM8q2rV3TcdZxGRerDdBoirqYH3olhN1iAsdLRR9tspYif0mTGygT9vsVly9g=s5184" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj5lpKUY3BazLI1rxC20EEJYXYY-SzV83ImadYligTun0rbJgQ43U0UBO60-igNrgBYYOUjqxHN4YiXeHVz5e5oygSret4ttjA85JGwqtf9Hmfv-WJUTa4ukA9xKF8tpSM8q2rV3TcdZxGRerDdBoirqYH3olhN1iAsdLRR9tspYif0mTGygT9vsVly9g=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Saints above the main portal</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>I really don't know what it is about Cathedrals but I always enjoy going inside for the sense of tranquillity and also to see what treasures lie within, and this one certainly didn't let us down. I could put dozens of pics on but as our wifi is very slow I'll have to settle for just a few of my favourites. </div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiM4GrLqA83u3M9U0uOuIllSH2j9wIAwvHWuwX7FK0juUlI_JbiI01X4BxqRl2SyKd3zI11V4hqOH7hLWQhUrnV_avuibHclQzoCuFw_Oy4U1peKPdpGvQtWvbgYQyT9oso9-XSngwmExK0uAk2FXtALOcK1qrySbDB1j7c88hxvvqMpk4_Jp7OIoSKMg=s5184" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5184" data-original-width="3888" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiM4GrLqA83u3M9U0uOuIllSH2j9wIAwvHWuwX7FK0juUlI_JbiI01X4BxqRl2SyKd3zI11V4hqOH7hLWQhUrnV_avuibHclQzoCuFw_Oy4U1peKPdpGvQtWvbgYQyT9oso9-XSngwmExK0uAk2FXtALOcK1qrySbDB1j7c88hxvvqMpk4_Jp7OIoSKMg=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Font</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhh0saCuPTYcNfHO8QXolYenq4gbbfpya1-UMk9v3mAg1opz0EBgzc0_tBTXBdOwxpKZ6pocfh9FOEL_2_DVXU987mLTWpwSZkt5L58CCcP1TzBWQBcJL5ct-V9XGCKgxnWWDr-zW3ubsI-IAhRk-RmWRWUwMzJ6eGmOyf9VATmJ38CAPOk0XR01UC9Og=s5184" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5184" data-original-width="3888" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhh0saCuPTYcNfHO8QXolYenq4gbbfpya1-UMk9v3mAg1opz0EBgzc0_tBTXBdOwxpKZ6pocfh9FOEL_2_DVXU987mLTWpwSZkt5L58CCcP1TzBWQBcJL5ct-V9XGCKgxnWWDr-zW3ubsI-IAhRk-RmWRWUwMzJ6eGmOyf9VATmJ38CAPOk0XR01UC9Og=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just one of many stained glass windows</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhpvEspWjRcN-cHUdXc4Y0d-oe9r2cNQtlLsLXoAERj2wNrbIgqhzQR0tcypdYSsNq_tjjrn5w2TQRaMPyAsps2sq0t4bUpKAqg2karIVltw5HPYvLKuzEJ94z0l57KZvdH4fKVe7ZcDnvNXAQGgSC3-yxGssbdWI5nPORnton6yegZT_5gDF_hGlywRQ=s5184" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5184" data-original-width="3888" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhpvEspWjRcN-cHUdXc4Y0d-oe9r2cNQtlLsLXoAERj2wNrbIgqhzQR0tcypdYSsNq_tjjrn5w2TQRaMPyAsps2sq0t4bUpKAqg2karIVltw5HPYvLKuzEJ94z0l57KZvdH4fKVe7ZcDnvNXAQGgSC3-yxGssbdWI5nPORnton6yegZT_5gDF_hGlywRQ=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Magnificent Organ - We'd have loved to hear it play</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhFqUipGNSaGVOczcMTLwWV2kOOTRo3zr4_Bg-RNhErZNQrmPaMrhQqVITwdG67kLJDi6FpYXQbuh7qMlc2NbR55ZJMbScGA5wcI44dmLyfqmFjmJQu31maRnp_rYjZ-QrSJz0bD--ySeon5_eCpoe2aoCe2EZsfzXcFXqhPjeg8-6fCb8Wd5yqrvDPKA=s5184" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhFqUipGNSaGVOczcMTLwWV2kOOTRo3zr4_Bg-RNhErZNQrmPaMrhQqVITwdG67kLJDi6FpYXQbuh7qMlc2NbR55ZJMbScGA5wcI44dmLyfqmFjmJQu31maRnp_rYjZ-QrSJz0bD--ySeon5_eCpoe2aoCe2EZsfzXcFXqhPjeg8-6fCb8Wd5yqrvDPKA=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And the intricate Alter Piece - how long must that have taken to carve?</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div>Then as we left the Cathedral we paused to have a look at Sir Edward William Elgar who died in 1934 at the age of 77. If you've ever watched Last Night at the Proms your bound to have heard at least one of his compositions - the Pomp and Circumstance Marches!</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjbmAAilYTwghe_Tew04HY0nbDfsU799Z8Sw6agxY6v7I-C6AEAtx8-lVOuZNTHrUDlkwEc-fwCQwePUnIYlbd7vCYlinK6jouSRJpGWCqsNtZh_jnh6zzfubCYV23k0yuro_fXpHixTj4YS-wsAFyP02wQy1epyiH1ZCs2Y4cmY0b2gtve0iZGWHN--Q=s5184" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5184" data-original-width="3888" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjbmAAilYTwghe_Tew04HY0nbDfsU799Z8Sw6agxY6v7I-C6AEAtx8-lVOuZNTHrUDlkwEc-fwCQwePUnIYlbd7vCYlinK6jouSRJpGWCqsNtZh_jnh6zzfubCYV23k0yuro_fXpHixTj4YS-wsAFyP02wQy1epyiH1ZCs2Y4cmY0b2gtve0iZGWHN--Q=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Next we turned out attention to the mighty River Severn which is Britain's longest River. It flows 220 miles from the Welsh mountains to the Severn Estuary, and apparently, you can walk the whole way from the source to the sea along it's towpath. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiClk9RTSb3P7WvuuWiinOCms8Rd3NeaSLvCYKwJqDM1QAXotC38DgBmbvaeaPstWiL-18HsjKGVazArO9sIED5JRfuQqFTfkPOx7i70VHVsdOCdrHgKqQzxR1ITXfV-_8C-0PePvCtSoOwZ9wms1bC8TiwZCBg2rhvJzjgpogiQPq10-45NO8678cBxg=s5184" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiClk9RTSb3P7WvuuWiinOCms8Rd3NeaSLvCYKwJqDM1QAXotC38DgBmbvaeaPstWiL-18HsjKGVazArO9sIED5JRfuQqFTfkPOx7i70VHVsdOCdrHgKqQzxR1ITXfV-_8C-0PePvCtSoOwZ9wms1bC8TiwZCBg2rhvJzjgpogiQPq10-45NO8678cBxg=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhUCq4NRBQtCSVKhohO9nAk3IUbaOnUeJqgp9lUjOb5HEOvJYE0pohssE8wUH95S3iSvfkuYY-rSvyTp5PkCXXxHtjK1-gDBjUc0RTYAe0VrdmsOplutwQYX1v62_tXsE9hOo0HUKWFsESCaj_3xk69_H-qXl9ixk-fWW0FPWemhdpF9RAIDLGRCCuJtA=s3322" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="946" data-original-width="3322" height="182" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhUCq4NRBQtCSVKhohO9nAk3IUbaOnUeJqgp9lUjOb5HEOvJYE0pohssE8wUH95S3iSvfkuYY-rSvyTp5PkCXXxHtjK1-gDBjUc0RTYAe0VrdmsOplutwQYX1v62_tXsE9hOo0HUKWFsESCaj_3xk69_H-qXl9ixk-fWW0FPWemhdpF9RAIDLGRCCuJtA=w640-h182" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div>Today we only followed it for a about 4 miles, 2 down one side, then over a bridge and back up the other side, but in so doing we were able to admire the many mute swans that are protected within Worcester Swan Sanctuary. Apparently the sanctuary was set up in 1980 following a national decline in the population of Mute Swans, which in part, was caused by the lead used in angling weights at that time. The numbers in Worcester then improved but this resulted in a lack of food becoming a problem, and as the years went by swans were found collapsed and starving on the river banks. To deal with this problem 'The Swan Food Project' was born and this regularly supplies floating swan pellets and mixed corn, but along with that, the local Sainsbury's donate left over bread to supplement their diet!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhISIyZoIWLNZF9rXFTBhldu5tK02SrJMYUxPYg4z70xRmvWq8fHiXFjLhXLQipcVW0OkzUOGsJvcpVIXsYzX_jeVhhj_lvciza4l8ZDLIC1_uPtxfZIjf6zaNSRVwm9y2OQShXbAzmCiStYg8IpkgkK0tySryH7ygizkjrdOmxr0X_Uz3L5h3517iQ3Q=s5184" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhISIyZoIWLNZF9rXFTBhldu5tK02SrJMYUxPYg4z70xRmvWq8fHiXFjLhXLQipcVW0OkzUOGsJvcpVIXsYzX_jeVhhj_lvciza4l8ZDLIC1_uPtxfZIjf6zaNSRVwm9y2OQShXbAzmCiStYg8IpkgkK0tySryH7ygizkjrdOmxr0X_Uz3L5h3517iQ3Q=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>While we were walking we also spotted another creature that we definitely didn't expect to see this near to an urban city centre!</div><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhZEfgwkHAhC_77EKiWzq4GPcxdk4DzKRr6G4J8o4Cl1ZuLiUQGj_xRKtl2xvh_7hzITcfnDxLKT-hVf8O2dWTUQKUt8g3xvjxVVjZp2Mo2thGgPm8oXshshT6HRK2sVLXkyBEH6VeG4sryKXhsbSRpTPGQGrOR-I6hz3nRqVB6ql7BVpSPeK2eLbTzwg=s2048" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1322" data-original-width="2048" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhZEfgwkHAhC_77EKiWzq4GPcxdk4DzKRr6G4J8o4Cl1ZuLiUQGj_xRKtl2xvh_7hzITcfnDxLKT-hVf8O2dWTUQKUt8g3xvjxVVjZp2Mo2thGgPm8oXshshT6HRK2sVLXkyBEH6VeG4sryKXhsbSRpTPGQGrOR-I6hz3nRqVB6ql7BVpSPeK2eLbTzwg=w640-h414" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An Otter swimming and fishing for his lunch.<br />Apparently Otters were once extinct in Worcestershire!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /> Friday 12th November 2021 ๐ซ๏ธ๐ซ๏ธโโโโโโโ </div><div><br /></div><div>Today was another dull one but at least it wasn't raining! Initially we hadn't really planned to do very much at all, however in the end we decided not to be lazy so we packed a picnic and headed off for a couple of local nature reserves. These were Crew's Hill and Blackhouse Wood and The Knapp and Papermill reserves, and there we were hopeful that we may have had one or two encounters with feathered or furred creatures. However, it wasn't to be; we only encountered extremely narrow roads to get there and lots of slippy slimey muddy trails through the wooded areas. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgO2WliYnW_-CPOGhgkE35Yl6UYEOQbNFpCTKVztE5IwxIJRVxXkCmwjxBqwVHTEl1Z1bcIretPeb1NyRFjNCpXTlGl1zlizzrKmX1XFCU99sMqZx7nTmhB3Am8MJK-DcXHi1icxc7cjsUIdteZfsTCHp4TB5hqKdjCHw63F5chTXnipRLAG_TEiQHKsQ=s5184" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgO2WliYnW_-CPOGhgkE35Yl6UYEOQbNFpCTKVztE5IwxIJRVxXkCmwjxBqwVHTEl1Z1bcIretPeb1NyRFjNCpXTlGl1zlizzrKmX1XFCU99sMqZx7nTmhB3Am8MJK-DcXHi1icxc7cjsUIdteZfsTCHp4TB5hqKdjCHw63F5chTXnipRLAG_TEiQHKsQ=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">In places it was barely wide enough for our car so it was a good job we didn't meet <br />anything coming the other way!<br /> </span></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi6fV1vpkbEg9cNJ_7BvF3MEJJWIoDu5FnkEXAjK_ikNiloLyOxpFjV1f1KXNHuFHDF45jGZ9HXC6sCYykwqcWv44zWgx2AZWgk2eS-orSme7w-yvhi1g6qAIVvSggdbHEwNZzgkDtNNhC7Hox_CVHsE03aoKqQlqKuX2CeWniwaBZXrG8-7MPrMlb1vA=s5184" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5184" data-original-width="3888" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi6fV1vpkbEg9cNJ_7BvF3MEJJWIoDu5FnkEXAjK_ikNiloLyOxpFjV1f1KXNHuFHDF45jGZ9HXC6sCYykwqcWv44zWgx2AZWgk2eS-orSme7w-yvhi1g6qAIVvSggdbHEwNZzgkDtNNhC7Hox_CVHsE03aoKqQlqKuX2CeWniwaBZXrG8-7MPrMlb1vA=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No Animal Pics so I'll add this one of the new coat being modelled๐<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj8nFtZs6lMAqpxpU6MleWcJDiLz6ujY6VvVD8_7EuWxrB8CX3eFFSEf7gwHkWni7Qf9TIxsJQ-uCnb26XutQEYc534C3GURG_Gp-zH43IKyuTiXU5O11ouoHzi8cTYZ2d7HaCUtUFJG37VenHEiVeZ8MM81n44ZeV2xrBU1gAbrNzapsPnqxbhi1DxhA=s5184" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj8nFtZs6lMAqpxpU6MleWcJDiLz6ujY6VvVD8_7EuWxrB8CX3eFFSEf7gwHkWni7Qf9TIxsJQ-uCnb26XutQEYc534C3GURG_Gp-zH43IKyuTiXU5O11ouoHzi8cTYZ2d7HaCUtUFJG37VenHEiVeZ8MM81n44ZeV2xrBU1gAbrNzapsPnqxbhi1DxhA=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Autumn Toadstools </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiz53hA5Pqg_8MrN1ctA7pjMHEaQsvvONvklwIYu2iPwdC5F4tBHgHgpgJym9Rhoxtr2uItGYMUKeWJKkRIK4a0bx5fXhGLgdDOw5-FCs-mley3dHhWqBeJkEmx4HV4ToJSGLtrltdtuG5PyU-1rYqgE65iS1wYuhsu4l-HOe0SASKHSCOGQ5SUVWCxvA=s5184" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiz53hA5Pqg_8MrN1ctA7pjMHEaQsvvONvklwIYu2iPwdC5F4tBHgHgpgJym9Rhoxtr2uItGYMUKeWJKkRIK4a0bx5fXhGLgdDOw5-FCs-mley3dHhWqBeJkEmx4HV4ToJSGLtrltdtuG5PyU-1rYqgE65iS1wYuhsu4l-HOe0SASKHSCOGQ5SUVWCxvA=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Prettiest bit of the Knapp and Papermill Nature Reserve. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>Saturday 13th November 2021 </div><div><br /></div><div>Our final hill walk in this area was what was planned for today's outing, and I really think John had saved the Best and Toughest till last ๐! Following leaving the campsite we drove a short picturesque distance across Castlemorton Common which in times gone by (1066) used to be a royal hunting ground, but now the common land is used as free grazing for sheep and cattle. </div><div><br /></div><div>Our walk started directly from the Swinyard Carpark and the trail initially took us past the old flooded Gullet Quarry where there were numerous signs and a barbed wire fence banning any quick dips - ๐ but it was far to cold for that today ๐! </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj28ObombQ0h8h27oPRS-z2-vpNJz9gTOh07HiCggQHKiYJM00sq0Gk-0oQsGpjCu5t2CMi72umQdJSHqTtyN7ndvB2e8DxYGAp12dzT-IBVQlJD2h6o2HrvxCzLWW9CbkksXIOTr_3RqhCK5ZBvxgjMiNaczFfEFlYt_U39NsfzLoc_J5sUfw9xmbT-g=s5184" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj28ObombQ0h8h27oPRS-z2-vpNJz9gTOh07HiCggQHKiYJM00sq0Gk-0oQsGpjCu5t2CMi72umQdJSHqTtyN7ndvB2e8DxYGAp12dzT-IBVQlJD2h6o2HrvxCzLWW9CbkksXIOTr_3RqhCK5ZBvxgjMiNaczFfEFlYt_U39NsfzLoc_J5sUfw9xmbT-g=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>The quarrying industry in this area took off in the early 20th century when increasing use of cars led to greater demand for road improvements. Malvern Stone was ideal for this and it seems that the quarrying resulted in a great number of scars being formed across these beautiful Hills. However, the constant digging eventually became a bit of a public nuisance because of the noise and dust and this led to most of the quarries in the area ceasing production, thus allowing nature to reclaim them. </div><div><br /></div><div>Our first conquest of today's walk was to be Midsummer Hill (932 feet high) and even though the climb up was steep it was nothing compared to what was to come later. However, the shelter right at the top was a perfect stopping place for coffee and Pork Pie๐! We thought we might need some extra energy for the next slope.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhOVz2x8wOKsxendplJOa363J3bh4OmnELyfhWt3oqDpIrJ0ksG2XFY8sJEBHvTlX8zw-HgDNxhDSWa2VgXv-Am6NOxaOvM5ekaDeSRruMnlODWcE3oqTw_dgPSmlVRaflDqps6NTA2ivxNgdxnqxCv7NTOapPc48-ZN0FJaDul0BU0mWFSS3OxR6y2Lw=s5184" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhOVz2x8wOKsxendplJOa363J3bh4OmnELyfhWt3oqDpIrJ0ksG2XFY8sJEBHvTlX8zw-HgDNxhDSWa2VgXv-Am6NOxaOvM5ekaDeSRruMnlODWcE3oqTw_dgPSmlVRaflDqps6NTA2ivxNgdxnqxCv7NTOapPc48-ZN0FJaDul0BU0mWFSS3OxR6y2Lw=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Shelter is a memorial built by Reverend H L Somers (who gave the hill to the<br />National Trust). It was built in memory of his son who was killed in<br />The First World War.<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>Now, what goes up must come down, so that was what we did as we headed back towards a road and passed by Holly Bush Quarry. And maybe that was the easy bit because then we had to climb the very steep slopes of Ragged Stone Hill (833 feet high) - a climb which necessitated several stops on the way up to allow our heart rates to settle and for us to catch our breath. However, the magnificent views from the slope distracted us from any discomfort and on the way we paused for a little giggle when we spotted what we called a '<i>penis fungus'!</i><div><i><br /></i><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhDNvUkvc7xds6wWK8lo2ChyQCKk-YHT2UGEqDadFgbTk_-pUYFlsEIjggYxhLRvzk_cxjPTySO_NNrAkoZmvlX7jr6dM0yPgQBTMsLaOB_txVHub7IasEfHIcl0lcU6VexhY2H-e8Y37uUAukOeFM45L_XMdXnpHK7gJ4o5rA0XjUnZYw0nFcbrydZxQ=s5184" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5184" data-original-width="3888" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhDNvUkvc7xds6wWK8lo2ChyQCKk-YHT2UGEqDadFgbTk_-pUYFlsEIjggYxhLRvzk_cxjPTySO_NNrAkoZmvlX7jr6dM0yPgQBTMsLaOB_txVHub7IasEfHIcl0lcU6VexhY2H-e8Y37uUAukOeFM45L_XMdXnpHK7gJ4o5rA0XjUnZYw0nFcbrydZxQ=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I tried to get John to lie down and 'pose' in a specific <br />position for this shot but he wouldn't oblige๐<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>By the time we got to the top of the hill our breathing matched the name of the hill - Ragged ๐, but we quickly recovered as we gazed over the 360 degree almost never ending views before we set off down hill again through a place called White Leaved Oak to get to the base of our final ascent. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9CadqkHGhpmOzlKMfBGZ4bM1VOzbfbs4eZVKuyUF65z5QwVDK3hJztc-BchZAOZ8TnHT-a5Ms97gelUoZ114EMJa7TQKkRUuSkf6aXN9bO__sViooqi9VrOLTsluswXNlI5u-iGJLkL64/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9CadqkHGhpmOzlKMfBGZ4bM1VOzbfbs4eZVKuyUF65z5QwVDK3hJztc-BchZAOZ8TnHT-a5Ms97gelUoZ114EMJa7TQKkRUuSkf6aXN9bO__sViooqi9VrOLTsluswXNlI5u-iGJLkL64/w640-h480/IMG_3669.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><div>That was Chase End Hill (627 feet), and going up wasn't really that bad but we could have done with a sledge ๐ท to come down the other side! To say the least, as we descended though a heavily wooded area it was extremely steep, muddy and very slippery as we tripped and skidded over old tree roots and hidden rocks, and when we needed to climb over a very high style I really thought I might come a cropper ๐ฑ but my very dear Husband was there to catch me โค. So after that little adventure we were quite happy to get back onto the very quiet Chase End Road for our return trek back to the car. </div><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjKiJ6RpbipI5C8kgY3jcosF7aFqu84NFr2Nyb8JDrzJM-te98R3wipUrDOpTGfuESPS7y9wJF90peVkqMDUjmIKQ6kCGiVThpAiZfd8tYJ9BWWw85UOay8xtg-JE71iv8TT_2kGZfsCACoplhmoUVXp5orRIcnDPJSz0hIW6aU20RsrQE6HhtMZnVUBw=s5184" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjKiJ6RpbipI5C8kgY3jcosF7aFqu84NFr2Nyb8JDrzJM-te98R3wipUrDOpTGfuESPS7y9wJF90peVkqMDUjmIKQ6kCGiVThpAiZfd8tYJ9BWWw85UOay8xtg-JE71iv8TT_2kGZfsCACoplhmoUVXp5orRIcnDPJSz0hIW6aU20RsrQE6HhtMZnVUBw=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We were quite surprised to find a Retail park out on these quiet country lanes - but we did!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div>In total our walk was about 6.5 miles but because of the terrain it felt much further! I think in total we climbed about 2,392 feet up and probably dropped something similar coming back down !</div><div><div><br /></div><div>Sunday 14th November 2021 โ๏ธ โ โ โ๏ธโ๏ธโ๏ธโ๏ธ</div></div></div></div><div><br /></div><div>We've just had a quiet day around the van today getting one or two little jobs done in preparation for moving on tomorrow to Cannock Chase in Staffordshire. And I'd just like to let our readers know that it's unlikely we'll be able to post any Blogs from there because rumour has it that the site is devoid of Wifi, TV and phone signal ๐ฒ! Can't imagine how we'll pass our time ๐ - maybe we'll just have to talk to each other for a change ๐จ๐ฌ๐คฃ.</div><div><br /></div><div>Finally, just before I go I just want to share a proud picture of our Grandson Thomas as he prepared to go and lay a wreath for Remembrance Day With his Dad Paul ๐</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgdLirD8t-gfHrwVkEFASWErUDcYK7vHtfvrjO1HSkqAol8JvH0wwy9-uCreAN9w3uepUCr0mMjrngKbIocwg2FuWgHWaFyt-ypeW0hYoHghiORXcS0K9qzjTsJKC83PGbMq81EUpeGUbzYxAgFHnl0Quh8mKvuru6ACvmKB1RGMxFLUXKifvrrAsDHKQ=s944" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="944" data-original-width="399" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgdLirD8t-gfHrwVkEFASWErUDcYK7vHtfvrjO1HSkqAol8JvH0wwy9-uCreAN9w3uepUCr0mMjrngKbIocwg2FuWgHWaFyt-ypeW0hYoHghiORXcS0K9qzjTsJKC83PGbMq81EUpeGUbzYxAgFHnl0Quh8mKvuru6ACvmKB1RGMxFLUXKifvrrAsDHKQ=w270-h640" width="270" /></a></div><br /><div>Take care and Chat again soon ๐</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?hl=en&mid=1tG7G55azXmNAvv09V4MjcDksouY&ll=52.09670846548832%2C-2.275200250000018&z=17">Click here to see our present camping spot</a></div>Linda Varneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10023578343265888742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8250550279331493077.post-26551134729878933892021-11-07T17:18:00.004+00:002021-11-07T17:18:38.119+00:00Blackmore Caravan and Camping Club Site - Days 50 - 56 of our Autumn/Winter Tour <p><b>Blackmore Caravan and Camping Club Site - Days 50 - 56 of our Autumn/Winter Tour </b></p><p>Monday 1st November 2021 โ โ โ โ ๐ ๐๐ฐ๐๐ฐ๐</p><p>Today was moving day, and for us we were on our chocks quite early because we'd packed away our awning yesterday! So there we were, all hitched up and in the car ready to go, but as John turned the key in the ignition ....... nothing happened except a few spluttering noises! Whoops it looked like we'd got a flat battery and maybe that was our fault because we'd had the doors open on the car for ages yesterday and this morning and that had resulted in the interior lights being left on for a long period which may have drained the battery power. So, what to do now?? Well, John disconected the van from the car battery (because the fridge and the ATC system were taking power from it) and tried again and ๐'hip hip hooray' ๐ , the engine grudgingly came to life and we were on our way!</p><p>And I'm quite happy to say that was nearly the end of the day's traumas! We completed our 140 mile journey quite quickly and we were soon pitched up on the CCC's Blackmore Site which sits in the distant shadow of the towering Malvern Hills. </p><p>However, as we neared our destination we nearly got <i><b>'scammed'</b></i> and I nearly fell for it! I received a WhatsApp saying '<i>Hi Mum, just wanted to let you know I've got a new number cos my old contract's ran out'</i> I replied '<i>who is it? Ben Sarah or Adam'</i> The reply came <i>'it's Ben' </i>The conversation then went on with generalities about how we were and he was, and at that stage I was convinced I was conversing with my son Ben! However,then he said '<i>I'm having trouble with my bank because they're off line and I need to pay 2 bills by 6pm. Can you maybe pay them for me and I'll pay you back tomorrow'. </i>And even at that stage no alarm ๐๐ rang and I still didn't smell a ๐ although by now I was chuntering about my darling son to John, and that was when he became suspicious! He asked me if I was sure it was our Ben and I said I was, but to be sure he did no more other than to ring our Ben who knew nothing about the shenanigans! Needless to say the scammer was then given short shift, his number blocked and the whole episode reported to WhatsApp, but it just goes to show how devious these B_____ds can be! </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi-bLmmW5cFFqQ3kxOF5Ctjb1YBmUYPoytYzZ9BTNk3kafNNwwPNOTNQAw3t7IBqODn4hiqBETiUHQ6f4Ly8ixvrZDORcAXKYoKmUromqv7geLZWggY_2tm31MwGLZrcf-GdAuMWf8S7-XFYVkE2bEMYE662i9nplT-UtFZb3laowDcksW5KZscKdX3Hw=s5184" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi-bLmmW5cFFqQ3kxOF5Ctjb1YBmUYPoytYzZ9BTNk3kafNNwwPNOTNQAw3t7IBqODn4hiqBETiUHQ6f4Ly8ixvrZDORcAXKYoKmUromqv7geLZWggY_2tm31MwGLZrcf-GdAuMWf8S7-XFYVkE2bEMYE662i9nplT-UtFZb3laowDcksW5KZscKdX3Hw=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A distant view of the Malvern Hills.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>The hills have been designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and run north-south for about 8 miles between Great Malvern and the village of Colwall passing through the counties of Worcestershire, Herefordshire and a small area of northern Gloucestershire so I'm sure they'll provide lots for us to do. However, we have explored some of the area before when we were here back in June 2019, but on that occasion we were in our Motorhome and only stayed for 3 nights. <p></p><p>Tuesday 2nd November 2021 โ๏ธ๐๐๐โ๐๐๐โ</p><p>Today dawned as one of those beautiful crisp bight Autumn mornings and the sunshine lasted for most of the day. Therefore, we certainly weren't going to waste it and we were soon packed up and heading for the Black Hill car park from where we would start today's walk. </p><p>Black Hill itself was our first target and to get there we followed a deeply steeply undulating trail along the ridge of the Malverns, and for our efforts we were rewarded with wide ranging vistas that stretched as far away as the Midlands on one side and Wales on the other. </p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEijdpxQHm6xQMW5f9i6jcRaISoNbDXrNPyBQDohrhw5_hIHNfCsY5xRsNM5tlNmbkwKVxbQ9869M9aZ2hk16vxEN1K_vS4wdx6ASOT9CmHPhG4Gi00qK8-sneqhDckDvPezbC0jXmKBD-_TpMjLnZ03TRQe4H0_ss3R7UXnpd2zKwGsNvnc7aiaGPcArw=s5184" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEijdpxQHm6xQMW5f9i6jcRaISoNbDXrNPyBQDohrhw5_hIHNfCsY5xRsNM5tlNmbkwKVxbQ9869M9aZ2hk16vxEN1K_vS4wdx6ASOT9CmHPhG4Gi00qK8-sneqhDckDvPezbC0jXmKBD-_TpMjLnZ03TRQe4H0_ss3R7UXnpd2zKwGsNvnc7aiaGPcArw=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh3ScV7wI_F-4FFo8LklP4Q4VBZVSAU5cF5_e82KAK6v3UPJNZOhdo0S8XgNBOQt0gXh43q-lYp5QAPdekCssBNp66wuQJ_i8Mn365lSySAB4SWDSxSpk4R2V1HHfZfmCFPXh1gsFMF-qB_5wwe_23uihKQ-Jecp8xtG-xii0MSgAt8ZaubcXnjtb5ezw=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1325" data-original-width="2048" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh3ScV7wI_F-4FFo8LklP4Q4VBZVSAU5cF5_e82KAK6v3UPJNZOhdo0S8XgNBOQt0gXh43q-lYp5QAPdekCssBNp66wuQJ_i8Mn365lSySAB4SWDSxSpk4R2V1HHfZfmCFPXh1gsFMF-qB_5wwe_23uihKQ-Jecp8xtG-xii0MSgAt8ZaubcXnjtb5ezw=w640-h414" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>The trail then continued up hill and down dale over Pinnacle Hill, Jubilee Hill and Perseverance Hill, and once our turning point was reached our usual picnic and coffee were consumed before we about turned to take the easier path that runs along just below the ridge and above the old Gardiner's Quarry. <p></p><p><br /></p><p>Wednesday 3rd November 2021 โ โ โโโโโ โ โ </p><p>Our plan for today was to make use of our newly acquired National Trust membership and visit Croome Court which has a history that includes being the home of the 6th Earl of Coventry back in 1751, then much later in 1942 it became a secret war time RAF base where radars were developed. In 1948 Croome became a school for disadvantaged boys and in 1979 it was sold to Hare Krishna devotees. In 1984 property developers brought it but the upkeep of the house spiralled out of control so it finally came into the hands of the National Trust in 1996 when both the park and lake were close to complete ruin and lost beneath huge swarths of undergrowth. Since then they have invested over 8 million pounds in restoring some of it to it's former glory but that is still an ongoing project. </p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1120" data-original-width="2048" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYqV2xUPSZ0AY9ACK80qg2JGERTX703BNUWuEZMKV6hKXnmCbSqk7X8iwHK8hIJ9EcBwZi16K4Q-pSWzUKk_ZhuMAWXZYDk6MlexXGoWUITyYlQEXuvvLYRf0lERoTet-3LwgF2Lac75ao/w640-h350/IMG_3569.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Mansion and Park that were designed by Lancelot 'Capability' Brown</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYqV2xUPSZ0AY9ACK80qg2JGERTX703BNUWuEZMKV6hKXnmCbSqk7X8iwHK8hIJ9EcBwZi16K4Q-pSWzUKk_ZhuMAWXZYDk6MlexXGoWUITyYlQEXuvvLYRf0lERoTet-3LwgF2Lac75ao/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYqV2xUPSZ0AY9ACK80qg2JGERTX703BNUWuEZMKV6hKXnmCbSqk7X8iwHK8hIJ9EcBwZi16K4Q-pSWzUKk_ZhuMAWXZYDk6MlexXGoWUITyYlQEXuvvLYRf0lERoTet-3LwgF2Lac75ao/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div></div><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4xcGij6rN3IRZo7ESufjyBAeWl3LlA5UeDvfgkxGwPMAzn6axyP7295k9se_egLpz7dkhDAshGBvf2mQ9M0mkwXWo_Ac-aBYa9PXQd98taiBYdTnBGIRmNLcH9PPM_7v1GxPbZNKH_Y7m/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="332" data-original-width="494" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4xcGij6rN3IRZo7ESufjyBAeWl3LlA5UeDvfgkxGwPMAzn6axyP7295k9se_egLpz7dkhDAshGBvf2mQ9M0mkwXWo_Ac-aBYa9PXQd98taiBYdTnBGIRmNLcH9PPM_7v1GxPbZNKH_Y7m/" width="320" /></a>As we'd got the whole day to spend there we planned to explore the full extent of the park land and also have a quick peek inside the grand house itself so the map we were given as we entered proved to be very useful. We started our tour by having a quick look at the ancient church of St Magdalene but quickly moved onto the Ice House which quite took us by surprise! As we entered the door we were met by a metal grid with a light switch at the side, and once illuminated we could peer down into it's depths! Apparently two thirds of it are hidden underground and this was where the ice would be stored for use in the kitchens.</p><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVFO_IofTUlufhMHXTgrQVXoFdWJtnzOaepGyIBY-mB9ObBnUsQF0YJoahWgiHbDrP-PXudax6m5rtaMjtX2P94h8VaQNQU5iQNlUfOMx3KdVz5he1dtHD9DSWGliSNwL30NuQMFBmUj0f/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="381" data-original-width="272" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVFO_IofTUlufhMHXTgrQVXoFdWJtnzOaepGyIBY-mB9ObBnUsQF0YJoahWgiHbDrP-PXudax6m5rtaMjtX2P94h8VaQNQU5iQNlUfOMx3KdVz5he1dtHD9DSWGliSNwL30NuQMFBmUj0f/" width="171" /></a></div><p>From there we moved onto the Rotunda which was a spherical structure that overlooks parkland and has views up to the Park Seat where we would later have our lunch. Initially, when we got there we thought we were going to get wet because a passing shower nearly caught us out, but as the door was open we nipped in to sip our coffee and admire the beautiful plaster work some of which was mounted on Portland Stone. </p><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlLeOkirVhS4gEtA2FcfAeiaXobcaycBhGfmGSSETzBEpKj9z8Cg8aSH2hc51ygaUapJD49vnjS4lz1boXyPJBXje7VU2xWCoe7l-btMzSl_ruvYx7Z-2hzLQdjF3_5aWkddOBtBcPyjm4/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlLeOkirVhS4gEtA2FcfAeiaXobcaycBhGfmGSSETzBEpKj9z8Cg8aSH2hc51ygaUapJD49vnjS4lz1boXyPJBXje7VU2xWCoe7l-btMzSl_ruvYx7Z-2hzLQdjF3_5aWkddOBtBcPyjm4/w640-h480/IMG_3571.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Rotunda</td></tr></tbody></table></div>Once the rain had gone we nipped down to the Chinese Bridge, and from there we headed along a muddy track to the far reaches of the park. There we found the Park Seat which was also known as The Owl's Nest, because in times gone by, it was used as a viewing station for most of the park, and that was exactly what we used it for today.<p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXO38QUAkQmReuG2LqbqKsXVkWle-6Cm0MLrqN4mWlKnpzd4PZWdxhlETrfIdHgmmt96D4QWxI-kRHMz5IbydoqQ86-zmMN80QEsf0qXVSvCOcYRvvTHRWa1gVdh0wOGUpth4Biu4Qi5Su/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXO38QUAkQmReuG2LqbqKsXVkWle-6Cm0MLrqN4mWlKnpzd4PZWdxhlETrfIdHgmmt96D4QWxI-kRHMz5IbydoqQ86-zmMN80QEsf0qXVSvCOcYRvvTHRWa1gVdh0wOGUpth4Biu4Qi5Su/w640-h480/IMG_3573.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Chinese Bridge</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCKRHXAkPaPmVouFbNzOrE8LZcUYzJ2YkGY3BtVGptN_0Nfigf7i_q-DXfS5jOYrXiCUCY_5SAUvBqonD5jVs1I2wL8fYV-zdLE2cXFIk1xqKi4KgqL8NkBT5uKdOmSt3Hdr-cSx9yq7UB/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCKRHXAkPaPmVouFbNzOrE8LZcUYzJ2YkGY3BtVGptN_0Nfigf7i_q-DXfS5jOYrXiCUCY_5SAUvBqonD5jVs1I2wL8fYV-zdLE2cXFIk1xqKi4KgqL8NkBT5uKdOmSt3Hdr-cSx9yq7UB/w640-h480/IMG_3576.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Park Seat or The Owl's Nest or our Dining Room<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>Once fed and watered we followed a different track back towards estates Lake, and as we went we tramped through lots of crunchy fallen leaves and also admired the rich autumnal colours in the towering trees above us.<div><br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOE_p7iLhMWtBiAX0ZcYF-Jj9RAGBaPYyVzCYJXoH6hWnjUJY0mL4jX46IkXJ1JLWhx1rCSiJUqGewrsFAliq7C-dmsFIUvD54_skgqvC_f4r-TPtKqk6RL0SCaWgnilfjWxb-idCe4EK7/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOE_p7iLhMWtBiAX0ZcYF-Jj9RAGBaPYyVzCYJXoH6hWnjUJY0mL4jX46IkXJ1JLWhx1rCSiJUqGewrsFAliq7C-dmsFIUvD54_skgqvC_f4r-TPtKqk6RL0SCaWgnilfjWxb-idCe4EK7/w640-h480/IMG_3577.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div></div></div></div><div>The Lake itself seemed to be home to a vast number of noisy ducks and on one side it was bordered by 'The Grotto' which was built from 'Tufa' which is a volcanic stone! It was another folly designed by 'Capability' Brown and originally it had crystals, coral and semi precious stones embedded in it's walls. However, today all it had within it's walls was my precious John!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_FSMUncvGMrd67_w0tp3L27MhNYCyLw4vXo5zpSiEqyfpPV5xre3k9P30MGnKyH9w-s18SuV5KniQuuxc-C290s3liQ_iepIujd0r5GnqOQMyL6HLURDEYHcrf0EeM1_VR3PIXiHDoALQ/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_FSMUncvGMrd67_w0tp3L27MhNYCyLw4vXo5zpSiEqyfpPV5xre3k9P30MGnKyH9w-s18SuV5KniQuuxc-C290s3liQ_iepIujd0r5GnqOQMyL6HLURDEYHcrf0EeM1_VR3PIXiHDoALQ/w640-h480/IMG_3579.JPG" width="640" /></a> </div><br /><div>From there we headed back to the house for that quick peek inside, but although it was interesting in the presentation of it's history and artefacts that had been found within it and it's grounds it certainly wasn't on any grade scale with regrade to furnishings. Therefore it wasn't long before we were heading for home and a nice cuppa with a biscuit or two to dunk!</div><div><br /></div><div>Thursday 4th November 2021 โ๏ธ๐๐๐โ๐๐๐โโ๏ธ</div><div><br /></div><div>Today found us heading for the hills again and we started our walk from The British Camp care park from where we headed very steeply uphill. British camp is an Iron Age hill fort that is a Scheduled Ancient Monument located at the top of Hertfordshire Beacon, the summit of which rises to 1,109 feet. It's thought that the fort dates back to the 2nd century BC, so as you'd imagine there isn't much left to see other than the extensive concentric earthworks and ditches that are covered in grass, but the near 360 degree far reaching views from the top more than make up for that. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP-AmmNP5xjGgw4s3jmLC8sFONJBJBdIP628DVxnE7ZDHGFjakUaon4VVOJuHYZ_87FKybybueEMER6StCB1oL8dCXPJrL4eTJHvg_isv1MR8fpvZAMnFV47KiJrRRlDczL-A7Rw3EmIMm/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="893" height="388" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP-AmmNP5xjGgw4s3jmLC8sFONJBJBdIP628DVxnE7ZDHGFjakUaon4VVOJuHYZ_87FKybybueEMER6StCB1oL8dCXPJrL4eTJHvg_isv1MR8fpvZAMnFV47KiJrRRlDczL-A7Rw3EmIMm/w640-h388/Screenshot+2021-11-05+19.16.03.png" width="640" /></a></div></div><div><p style="background-color: white; color: #202122; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0.5em 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Tinos; font-size: medium;">From there we continued to follow the ridge path for a while before turning of to inspect Clutter's Cave.</span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin: 0.5em 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Tinos; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrnTmroLW-IVuZr3qYX5du4gTibd23LbkmRTpF3gk4sRU9aAyFZJk1T8OTh_7aouLx4gSEEfoG99e8WZy22p5l9dy8KqJfheEhIUnWgEA4OSVO6S11XXbJ1_KTAwakq3ABfkkEQMRd0ffV/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrnTmroLW-IVuZr3qYX5du4gTibd23LbkmRTpF3gk4sRU9aAyFZJk1T8OTh_7aouLx4gSEEfoG99e8WZy22p5l9dy8KqJfheEhIUnWgEA4OSVO6S11XXbJ1_KTAwakq3ABfkkEQMRd0ffV/w640-h480/IMG_3588.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />And then we passed over Hangman's Hill, Millennium Hill, Swinyard Hill and then through a wooded area before we found ourselves beneath Somers Obelisk which is a monument that we visited last summer when we stayed in the grounds of Eastnor Castle.<p></p><p style="background-color: white; margin: 0.5em 0px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjGcOgeKlr5l7ecquu7ZxLHB9i344Uht0DTV9s48K-zFSDQvu_B6nm5NRoR7ME2yZChO_XI9GG0eIQgjZF8h74d2pxTQKlw6sJU1bev5Lk-rw_Z5r5CUdnvyWPMZyW-8mkoBR74ZO7Me2B/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1480" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjGcOgeKlr5l7ecquu7ZxLHB9i344Uht0DTV9s48K-zFSDQvu_B6nm5NRoR7ME2yZChO_XI9GG0eIQgjZF8h74d2pxTQKlw6sJU1bev5Lk-rw_Z5r5CUdnvyWPMZyW-8mkoBR74ZO7Me2B/w461-h640/IMG_3586.JPG" width="461" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Grade 2 listed monument that was constructed in 1812 on the estate<br />of Eastnor Castle to commemorate John Lords Somers and <br />other members of his family<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinLfEcldHQTlaCPFEN_1qlzy8fuQq1-jqJEA3KZpWul-Y9QGMiZW7hEr-14Rbjqd9OpJKlMBUh3ziOo34UkTfq5BtY1HpoYN5Ryqv3DxMQ89BD1iMtRX_HCLBI8GyTJZRQkm_EBNztz1uF/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1179" data-original-width="2668" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinLfEcldHQTlaCPFEN_1qlzy8fuQq1-jqJEA3KZpWul-Y9QGMiZW7hEr-14Rbjqd9OpJKlMBUh3ziOo34UkTfq5BtY1HpoYN5Ryqv3DxMQ89BD1iMtRX_HCLBI8GyTJZRQkm_EBNztz1uF/w640-h282/IMG_3584.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A very Distant view of Eastnor Castle </td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><p></p><div>When we got to the obelisk we found we had a big decision to make ๐! Unfortunately there were no benches where we could rest our weary legs while we picnicked, therefore we could either stand while we ate, sit on the muddy grass or walk for about a mile downhill further into Eastnor park to sit by one of the fishing ponds. The later won out, but while it was easy going down it was a bit more challenging when we needed to retrace our steps as we started our homeward journey. </div><div><br /></div><div>Friday 5th November 2021 โ๏ธโ๏ธโ โ โ โ๏ธโ๏ธโ๏ธ </div></div></div></div><div><br /></div><div>Today the sunshine was often hiding behind the clouds so we decided to revisit the town of Great Malvern itself (we were there back in June 2019), therefore rather than repeating a lot of stuff about the town I'm just going to <a href="https://johnandlinsadventure.blogspot.com/2019_06_19_archive.html">put a link on (click here)</a> so you can go back in time and have a look if your interested ๐คฃ. However, I did take some new pics that are better than the old ones so I will pop one or two of them on! </div><div><br /></div><div>Our first stop was in Rose Bank Gardens where we got to admire the Malvern Buzzards and The Ascending Lark again while we sipped our morning coffee.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0phHlxNWx3fWNAvKkIujTKadcIrid_ZIekdh9UwJhBynHGsEhwt036mkOIa6jVnDx7wMUEfAxgSEHv6OrNp8EUNxMtO0thoc2kcc0QQzFqHO30kpuxxfAjQ85zOJ-hB-waROCVJfdEY3c/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0phHlxNWx3fWNAvKkIujTKadcIrid_ZIekdh9UwJhBynHGsEhwt036mkOIa6jVnDx7wMUEfAxgSEHv6OrNp8EUNxMtO0thoc2kcc0QQzFqHO30kpuxxfAjQ85zOJ-hB-waROCVJfdEY3c/w640-h480/IMG_3594.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNnb8DmR-R8NwKk6U_YDcvQ3P1M48P6PgJ6bnmg5SjTSQyivklx7703jpY_CdOoWukEwji24kT85dgKbRv4wcn8Gk6dO6PWTPLHXNSmNUz1gqf7gDqpZ0qNsxXLwaHPVH3SGYRbRLMzejX/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNnb8DmR-R8NwKk6U_YDcvQ3P1M48P6PgJ6bnmg5SjTSQyivklx7703jpY_CdOoWukEwji24kT85dgKbRv4wcn8Gk6dO6PWTPLHXNSmNUz1gqf7gDqpZ0qNsxXLwaHPVH3SGYRbRLMzejX/w640-h480/IMG_3595.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Next came a bit of uninteresting shopping, but then more interesting was lunch at the The Foley Arms (another good old spoonies) where John cleared up a huge mixed grill and I hovered up fish and chips ๐ all washed down by ๐ป a little bevy!</div><div><br /></div><div>And after that we indulged in a walk around the town which allowed us to admire some of it's intricate and beautiful old buildings.</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxeOEPpUjP3GTMb1-PnEucHUUbPCUN7WPbWnPTCqQ5AYUJao85EQq-Uic1IFfR3KJ0TFvDiEO95cdkliazn3TS9e69EEIfcsao0Fnp7l_PF_sufnnB_c_fVU95Dm7uj0BbrBv_RHM9i3xI/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxeOEPpUjP3GTMb1-PnEucHUUbPCUN7WPbWnPTCqQ5AYUJao85EQq-Uic1IFfR3KJ0TFvDiEO95cdkliazn3TS9e69EEIfcsao0Fnp7l_PF_sufnnB_c_fVU95Dm7uj0BbrBv_RHM9i3xI/w640-h480/IMG_3593.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Abbey Hotel<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVjgvgqVl14fj6jhkCpMpprJVKvy5kpUGSlSpM8w7Pkpjph6vHKaPLBXYNQM3N7SXvbsVSEi_evhMEG-S54vvIDaY67k71ysW8D5LDUVtSpdR62Lz-23kQRGfLqnnX9g3VkKUuKWRL0X5Y/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVjgvgqVl14fj6jhkCpMpprJVKvy5kpUGSlSpM8w7Pkpjph6vHKaPLBXYNQM3N7SXvbsVSEi_evhMEG-S54vvIDaY67k71ysW8D5LDUVtSpdR62Lz-23kQRGfLqnnX9g3VkKUuKWRL0X5Y/w640-h480/IMG_3591.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And the Priory which the Worcester Monastic Annals says dates back to 1085<br />when it was built for thirty monks and was much smaller than it is now!</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPFA8H-ZQycz3i20Itsd_F8lAadvrKc4v2VB0UAPWImFwFL25eZLVi-b7Kv8QymMiV-UwKhN7ur3CcXyBeR1zRYagWC6zqmGpg5k6L4XKTRwiDUoi7deWbKfKCyTOpO9E0Wzpd3dIDGW0U/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPFA8H-ZQycz3i20Itsd_F8lAadvrKc4v2VB0UAPWImFwFL25eZLVi-b7Kv8QymMiV-UwKhN7ur3CcXyBeR1zRYagWC6zqmGpg5k6L4XKTRwiDUoi7deWbKfKCyTOpO9E0Wzpd3dIDGW0U/w640-h480/IMG_3592.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Churches old Bell Clappers</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Then finally we wandered back through Priory Park where we found a Tree Nymph, a pretty lake and lots more Autumn colours. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixA5MjSexhR0PVmWPLiPihUn90RBsTsLvT7uUyY2K8yxDS2wxTe8ssurdgVO71yW_Oe2BtXAAf6or_XYNXAmzn1BgGSLbQAot51oVWgvF40G4jb4DnvcRJlzGBAB0UVDTFeDrZTV4wRQ3D/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixA5MjSexhR0PVmWPLiPihUn90RBsTsLvT7uUyY2K8yxDS2wxTe8ssurdgVO71yW_Oe2BtXAAf6or_XYNXAmzn1BgGSLbQAot51oVWgvF40G4jb4DnvcRJlzGBAB0UVDTFeDrZTV4wRQ3D/w480-h640/image.png" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_LiYxcJf0RWDc4QhD8xI3hZYpHV_O6dAWaIhhDor6hCyPKPNQFXac6hptoY51jyZGm00ZSynOzICcvvHe9U5OMJAMg2qI95mG1h4qcB-RKuLs_BK6GmiB0XOv_-kUpNYwczLN9z1kWDYz/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_LiYxcJf0RWDc4QhD8xI3hZYpHV_O6dAWaIhhDor6hCyPKPNQFXac6hptoY51jyZGm00ZSynOzICcvvHe9U5OMJAMg2qI95mG1h4qcB-RKuLs_BK6GmiB0XOv_-kUpNYwczLN9z1kWDYz/w640-h480/IMG_3589.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Saturday 6th November 2021 โ๏ธโ๏ธโ โ โ โ๏ธโ๏ธโ๏ธ and as the day wore on a strong breeze emerged!</div><div><br /></div><div>For today we'd decided to have a lazy one ๐ด but that was before John decided he wanted to go and get his Covid Booster Jab. The BBC News was full of inviting people for Boosters after 5 months, but John had already waited 6 so when he found that the 3 Counties Show Ground (which is only a couple of miles from where we are) was running a 'Walk In' clinic he decided today was the day! </div><div><br /></div><div>However, rather than going in the car we thought the exercise of the 6 mile round trip would do us good so we walked! And it was a very pleasant walk from our site, down through the pretty village of Hanley Swan then onto the far reaches of the Show Ground. But when we arrived it was to be met with disappointment because the 'Walk In' clinic had been overwhelmed with customers and it would be at least 2 hours before John could be jabbed๐ . Additionally, there was no room to wait inside - all the other people were waiting in their cars and we would just of had to join the queue and wait behind them! </div><div><br /></div><div>Therefore, on this occasion, we gave it up as a bad job thinking John would easily be able to book a proper appointment nearby but when he looked there was nothing available๐ . So it looks like we'll need to head back to the Show Ground on Monday for another go as a 'Walk In' but this time we'll take the car along with coffee and snacks so if we have to wait a while it'll be much more acceptable. </div><div><br /></div><div>Sunday 7th November 2021โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ another extremely breezy day!</div><div><br /></div><div>Today we were going for a bit of deja vu in that we were going to repeat a hill walk that we'd already experienced back in June 2019. Our target was the Worcestershire Beacon and to facilitate our walk we headed for a carpark on Wyche Road, and although we'd driven uphill for quite a long way to get there we still had '<i>a huge mountain to climb'</i>โฐ๐จ! So it was one foot in front of the other in 'crawler' gear as we plodded up through a terraced old quarry to the quaintly named Gold Mine which was a way marker that I thought was near the top of the hill ...... and although it's not very often that I'm wrong, I certainly was this time๐</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKpF4DSsLUZgz384fN_OqbOO8KkzVClKsK_pW_2_d7my-FXFKTQliZSMmp4f-vnhVORWE64lGm2qg-i9f9JzjB-kjpijK2Yr_gMg_9PWdru1Ft7nqSF-YIfdnwU9w_b9FoTjEHFrtv41HA/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKpF4DSsLUZgz384fN_OqbOO8KkzVClKsK_pW_2_d7my-FXFKTQliZSMmp4f-vnhVORWE64lGm2qg-i9f9JzjB-kjpijK2Yr_gMg_9PWdru1Ft7nqSF-YIfdnwU9w_b9FoTjEHFrtv41HA/w640-h480/IMG_3598.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div>The arrow that we needed to follow pointed ever upwards taking us over Summer Hill and onwards until we eventually we reached our target which was the Viewfinder Toposcope that identified many of the surrounding visible features. However, it was quite difficult to stand admiring it because at that point the wind was definitely trying to blow us away - John nearly lost his cap๐</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoqyNA_znPusc2y5K7idFk7qn0dDudruap6u8ONOVRp9CwQ4Oxiaey8pffjtBbYEoN3pVODwatB3Iqc0ET64QvP0rwMFuXtSiYDITRREfY2UHCwXWU_lQ0qoKvvuFL1IH_QjcPPfBHUz_P/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoqyNA_znPusc2y5K7idFk7qn0dDudruap6u8ONOVRp9CwQ4Oxiaey8pffjtBbYEoN3pVODwatB3Iqc0ET64QvP0rwMFuXtSiYDITRREfY2UHCwXWU_lQ0qoKvvuFL1IH_QjcPPfBHUz_P/w640-h480/IMG_3601.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2wXbx9YrpqSzc-x4a2YpuKAkTIJ527xnt1Qdd0iqUp72aPE_XF2bjPbKdjUvywodiI-6aclx1vBgPWmbJeiLQk-X-L61sq9vk_Zob_rWw8TUk_MYAhBRY64SVqXwPN0gZ1006TAjXyK-Z/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2wXbx9YrpqSzc-x4a2YpuKAkTIJ527xnt1Qdd0iqUp72aPE_XF2bjPbKdjUvywodiI-6aclx1vBgPWmbJeiLQk-X-L61sq9vk_Zob_rWw8TUk_MYAhBRY64SVqXwPN0gZ1006TAjXyK-Z/w640-h480/IMG_3603.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />The Toposcope sits at 1,394 feet and was originally erected in 1897 to celebrate Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee, but apparently, it was stolen in 2000 but then quickly replaced by Malvern Hills Conservators. However, the original was later returned (2001) but I would suspect that the one we saw today was still the replacement because it looked relatively new! And an additional claim to fame for the area was the filming of Dr Who - The Krotons - back in 1968. That was when the 2nd Doctor, Patrick Troughton and the Daleks were still about!</div><div><br /></div><div>Our windy walk then continued past Sugarloaf Hill and around North Hill and Table Hill along Lady Howard De Waldern Drive and it was along there, near Ivy Scar Rock that a perfect picnic spot presented itself for lunch. While we gobbled our sarnies we had the pleasure of overlooking the town centre of Great Malvern in the foreground and Worcester much more distantly. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-G6xO2X1GbNqgoXegUM3DWUrj52peETCNjgRaZyxBTJC4Mt2CudZwSWP_cJQ0plTr_WY7Ro7WwCrBUo_Lvbw-ykeuGUQSpOu_X1I33vP7qWI6F8U66IeZ3eoHov1nl2mxipNNICiBpDqa/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-G6xO2X1GbNqgoXegUM3DWUrj52peETCNjgRaZyxBTJC4Mt2CudZwSWP_cJQ0plTr_WY7Ro7WwCrBUo_Lvbw-ykeuGUQSpOu_X1I33vP7qWI6F8U66IeZ3eoHov1nl2mxipNNICiBpDqa/w640-h480/IMG_3600.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>However, it was too cold to linger for long so we were soon up and walking again as we circumnavigated the Hills before starting our return journey by climbing steeply back up to The Beacon and then following a slightly lower trail back to the car park. But on the way we happened upon a sight that we didn't really want to see ๐ฑ! It was the Three Counties Show Ground jam packed with cars for people seeking their Booster Jabs - I really hope it's not quite so busy tomorrow!</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUpCFhopEjRVAXWc4t4eb7nDdEjbN4wE8jReki6pYrjCafCIHn_LvdQOdMHXFzLcdMgAZRvfpHTK0lof3yXVQp0i97TfXOzbsv7HNc7R6h2pX2zNOY1eF5E_CUbr09ZBb5GCsgv1SU4pAn/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUpCFhopEjRVAXWc4t4eb7nDdEjbN4wE8jReki6pYrjCafCIHn_LvdQOdMHXFzLcdMgAZRvfpHTK0lof3yXVQp0i97TfXOzbsv7HNc7R6h2pX2zNOY1eF5E_CUbr09ZBb5GCsgv1SU4pAn/w640-h480/IMG_3612.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />And that's about all for this week</div><div>Take care and stay well ๐</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?hl=en&mid=1tG7G55azXmNAvv09V4MjcDksouY&ll=52.09670846548832%2C-2.275200250000018&z=17">Click here to see our present camping spot</a><br /></div>Linda Varneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10023578343265888742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8250550279331493077.post-51213649938620990042021-10-31T17:26:00.001+00:002021-10-31T17:26:21.665+00:00Verwood Caravan and Camping Club Site - Days 43 - 49 of our Autumn/Winter Tour <p><b>Verwood Caravan and Camping Club Site - Days 43 - 49 of our Autumn/Winter Tour </b></p><p>This week should have been a fantastic one because our 3 children and their families had hired Caravan and Camping Club Ready Camp Tents on the Verwood site and we'd planned birthday celebrations and outings for the duration of their stay. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1ITZJBeYo_FkrNrakm6opaTKR8bhtMEtNCYWv7DmgQ2GlnHL_W2vV2JFCUhPRAIayCp6AwhqkFVyeE7k3KtCutmmiJjb2XUDJh423z4enJNJAyTtR-TupTwwuYzNARmJWiu7HC9W3S3pM/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1ITZJBeYo_FkrNrakm6opaTKR8bhtMEtNCYWv7DmgQ2GlnHL_W2vV2JFCUhPRAIayCp6AwhqkFVyeE7k3KtCutmmiJjb2XUDJh423z4enJNJAyTtR-TupTwwuYzNARmJWiu7HC9W3S3pM/" width="320" /></a></div><br />On Monday 25th we had 2 birthdays to celebrate - Adam our eldest son was a big <span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: large;">40,</span> and our little grand-daughter Evelyn was <span style="color: #ff00fe; font-size: large;">6,</span> so of course a party was in order and that took place on the veranda of one of the tents. We feasted on steak pie and chips (along with a bevy or 3 ๐ป๐ท) and this was followed by a slice of the gorgeous duel birthday cake that Vicky had made!<p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsXQwR1MLxtZ5-XVJasfVzfqdd2YDLUzTk5plPjc0pny9pfEjMPSawvd_jKt5Nf9xIrfrng8vIeTg_2aTKnTEDkb89WMMDlpYOqQUhkRtESuFhVpHmwF2FKD54tE1uizEr5ZIreRfUQlMw/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1500" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsXQwR1MLxtZ5-XVJasfVzfqdd2YDLUzTk5plPjc0pny9pfEjMPSawvd_jKt5Nf9xIrfrng8vIeTg_2aTKnTEDkb89WMMDlpYOqQUhkRtESuFhVpHmwF2FKD54tE1uizEr5ZIreRfUQlMw/w480-h640/WhatsApp+Image+2021-10-26+at+20.12.26.jpeg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This side showed Adam's work Tools</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI-0AbcEZzmdXau47tRZR5q1rvp5UXRC16aTwn_zudn44IJe7-3gEKXtcRvr3pl-RMew0_9auELNwufON8NKDX2939ak4bCCGkPiB0Fw4OG4sradb0mNrTsbS7rVAS4hHtlkoLmfi4zFB-/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1424" data-original-width="1149" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI-0AbcEZzmdXau47tRZR5q1rvp5UXRC16aTwn_zudn44IJe7-3gEKXtcRvr3pl-RMew0_9auELNwufON8NKDX2939ak4bCCGkPiB0Fw4OG4sradb0mNrTsbS7rVAS4hHtlkoLmfi4zFB-/w517-h640/WhatsApp+Image+2021-10-26+at+20.12.28.jpeg" width="517" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And this side was Evelyn's favorite Ponies</td></tr></tbody></table><br />On Tuesday we packed picnics and headed for <a href="https://www.moors-valley.co.uk/">Moors Valley Country Park </a>which belongs jointly to Dorset Council and Forestry England. Now, if I said it was busy that would be an understatement but it's also huge so it swallowed a massive volume of people without seeming to over populated! <p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiecpp3et9DtkhbHznS1M9NyR4-xzzxRv_6sU2MFXYPMnI4KyrfqFDnQu2lma7fk7wP7RjkqNqN1ORiR2xYaXFTcq1QMU2E3d583SBrbj1NUlQbOXPW2iHHn7iUE-vCJFS3FwtaY8kUaVIe/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiecpp3et9DtkhbHznS1M9NyR4-xzzxRv_6sU2MFXYPMnI4KyrfqFDnQu2lma7fk7wP7RjkqNqN1ORiR2xYaXFTcq1QMU2E3d583SBrbj1NUlQbOXPW2iHHn7iUE-vCJFS3FwtaY8kUaVIe/" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back Row Ben, Sarah, Paul, John Vicky and Adam<br />Front Row Evelyn, Thomas, Jack, Louise and Max</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Once there our initial target was the mile long play trail which has 10 wooden play structures with imaginative names like Giant Wood Ants Nest, The House of Baba Yaga, The Snake Pit, Hawk House and Spider to name but a few. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmnpiZ3ksPHCEkes5F-HE5Z1dSj6SQvjUxTjKzODN1QoWlc-x_yloLKPEmvrUYt8yQjGLSJCdtmJ7glhtMgX57KQiDXRK9t5Z1tZnfdBkH_aJYyUoAnqotQsPCSTpfHApxtCDnAequqf54/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmnpiZ3ksPHCEkes5F-HE5Z1dSj6SQvjUxTjKzODN1QoWlc-x_yloLKPEmvrUYt8yQjGLSJCdtmJ7glhtMgX57KQiDXRK9t5Z1tZnfdBkH_aJYyUoAnqotQsPCSTpfHApxtCDnAequqf54/w640-h480/IMG_3535.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnCDgNXbEKTZkXN2bNHr8zYm-ZFXxtCJ9sInaZM7IRXs3EO4RPS-fYBeRIzLBfKVMNx5dUG46woGEm9WlCtQl94PnFvdfRF1ZX6XtajL97MxIUnfNj-CprklNUFsC0566GlSP2LujQQQ2W/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnCDgNXbEKTZkXN2bNHr8zYm-ZFXxtCJ9sInaZM7IRXs3EO4RPS-fYBeRIzLBfKVMNx5dUG46woGEm9WlCtQl94PnFvdfRF1ZX6XtajL97MxIUnfNj-CprklNUFsC0566GlSP2LujQQQ2W/w640-h480/IMG_3529+%25281%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifZJACLFYwIQXyUhJ7WRWeezAsbJTQ92xrt7S7rJahbFQ7QsD68CaTRPwgkAxGczE7B8YZ41b1XmOuoy8uKbBxg3T5vWNiUFjpaf295HIf8eWPVLvkCVGbb_PMd-IOoPIfJkPcRLQJpOGx/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifZJACLFYwIQXyUhJ7WRWeezAsbJTQ92xrt7S7rJahbFQ7QsD68CaTRPwgkAxGczE7B8YZ41b1XmOuoy8uKbBxg3T5vWNiUFjpaf295HIf8eWPVLvkCVGbb_PMd-IOoPIfJkPcRLQJpOGx/w640-h480/IMG_3546.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Uo2ohueeUEvKbJk0rzJzBTbGBDg_JKFLoAaCRBrkkcxLGDW4G-qN_EOhWTweIBSrmf8VNlxS97Wn24xZ4nWvfLIGXpwxG9m1QbyTkLb0U9k2RbJH_rf6ittUkNA35CPIsU9oErBIdLW-/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Uo2ohueeUEvKbJk0rzJzBTbGBDg_JKFLoAaCRBrkkcxLGDW4G-qN_EOhWTweIBSrmf8VNlxS97Wn24xZ4nWvfLIGXpwxG9m1QbyTkLb0U9k2RbJH_rf6ittUkNA35CPIsU9oErBIdLW-/w480-h640/WhatsApp+Image+2021-10-27+at+21.39.49.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br />And when all the play structures had been explored and our lunch had been scoffed while sitting on toadstools, both the big and little children kept on playing in the forest!<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgajB1699bW9o1TLPVNOwhv60Mun5CwPP9Ta6fxHI-mWRMppKTWRYzVNCNaaWmO6iqWiBvnm7Ex3sRDnRQJhBabRjn0OhWg8MRA4n0D1egA8MPXkFQyxCNAZWH3ACUdEMN3RJQbUa8hFn92/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgajB1699bW9o1TLPVNOwhv60Mun5CwPP9Ta6fxHI-mWRMppKTWRYzVNCNaaWmO6iqWiBvnm7Ex3sRDnRQJhBabRjn0OhWg8MRA4n0D1egA8MPXkFQyxCNAZWH3ACUdEMN3RJQbUa8hFn92/w640-h480/IMG_3539.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQRzbMjSd0MhANGEOTtU88LxZdf-jSGKGzGKGx35w_yKN3_Muu2uWoclH8s8x2i6Z1R4zAvr6mEfzSdDJFzUHy4vTkCN9POWsVbvulG4I-rNOuqerBBMBAdj36_8z2jyfjCu0Iq9c3xouB/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQRzbMjSd0MhANGEOTtU88LxZdf-jSGKGzGKGx35w_yKN3_Muu2uWoclH8s8x2i6Z1R4zAvr6mEfzSdDJFzUHy4vTkCN9POWsVbvulG4I-rNOuqerBBMBAdj36_8z2jyfjCu0Iq9c3xouB/w640-h480/IMG_3538+%25281%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div>There was also a bit more exploring along the 200 metre tree top trail, riding on the miniature stream train and playing in the adventure play area. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3sFV7cJe8h_9HX-JG-rS1AzrZBoBjbdkuzNhwHNb2xcIFAPmqYY3qIZo3FRZWlkfec5GPNoDxKvHh9rjIw0_D3ris_srty0R2gcQPJ5TaIcNM-R-wuhMNWqpIn6suzopq7IbOxc4Ls5Y7/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3sFV7cJe8h_9HX-JG-rS1AzrZBoBjbdkuzNhwHNb2xcIFAPmqYY3qIZo3FRZWlkfec5GPNoDxKvHh9rjIw0_D3ris_srty0R2gcQPJ5TaIcNM-R-wuhMNWqpIn6suzopq7IbOxc4Ls5Y7/w640-h480/IMG_3542.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhThC7KHyPE1hRATXl_y_AsXy5JIzF36WckSM_9kukHPX74fw5n9RevwjgSTlRwKn_9esAjm2VyxWmuGUoO0DMgZTBu9f_D2e9sN0x4f4Zsa-8lUJ1h6EPwlnQdnh_99MxGDf3USWwpDxmE/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhThC7KHyPE1hRATXl_y_AsXy5JIzF36WckSM_9kukHPX74fw5n9RevwjgSTlRwKn_9esAjm2VyxWmuGUoO0DMgZTBu9f_D2e9sN0x4f4Zsa-8lUJ1h6EPwlnQdnh_99MxGDf3USWwpDxmE/w640-h480/IMG_3541.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiylPXJSqVg_NmfOa3VMslKH3_9ZxX_tttCq2M9IFmFwfIH31Jb0tnfQzMEHPCD7Brz-HQGixMc895ROnozk2bON7tlviABd1OauzZB2NPVG5BNPeicDFBQuLgneXl1_OqWe3y-KgnvmK-2/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiylPXJSqVg_NmfOa3VMslKH3_9ZxX_tttCq2M9IFmFwfIH31Jb0tnfQzMEHPCD7Brz-HQGixMc895ROnozk2bON7tlviABd1OauzZB2NPVG5BNPeicDFBQuLgneXl1_OqWe3y-KgnvmK-2/w640-h480/IMG_3530.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Where's Wally!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div>On Wednesday our adventures continued when we visited <a href="https://longdownfarm.co.uk/">Longdown Activity Farm</a> - an outing which was paid for by Great-ma Rose as part of a Christmas Present to us all. Initially the weather was wet and windy and the farm was a bit muddy but that didn't slow any of the 'kids' down!</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi659dlc_iVPgNwVRh266qe5SFDjqdENQk6gkw3pZ3oOsNnCv1KDMu-Ckg1EBSB5GwquA_ib-9dsVo5Jfluk12R9VXGvPY2a8bNoK2EcO55wnYbAKQKFOp5PNgNbcm-Yjc9gYq7n6xl1DfM/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi659dlc_iVPgNwVRh266qe5SFDjqdENQk6gkw3pZ3oOsNnCv1KDMu-Ckg1EBSB5GwquA_ib-9dsVo5Jfluk12R9VXGvPY2a8bNoK2EcO55wnYbAKQKFOp5PNgNbcm-Yjc9gYq7n6xl1DfM/w640-h480/IMG_3553.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They enjoyed several rounds of feeding baby goats</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSqeUeVCPkccsG3VbB12j-k599hCcz3g4XgFROz5uAdMMz1plkYApyTXY1RpVmcQT1HsUI0lhlYWFjzv1FG703pVd2pny3jCezWpvMwmhA327CRCtrFStpLHM0S23gkf2HGHTwCv0vt_-H/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSqeUeVCPkccsG3VbB12j-k599hCcz3g4XgFROz5uAdMMz1plkYApyTXY1RpVmcQT1HsUI0lhlYWFjzv1FG703pVd2pny3jCezWpvMwmhA327CRCtrFStpLHM0S23gkf2HGHTwCv0vt_-H/w480-h640/WhatsApp+Image+2021-10-27+at+21.00.43.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij3laSHDs938gLPDXZvVRz7shD7xZ0D9NhRsLjq3MjwyY72BOEn7vvjD2MTxk79E1NdO-onV6SNnSL00vEmPmfbe2YZQTORb6cp9FfImUDjRy1CRsFkNtYKsnOYk9yFuaueDEA4JLo0_zO/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1500" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij3laSHDs938gLPDXZvVRz7shD7xZ0D9NhRsLjq3MjwyY72BOEn7vvjD2MTxk79E1NdO-onV6SNnSL00vEmPmfbe2YZQTORb6cp9FfImUDjRy1CRsFkNtYKsnOYk9yFuaueDEA4JLo0_zO/w480-h640/WhatsApp+Image+2021-10-27+at+21.27.50.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDqHvaKlgnIv4uK0otcVIPx9kTTl7CzNJ3JO06x8_6PZhHS7wQym_pvBJDsJcqQTLKOUqLQSnJR9YFI-Lwfg8bcmvzQNG8EpdIvSmyl7GMWFWbS8rZqAohyphenhyphenpca2RfqsYzrLIG0K48beLwv/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1500" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDqHvaKlgnIv4uK0otcVIPx9kTTl7CzNJ3JO06x8_6PZhHS7wQym_pvBJDsJcqQTLKOUqLQSnJR9YFI-Lwfg8bcmvzQNG8EpdIvSmyl7GMWFWbS8rZqAohyphenhyphenpca2RfqsYzrLIG0K48beLwv/w480-h640/WhatsApp+Image+2021-10-27+at+21.27.47.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_PmmtJx0-qvw3XWVkpI9gD9NCOL1ecCppk9S5BoYL778skE0FuxBRrPWUHKG1CH8abk9E9ZKkyeV0U4sCD4An8b_adSoh_yaYkzIBjZDYsdDoQs6AxzWF-Dek0or0Ti2HHkk4OSWV1G2t/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1500" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_PmmtJx0-qvw3XWVkpI9gD9NCOL1ecCppk9S5BoYL778skE0FuxBRrPWUHKG1CH8abk9E9ZKkyeV0U4sCD4An8b_adSoh_yaYkzIBjZDYsdDoQs6AxzWF-Dek0or0Ti2HHkk4OSWV1G2t/w480-h640/WhatsApp+Image+2021-10-27+at+21.27.56.jpeg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And loved the time they spent in the barn with the little creatures</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYR3_gjzkiTRgA6-bky72VJlJHNXyBM2nG0XGqxYAKPLc8jAy1X7p0kxxCr2vgu943lN-Ka0valUAH2e-V0RZe1heAtoX2ZCNl41ZIgFJwHkXPoP9WD84I6s_XHSZfYkoFmYyQ_XiYETlU/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1642" data-original-width="2048" height="514" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYR3_gjzkiTRgA6-bky72VJlJHNXyBM2nG0XGqxYAKPLc8jAy1X7p0kxxCr2vgu943lN-Ka0valUAH2e-V0RZe1heAtoX2ZCNl41ZIgFJwHkXPoP9WD84I6s_XHSZfYkoFmYyQ_XiYETlU/w640-h514/IMG_3557.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div>Then a good chunk of time was spent racing, swinging and climbing trees!</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJT23WZCfAuygnzY5-0ygmhDxJzFE8pvULBdOcZzenl8YWufAYpRaQti2XoWINH-wu2-3zBiQxNstvZj9IXkowu-o5m4ksr3w37BgRcP3HKJzjMQUrvq9FYeoVpT7rAmfKsBiKSg5NKs4l/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1500" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJT23WZCfAuygnzY5-0ygmhDxJzFE8pvULBdOcZzenl8YWufAYpRaQti2XoWINH-wu2-3zBiQxNstvZj9IXkowu-o5m4ksr3w37BgRcP3HKJzjMQUrvq9FYeoVpT7rAmfKsBiKSg5NKs4l/w480-h640/WhatsApp+Image+2021-10-27+at+21.27.58.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHQ8CBFg_eySshO0fY1jwDYUqoMzEt_NhNRijEktsJrHNN2spt8m76uhJ3KihGUBykBuDdO_tgII1li5Xm1YmFKc1XbabxjQV1wIzirI1u4_xuzwd-wTm4mVG7kihKAMLYkEr729bs6TC0/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1500" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHQ8CBFg_eySshO0fY1jwDYUqoMzEt_NhNRijEktsJrHNN2spt8m76uhJ3KihGUBykBuDdO_tgII1li5Xm1YmFKc1XbabxjQV1wIzirI1u4_xuzwd-wTm4mVG7kihKAMLYkEr729bs6TC0/w480-h640/WhatsApp+Image+2021-10-27+at+21.27.55.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTXGOt4cROTPbc39lEcbGdp7OsMW1VBRYhlLzs25OD-QLUt7ceA0J22HoQAGYO-9xkZoG3M7LeXI9Ts4NXHPU8n9QgmdnJ7lUdLpwXDi0sHN65NzXpNv7H5KzguqS0wxv32TnHAAYM6ZGL/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTXGOt4cROTPbc39lEcbGdp7OsMW1VBRYhlLzs25OD-QLUt7ceA0J22HoQAGYO-9xkZoG3M7LeXI9Ts4NXHPU8n9QgmdnJ7lUdLpwXDi0sHN65NzXpNv7H5KzguqS0wxv32TnHAAYM6ZGL/w480-h640/WhatsApp+Image+2021-10-27+at+21.00.03.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br />Before we rounded of our day by heading up onto the Moors of the New Forest to do a bit of pony spotting but unfortunately they were all a bit elusive . </div><div><br /></div><div><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">Thanks Great-Ma we had a lovely Day ๐</span><br /><p>However, then sadly things went rapidly downhill๐ญ! On Thursday we'd planned a day on the beach at Highcliffe with a fish and chip lunch, and all was okay until we got there. Once we'd all parked in the cliff top carpark we loaded up with all our beach gear (chairs, buckets and spades and warm coats) we set off in procession down a steep stair way that would lead us onto the shingle and sand. Sadly, as we went Vicky lost her footing and fell heavily as she stepped down a particularly deep step, and immediately she became shocked and was in a huge amount of pain from both ankles. To cut a long story short we had to borrow a chair from a nearby cafe and poor Vicky had to be lifted back up onto flat ground and an ambulance needed to be called. But that wasn't the end of the trauma because the ambulance took 3 and a half hours to arrive and because of the strong wind it was freezing while we waited on the cliff top and Vicky was in agony. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpg8rle2j4Z6vt2M6bDS0_Vs1qYH0uLdHZckp1IYaN4zjyaHEXpUec7yXlSIScGGWau21jTN9elFD0VmIkyzcDt0oSX5L35zRLtkAsNqN_a0DVcObdVQmInza0pv6nC5vzMd-mjwQ3D7rZ/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="437" data-original-width="250" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpg8rle2j4Z6vt2M6bDS0_Vs1qYH0uLdHZckp1IYaN4zjyaHEXpUec7yXlSIScGGWau21jTN9elFD0VmIkyzcDt0oSX5L35zRLtkAsNqN_a0DVcObdVQmInza0pv6nC5vzMd-mjwQ3D7rZ/" width="137" /></a></div>Once the ambulance did actually arrive she was whisked of to Poole hospital (on her own as no one was allowed to travel with her), but once there she had a further long wait in the back of the ambulance because there was no room for her to enter the hospital. Then, to add insult to injury she was miss diagnosed and told she had a single tibia fracture and that she could weight bear on her other leg! However pain made that impossible for her to do, but despite that, the hospital staff were still insistent that Vicky should leave even though they knew she was being discharged to a wet muddy campsite where she would have to negotiate at least 2 steps into the tent. In the end common sense prevailed and they reluctantly agreed that she would have to stay overnight and it was a good job she did because the next day, after review by an orthopaedic consultant, her diagnosis was corrected and it was identified that she had fractures to both ankles. This resulted in a second night in hospital while orthotic boots were fitted to both legs and assessments were made to ensure she could walk short distances. <p></p><p>Finally after Max and Adam had had a sleep over in our caravan Vicky was discharged on Saturday at about 3 in the afternoon, and after her very determined effort to scramble up into Adams's van they made their 195 mile journey home where hopefully her recovery will be rapid.</p><p>And finally, I'll just tell you quickly about last night and today (Sunday)! After the traumas of the last couple of days we were very much looking forward to our extra hours sleep, however the very rough weather had other plans for us. The night started fairly quietly but by 3am the wind was buffeting the van and the rain was hammering down with a very high level of ferocity. John said 'don't worry' but I didn't take his advice and I more or less stayed awake for the rest of the night. However, when morning came we were still in one piece but that may not have lasted if John hadn't leapt out of the van when a particularly strong gust dragged the pegs out of one end of our awning resulting in its air-beam legs bowing and bending alarmingly๐ฑ. </p><p>It then required me to hold it down while John hammered in more long pegs but the wind was determined and even dragged them out several times before we finally won the battle. And what a battle it could have been because a bit later we red reports that told of winds in excess of 87 mph at exposed locations on the Isle of Portland in Dorset and gusts of 60 mph across Hampshire Dorset Wiltshire and Sussex. This, along with monsoon style rain made our night and early morning scary and that had nothing to do with Halloween ๐ป </p><p>Needless to say, once the rain had stopped and our canvas was dry the awning was soon packed away which was necessary anyway because we're moving again tomorrow, and this time our destination will be Great Malvern!</p><p>Bye for now ๐</p><p><a href="https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?hl=en&mid=1tG7G55azXmNAvv09V4MjcDksouY&ll=50.8866791722527%2C-1.906215350000009&z=17">Click here to see our present camping spot</a></p></div>Linda Varneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10023578343265888742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8250550279331493077.post-6278967293862176582021-10-24T18:20:00.002+01:002021-10-24T18:20:40.865+01:00Verwood Caravan and Camping Club Site - Days 36 - 42 of our Autumn/Winter Tour <p><b>Verwood Caravan and Camping Club Site - Days 36 - 42 of our Autumn/Winter Tour </b></p><p>Monday 18th October 2021 โโโโโโโ</p><p>Yesterday we arrived at Verwood Caravan and Camping Club Site in lovely ๐sunshine ๐that lasted the whole day through! We've been really lucky cos the last rain we saw was 2 weeks ago on the 4th October, but today has certainly made up for it! It wasn't really raining when we got up, just a bit of mizzle and drizzle, but the smart old weatherman had predicted downpours by dinner time so we knew that if we were going out it needed to be somewhere close and as quickly as possible. </p><p>Therefore, we left all our dirty pots and set of at 9.30 for Blashford Lakes - a Wildlife Trust nature reserve that was only about 8 miles away! Once there the very helpful volunteer explained that the site is divided into two halves by a minor road, and she explained about the best routes to take to access several hides from where we could watch the wildlife. Additionally, she also gave us an information leaflet with a map of the site along with a bit of it's history!</p><p>It seems the landscape of the reserve has changed dramatically over the last century - from farmland to a World War II airbase, then to a motor racing circuit and later to sand and gravel pits. Now, this huge network of pits has been flooded to form numerous lakes within the reserve and also to provide drinking water for the region. </p><p>Anyway, we didn't have to go far from the Visitor's Centre before we reached the first hide (The Ivy North Hide) but we were a bit disappointed with it because non of the windows would open and the outside of them was misted with rain so it was almost impossible to see anything. Therefore, we soon gave that one up as a bad job and continued on The Woodland Hide and that more than made up for the previous one!</p><p>This one, as it's name implies, was set in dense woodland with several bird feeders directly in front of the windows and there was a huge number of takers of multiple varieties accepting the offer of a free snack. </p><p>To name but a few gold and green finches, chaffinches, nuthatches, blue tits, great tits and black birds! Then much to our delight a jay and a greater spotted woodpecker joined the party but scared the little birds away!</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFyZfggA62g7HPERrQVkLcXe4yZgEYL3fkABNVFIynz16iwIC5PmaUvW7GHazI5ojbRI3uRJfmBHTHdtPtCAER1cN_fQPCRKJYFMkVuqvDsmN5FAzhVfC8R9kPtHX_KldRqw9-bfpsvdhX/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="341" data-original-width="523" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFyZfggA62g7HPERrQVkLcXe4yZgEYL3fkABNVFIynz16iwIC5PmaUvW7GHazI5ojbRI3uRJfmBHTHdtPtCAER1cN_fQPCRKJYFMkVuqvDsmN5FAzhVfC8R9kPtHX_KldRqw9-bfpsvdhX/w640-h418/Screenshot+2021-10-18+at+16.53.46.png" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsQpNuoySpz7-FVLE0rcdsrrnVuqRyOHFzZYNbJGnMPf1AQJvrEFdCAfQd0r0eDRcY64aep6tWRwrtBUNz6d_qUG3dj8f-tTxw85inhmCU1FPc3ynt8bveUIDvpQMPHirsKFQ_bRu7ENRr/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsQpNuoySpz7-FVLE0rcdsrrnVuqRyOHFzZYNbJGnMPf1AQJvrEFdCAfQd0r0eDRcY64aep6tWRwrtBUNz6d_qUG3dj8f-tTxw85inhmCU1FPc3ynt8bveUIDvpQMPHirsKFQ_bRu7ENRr/w640-h480/IMG_3460.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin9Z8JtkN2lXSu9FNHy1PPs-YAEAq3WV5iC8YRrkPi_hHZRwlK4Xf1QvhSju6rgN2YeerQ7T0Vwf8hjLh0jHbMPiilTl6zzkrbRAwvgUHR8m5Y7uVDhiTnZh9CmBj4E4d8GpbBUeN77yDw/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin9Z8JtkN2lXSu9FNHy1PPs-YAEAq3WV5iC8YRrkPi_hHZRwlK4Xf1QvhSju6rgN2YeerQ7T0Vwf8hjLh0jHbMPiilTl6zzkrbRAwvgUHR8m5Y7uVDhiTnZh9CmBj4E4d8GpbBUeN77yDw/w640-h480/IMG_3450.JPG" width="640" /></a></p><p>A short while later we also spotted an odd little bird that we couldn't name.......</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy0OdNdhiMb29HOOFH1HpYQDkz0J6Vr9f61_OSOqmG6LGy4k5NYhB1Y66QN5kkRDop0NZwMH3jz4-Ro886812E3WKuXnLkiw4ERhhrNw3Mzl48oSz_kJRJHhkQcWdps3__IqlCBqWr1Bkg/" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy0OdNdhiMb29HOOFH1HpYQDkz0J6Vr9f61_OSOqmG6LGy4k5NYhB1Y66QN5kkRDop0NZwMH3jz4-Ro886812E3WKuXnLkiw4ERhhrNw3Mzl48oSz_kJRJHhkQcWdps3__IqlCBqWr1Bkg/w640-h480/IMG_3463.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>The picture doesn't show it very well (because it was taken through glass) but the bird had strange white patches on the back of it's head and around it's neck! In the end we thought it was probably a Leucistic (a creature that shows irregular patches of white) or a partially albino Chaffinch! </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEVdejy0YTNH0SOAk4cqfVer3P9L0xYFhnkgc6iyxBpOXLMFcO5V53TIyfTHn0uj4wQZ2HL4iJr-IxseqowB50GSsHo85xX_Lz7BlN5WIbIgIs0cI2VOzAVIFqiH0MFGFY1u4cXeTWpxs1/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEVdejy0YTNH0SOAk4cqfVer3P9L0xYFhnkgc6iyxBpOXLMFcO5V53TIyfTHn0uj4wQZ2HL4iJr-IxseqowB50GSsHo85xX_Lz7BlN5WIbIgIs0cI2VOzAVIFqiH0MFGFY1u4cXeTWpxs1/w640-h480/IMG_3487.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />To be honest it was quite difficult to tear ourselves away from that hide because the antics of both the birds and ground feeding squirrels was entertaining to watch, but eventually we moved onto the next hide and it was there that we saw the flash of a kingfisher along with a good number of more common water fowl. <p></p><p>And when we'd finished goggling there, and after a walk around Ellingham Lake, we decided not to push our luck and to head for home! We couldn't have timed it better really because from the moment we were back in the car the heavens opened and that set the picture for the rest of the afternoon. </p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgALj3c2yXHS2FLPUyk_mq8I-rm60q0R3r65GqpGR7dDfbuQsJEZTUpfq8ZLW_BZ1HrAMArkHw1QELXcKwUZN21z4rHiz5z3734FwRzQKH3aRbLMhpswv32_BvE5damm6gox30KG0XKQXF8/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgALj3c2yXHS2FLPUyk_mq8I-rm60q0R3r65GqpGR7dDfbuQsJEZTUpfq8ZLW_BZ1HrAMArkHw1QELXcKwUZN21z4rHiz5z3734FwRzQKH3aRbLMhpswv32_BvE5damm6gox30KG0XKQXF8/w640-h480/IMG_3464.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's amazing what can be done with a chain saw!</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Tuesday 19th and Wednesday 20th October 2021 ๐ง๏ธ๐ง๏ธโ โ โ ๐ง๏ธ๐ง๏ธ๐ง๏ธ<div><br /></div><div>Not much happening in our world at the mo, and I suppose that's partly because of the rain and gusty winds. Both days started wet but then brightened up for a few hours in the middle, then finished of with more rain that was sometimes torrential. However, on both days we did get out and managed to miss any major soakings.</div><div><br /></div><div>On Tuesday we needed to nip back to Poole because when John's phone broke a couple of weeks ago (while it was still under guarantee) we'd taken it to Argos in Poole to request a repair. Happily he got it back in full working order but with a receipt that said it had had multiple faults, but while we were in Poole we thought we might as well catch up with a few other purchases that we thought we needed! I completed my collection of 'I Love' seasons jigsaws</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyyKiBFQUoNkaJqAYSKYtzAEwLvp5ZsfpOkUPpwFXbg9ilC-acbwZRJccT7ItnEGr5A8lYiJb0NvrRen584yYG9uYD23as4SO9esWrupmh0af0WyDgJ1bow0AUlQOi6tZppe-IqhQqff3b/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="467" data-original-width="688" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyyKiBFQUoNkaJqAYSKYtzAEwLvp5ZsfpOkUPpwFXbg9ilC-acbwZRJccT7ItnEGr5A8lYiJb0NvrRen584yYG9uYD23as4SO9esWrupmh0af0WyDgJ1bow0AUlQOi6tZppe-IqhQqff3b/w640-h434/Screenshot+2021-10-20+at+09.47.19.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">'I Love' Autumn<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRP2nGn2ztdEJLYNZPxs8Nvhum3xgFCnwbGMnJuiovaR5-cFrxbxmSwSTwuflSsswpRmSwI2X8Lrpr_tVMknqS683QxRZ4wXF-u8wyzKauM1m0DvyRhdsJNxHc86qQRGTvV3wS34Ppo_Ac/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="630" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRP2nGn2ztdEJLYNZPxs8Nvhum3xgFCnwbGMnJuiovaR5-cFrxbxmSwSTwuflSsswpRmSwI2X8Lrpr_tVMknqS683QxRZ4wXF-u8wyzKauM1m0DvyRhdsJNxHc86qQRGTvV3wS34Ppo_Ac/w640-h440/Screenshot+2021-10-20+at+09.48.10.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And 'I Love' Winter<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>We also went to Millet's and brought a new Rucksack which hasn't proved to be one of our best purchases ๐, and then to good old 'Spoonies' for lunch! After that we had a walk around Poole's lovely park before heading home to listen to the heavy rain rattling on our roof for the rest of the evening and most of the night!</div><div><br /></div><div>On Wednesday, after waiting for the rain to stop and the strong winds to calm, we headed back to Blashford Lakes to explore the 2nd half of the reserve. We ventured into the Tern, Goosander and Lapwing hides but only spotted common waterfowl that included terns, swans, various ducks, lots of coots and an odd moorhen. I think the continuing strong winds must have blown everything else away, but all was't lost because we returned to the Woodland Hide where the little birds were, once again, very active, and then our day was 'made' by another sighting of a young stag watching us watching him. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiimHbrlqHU_TC_g8sWPXUTborlDYmq7CH5moY2UNL53XLUQqsjvvyQ48sS-x_xRDY3komBLBf94L7tCSLj3JqZ-z1-MCN7PUrtGzt0Pwt9Z_MSQywnmtp76Q3h9FDc7Al63svWhak93e2I/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiimHbrlqHU_TC_g8sWPXUTborlDYmq7CH5moY2UNL53XLUQqsjvvyQ48sS-x_xRDY3komBLBf94L7tCSLj3JqZ-z1-MCN7PUrtGzt0Pwt9Z_MSQywnmtp76Q3h9FDc7Al63svWhak93e2I/w640-h480/IMG_3483.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div>Thursday 21st October 2021 ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ But feeling Chilly in the strong breeze ๐ฅถ</div><div><br /></div><div>A lovely day but it had been a horrible night due to Storm Aurore! The van shook in the wind, the awning flapped and the rain pounded onto our roof, but this morning everything was intact so once again our 4 season awning has stood up to some punishing weather!</div><div><br /></div><div>So we were just a little bit bleary eyed but as it was such a lovely day we certainly weren't going to waste it! Therefore, we set Mrs Sat Nav on course for White Moor in the New Forest which should have been about 18 miles, however, she was soon warning us of 'Traffic problems on your route' and we hadn't gone much further when we joined a very long stream of traffic on the A31. Now, John isn't the most patient with things like that so as soon as a slip road came into view he took the exit, and it was certainly the right thing to do, but now the 14 miles we'd got left to travel turned into 22 and in places it was slow going cos we were on more minor roads. </div><div><br /></div><div>But eventually we finally got to our destination, but then the next challenge was finding somewhere to park, and by the time we'd achieved that it was lunch time. Therefore, we sat overlooking White Moor while we munched watching ponies and cows also munching away, but then all of a sudden we experienced an unexpected animal sighting in the form of 2 fat pigs trotting down the field and even the horses looked surprised! Sadly my hands were full of my lunch and not my camera๐ญ!</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEDug6QXJ53PEgcU-xoSooJ9AVvst5vHLpRU22gJafTsznhYy8a4eqAbIbFmP1rXTqdCXVJOW9_jk-vxLFsst4ycXJgVVL0NEJ9gMeJ6wmH2UtCPfa-FUEas4u9K2AlSSDup3OXeWZd3Qy/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1079" data-original-width="2048" height="338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEDug6QXJ53PEgcU-xoSooJ9AVvst5vHLpRU22gJafTsznhYy8a4eqAbIbFmP1rXTqdCXVJOW9_jk-vxLFsst4ycXJgVVL0NEJ9gMeJ6wmH2UtCPfa-FUEas4u9K2AlSSDup3OXeWZd3Qy/w640-h338/IMG_3488.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We thought this Albino pony looked a bit like a unicorn from a distance!<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKhLDWy9_lmglP3B4asEseHM5zrAPQjb_qLSU918gTPk-uo4q9w2jcie-zueUYbsiOOfObI5kgEH_duWqP82gKpPBSw4pO4TfuX-WPeHCtKL2vDhZgfm1KvNm9jMGTdaxhiNjzxQrp1IVR/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKhLDWy9_lmglP3B4asEseHM5zrAPQjb_qLSU918gTPk-uo4q9w2jcie-zueUYbsiOOfObI5kgEH_duWqP82gKpPBSw4pO4TfuX-WPeHCtKL2vDhZgfm1KvNm9jMGTdaxhiNjzxQrp1IVR/w640-h480/IMG_3490.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Once lunch was finished we went for an unintentional paddle! When we first started our walk over the Moor we were following a gravel track along with quite a few other people, but seeking solitude and tranquillity we soon turned off along a grassy trail .......which became wetter and wetter and for the next 3 miles we splashed through several inches of ground water with an occasional need to take running jumps over larger puddles and streams! Amazingly, we managed to get back to the car with dry feet but it was a good job we'd gone in boots and not trainers!</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUvOfKowtvKgrtypEkFDGm32LmSufbHAT31ORnPw6Y9FDRmDWHt73it0NyHFBhoxoBbXgbWyhKgN_Zj-xq7jB3EVBkWw1in9gSme1Bl7FOxrckTB0Ckaqzqe7YjxuGE1bR_0Zc4wOTt8-4/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUvOfKowtvKgrtypEkFDGm32LmSufbHAT31ORnPw6Y9FDRmDWHt73it0NyHFBhoxoBbXgbWyhKgN_Zj-xq7jB3EVBkWw1in9gSme1Bl7FOxrckTB0Ckaqzqe7YjxuGE1bR_0Zc4wOTt8-4/w640-h480/IMG_3494.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Once back at the car we moved a couple of miles and drove along the very pretty Boulderwood Arboretum Ornamental Drive to see 'The Queen of the Forest', an oak tree 'The Knightwood Oak' that is over 500 years old, and one that claims to be the biggest in the New Forest!</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_w5Dqc5CQKRZ89hbtPDDPyAtmkyXLCPQA1gtO98ojGRgUu7LJXA9FXgVcGOGYoRIO9wag3wVxG7EIzTrZBB3TrqIsEmL_xXYmYRykaSzfe_xqB25isnFFVVVeMLk-YmkDKA0eB8rQ045L/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5184" data-original-width="3888" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_w5Dqc5CQKRZ89hbtPDDPyAtmkyXLCPQA1gtO98ojGRgUu7LJXA9FXgVcGOGYoRIO9wag3wVxG7EIzTrZBB3TrqIsEmL_xXYmYRykaSzfe_xqB25isnFFVVVeMLk-YmkDKA0eB8rQ045L/w480-h640/IMG_3499.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's girth was recorded as over 17 feet in 1863, 19 feet in 1906<br />and over 26 feet now</td></tr></tbody></table><br />However, sadly the tree had lost many of it's lower limbs maybe to the storms which struck in 1987 and 1991, and additionally, the area around it looked quite neglected and overgrown. </div><div><br /></div><div>Our next stop was at Boulderwood Deer sanctuary where we learnt that it was William the Conqueror who first called the forest 'The New Forest' and claimed it as his royal hunting ground in 1079! And it was here that we were hopeful of seeing more deer, but for much of our walk we were disappointed. But just when we'd given up on the idea we spotted these little ladies sunbathing and catching a few ๐คs the late afternoon rays.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDsGaha2EkShxgmOnA_-QvDu00ZFhMTD5GeWtJaTUGUD8HD3FOBf_4u6ptPeodpglRjbidGbtHwAGY-p3n0K2JMfa-ErpAHNIEd6rewPqGoEEjjyhV7x4jwTWtuQxbzah8IC_qDrRq57iz/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDsGaha2EkShxgmOnA_-QvDu00ZFhMTD5GeWtJaTUGUD8HD3FOBf_4u6ptPeodpglRjbidGbtHwAGY-p3n0K2JMfa-ErpAHNIEd6rewPqGoEEjjyhV7x4jwTWtuQxbzah8IC_qDrRq57iz/w640-h480/IMG_3506.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxiMcc_kXqUdC-pqP9thhSPN8xxTe4jVWsdRsXXnBoGQO0wwDJ9YGdVV6zL2FaMfhjmxqurm_PFZIyQVOZapcZAr4oW5uxrCCd-v2UjfI7WZshWGe9cC47JMTaT7YwDuoMr_VFpfQnANQI/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxiMcc_kXqUdC-pqP9thhSPN8xxTe4jVWsdRsXXnBoGQO0wwDJ9YGdVV6zL2FaMfhjmxqurm_PFZIyQVOZapcZAr4oW5uxrCCd-v2UjfI7WZshWGe9cC47JMTaT7YwDuoMr_VFpfQnANQI/w640-h480/IMG_3505.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /></div>Friday 22nd October 2021๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ Much the same as yesterday ๐ฅถ</div><div><br /></div><div>Today our target was Keyhaven and Pennington Marshes Nature Reserve near Milford on Sea, and although our 23 mile journey there went smoothly, the same couldn't be said of our success trying to park! Our first attempt took us down a very narrow muddy lane where we found no room at the Inn, and many of the road side parking spots were flooded๐ญ! However, having driven that distance there was no way we were going to give up and our perseverance eventually paid of when our tyres came to rest in an area beside a sports field, but that required us to toddle about half a mile further to the start of our walk!</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVxzlOwjj_jGVot9_aXLYtSIXlK-cb7Y_jHsGEmlnYmRfWBE48ixCKlCRjXjT52qTa2bjpsYqSgxSg1rzLrrTN35cr1gqG81dXcS5Fdl29yKkDfnACGtGb0VsfDdOOjqvwjzap6kd5OQfl/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="455" data-original-width="944" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVxzlOwjj_jGVot9_aXLYtSIXlK-cb7Y_jHsGEmlnYmRfWBE48ixCKlCRjXjT52qTa2bjpsYqSgxSg1rzLrrTN35cr1gqG81dXcS5Fdl29yKkDfnACGtGb0VsfDdOOjqvwjzap6kd5OQfl/w640-h308/Screenshot+2021-10-22+at+18.02.34.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Green bit is mostly the Nature Reserve and the land opposite is the Isle of White</td></tr></tbody></table><br />The area we were visiting used to be the 'Salt Workings of Lymington' and in times gone by the area would have been an industrial landscape of evaporation ponds, pumps, sluice gates and boiling houses that spouted smoke and steam in the process of extracting salt from seawater! </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRajGRmFyOt6u88z-H-SpIXvXKuJv0ZWxum8XGcAwaUmk6MY_gn9Lz6_KvFD_6g5mNRn0tzbX8Tqydo9rl_JTBDGWckM6cx-H2iE9gOkdKcON24aSKK615_Dbrc5LnLTN_0HeZNRcb8EZU/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRajGRmFyOt6u88z-H-SpIXvXKuJv0ZWxum8XGcAwaUmk6MY_gn9Lz6_KvFD_6g5mNRn0tzbX8Tqydo9rl_JTBDGWckM6cx-H2iE9gOkdKcON24aSKK615_Dbrc5LnLTN_0HeZNRcb8EZU/w640-h480/IMG_3507.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />However, today what we found was a tranquil area of walkways that on one side supported lots of ponds and on the other the waters of The Solent gently lapped against the sea wall. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU0yUGOb3o4_eaa0pZh-wIHCUUecM6AfzgDFv1Lp_yMTkB_SYJCI5sWAEFpfS1h7H-3RSZQKSBAKbcT20Ucc8yjuccWmocWb57X32kRn8Y5jj4IpffBzOOCpjXf7WKYWgp7WwpQHWYMjBM/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU0yUGOb3o4_eaa0pZh-wIHCUUecM6AfzgDFv1Lp_yMTkB_SYJCI5sWAEFpfS1h7H-3RSZQKSBAKbcT20Ucc8yjuccWmocWb57X32kRn8Y5jj4IpffBzOOCpjXf7WKYWgp7WwpQHWYMjBM/w640-h480/IMG_3508.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Directly opposite and quite close by we could also see the coast of the Isle of White from the Needles at one end and probably up as far as the town of Cowes in the other direction!</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh12hyphenhyphendYOxJdJOJ9NEVPOvuGOrY3Im23CnTO7y6kLVrSMU3xLr8_oVglOcExTibhjc5VYA_wn2-M38nGsMwiyqVk-jViRRxDcepYCyHbhMnNq_2JmN7mMp5lYvchKzXoVZTvK6rkiGFktkZ/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh12hyphenhyphendYOxJdJOJ9NEVPOvuGOrY3Im23CnTO7y6kLVrSMU3xLr8_oVglOcExTibhjc5VYA_wn2-M38nGsMwiyqVk-jViRRxDcepYCyHbhMnNq_2JmN7mMp5lYvchKzXoVZTvK6rkiGFktkZ/w640-h480/IMG_3513.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was our view while we had lunch</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFeVMxOe9kGOWJJp_4hKRi7-zxVcD6h3HkLiaLf5C-In-D-SfBfroVkyHTGU7CMXC1MsxYWjWTgX5u4HpyTaCcjUjqxLW04ITUP5TM3qcIEMt2SyVZ1uZdFEX6jpk5gu252Q39OPcpz2wx/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFeVMxOe9kGOWJJp_4hKRi7-zxVcD6h3HkLiaLf5C-In-D-SfBfroVkyHTGU7CMXC1MsxYWjWTgX5u4HpyTaCcjUjqxLW04ITUP5TM3qcIEMt2SyVZ1uZdFEX6jpk5gu252Q39OPcpz2wx/w640-h480/IMG_3510.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Isle of White Ferries <br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>And of course, while we were there we were also watching out for birds cos this area is used by many prior to their migration to the sunshine, and also many who fly in (from over 3,000 miles away) from their summer breeding grounds in Scandinavia and the Arctic Circle!</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf0P9nKCEIqprI0SSmNmEzUnVMFoORcNXaCqzdJaBVujOOGA7i3MBQ8KiMu6p86Udk3g-tHBR_K5nqbfrUERES4TZTDUKWL9zzC0FQ9jQ_2QYCqk21TeVWXKCe0rSWUsBwhbfE4TRMTbKk/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1285" data-original-width="2048" height="402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf0P9nKCEIqprI0SSmNmEzUnVMFoORcNXaCqzdJaBVujOOGA7i3MBQ8KiMu6p86Udk3g-tHBR_K5nqbfrUERES4TZTDUKWL9zzC0FQ9jQ_2QYCqk21TeVWXKCe0rSWUsBwhbfE4TRMTbKk/w640-h402/IMG_3509.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Red Shank having a paddle<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRI1UgMwmrK7ZS2pwd6GvCzSKwAZ7XjYUKFAmG4FSV8yORWgwtMrR5EyuY6tKuPeH-zGIgXoju8MBCiBdJOZfmPS9cAREvWYiaVxiekOa1pXKE7fGCAwI2uyArntWk9V7CkxDgJ9l-FmkB/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1172" data-original-width="2685" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRI1UgMwmrK7ZS2pwd6GvCzSKwAZ7XjYUKFAmG4FSV8yORWgwtMrR5EyuY6tKuPeH-zGIgXoju8MBCiBdJOZfmPS9cAREvWYiaVxiekOa1pXKE7fGCAwI2uyArntWk9V7CkxDgJ9l-FmkB/w640-h280/IMG_3512.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I missed most of them but there were dozens of lapwings resting before their flight<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>And of course there were plenty of the obligatory egrets, geese and herons fishing about in the shallow waters. <br /><br />Once our walk there was complete we moved on to Milford on Sea and had a short walk along the shingle spite that leads to Hurst Castle - it seems the building is undergoing major restoration work at the mo following part of it falling into the sea!</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_LFP1eqzhIzkrFFO3aO4i4eFeAIbDyaoSyXcrmfB2AtHrhzbzRvxvGcXCMA4mBuRTTDo3kzq7SX8WMtSzvNYxS8uEkKgc7EoTv6iQpAR5ULDwtP8qALk0Da0jovj1_fXjKwXH3NCGwN9T/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_LFP1eqzhIzkrFFO3aO4i4eFeAIbDyaoSyXcrmfB2AtHrhzbzRvxvGcXCMA4mBuRTTDo3kzq7SX8WMtSzvNYxS8uEkKgc7EoTv6iQpAR5ULDwtP8qALk0Da0jovj1_fXjKwXH3NCGwN9T/" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Possibly not at it's best and certainly not the picturesque castle we've ever seen! <br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeWespOtmfg5IjiypxoRz7qS3H3JBOTFCrx_gASQOUk437fVhvReVDOH3njE0qOM5QTK8Ma5lz9YVnjqe56al69rDd_vTZVKu4qUKEZplMVEvfuI61ySqg4l2dc7xHmEO2olYh0-rYPCug/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeWespOtmfg5IjiypxoRz7qS3H3JBOTFCrx_gASQOUk437fVhvReVDOH3njE0qOM5QTK8Ma5lz9YVnjqe56al69rDd_vTZVKu4qUKEZplMVEvfuI61ySqg4l2dc7xHmEO2olYh0-rYPCug/w640-h480/IMG_3515.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTpo5zDvv324TKJuRAb6n1PauHIoi_puw42tnTep4syicyYLEKnTbdMc_1ozV6P3Fjp2RumfXSnlhwtj1EEFaKSXDulBxBEZGAhjaNhek9rXJOTKMeYT1moCQZ4-8Lsbm_Bp5bl2xyGk9G/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTpo5zDvv324TKJuRAb6n1PauHIoi_puw42tnTep4syicyYLEKnTbdMc_1ozV6P3Fjp2RumfXSnlhwtj1EEFaKSXDulBxBEZGAhjaNhek9rXJOTKMeYT1moCQZ4-8Lsbm_Bp5bl2xyGk9G/w640-h480/IMG_3516.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table>Hurst Spit also had quite an interesting tale to tell. It seems it's a shifting man-made shingle barrier beach that protects the western approach to the Solent. We learnt that it shelters large areas of salt marsh and mud flats which provide much needed homes for many rare and some more common creatures, but it hasn't really been in place for long! The contract to construct it was carried out from August 1996 to January 1997 and involved the transport by barge and placing of 124,000 tons of rock largely from Norway, and also the placing of 300,000 cubic metres of shingle which was dredged from local shingle banks. And the work isn't really finished because further placing of shingle is planned at intervals in the future to replenish natural loses. </div><div><br /></div><div>We sat and had a coffee overlooking the pounding waves of the cold icy waters of the Solent and as we did so a brave elderly gentleman passed us by wearing only shorts, t-shirt and carrying a towel, and would you believe it, he quickly disrobed and jumped in ๐ฅถ ๐ฅถ ๐ฅถ! It made my teeth chatter just watching ๐</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKuCUW_XgbECNlq5RhgbgFFn4Xnu_V19Ebhw6P1tRqHqesUwbxv5sm6GD7kt-K7K0Dc-tGmQkV80CJdIJh0pLuKF7pMwViP_YaGZ7Vkf0e252NnosXAVceX5IVrDzihxHWb-lmbVyJQ5jZ/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="160" data-original-width="160" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKuCUW_XgbECNlq5RhgbgFFn4Xnu_V19Ebhw6P1tRqHqesUwbxv5sm6GD7kt-K7K0Dc-tGmQkV80CJdIJh0pLuKF7pMwViP_YaGZ7Vkf0e252NnosXAVceX5IVrDzihxHWb-lmbVyJQ5jZ/w200-h200/image.png" width="200" /></a></div> </div><div>Saturday 23rd October 2021 โโโโโโโ</div><div><br /></div><div>Today we were on a bit of a mission and that mission was to get Pies! And why would that be you may ask??? Well I needed something that would be easy to cook in our caravan and that would feed 12 people who all have big appetites. Now, to get said pies we made a 50 mile round trip back to Wareham because while we'd been there a week ago we'd discovered a butcher who made the most fantastic tasty pies, and as this meal was going to be for a special occasion, not just any old pie would do! And what was that special occasion? Well, on Monday (25th) our children and grandchildren are joining us here at Verwood CCC for 4 nights during the half term break, but don't worry, there not staying in our caravan - that really would be a bit to snug -๐ถ'<span style="color: #2b00fe;"><i>12 in a bed and the little one said.....'</i> ๐ถ </span></div><div><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS2mCpfOFQiwgbpw9FYBwH64GPj6-81ptCya0GdbEV2dfsgCVnQDhDCGoB66nkm-si3_O3oPHiOcHDe1r7psE47uxE5fJlOq_YCV2GlYxRINDwGbXr0pMuj7eQ12pBddzyjaZXmuRWAYXo/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="503" data-original-width="1600" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS2mCpfOFQiwgbpw9FYBwH64GPj6-81ptCya0GdbEV2dfsgCVnQDhDCGoB66nkm-si3_O3oPHiOcHDe1r7psE47uxE5fJlOq_YCV2GlYxRINDwGbXr0pMuj7eQ12pBddzyjaZXmuRWAYXo/w640-h202/WhatsApp+Image+2021-10-17+at+13.27.12.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></span>NO, they're staying in the sites Ready Erected 'Ready Camp' tents which are situated just behind us๐! And the occasion is even more special because our eldest son <span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: large;">Adam </span>is the big <span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: large;">4 0</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span>and our little granddaughter <span style="color: #ff00fe; font-size: large;">Evelyn </span>is <span style="color: #ff00fe; font-size: large;">6๐ธ !</span></div><div><br />So that, and <strike>a bit </strike><b>a lot</b> more stocking up took up the morning, and tiding the van and finding somewhere to store all our goodies took up a good bit of the afternoon๐! Therefore, when all said tasks were done we just chilled for the rest of the day and then indulged in a bit of 'Strictly' while we ate our tea!<br /><br /><br />Sunday 24th October 2021 โโโ โ ๐ง๏ธ ๐ง๏ธ ๐ง๏ธ</div><div><br /></div><div>Sunday morning and what should we do with ourselves? Unsurprisingly, both the site and the area are quite busy now with holiday makers taking full advantage of half term, and as we know we're going to have a hectic few days in the ones coming up we wanted to just have a quiet walk today. And for that we ventured to the nearby Rockford Common which is a wide open boundary-less landscape which partly sits on a plateau and has numerous gravel and grass paths that head out in multiple directions. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp6LS9cdUWkgf_Dhzr0dPDjkgf2Ax5_DIssrFVW8tjQxhJa6QgOWBoSlPaNrZwW8Unwa6LJ2Ufiztyx6GBZGBZs2HOk_W95QAewjFM9Zyj2SaELMe4ow_Wmxs_DC7dvmJMr-ZSHU3EmIXD/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1715" data-original-width="2048" height="535" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp6LS9cdUWkgf_Dhzr0dPDjkgf2Ax5_DIssrFVW8tjQxhJa6QgOWBoSlPaNrZwW8Unwa6LJ2Ufiztyx6GBZGBZs2HOk_W95QAewjFM9Zyj2SaELMe4ow_Wmxs_DC7dvmJMr-ZSHU3EmIXD/w640-h535/IMG_3517.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />However, John has chosen one for us today that initially led us over gorse strewn moor, then down along ancient woodland trails, and on to a perfect coffee spot where we sat on a log beside a pond where the horses came to drink. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh47-xXiENbnICdmtLLLLeuTmfPN7H-4XctDoQn-XJU3kxZP-b-rJ5pIYLKhG89E4idvBk_nyu0lFhSk7p6zZZmeIjsLcDtVUQ4FdaNEXoalrc7NKAHH1-2LhacY1GdGUT1IGZOxmaUB4KR/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="273" data-original-width="471" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh47-xXiENbnICdmtLLLLeuTmfPN7H-4XctDoQn-XJU3kxZP-b-rJ5pIYLKhG89E4idvBk_nyu0lFhSk7p6zZZmeIjsLcDtVUQ4FdaNEXoalrc7NKAHH1-2LhacY1GdGUT1IGZOxmaUB4KR/w640-h370/Screenshot+2021-10-24+at+17.14.30.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div>Then after we'd munched our flapjack and drank our coffee we completed our 5 mile circuit by following paths through the Appleslade Enclosure and Redshoot Wood, and once again we just made it back to the car before the threatened rain arrived. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSm5-TA4SA2740IUC3m_JpStwlFAwVM2AaQcu8FyTys06UdIZEAdOv4evnNYZ2-pzar3bTnIXOFciwgM3YEHD-Ye3A3zR_-nBmWlyr5Xe1EDnY_d8FnMqQ_tzRtxakJgcs1UwzfM2RlraC/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSm5-TA4SA2740IUC3m_JpStwlFAwVM2AaQcu8FyTys06UdIZEAdOv4evnNYZ2-pzar3bTnIXOFciwgM3YEHD-Ye3A3zR_-nBmWlyr5Xe1EDnY_d8FnMqQ_tzRtxakJgcs1UwzfM2RlraC/w640-h480/IMG_3519.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />And that's about all for another week so ๐๐๐ till next time ๐</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?hl=en&mid=1tG7G55azXmNAvv09V4MjcDksouY&ll=50.8866791722527%2C-1.906215350000009&z=17">Click here to see our present camping spot</a></div>Linda Varneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10023578343265888742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8250550279331493077.post-5193109135400541582021-10-17T17:42:00.002+01:002021-10-18T17:24:12.397+01:00Wareham Forest Tourist Park - Days 29 - 35 of our Autumn/Winter Tour <p><b>Wareham Forest Tourist Park - Days 29 - 35 of our Autumn/Winter Tour </b></p><p>Monday 11th October 2021 โโ โ ๐๐๐๐โ โ </p><p>Today was our day to visit Abbotsbury Swannery and Subtropical Gardens, the former of which is apparently the only place in the world where you can walk through the heart of a huge colony (about 700) of Mute Swans with their young. While we were at the Swannery we learnt that it was first established by Benedictine Monks who built a monastery at Abbotsbury around 1040 (St Peter's monastery). At that time the monks farmed the swans to produce food - it seems they weren't allowed to eat meat but fish was okay, and because the swans tasted 'fishy' they were acceptable as part of their diet! </p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZSLlfp-oFNSE7kMBVoWEUvaQbe8s9WYqne8IDgPWjXHmawOKfm5IJgsLWwkk8ZkMEd3zWGuhS0tXMVVNPonXpiYKv-ZZQ2qIGFyz03TW59DX1U25mk-nnLOxNeQKtvzJhcrGa6YaVocKh/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZSLlfp-oFNSE7kMBVoWEUvaQbe8s9WYqne8IDgPWjXHmawOKfm5IJgsLWwkk8ZkMEd3zWGuhS0tXMVVNPonXpiYKv-ZZQ2qIGFyz03TW59DX1U25mk-nnLOxNeQKtvzJhcrGa6YaVocKh/w640-h480/IMG_3381.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Fleet - protected from the waves of the sea by Chesil Beach</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>The pic above shows the huge Fleet Lagoon which is tidal and connected to the sea at its eastern end at Portland Harbour. The Swannery is located at the western end where only the highest tides make a difference to the depth of the water and there the water is fairly fresh because a number of streams flow into that end of it. And it seems the salinity of the water is an important factor because when cygnets hatch they need to have fresh water to survive!</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsc5Oag-0BfMSvgybK0eU6M_zkx_p3ZVTgt0dMC9mGNIY-_RNtipFZCQiN9IN3x6n5QahJjxWhv20KQE_40q3WIU0eLrZuHmfxQRwgSC-khgFRDRn3IuqrY-qn3XLePq6Tx6WhX0KAx3UR/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="504" data-original-width="829" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsc5Oag-0BfMSvgybK0eU6M_zkx_p3ZVTgt0dMC9mGNIY-_RNtipFZCQiN9IN3x6n5QahJjxWhv20KQE_40q3WIU0eLrZuHmfxQRwgSC-khgFRDRn3IuqrY-qn3XLePq6Tx6WhX0KAx3UR/w640-h390/Screenshot+2021-10-11+at+18.15.06.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just a few of the many MANY nearly full grown cygnets </td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>We arrived just before feeding time so our first port of call was the edge of the Fleet to see a wheel barrow full of grain being distributed amongst many hundreds of swans, geese, ducks, moorhens and gulls. </p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIwyrflnOQ8u8NdTeDSYjOeoORbpkYyC-z_KO0-Sll-4QxvnyIiRKT72eQoQuwRh_9qQR20SyH6DHSo40o90c5K-HV1ENhpFzN8xXYvpG0St2amO5c6tP-XgHC-5yMyOjAA1nX4YawevZE/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1345" data-original-width="2048" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIwyrflnOQ8u8NdTeDSYjOeoORbpkYyC-z_KO0-Sll-4QxvnyIiRKT72eQoQuwRh_9qQR20SyH6DHSo40o90c5K-HV1ENhpFzN8xXYvpG0St2amO5c6tP-XgHC-5yMyOjAA1nX4YawevZE/w640-h420/IMG_3358.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They might be called Mute but they couldn't half make a noise!<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>While we watched the feeding frenzy we noticed that many of the birds were ringed - it seems that this is done during a period when the swans are flightless! During June and July the birds shed their flight feathers and for a period after that they are unable to take to the air, so it is at that time that the Abbotsbury herd is rounded up to be weighed, ringed and given a health check. We also learnt that a full grown male swan (a cob) usually weighs about 24 pounds while a female (a pen) is lighter at about 20 pounds, yet each can haul themselves out of the water and launch into majestic flight with their 7 foot wing span from almost a standing start!</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0qp2Lna7wBj_1PE56Or29zejjhbV68UqjdR-LeiffK9OaShW8FfyTorZtpA_NbQZgRbHf7pVP8N6DiAxYnWbimsFVxNpJH7zTXfIa6Yea1YiZQWULW6PfP0WZPWpeOH5xSUDOCje_9mmk/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1597" data-original-width="2048" height="499" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0qp2Lna7wBj_1PE56Or29zejjhbV68UqjdR-LeiffK9OaShW8FfyTorZtpA_NbQZgRbHf7pVP8N6DiAxYnWbimsFVxNpJH7zTXfIa6Yea1YiZQWULW6PfP0WZPWpeOH5xSUDOCje_9mmk/w640-h499/IMG_3364.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div>However, none of the swans were flying today although they are all free to come and go as they please. Having said that, the Swannery provides 3 good meals of corn a day so for most of them that must be a good reason to stay. Additionally, the Lagoon has a rich supply of saltmarsh grass which the swans are quite partial to as part of their mostly vegetarian diet. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_362zqK1zeRKcNePwejsKKCm9Ys-WUentCQztI0Y4i1i8FuNngkQe-BRZxhhv9cnKXUZp1qxld4TrBTuQdcYwM9gV688hpZJ-da0Him-4Shuz75uKmZ4DEgtedI_UGsgKmQTcLJx9Ua4w/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_362zqK1zeRKcNePwejsKKCm9Ys-WUentCQztI0Y4i1i8FuNngkQe-BRZxhhv9cnKXUZp1qxld4TrBTuQdcYwM9gV688hpZJ-da0Him-4Shuz75uKmZ4DEgtedI_UGsgKmQTcLJx9Ua4w/w640-h480/IMG_3371.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div>After the swans had been fed it was our turn and a short walk took us to a bench in a 'quiet' corner overlooking the fleet, and from there we could watch all manner of water fowl coming, going and calling to each other. <div><br /></div><div>Our next port of call was jut a couple of miles further up the road - The Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens, but really with all the sculptures from Lewis Carroll's 1865 novel I think 'Alice in Wonderland' should possibly have been included in the title. <br /><p></p><p><sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Lecercle_2-1" style="background-color: white; color: #202122; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 11.2px; line-height: 1; unicode-bidi: isolate; white-space: nowrap;"></sup></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEaOaJWYTmiX7tjTU0Ng4TArzvxGaq2UzpQYOlLiTqmWyyYQaeot6MrBjJLih9DBcZB9kCcG713PATHJvZ9aMswxhXoSXxWVja4eeVPP5h-w_XzMpRWDe4Mozz-LDW6ThyBQUOsIQOHMPV/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEaOaJWYTmiX7tjTU0Ng4TArzvxGaq2UzpQYOlLiTqmWyyYQaeot6MrBjJLih9DBcZB9kCcG713PATHJvZ9aMswxhXoSXxWVja4eeVPP5h-w_XzMpRWDe4Mozz-LDW6ThyBQUOsIQOHMPV/w640-h480/IMG_3376.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We met Alice almost as soon as we arrived!</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh48VHhtwqte8pw2frbh_RqYbRV4TY9lfM3M50FllPBkgzxa3g1Rr8V4zek1AxQ5O-61pWzP1M75TCEmx7ns6j1EeV0p1Vw1nQMMxRH_5pdkQ8thyphenhyphenwdetFpEpf02-r8SdAVMaU_PBBu-_HU/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh48VHhtwqte8pw2frbh_RqYbRV4TY9lfM3M50FllPBkgzxa3g1Rr8V4zek1AxQ5O-61pWzP1M75TCEmx7ns6j1EeV0p1Vw1nQMMxRH_5pdkQ8thyphenhyphenwdetFpEpf02-r8SdAVMaU_PBBu-_HU/w640-h480/IMG_3389.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And Later came a smoking Caterpillar<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2MNkAtLZTrsQzD-mRZ3UJt47vEZKtI22LEmE9-kEBJNbFfQ2txlFxIo7AOpwo_WgP6f7kLqWSdqIRXkyiBgmT-qU9lAJZclcnb3f17Q1-Kv_Yv9exg4izSGUI3DZeOEG6zyx1O2AWv6Ig/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2MNkAtLZTrsQzD-mRZ3UJt47vEZKtI22LEmE9-kEBJNbFfQ2txlFxIo7AOpwo_WgP6f7kLqWSdqIRXkyiBgmT-qU9lAJZclcnb3f17Q1-Kv_Yv9exg4izSGUI3DZeOEG6zyx1O2AWv6Ig/w640-h480/IMG_3391.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Mad Hatter having a Cuppa<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRsw6jhcH4GHgnMKx7b6LoYZ06dkIwT4h0agpTjLNCaDsNC_OihNG_d1_tJsP9TWP0UPrTouzCEv6q5herfcrCgILGkIXGasLY8lsa_bWxGeoMt1ZUimiM4fA5dlgaSlhkGZCxe4dBGdmN/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRsw6jhcH4GHgnMKx7b6LoYZ06dkIwT4h0agpTjLNCaDsNC_OihNG_d1_tJsP9TWP0UPrTouzCEv6q5herfcrCgILGkIXGasLY8lsa_bWxGeoMt1ZUimiM4fA5dlgaSlhkGZCxe4dBGdmN/w640-h480/IMG_3390.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And The Queen of Hearts. </td></tr></tbody></table></div><p>The gardens themselves, even at this time of year, were also stunning with lots of quite unusual shrubs and trees. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRmuCTPXst8FAIHNKKEhqWjX614-4c1xx7VPtzUxd0ppB3_faW8-gHNPytf-vU6BHWD34_BLT2bjcfitzeo1ZX1IclCckdeIW4LWvB1OzvI7GHCbI5D3rZlucUShAyDuJ2SPVpz_PFV4Jn/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRmuCTPXst8FAIHNKKEhqWjX614-4c1xx7VPtzUxd0ppB3_faW8-gHNPytf-vU6BHWD34_BLT2bjcfitzeo1ZX1IclCckdeIW4LWvB1OzvI7GHCbI5D3rZlucUShAyDuJ2SPVpz_PFV4Jn/w640-h480/IMG_3375.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiflZOgU6K4RKPCY9nSaMbEuPHk1QVPGVzkX8w6ZcH-V9sXeB-60q5Nso4OXnvkvilxMyjRUkVsIROiiHtoogF8x2pPbnw07WaGwr4YBatQFvrEuAtnXr21B0Qe29R1VHkXL6bilsLkqMxb/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1310" data-original-width="2048" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiflZOgU6K4RKPCY9nSaMbEuPHk1QVPGVzkX8w6ZcH-V9sXeB-60q5Nso4OXnvkvilxMyjRUkVsIROiiHtoogF8x2pPbnw07WaGwr4YBatQFvrEuAtnXr21B0Qe29R1VHkXL6bilsLkqMxb/w640-h410/IMG_3388.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />And as we wandered we also came across a view point from where we could see St Catherine's Chapel which was prettily framed by shrubbery. The Chapel sits high up on a hilltop overlooking Chesil Beach and it has been there since the 14th Century when the monks from Abbotsbury Abbey built it as a place for pilgrimage and retreat. We didn't trek up to it but apparently it has 'wishing holes' where in times gone by local women used to pray to St Catherine asking her to find them a husband - there was no Tinder in them days ๐๐!<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2D_WFugW1KuLGh8qXElXsiV42UVSLUc1A0VLDWMiSCh5enlIqoZYaWKAQlZB-z38K6NxTDyKlySdfy40SnbcB_oOs-AJr7BRnOhQ4L2uwE9rnZLlTg4bMJvDpGn0IsTwFAIc167shstvE/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2D_WFugW1KuLGh8qXElXsiV42UVSLUc1A0VLDWMiSCh5enlIqoZYaWKAQlZB-z38K6NxTDyKlySdfy40SnbcB_oOs-AJr7BRnOhQ4L2uwE9rnZLlTg4bMJvDpGn0IsTwFAIc167shstvE/w640-h480/IMG_3382.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />As we progressed around the garden we also came across 'The Owl and The Pussycat' in a boat that wasn't quite beautiful or even pea green, but I think at that stage John was a bit worried that I might break into verse because the lines๐ฌ of that poem are what I used to recite to my children and grandchildren when trying to soothe them off to sleep๐!<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0JHV6cSugXCgTsYL39QN8HK3f2bMSSXLHC4Uy5D07yxJTefT_JJFuIvdtwwvAAXKVb5NAiIqIsGoDBS-yTrntKOadhb7GRL7G0slxAH8xfUTrPbkYeCNBERjslvJs2Xz9uXVSrEpDCRgd/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0JHV6cSugXCgTsYL39QN8HK3f2bMSSXLHC4Uy5D07yxJTefT_JJFuIvdtwwvAAXKVb5NAiIqIsGoDBS-yTrntKOadhb7GRL7G0slxAH8xfUTrPbkYeCNBERjslvJs2Xz9uXVSrEpDCRgd/w640-h480/IMG_3386.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />We also found a couple of rutting stags<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnSH6pz2G32E8BQka8o2_U5-zy1By418VDV6rYdcRoT8P3o1mUsGKFoN1Osy8oJ0GCZcwcFBVMHzTOzznWAxqEcAneS3WCpZoKhhYE_VX55io7ycg8JMdRgiVsngBCSCMGo0_2nwgvBFJX/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnSH6pz2G32E8BQka8o2_U5-zy1By418VDV6rYdcRoT8P3o1mUsGKFoN1Osy8oJ0GCZcwcFBVMHzTOzznWAxqEcAneS3WCpZoKhhYE_VX55io7ycg8JMdRgiVsngBCSCMGo0_2nwgvBFJX/w640-h480/IMG_3385.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />And a long rope bridge that swayed quite alarmingly while you were crossing!<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijRu5BR0w0k6s64sMZeiHZ37NIo7U4Od_6ZCmcZihAhZ2-C39YOkd9SftXAIDl4J3AJMMBebw7D7qcxpwIX3Oiew8T9k-wf0sgynPLP3Bi-9-Jryk3v0Y2qjjpe6IYXxf2q1nvbMVdsHkm/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijRu5BR0w0k6s64sMZeiHZ37NIo7U4Od_6ZCmcZihAhZ2-C39YOkd9SftXAIDl4J3AJMMBebw7D7qcxpwIX3Oiew8T9k-wf0sgynPLP3Bi-9-Jryk3v0Y2qjjpe6IYXxf2q1nvbMVdsHkm/w640-h480/IMG_3383.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiCxYKn7s5EiW2tgkzAiqEJznK6ApfrVtLsI9fpFOAN6ybR6VYpQM1hiHQ4-XIcEy-6YWdBJLnOFUvybTRv-DBWAVlJgE0j0ZshlxGnUtaJTZMzx6jTRImsQ7a41nCNgnbSA1tDGqBnk87/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiCxYKn7s5EiW2tgkzAiqEJznK6ApfrVtLsI9fpFOAN6ybR6VYpQM1hiHQ4-XIcEy-6YWdBJLnOFUvybTRv-DBWAVlJgE0j0ZshlxGnUtaJTZMzx6jTRImsQ7a41nCNgnbSA1tDGqBnk87/w640-h480/WhatsApp+Image+2021-10-11+at+17.35.02.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Especially when John bounced it up and down when it was my turn ๐ฑ I almost ended up with my feet in the murky waters below ๐<p></p><p>We had a great day and the duel entry fee for both parks was well worth the money but when we saw the price of coffee in the cafe (<span style="color: red;">ยฃยฃยฃ</span>) we were very glad we'd taken our own!</p><p><br /></p><p>Tuesday 12th October 2021 โโ โ ๐๐๐โ โ</p><p>Today we decided to go back to the very lovely National Trust's Ringstead Bay and visit Durdle Door again, but this time we were quite determined to get a bit nearer! When we went a week ago we'd followed the very undulating and sometimes challenging Coastal Path, so as we'd neared the Door and observed the huge hill we'd have needed to go down and then back up ๐ฐwe 'gave up'! However, we had sat high up and close enough to see waves lapping through it so we hadn't missed out altogether. </p><p>But this time we decided we needed to get closer so instead of following the Coastal Path we followed a trail that was much higher up and which proved to be much easier walking. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO5-r4xK2JvS-4ClV8hNtucTYawkRs6FfD_6EJlJ3ou4E6K6x372SvxV0vfnS6aFBHOH22Rskke7DDiTLQC-uNHAI73eLoIyl5ErK4I2XiQvP62A89DSj6W4zvsvFBg-Tjo92RTWu4h7Vz/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1511" data-original-width="2048" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO5-r4xK2JvS-4ClV8hNtucTYawkRs6FfD_6EJlJ3ou4E6K6x372SvxV0vfnS6aFBHOH22Rskke7DDiTLQC-uNHAI73eLoIyl5ErK4I2XiQvP62A89DSj6W4zvsvFBg-Tjo92RTWu4h7Vz/w640-h472/IMG_3397.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />And we made it!! As we sat eating our lunch we were able to admire Durdle Door and also watch the brave souls who paddle boarded and kayaked through the portal. </div><div><br /></div><div>Then early on our return journey we passed through the place that we now know is call 'Scratchy Bottom' and from a distance the big dark heap there looked like a large pile of cow ๐ฉ, but as we got nearer we could see it was actually a herd of cows all cuddled up together!</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNkq6d4GKcXfSiZEmCVZ2bv53qmTw02tcZtaHBk-JL1uHg7b0tyLllhYFe66xQksl3EpBqAo0imQSgdNleRIkvnhoNPN8Z3Q8ar89pyaeErvYJldve8skEjvwmGsthnprz1AiDvB6WM5pd/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNkq6d4GKcXfSiZEmCVZ2bv53qmTw02tcZtaHBk-JL1uHg7b0tyLllhYFe66xQksl3EpBqAo0imQSgdNleRIkvnhoNPN8Z3Q8ar89pyaeErvYJldve8skEjvwmGsthnprz1AiDvB6WM5pd/w640-h480/IMG_3398.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p>Wednesday 13th October 2021โโ โ ๐๐๐๐โ โ </p><p>Our plan for today was to visit several sites near Dorchester - The village of Cerne Abbas, Maiden Castle and The Thomas Hardy Monument but when we got to our first venue we did a very strange thing indeed! And that was to be looking at a man's penis while having our morning coffee!</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBQW5pYwdVGeAu7lyyNtiNeS3KdlQV9DpClXZRWtKDZncSKBAHoiIFWga23MZoBt6cI0wQezdtEnRiCIUNaUPuwlodXYNDLq-o5a9Pa_raR9PxCC0sxBDydNcEEWz0xEtQ-gH-SrF6w6pu/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBQW5pYwdVGeAu7lyyNtiNeS3KdlQV9DpClXZRWtKDZncSKBAHoiIFWga23MZoBt6cI0wQezdtEnRiCIUNaUPuwlodXYNDLq-o5a9Pa_raR9PxCC0sxBDydNcEEWz0xEtQ-gH-SrF6w6pu/w640-h480/IMG_3399.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>The said man was the Cerne Giant who may have been on the hillside for thousands of years. Apparently, would you believe, he's said to be a symbol of fertility, and he's also one o the largest Chalk hill figures in Britain measuring nearly 200 feet high and a little over 100 feet wide! I wouldn't like to say who used to look after him in times gone by but the National Trust do now - it seems they have to rechalk him every 7 - 10 years!</p><p>While we were in the area we also had a walk down into the ancient Cerne Abbas village which owes it's existence to a Benedictine Abbey that occupied the site back in 987 AD. However very little evidence of the abbey is left now but the village has thrived, mostly it seems due to a large brewing industry. </p><p>Our trail also took us to St. Augustine's Well or The Silver Well which has several 'superstitions' attached to it! It's said that drinking the water can cure infertility and that a laurel leaf dipped in it's waters may cure soreness of the eyes. A more morbid tale tells that if you go down to the Well at dawn on Easter Day you will see reflected in the water all the faces of those you know who will die that year! </p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3GiX4IhwNr6fCTCI6xrbDxup0rWtNugPu82NyvC0AL910KMA6BR-3r7A0FG-kVyRRNi69vNgImEaivkm2hv3rvkdx2palfizxHrggIb5z9Xw4LSCf_JxGJsl4Y3XkBCgZhkRxf13FFXmg/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3GiX4IhwNr6fCTCI6xrbDxup0rWtNugPu82NyvC0AL910KMA6BR-3r7A0FG-kVyRRNi69vNgImEaivkm2hv3rvkdx2palfizxHrggIb5z9Xw4LSCf_JxGJsl4Y3XkBCgZhkRxf13FFXmg/w640-h480/IMG_3402.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't worry! It wasn't Easter Day today๐<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>An info board also told us that the very clear water in the Well would probably be okay to drink but that it would be best in Spring time when the water is flowing faster. However, the fact that a 3 foot eel was found lying happily in the long stone channel leading from the well was a bit off putting!<p></p><p>Our next stop was at Maiden Castle which is the remains of the largest and most complex Iron Age Hillfort in Britain. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc02Hsil7N9sLz58kLa_RbwnhalWr-PwKzc_j_b66cjdHBP4lNnAlkd01kT5N6uqPG7tsKoOcNsedl__-FScKlXscApbdaC_Eu9fX86LmWkcCA0weckYtcOvFEpUjF9n8Ddnie_qWvXCCf/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc02Hsil7N9sLz58kLa_RbwnhalWr-PwKzc_j_b66cjdHBP4lNnAlkd01kT5N6uqPG7tsKoOcNsedl__-FScKlXscApbdaC_Eu9fX86LmWkcCA0weckYtcOvFEpUjF9n8Ddnie_qWvXCCf/w640-h480/IMG_3405.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />It's remains were enormous and the info boards told us that it's multiple ramparts could have enclosed an area equal to the size of 50 football pitches. It was impossible to take a photo that would have demonstrated what is left of it today, so instead I snapped a pic of a pic to show what it might have looked like in times gone by. Today, it provided a lovely place to stroll high up on it's inner ramparts and we also had the pleasure of incredible far reaching views over many miles of the Dorset countryside, one of which distantly included our next venue. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4XRG6pjpKzNDY4obDcTxxGbP4uvybnjF8wnrPICuFNp99nCDWDoqgedW41qPZfqfbFK5ohEJcmAHHCxxHnOds2ATgbiUIkFQiDAX7wM4g-isZUL1y8Nv_UohqcjSJ3kOJ1-KPHmJb2MI1/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1492" data-original-width="2048" height="466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4XRG6pjpKzNDY4obDcTxxGbP4uvybnjF8wnrPICuFNp99nCDWDoqgedW41qPZfqfbFK5ohEJcmAHHCxxHnOds2ATgbiUIkFQiDAX7wM4g-isZUL1y8Nv_UohqcjSJ3kOJ1-KPHmJb2MI1/w640-h466/IMG_3409.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">While we were there we also spotted this little Wheatear - fairly rare in Dorset!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div>So after lunch on the Forts Ramparts we set of for the spy glass shaped monument that is a memorial to Rear Admiral Sir Thomas Masterman Hardy who is probably best known as the Captain of HMS Victory at The Battle of Trafalgar in 1805.</div><div><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-qhvc5OKbF86pwaGFDyyCEos3_9nmIqLmuy1qF2g_F9EN6zHVE1Gj2piJtDUxZwznw5sZahyphenhyphenIqjaus3w1HQJFt3h8OwcVmIC1TrTNjH5AX4Ay24FIqCveCxr8M_u3dRYkbi05UaxrW7FM/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5184" data-original-width="3888" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-qhvc5OKbF86pwaGFDyyCEos3_9nmIqLmuy1qF2g_F9EN6zHVE1Gj2piJtDUxZwznw5sZahyphenhyphenIqjaus3w1HQJFt3h8OwcVmIC1TrTNjH5AX4Ay24FIqCveCxr8M_u3dRYkbi05UaxrW7FM/w480-h640/IMG_3410.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Spy Glass with it's eye piece high in the sky!</td></tr></tbody></table><br />The monument is 72 foot tall and was built out of Portland Stone in 1844 on the highest point of Black Down. And from there, once again, we were treated to 360 degree magnificent views even from the base of the tower. But more locally we also spotted several craters that almost looked like a bomb had been dropped from a great height! Apparently, these were 'swallow holes' or 'Dolines' which are a feature formed when acid rainwater dissolves the underlying chalk causing it to give way! From the site there were also loads of walking paths but as the time was wearing on we've put them on our list for a return visit sometime in the future.<br /><br /><br /></div><div>Thursday 14th October 2021 โโ โ ๐๐๐๐โ โ <p></p></div><div>Today was another lovely day - we've been really lucky with the weather recently! However, rather than going out and about we'd got some chores to do and then I wanted some time at home to play with my new toy! For my birthday (6th Oct) I've treated myself to a new Samsung Tablet that's got a bigger screen and a much bigger memory than my old one! But I'm a bit of a technophobe ๐ฑ so I new getting it up and running would be a challenge for me, but with John's help it was soon accomplished.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Friday 15th October 2021โโ โ ๐๐๐๐โ โ </div><div><br /></div><div>Yet another glorious day, and as our time is running out here in Dorset we wanted to do something memorable - and it certainly was! Maybe one of our best walks so far in this area! </div><div><br /></div><div>Our ultimate goal for today, 'Dancing Ledge', was a repeat destination from a couple of weeks ago but this time we were going to approach it from the opposite direction, namely the old and pretty village of Worth Matravers.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWlBexowksDwo6GoHKzFj5D05gbca-EnKoY7rfajxNH7nZx-ihvIMEhHdm0Y2MGwIymZTjBq1DK3tnlsERZFRva9tpcxLjAR_K4XZqKw2Ecbu2Jq4XJMidve455jEkZGh3y40O5iq8WQ0D/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWlBexowksDwo6GoHKzFj5D05gbca-EnKoY7rfajxNH7nZx-ihvIMEhHdm0Y2MGwIymZTjBq1DK3tnlsERZFRva9tpcxLjAR_K4XZqKw2Ecbu2Jq4XJMidve455jEkZGh3y40O5iq8WQ0D/w640-h480/IMG_3415.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />We parked in the village carpark, paid our requested ยฃ2 donation and then admired a strange sculpture that stands in a field just behind it! I thought it looked a bit like Stonehenge but this one was made of wood!</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtqjE6hv8UcbsfMHiLQ-xZw45erh7oaquggReakp_aeegk4ZW0o1ZI51M9ypNxE5dxNSB9645k2eNlm5N7O2TOsbCR-dWCUDRVO8thyDuu3FxJKKjc9VbPhtpi3XXr_lZlG_thtrVlq7_n/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtqjE6hv8UcbsfMHiLQ-xZw45erh7oaquggReakp_aeegk4ZW0o1ZI51M9ypNxE5dxNSB9645k2eNlm5N7O2TOsbCR-dWCUDRVO8thyDuu3FxJKKjc9VbPhtpi3XXr_lZlG_thtrVlq7_n/w640-h480/IMG_3412.JPG" width="640" /></a></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Initially, our walk took us through the village and then we followed tracks until we reached the coast at </div><div>Chapman's Pool from were we had breathtaking views back along the jagged chalk cliffs, and more distantly Portland and Chesil Beach. It would certainly be easy think that UNESCO have added it to their list just because of it's natural beauty but it's probably more likely to be because this part of the coast represents many millions of years of Earth's history in it's geology.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8IObFeaolbOsOfFFCzR-Lmd7TzNIQ5qNB4LjzeeYZ2hG45d9lHlK73H9BPHxSkKhAUB_OY5n3OED2ZoaU6_ayidcGk8r1sIYgTuQUnac4Kh8HcmZe93MxRdeNvjLrDgESBoqspERn5wAd/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1174" data-original-width="2048" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8IObFeaolbOsOfFFCzR-Lmd7TzNIQ5qNB4LjzeeYZ2hG45d9lHlK73H9BPHxSkKhAUB_OY5n3OED2ZoaU6_ayidcGk8r1sIYgTuQUnac4Kh8HcmZe93MxRdeNvjLrDgESBoqspERn5wAd/w640-h366/IMG_3418.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpnQpC0Ox8_X1OJ4V1WKYBj3aUHgiKPPbfkyyQaQE_BtopfJf-QSFlZLG7Zgln5InkJT_umCewYA_glpu_lxJdYyCYyt6r3NJRtB0oJJ2a7Nl3WyNnBQCnrGLwP8EvKQG7wKDDGit1c0gH/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpnQpC0Ox8_X1OJ4V1WKYBj3aUHgiKPPbfkyyQaQE_BtopfJf-QSFlZLG7Zgln5InkJT_umCewYA_glpu_lxJdYyCYyt6r3NJRtB0oJJ2a7Nl3WyNnBQCnrGLwP8EvKQG7wKDDGit1c0gH/w640-h480/IMG_3413.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An outline of our walk + a huge chunk between Seacombe and Dancing Ledge</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Once we could tear our eyes away from the vista we continued our walk around St Aldhelm's Head but it soon became a bit of a challenge when we had to navigate across a deep chasm! <br /><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbcOuZ4fHyFGnv8Id61nDgezm_5QzbZW6Mh5bhj24qBEMPzWNKKuIx5hamiU5LndkkcJg3hjeZw_pk7bxnf5yWyfPD_Y0HZ7Y4bldwc3HXOSuhIiINpOWhFGSs7JVfi-fvHBCXzXw6dfBU/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5184" data-original-width="3888" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbcOuZ4fHyFGnv8Id61nDgezm_5QzbZW6Mh5bhj24qBEMPzWNKKuIx5hamiU5LndkkcJg3hjeZw_pk7bxnf5yWyfPD_Y0HZ7Y4bldwc3HXOSuhIiINpOWhFGSs7JVfi-fvHBCXzXw6dfBU/w480-h640/IMG_3419.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br />It was 184 steps down + about 100 yards of downward slope .........</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirN7iXvr_ZFcMrq2PKhfSj6a3fHilsKdvjJJsHZWW_faaVf-TH4tVNB97is8TBbFPNKqSGOGvOXuO7xoQ_Q4gLmNs65gQd1KqLgwPshsmtgUoztvfKohbW66pJX-vCJDy3iICQoy9K0J_I/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2040" data-original-width="2048" height="637" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirN7iXvr_ZFcMrq2PKhfSj6a3fHilsKdvjJJsHZWW_faaVf-TH4tVNB97is8TBbFPNKqSGOGvOXuO7xoQ_Q4gLmNs65gQd1KqLgwPshsmtgUoztvfKohbW66pJX-vCJDy3iICQoy9K0J_I/w640-h637/IMG_3420.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />and then 218 back up to the top of the hill, and they were nearly all <b>BIG </b>steps๐ฆ๐ฆ๐ฆ so as you might imagine we were a bit hot and bothered by the time we got there!</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdjoitq4dALtygWX6yHkq0EDA9EpSh4rcChCK5Mz96o0BaQfWF-pxO4Qq8X43QkJ1ZXlEvUWYI8akixnbt2wj1gnK2H6FZkIznOswR26UUfsZhyphenhyphenpHvSfFAi8hRdi4LVVKUuAppyDGu6i2_/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1343" data-original-width="2048" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdjoitq4dALtygWX6yHkq0EDA9EpSh4rcChCK5Mz96o0BaQfWF-pxO4Qq8X43QkJ1ZXlEvUWYI8akixnbt2wj1gnK2H6FZkIznOswR26UUfsZhyphenhyphenpHvSfFAi8hRdi4LVVKUuAppyDGu6i2_/w640-h420/IMG_3421.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />But someone had very kindly put a bench in a very convenient spot so we nabbed it and had a mo to recover!</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKdR9_fI-Pr-9VnJ7QxkSlbf1YoEt8hyphenhyphenC_BynxyE3fRTHmgFlvEJDW_GKEOv2nnM3tk_7A8Hz24cOmiAq6btj0mCfVxAlbGA3tFbI_9E9F0o8Pl6IP6IwCBRRKvhRzM48QEqR6Ia_AaNVU/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1257" data-original-width="2048" height="392" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKdR9_fI-Pr-9VnJ7QxkSlbf1YoEt8hyphenhyphenC_BynxyE3fRTHmgFlvEJDW_GKEOv2nnM3tk_7A8Hz24cOmiAq6btj0mCfVxAlbGA3tFbI_9E9F0o8Pl6IP6IwCBRRKvhRzM48QEqR6Ia_AaNVU/w640-h392/IMG_3422.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St Aldhelm's 13th Century Chapel which stands on nearly the most southerly tip<br />of St Aldhelm's Head - one of the oldest churches in England</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div>Then once we were on our way again (now walking on the western side of St St. Aldhelm's Head) we soon came across The Royal Marines Memorial with it's picnic bench and flower garden. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_o5Cm41aBeWV77CHUSkulUt3eYWwCRCEkryu1oYpT28F_t5Xul8mOC9yRb6XoWNWnqZ_d8Q83MdZk9S0WZatjVT7a5Oq1mWdSbU9nxjJnF4I7UrdXSqeLhw8JrKOhXOSFJUwL8QU-gjpD/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="314" data-original-width="507" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_o5Cm41aBeWV77CHUSkulUt3eYWwCRCEkryu1oYpT28F_t5Xul8mOC9yRb6XoWNWnqZ_d8Q83MdZk9S0WZatjVT7a5Oq1mWdSbU9nxjJnF4I7UrdXSqeLhw8JrKOhXOSFJUwL8QU-gjpD/w640-h396/Screenshot+2021-10-16+at+19.16.09.png" width="640" /></a></div><br />And then came the National Coastwatch Station that is manned by volunteers and also a monument to the development of radar during World War II. </div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinngUp2GP2u2Sv_0v5wVbzqHxpxenFqRVB5yD_qLSfLlGWF-hzPcT72Pkht4_M4-EzWy47UIZNJ8DGCg1YdpFRPwDU2C4MR2hLIc-TP6eeQkLNd7pUNmanbcNCU3OtjT4WdiXj-skZOh8o/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinngUp2GP2u2Sv_0v5wVbzqHxpxenFqRVB5yD_qLSfLlGWF-hzPcT72Pkht4_M4-EzWy47UIZNJ8DGCg1YdpFRPwDU2C4MR2hLIc-TP6eeQkLNd7pUNmanbcNCU3OtjT4WdiXj-skZOh8o/w640-h480/IMG_3423.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An info board informed us that professional coastguards used to man lookouts (such as these) all round our coast, but in early 1990 the government decided that it would be more cost-effective to close the lookouts and to rely on modern electronic devices! Then tragedy struck, and in 1994 a fishing boat went down with the loss of two lives near a recently closed lookout in Cornwall. This resulted in a public meeting that found enough local voluntary support to re-open the Bass Point lookout, and thus the National Coastwatch Institution was born. More stations were added and they were all manned by volunteers contributing to over 200,000 hours each year. Their job is to supply the 'Human Eyeball' that can spot a distress flare or an overturned boat in a way that our sophisticated technology cannot</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyb2Uf52nj6HjLY8Q9AD96lR6675TBw9QTHAmND66sdWSGKo2aDDG412fuJVEViPosXrob0RBQrjMMG_i2_7daSGCZU3duMDWs5n2ETmOEnf9ptpPQMeZFwiEt1F9BFmQkxzsNbkiuNzQB/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyb2Uf52nj6HjLY8Q9AD96lR6675TBw9QTHAmND66sdWSGKo2aDDG412fuJVEViPosXrob0RBQrjMMG_i2_7daSGCZU3duMDWs5n2ETmOEnf9ptpPQMeZFwiEt1F9BFmQkxzsNbkiuNzQB/w640-h480/IMG_3424.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another plaque informed us that 'This memorial commemorates the Radar Research carried out at Worth Matravers from 1940 - 1942 which was crucial to the winning of the war and the Birth of Modern Telecommunications.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div>Our walk then took us on to Winspit Quarry which is now defunct but there was a huge amount of evidence of what used to go on in times gone by, and you would only have to trek slightly inland to find a quarry that is still in active use acquiring Portland Stone for future projects! <br /></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNVC9AKf04vCodZgNti5SgdIXyhzn09A6wQ6qij6bqxnwNguuR1hopJyFnOwAtLhIL_07d8Ic6aaSQU4zzbpTR94YPJlH4f9FGOFFR4YkBTnKVwCmDse8Xnz9JozDb-_5jUTxSVTvBl1x7/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNVC9AKf04vCodZgNti5SgdIXyhzn09A6wQ6qij6bqxnwNguuR1hopJyFnOwAtLhIL_07d8Ic6aaSQU4zzbpTR94YPJlH4f9FGOFFR4YkBTnKVwCmDse8Xnz9JozDb-_5jUTxSVTvBl1x7/w640-h480/IMG_3425.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Winspit Quarry</td></tr></tbody></table><div>We nearly stopped for lunch in the quarry for lunch but all the good spots were already taken so we climbed another hill and found a comfy rock just above it. Then once refreshed it was forwards and onwards through Seacombe Bottom and on to Dancing Ledge which was quite busy with people 'coasting' and absailing. It was interesting to watch but not quite our cup of tea!</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPF4HEIEpwUsT5fLIYfpf-j_EvuK0nBBrbkFja0B5uqIDScraXZxbG84odyXAc295uu-29NOkjo8_ZXxV4og9mZoSH9jz1sBSmgxqmSs_-eeQRkZHe0CjjZuOqfEBjqYJ0NCQH6QI9fpJW/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPF4HEIEpwUsT5fLIYfpf-j_EvuK0nBBrbkFja0B5uqIDScraXZxbG84odyXAc295uu-29NOkjo8_ZXxV4og9mZoSH9jz1sBSmgxqmSs_-eeQRkZHe0CjjZuOqfEBjqYJ0NCQH6QI9fpJW/w640-h480/IMG_3428.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />And after watching for a while all we had to do was make our way back to Worth Matravers, but rather than retracing our steps we once more headed steeply uphill and took a shorter route over higher ground. Our walk had been quite a long and challenging one and when we got back into the village we observed these 3 sitting outside a pub!</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJU15LOjH-2vlNyr9UqZIleVBjXbWWe_Elf9sgzVZdWSkc_I_bh-o183pFoUByRxRXTFTb1Dm717Oh6FkU8BBql6rbbMpEE16NcdaiHML1Dtlk2bFHam0Cvdy5P7bEgQyewfO1WOwFn_jr/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJU15LOjH-2vlNyr9UqZIleVBjXbWWe_Elf9sgzVZdWSkc_I_bh-o183pFoUByRxRXTFTb1Dm717Oh6FkU8BBql6rbbMpEE16NcdaiHML1Dtlk2bFHam0Cvdy5P7bEgQyewfO1WOwFn_jr/w640-h480/IMG_3429.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">I told John if he was feeling a bit ropey after all our exertions he could maybe join them๐</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /></div><div>Saturday 16th October 2021โ โ ๐๐๐๐โ โ </div><div><br /></div><div>We were a bit undecided what to do on our penultimate day here at Wareham Forest - should we waste our day packing ready for our departure tomorrow or should we nip out somewhere? In the end we compromised! No packing got done but I did a fair bit of cooking for the next few day's meals and this included a very nice Stilton and Broccoli soup which we scoffed half of for lunch. And then we set off to visit what has become one of our favorite local places, that being RSPB's Arne Reserve. </div><div><br /></div><div>When we got there we decided to go down to the beach, but even though the tide was out there really wasn't much to see other than lots of gulls and an odd egret who seemed to be having a fair bit of luck with his fishing. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJOsUMMhAUz6DvLftuoXX7jPETYnS3WhdK9fvYIOnn16kGctsDeenq8RP6LPQ_LNx8A_52g08Ob2XeqGDQ-qVpdgCxhe4BULLtdfSVv12qAGcphQKxNWi42gcxyyLpQNS0RcVsJ7sVb-zu/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1107" data-original-width="2048" height="346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJOsUMMhAUz6DvLftuoXX7jPETYnS3WhdK9fvYIOnn16kGctsDeenq8RP6LPQ_LNx8A_52g08Ob2XeqGDQ-qVpdgCxhe4BULLtdfSVv12qAGcphQKxNWi42gcxyyLpQNS0RcVsJ7sVb-zu/w640-h346/IMG_3430.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div>So after a short while, and feeling a bit disappointed we decided to head over to the other side of the reserve to see if we'd have any better luck there. However, on the way we came across a wonderful sight to behold in the form of a herd of 12 deer in a field very near to the path we were walking on. </div></div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8koQwg-LA7PYX_Gu8Nvhb1YCReK6ohyv2YrbulE05vaYVZKyg-tz55GM66yuXh1OpS15CiLB74Ry5ryJP8zxYhfZVN9Y0SugsccirpRCbCDj1Mpq_ur2ADg2f_eZ6X93AaFiNb4q2LmuO/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1599" data-original-width="2048" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8koQwg-LA7PYX_Gu8Nvhb1YCReK6ohyv2YrbulE05vaYVZKyg-tz55GM66yuXh1OpS15CiLB74Ry5ryJP8zxYhfZVN9Y0SugsccirpRCbCDj1Mpq_ur2ADg2f_eZ6X93AaFiNb4q2LmuO/w640-h500/IMG_3431.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the does was really inquisitive and came trotting towards us but<br />the stag soon rounded her up!<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_p930kVuvybtyo7rZKBR7AxVeQtZHRDvgfD_gTnTalKLidOSuR1mY_HqvKKRODmb7FFYvgUBPPcI9pejOkq0uDNfc9BHWdkYvU85qzIuQbW_O9fkp2GCJCrPPKqAeqaIOrNPOztTKNILM/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1165" data-original-width="2048" height="364" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_p930kVuvybtyo7rZKBR7AxVeQtZHRDvgfD_gTnTalKLidOSuR1mY_HqvKKRODmb7FFYvgUBPPcI9pejOkq0uDNfc9BHWdkYvU85qzIuQbW_O9fkp2GCJCrPPKqAeqaIOrNPOztTKNILM/w640-h364/IMG_3434.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And he was quite a big boy with a magnificent pair of .............antlers</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx4zlSIE-mfTrzjUj9H__6C0oKy1WnWtEsdmTU-OOkCCMOk5f_M9tYU2bdOj2xsMvr92nN6fPRfSsZ538e0CNZjwzAP2YPRrMORWAFXnHbWf5ABAFSFyLQ8sJwJWl-QasM0C1mAM_sXFgD/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1816" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx4zlSIE-mfTrzjUj9H__6C0oKy1WnWtEsdmTU-OOkCCMOk5f_M9tYU2bdOj2xsMvr92nN6fPRfSsZ538e0CNZjwzAP2YPRrMORWAFXnHbWf5ABAFSFyLQ8sJwJWl-QasM0C1mAM_sXFgD/w568-h640/IMG_3433.JPG" width="568" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And maybe a pair of something else he was putting to good use!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0zINr0AgTTGJZLI21bLZHpGlC3fHmTg0OjsdE1K684ffwNr0sciFCcNHr7C6TfcXld5r_2xJLlcArmZA1GmeeAkbcMfClZfrfpwN4aCe1BiA80F-vkFDOyNc7Cgec-rY2srFENwv7K5v6/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0zINr0AgTTGJZLI21bLZHpGlC3fHmTg0OjsdE1K684ffwNr0sciFCcNHr7C6TfcXld5r_2xJLlcArmZA1GmeeAkbcMfClZfrfpwN4aCe1BiA80F-vkFDOyNc7Cgec-rY2srFENwv7K5v6/w640-h480/IMG_3432.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A few more of his harem <br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>So in the end our trip was well worthwhile, but after watching for a while we continued on our way to the quieter side of the reserve where we sat overlooking the tidal mud flats where all manner of water fowl were feeding. </div><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRTv9dIYhodkY4Uhvklj5gPYWdLiq1jv6d5ZQqu6c5LuOfp7gFAICaOh6u7TGdqwZ8zbL7AHTkN6X1TdjkIT2-ERQxL3a19C-nvqLJQQ01KGN0nAUmzyrRxTk8gRJ7hElqR1WxH-Bkbp7c/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRTv9dIYhodkY4Uhvklj5gPYWdLiq1jv6d5ZQqu6c5LuOfp7gFAICaOh6u7TGdqwZ8zbL7AHTkN6X1TdjkIT2-ERQxL3a19C-nvqLJQQ01KGN0nAUmzyrRxTk8gRJ7hElqR1WxH-Bkbp7c/w640-h480/IMG_3447.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table>It proved to be a lovely peaceful place to sit and sip our coffee and much mince pies while watching avocets, shell ducks, herons and many others. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Sunday 17th October 2021 โ โ ๐๐๐๐โ โ </div><div><br /></div><div>Well, because we'd done nothing towards getting ready to leave yesterday it needed to be action stations this morning. However, our onward journey was only going to take about 40 minuets so we didn't have to rush too much. As usual I packed inside while John got things organised outside, then we whipped our awning down and packed the car. Then it was back into the van for brunch......... and after that we sat twiddling our thumbs waiting for the clock to tick round to about 12 ish before we left! </div><div><br /></div><div>Why 12 ish, well the CCC campsite we were heading for at Verwood wouldn't allow us on site until after 1pm, so as we didn't want to be waiting about in lay-bys etc we had to ensure our timing was right. </div><div><br /></div><div>And it mostly was! We arrived at 12.50 and by 1 we were pitching up right next to the ready erected tents and that's perfect for when our kids and grand-kids come to join us for half term. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG2dXZMtbbZLHtv5FjW2Iiw3dQujUWUmyDVvVZCZsfWZdpj92E0D741md8VGZ2eVaCMprK4dk_cGS10pByuwLY0NnV2uh3q0tJ8NSQWFxCr6M9DZbqPiHW_doqwficKaSrXFCrG7ohRl2C/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="503" data-original-width="1600" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG2dXZMtbbZLHtv5FjW2Iiw3dQujUWUmyDVvVZCZsfWZdpj92E0D741md8VGZ2eVaCMprK4dk_cGS10pByuwLY0NnV2uh3q0tJ8NSQWFxCr6M9DZbqPiHW_doqwficKaSrXFCrG7ohRl2C/w640-h202/WhatsApp+Image+2021-10-17+at+13.27.12.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Now we're all settled in for the next 15 nights and all we have to do is keep our fingers crossed that the weather is kind to us for at least some of the time. </div><div><br /></div><div>See you soon ๐</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?hl=en&mid=1tG7G55azXmNAvv09V4MjcDksouY&ll=50.729358192478784%2C-2.3590893507812405&z=11">Click here to see our last camping spot</a></div><div><a href="https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?hl=en&mid=1tG7G55azXmNAvv09V4MjcDksouY&ll=50.8866791722527%2C-1.906215350000009&z=17">Click here to see our present camping spot</a><br /></div><div><p></p></div>Linda Varneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10023578343265888742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8250550279331493077.post-58136867155164778342021-10-10T16:22:00.000+01:002021-10-10T16:22:57.268+01:00Wareham Forest Tourist Park - Days 22 - 28 of our Autumn/Winter Tour <p><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><b>Wareham Forest Tourist Park - Days 22 - 28 of our Autumn/Winter Tour </b><p></p><p>Monday 4th October 2021 ๐ซ๏ธโ๏ธโ๏ธโ๏ธ๐ง๏ธ๐ง๏ธ โโโโ</p><p>Today was one of those days when we didn't quite know what to do with ourselves! When we pulled back our blinds our views were obscured by misty murk and we hadn't made any sort of plan for the day. However, yesterday John's phone screen died โฐ and as the phone was only 11 months old we decided to try our luck and take it back to Argos which meant a trip into Poole. Unfortunately all they could offer was to send it to be repaired which could take up to 3 weeks so now we're just keeping everything crossed that we get it back before we leave the area. </p><p>After that we did a bit of shopping around Poole before returning to the van to finally complete The Lion King!</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidejUVSDqKB-NwoX-cryyAFAfXHLX-77pn_tz-IKJxGKs_eTgDtEhSiuEToD7M-dfSlmcBI2H882NtHHsU0CLDdWomkuPeW3uzEpXCnjGycFQD789gzakQaQlB8l9SFAAWlJgKMxnMDCfd/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1359" data-original-width="2048" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidejUVSDqKB-NwoX-cryyAFAfXHLX-77pn_tz-IKJxGKs_eTgDtEhSiuEToD7M-dfSlmcBI2H882NtHHsU0CLDdWomkuPeW3uzEpXCnjGycFQD789gzakQaQlB8l9SFAAWlJgKMxnMDCfd/w640-h424/IMG_3246.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /></div>Tuesday 5th October 2021 โ โโโโ โ โโ<p></p><p>Now, before I tell you about our day I'll just tell you about our night! And we can do that because we were awake for most of it listening to the torrential rain and howling winds that buffeted us and flooded our awning! It absolutely pelted down for a good few hours, and when we got up in the morning it was to find muddy stains over the awning carpet and also tide lines on the car and caravan tyres. Luckily it never got deeper than a few inches and really we're not complaining cos no proper harm was done!</p><p>So after a bit of a late start we toddled of to the RSPB's site at nearby Arne again and braved the strong winds as we walked along the trails from where we managed to spot a huge group of Avocets and several Curlews 'fishing' on the sandbanks.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZiQRj_a1mNwcb6h0c_TYIBpHuwFCFIhnDzSztoN8KSoZSrt2LOCp3rQrAwOeE0yweLnmRR00mbO3zgCVpSw572RgRF9RBToEWMTAzaJP3iqio21xKaCRTsowhxCIkKElqEmttcNZw6NDW/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1054" data-original-width="2048" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZiQRj_a1mNwcb6h0c_TYIBpHuwFCFIhnDzSztoN8KSoZSrt2LOCp3rQrAwOeE0yweLnmRR00mbO3zgCVpSw572RgRF9RBToEWMTAzaJP3iqio21xKaCRTsowhxCIkKElqEmttcNZw6NDW/w640-h330/IMG_3249.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiit_wBHDBsRdN1I6Str4uPrqK_3xUrJOSFeuuW38O7NXt913vPVsfGOFmajaqMLworr7SgnuGSc5uPRXkz26KZwrcAFlKyKXwMEfWQeDqcXnsRXJhEYHRddMeOmlgHllaJz_VEV8hbYKb6/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1163" data-original-width="2048" height="364" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiit_wBHDBsRdN1I6Str4uPrqK_3xUrJOSFeuuW38O7NXt913vPVsfGOFmajaqMLworr7SgnuGSc5uPRXkz26KZwrcAFlKyKXwMEfWQeDqcXnsRXJhEYHRddMeOmlgHllaJz_VEV8hbYKb6/w640-h364/IMG_3250.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Even these chaps were getting their tail feathers ruffled!</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>However, because it was so windy we soon took refuge in the huge hide that overlooks parts of Poole Harbour and once settled in their John set up his 'twitchers' scope through which we spotted a deer and a kestrel at a distance of about 350 yards</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6HSE6aXVpI-zxEobFOOgi6soeZGwgpO91PliN49jJSAJik6RKE1Z07T4faskwY7-DQU-LlGvTZUwDGCwqGViycf7FHUXUE8Q_UWYQNP02L-YvWMVfrMxPFjj7y9peLEtob9eRFtI33y43/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1741" data-original-width="2048" height="545" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6HSE6aXVpI-zxEobFOOgi6soeZGwgpO91PliN49jJSAJik6RKE1Z07T4faskwY7-DQU-LlGvTZUwDGCwqGViycf7FHUXUE8Q_UWYQNP02L-YvWMVfrMxPFjj7y9peLEtob9eRFtI33y43/w640-h545/IMG_3261.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I didn't manage to catch the kestrel but my new Compact Canon camera with it's x80 zoom lens<br />captured this lovely image - who needs fancy lenses๐<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOO8SAYdIBHpudOJkJgOP3oXGWTgRzds6fVTYuJoBJiOMvnpJinzgqDll7dsLfGsT44hKGo3NPd8gjYab7vZnilPIGvhPxia73v26_ahcwL7_QcKGAUSq4PtXXZ_s0YyM6UKxR7EsQdoai/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2004" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOO8SAYdIBHpudOJkJgOP3oXGWTgRzds6fVTYuJoBJiOMvnpJinzgqDll7dsLfGsT44hKGo3NPd8gjYab7vZnilPIGvhPxia73v26_ahcwL7_QcKGAUSq4PtXXZ_s0YyM6UKxR7EsQdoai/w627-h640/IMG_3254.JPG" width="627" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I've also been practising taking pics through the scope lens but <br />I don't think I've quite perfected that yet!<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>After we'd done at the reserve we nipped back into Wareham and managed to walk into a local chemist for our flu jabs before visiting a local highly recommended butcher for a few treats for tomorrow. <p></p><p>Wednesday 6th October 2021 โ โ ๐๐โ ๐๐</p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">๐ถ<span style="color: #e06666;">Happy Birthday to me๐ถ 21 x 3 + a little bit ๐ ๐ถ</span></span></b></p><p><span><span>So for my special day we decided to have a special outing and for that we chose the Coastal Path (and National Trust car park) that can be found high up above the very beautiful Ringstead Bay Beach. The path from there leads along part of the Jurassic Coast, and eventually on to Durdle Door, and right from the minute we parked our car the views were stunning.</span></span></p><p><span><span></span></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgenyDricF6bq9QR7gpNDO2OG_T2XrDmyzPLFtWnQR6XtrLfL8uCHBzMVBY5nQWT1WzN8oTsSmFMCew9arFcQkodD1a3MCkeC5WTd83a3P-kjSdDheLp6FpnegNlj8YxVq6NkVWOWorKSPU/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgenyDricF6bq9QR7gpNDO2OG_T2XrDmyzPLFtWnQR6XtrLfL8uCHBzMVBY5nQWT1WzN8oTsSmFMCew9arFcQkodD1a3MCkeC5WTd83a3P-kjSdDheLp6FpnegNlj8YxVq6NkVWOWorKSPU/w640-h480/IMG_3266.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking left towards Portland </td></tr></tbody></table><span><span><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTlxe_CHQa4e4T0nUG8TJ6g1KSaD3sC7vIlvCe4WV8y0EkODnNj_ukvy2Ieur_G1YHLF_jcREQtrrW6trsu1wuuySSp1eyUY-kFkjwzY7oEwiZ2WqWr-iPajS9Ajpr1aAJicgE1MU4N6DV/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTlxe_CHQa4e4T0nUG8TJ6g1KSaD3sC7vIlvCe4WV8y0EkODnNj_ukvy2Ieur_G1YHLF_jcREQtrrW6trsu1wuuySSp1eyUY-kFkjwzY7oEwiZ2WqWr-iPajS9Ajpr1aAJicgE1MU4N6DV/w640-h480/IMG_3267.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And right towards Weymouth<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>We started our walk by heading steeply down hill towards Ringstead's shingle beach but just before we reached it we turned off and headed along a path that would soon lead us onto the Coastal Path proper, and from that vantage point we enjoyed magnificent views back over Ringstead Beach!</span></span><p></p><p><span><span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span><span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV0RD4eVJghPZoANPEx02B26fwrxUI-IGpGCfoL7ZWa2SlPNg519zZILt24z3FQVlpHhO-HM7u9c4tXvoVlZUKUEY6jal414Vpx0oMS-DjmuPVNp0-E2MXuIZq119zoXWiKCvsYTS_WZ3A/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV0RD4eVJghPZoANPEx02B26fwrxUI-IGpGCfoL7ZWa2SlPNg519zZILt24z3FQVlpHhO-HM7u9c4tXvoVlZUKUEY6jal414Vpx0oMS-DjmuPVNp0-E2MXuIZq119zoXWiKCvsYTS_WZ3A/w640-h480/IMG_3277.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></span></div><p><span><span>The path we were following also led us past relics left behind from World War 2 in the form of a bunker that was part of a former radar station called RAF Ringstead.</span></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span><span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitEOlavKxJsGGaxwkADASELNOQJY9uLIDHYLgn3wkSz5nTIFI6l409N2cQqQ_08mQtPrrOaWMIZSNsZLvtScHc2BwsMXpFJojh_qDb5SUsSiYH7mAaWQvngFOuxMQr_biEEExjg0kpZxio/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitEOlavKxJsGGaxwkADASELNOQJY9uLIDHYLgn3wkSz5nTIFI6l409N2cQqQ_08mQtPrrOaWMIZSNsZLvtScHc2BwsMXpFJojh_qDb5SUsSiYH7mAaWQvngFOuxMQr_biEEExjg0kpZxio/w640-h480/IMG_3274.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></span></div><span><span><br /><div>And from there it didn't take us long before we were heading towards Nothe Cliff which apparently got it's name because of a nose like shape in the chalk that gleams in the sunshine - to be honest we couldn't quite make it out! </div></span></span><p></p><p><span><span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span><span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfEFCu_-yiW4sUhIR_0dGIDuSIORjouxt50robW7m9LpjWIjnN0a5oHI7H85G30bL0AqKuLZa6iHdZes7WyT-NxBrr85vuEeWZV3ixtNxRC-4IjNvvsAKYqPyzxcUMfcmzYq5IALyjStF2/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfEFCu_-yiW4sUhIR_0dGIDuSIORjouxt50robW7m9LpjWIjnN0a5oHI7H85G30bL0AqKuLZa6iHdZes7WyT-NxBrr85vuEeWZV3ixtNxRC-4IjNvvsAKYqPyzxcUMfcmzYq5IALyjStF2/w640-h480/IMG_3278+%25281%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></span></div><p></p><p>Then came Burning Cliff which was so named after a landslip in 1826 which was caused by a chemical reaction due to the oil in the shale - the info boards told us the resulting fire smouldered for years. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQZf8kJ3c40jHoVlv1xPBzrHeKmdM6JIOyZ5f-6OoOontLBBDbNWsQzzO9xKnRdCCMKQ42WVc9znGNl0ZCghCJ08csV6AIvExt9KS31HcfyDZ2jkcBCsB8XMbENbghRMdCPqWuXZQyDor1/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQZf8kJ3c40jHoVlv1xPBzrHeKmdM6JIOyZ5f-6OoOontLBBDbNWsQzzO9xKnRdCCMKQ42WVc9znGNl0ZCghCJ08csV6AIvExt9KS31HcfyDZ2jkcBCsB8XMbENbghRMdCPqWuXZQyDor1/w640-h480/IMG_3282.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span><span>Then onwards we went over gently undulating paths, but as we neared Durdle Door a huge amount of effort was required because the undulations in the path became deep and extremely steep in places.</span></span><div><br /><div><span><span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVYaijMuVNzJ2lzc7hISLLPv9dVwFF2r9x56sG1G54vhcW_bxL6VgxTxyVncGUU3fNko2Ui-1ZDOu213_u9uad8OmvTfG3wdjEoHBgA0ptiP8cFfKNpEBNEPOr5RXVRLgLwnRo__1PjCef/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVYaijMuVNzJ2lzc7hISLLPv9dVwFF2r9x56sG1G54vhcW_bxL6VgxTxyVncGUU3fNko2Ui-1ZDOu213_u9uad8OmvTfG3wdjEoHBgA0ptiP8cFfKNpEBNEPOr5RXVRLgLwnRo__1PjCef/w640-h480/IMG_3283.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Maybe the depths of this chasm was the place called 'Scratchy Bottom' - we were never quite sure!</span></span></div><div><span><span><br /></span></span></div><div><span><span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL8t12x-9Wt0JVOqp_65mI3SPE606T9yUje8nk5Pn-eaT33M4rs3Mmbr7qg9iFx21N8xdJIfZi3vu6-U8WvpsHQnZD7XgwIjCnaa3mEVkl2AgALP0kTNqvYuhD2CzbLEUqFewmR5goITcU/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL8t12x-9Wt0JVOqp_65mI3SPE606T9yUje8nk5Pn-eaT33M4rs3Mmbr7qg9iFx21N8xdJIfZi3vu6-U8WvpsHQnZD7XgwIjCnaa3mEVkl2AgALP0kTNqvYuhD2CzbLEUqFewmR5goITcU/w640-h480/IMG_3280.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />But all the effort was well worth it! We sat and picnicked overlooking Durdle Door, and in the very warm sunshine I couldn't think of anywhere else I'd rather have been on my birthday๐ <br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVMvAxfzYwOCAeQs4NjpGR2MrITZVdR2Q6zVsWAfBy3GHiFWf6vmDNZuDQ8DvuMiPFx-KNk8-84SRN_RtqBjhQyBlKiw1TL4UkJEqhnpdx4qYl4U5z9pjVvrMFL1Sj-QzoetC4V6gUp3w0/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVMvAxfzYwOCAeQs4NjpGR2MrITZVdR2Q6zVsWAfBy3GHiFWf6vmDNZuDQ8DvuMiPFx-KNk8-84SRN_RtqBjhQyBlKiw1TL4UkJEqhnpdx4qYl4U5z9pjVvrMFL1Sj-QzoetC4V6gUp3w0/w640-h480/IMG_3288.JPG" width="640" /></a></div></span></span><p><span><span>Our walk back took us over even high ground with still more fantastic views, and when we got back to the car we got our little chairs out and sat sipping coffee while we watched the sun lowering over Chisel Beach. </span></span></p><p><span><span>Finally, and well before the sun had sunk beyond the horizon, we were homeward bound for a feast of Dorset Lamb along with a well earned drop of ๐ท๐ท- a perfect end to a lovely day!</span></span></p><p>Thursday 7th October 2021 ๐ซ๏ธโ๏ธโ๏ธโ๏ธโ โโโ</p><p>Another misty murky start today so we decided to get our chores done (shopping) and then go out after lunch to visit the National Trust's Kingston Lacey. We probably wouldn't normally have gone there because the admission price was quite steep at ยฃ18 each, but once again we were able to take advantage of our newly acquired National Trust membership and zoom past the entrance kiosk without having to cough up anything more๐. </p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEismtQxZaS4RrkT2w1zoSQlm0grLYl-vRSHqYJOP5FRmFctRF0fqORsoOgivTfjKLd7k8RLf-Do_aNFMHgbNni2JriXSaZIE5GIx_gpv9cE5OtpW_vTj7T0wyGYNWe3LBjX4UtY6VWAyLbL/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEismtQxZaS4RrkT2w1zoSQlm0grLYl-vRSHqYJOP5FRmFctRF0fqORsoOgivTfjKLd7k8RLf-Do_aNFMHgbNni2JriXSaZIE5GIx_gpv9cE5OtpW_vTj7T0wyGYNWe3LBjX4UtY6VWAyLbL/w640-h480/IMG_3293.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two Lions guarding the entrance to the House </td></tr></tbody></table><p>Kingston Lacy and it's estate along with Corfe Castle was bequeathed to the National Trust in 1982 following the death of it's previous owner Ralph Banks. Then between 1982 and 1985 huge restoration work took place before it was finally opened to the public in 1986. </p><p>Once in we could have gone into the house but the last entrance for that was at 2.45 so we hadn't really got time, therefore we settled for the lovely formal gardens and then we extended our walk by circumnavigating the sites perimeter. </p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUY_MXhiiySaRu0vkXZChlxHJuKwWipo28gH4VfzOdpLQJj8owVOIwRfYdezotjaQjLuJm6lXELhQQpMAarpP4zICuktT19lpkiZKeW1ZUQSXbyn_Os-fvlg2Iz7IaXJV2UB66rpEgy6EB/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUY_MXhiiySaRu0vkXZChlxHJuKwWipo28gH4VfzOdpLQJj8owVOIwRfYdezotjaQjLuJm6lXELhQQpMAarpP4zICuktT19lpkiZKeW1ZUQSXbyn_Os-fvlg2Iz7IaXJV2UB66rpEgy6EB/w640-h480/IMG_3294.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At first glance we thought it was a rose garden at the front of the house but no, <br />the blooms were dahlias </td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh481kVPEiK42didTkWW5FT__pj5HnmHxYhceg89pNZ0fkypxhsQNckjVVjUbmEBhf7hU9zbuMdo2pV2ywjveMSRKTgr4B96sKyd7TmHpiouSWoxQGajKMxyl3gDDjq9-uK4xKLyUcxSA3O/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh481kVPEiK42didTkWW5FT__pj5HnmHxYhceg89pNZ0fkypxhsQNckjVVjUbmEBhf7hU9zbuMdo2pV2ywjveMSRKTgr4B96sKyd7TmHpiouSWoxQGajKMxyl3gDDjq9-uK4xKLyUcxSA3O/" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A small part of the formal garden</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgf2gJ7CTsnhj58cjzd6ITGsiKpKrOAg9PmfiVLI8gOaZz27MaJhMYNM0SDvOGlljIyyLOyINseAwHKgvAW31Tww4mP6B9tqWOYXv1MosVT1fB6tS3eQr64U7y0FQMwvnZXG8P3BbvR5Zl/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgf2gJ7CTsnhj58cjzd6ITGsiKpKrOAg9PmfiVLI8gOaZz27MaJhMYNM0SDvOGlljIyyLOyINseAwHKgvAW31Tww4mP6B9tqWOYXv1MosVT1fB6tS3eQr64U7y0FQMwvnZXG8P3BbvR5Zl/w640-h480/IMG_3296.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Part of the Acer Glade</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6mOQocMtBNE0W9u39ahkRwHVPGHt5nlOrzz5Ahc10KCTOB0L4ibhLDbXhzXBUjhlErjjPOO_Eb5RhDIjRTFJMJhv7UC0-ly72uBt7UWAjCJxp1UX8S3kics_kTdt13GGsuoB4PElFe9jQ/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6mOQocMtBNE0W9u39ahkRwHVPGHt5nlOrzz5Ahc10KCTOB0L4ibhLDbXhzXBUjhlErjjPOO_Eb5RhDIjRTFJMJhv7UC0-ly72uBt7UWAjCJxp1UX8S3kics_kTdt13GGsuoB4PElFe9jQ/w640-h480/IMG_3298.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Japanese Garden</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrCgvKw3KXe0574KHmJWcHyIsfz2XhBjH36tecC3q8MBoxK3hV460n4w8Mced-hwguRId2QEqKdK6bITLAl7ykLtSIctIN_e98qHwTKeT_xo5O4vfOgjTsA1bej3g-wlGfYutmSAQE7w1I/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrCgvKw3KXe0574KHmJWcHyIsfz2XhBjH36tecC3q8MBoxK3hV460n4w8Mced-hwguRId2QEqKdK6bITLAl7ykLtSIctIN_e98qHwTKeT_xo5O4vfOgjTsA1bej3g-wlGfYutmSAQE7w1I/w640-h480/IMG_3303.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Ceder Avenue<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>There were also lots of other parts to the Garden but I've got far to many pics to show you them all - I've got to save a bit of space to show you some of the woodland part of our walk! </div><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNw3SD2b1Oxmdcj-ZWmx85eTphi84uMONASODxmpGxgCY204JTCxKV14hT0nVgPBZczD-Kylf5AcktRygwujAZJo62PLjHqEip265j060Jk0MUQJoG7SMrmf41n_Bn3lY7p8c79_I8dwkl/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1035" data-original-width="3039" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNw3SD2b1Oxmdcj-ZWmx85eTphi84uMONASODxmpGxgCY204JTCxKV14hT0nVgPBZczD-Kylf5AcktRygwujAZJo62PLjHqEip265j060Jk0MUQJoG7SMrmf41n_Bn3lY7p8c79_I8dwkl/w640-h218/IMG_3301.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of the Ruby Red Devon Cattle who have made their home here for many years.<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbZ5AH0zEk_OIgDFiHg74hvgdcPVD5mQjHp6hHSc4mcZfu6MnJRj7fWrEZT8YowjvtbRmf19h270IvNqh9LWUpYunF7F__ZtQqr0ZqfFUo1UmGtWVNM2zBRq4A9bNOLzw6MkAZfPboBSAB/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbZ5AH0zEk_OIgDFiHg74hvgdcPVD5mQjHp6hHSc4mcZfu6MnJRj7fWrEZT8YowjvtbRmf19h270IvNqh9LWUpYunF7F__ZtQqr0ZqfFUo1UmGtWVNM2zBRq4A9bNOLzw6MkAZfPboBSAB/w640-h480/IMG_3302.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A massive spider in a tangle web<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFXPbV2aZdOv8yAgBxD5So7H6zixecUDAsrCa9X7DDKi1lcdKKtUHft3zQYhV3Q6O9IB3B5T6CRU2TRi7elsGoVc_2QWz-p9YsXqV99q7eZWZPoekWWfo9D5a6PyXDl5tUiE53bdoMcc86/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1236" data-original-width="2544" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFXPbV2aZdOv8yAgBxD5So7H6zixecUDAsrCa9X7DDKi1lcdKKtUHft3zQYhV3Q6O9IB3B5T6CRU2TRi7elsGoVc_2QWz-p9YsXqV99q7eZWZPoekWWfo9D5a6PyXDl5tUiE53bdoMcc86/w640-h310/IMG_3308.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And a very timid Roe Deer that I zoomed in on!</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Friday 8th October 2021 โโ๐๐๐โ โ โ <p></p><p>Today's destination was Weymouth mostly with the intention of visiting the RSPB's Radipole Lake and Lodmoor nature reserve which lie at either end of the town. However, during our visit we also planned to promenade along Weymouth's prom and also lunch on fish ๐and chips ๐ฟ (couldn't find a chip emoji so a chipmunk had to do๐)</p><p>Now, in the RSPB book Radipole is made out to be the better of the two sites, but to be honest ,we thought it all looked a bit neglected with overgrown reed beds that obscured most of the views that might have shown any creatures on the water! Maybe it was done in the name of re-wilding but either way it didn't float our boat! However, if you look hard enough there's always something to see - John spotted a kingfisher but he was to quick for me to snap!</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Xr5rrWJGotknKEC5qqfQfpPHC3tImMWQJi39PAhXGN7GAZD3RAdu6U8S5MOhjTc0Ok-WRet7H2SUYmH0NmImdrXaq1LP6IX7eqMisL9aGts42y6iS16-WBRbYq8g7VPs0K7gnX9314gk/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Xr5rrWJGotknKEC5qqfQfpPHC3tImMWQJi39PAhXGN7GAZD3RAdu6U8S5MOhjTc0Ok-WRet7H2SUYmH0NmImdrXaq1LP6IX7eqMisL9aGts42y6iS16-WBRbYq8g7VPs0K7gnX9314gk/w640-h480/IMG_3311.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Additionally we spotted a Red Admiral sipping nectar </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmH4jwkJkve_lfA69AtN6rAUJ4A3MwXqCX6xQyNuFYC-xgB8tsVJYNL8pwGgUB8KqGoRerM1trGBcWI7RFR23r8EdrTgP0JW7SxsqdEyKSou057jZndMND8iNh7ySsRTLSOm99OKdGHaie/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmH4jwkJkve_lfA69AtN6rAUJ4A3MwXqCX6xQyNuFYC-xgB8tsVJYNL8pwGgUB8KqGoRerM1trGBcWI7RFR23r8EdrTgP0JW7SxsqdEyKSou057jZndMND8iNh7ySsRTLSOm99OKdGHaie/w640-h480/IMG_3314.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Cormorant drying his wings<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGr6B2j9YP_7KqppJ4tM8Vt2e1FXmTQh6s1L0tAj1OnNmD9Uvt3zB8RYSKMsrCDXQPYtqZMuYpppUI15pO73V8NaDOAPegd_ySrAhJ8LogPDGXfO_5DaAc962O_ohincm5A0V7iPfwloRp/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGr6B2j9YP_7KqppJ4tM8Vt2e1FXmTQh6s1L0tAj1OnNmD9Uvt3zB8RYSKMsrCDXQPYtqZMuYpppUI15pO73V8NaDOAPegd_ySrAhJ8LogPDGXfO_5DaAc962O_ohincm5A0V7iPfwloRp/w640-h480/IMG_3316.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And a Gold Finch scoffing Aldder Berries for his lunch<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>From there we pottered onto the sea front and obtained our fish and chips from what seemed to be the one and only shop available, and after they'd been consumed ๐ we promenaded along the prom as we headed towards Lodmoor<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN-J_TgrZru2xyx3DmlH8avP7eYj_0b_s7VJrk4FPei9DLPy3571n9FzyN3Xzf2qNglisZcUt3jokILJ02FtfJWtQnTTJADiW95TuWU4jG4IN0lmkxgljvzo9euubPHutV0bk4pvQxqvvT/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1421" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN-J_TgrZru2xyx3DmlH8avP7eYj_0b_s7VJrk4FPei9DLPy3571n9FzyN3Xzf2qNglisZcUt3jokILJ02FtfJWtQnTTJADiW95TuWU4jG4IN0lmkxgljvzo9euubPHutV0bk4pvQxqvvT/w445-h640/IMG_3317.JPG" width="445" /></a></div><br />And as we went we passed by the free standing clock tower that has graced Weymouth's Esplanade since 1888 when it was erected to commemorate the Golden jubilee of Queen Victoria. <p></p><p>Then on reaching the lanes and lakes of Lodmoor there was much more to see! </p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAah3ayNuMIlZ6J-AwWrYhrGDRdxc7R-bdAmv1-w6zDcKQbIMXemARjusuhGV_69nhibRwRD2O918Ccqf9FUxV_0F0olu84yZF7cZB9s39kkpmzeAOSm5-G1OOa8E2ba0ArizYeR-6ZMf7/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAah3ayNuMIlZ6J-AwWrYhrGDRdxc7R-bdAmv1-w6zDcKQbIMXemARjusuhGV_69nhibRwRD2O918Ccqf9FUxV_0F0olu84yZF7cZB9s39kkpmzeAOSm5-G1OOa8E2ba0ArizYeR-6ZMf7/w640-h480/IMG_3319.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lodmoor's main lake</td></tr></tbody></table><br />We spotted lots of ducks geese and gulls, along with herons, egrets and lapwings, but our most rare sighting was a couple of Godwits grazing in the shallows<p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvN5H3av6XdOJFvp11-Gt4z8YrYqjryF0yXiv0zLJY2XOpuLc22ovX-rwSgGPZ4OOeYZhDNxxe831PfzGLs37cozbS4TJ4zhN5XMwvt-KAAQGBMQTo_w-FwszdQ3KYWJoVoaFuuvn_AjVs/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1131" data-original-width="2048" height="353" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvN5H3av6XdOJFvp11-Gt4z8YrYqjryF0yXiv0zLJY2XOpuLc22ovX-rwSgGPZ4OOeYZhDNxxe831PfzGLs37cozbS4TJ4zhN5XMwvt-KAAQGBMQTo_w-FwszdQ3KYWJoVoaFuuvn_AjVs/" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Lapwing</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPN9zrN9jYUL-OiSYhGGzhHQpP8ifu78dISiC0AqXuwR4-PX8ue1uB2dcBX-y4kH2dy1gAULrX8SwmPqXyfCpFG5dvyYx_k9oHQgIo_VP_2-BXrStnFloukFUps0Pob-NZp-Y9YVL_dzuy/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPN9zrN9jYUL-OiSYhGGzhHQpP8ifu78dISiC0AqXuwR4-PX8ue1uB2dcBX-y4kH2dy1gAULrX8SwmPqXyfCpFG5dvyYx_k9oHQgIo_VP_2-BXrStnFloukFUps0Pob-NZp-Y9YVL_dzuy/w640-h480/IMG_3325.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Godwit </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgETb2Efz0nI9usJCB7B64sRv6tmGw67Vyw7n4bxaAlFLTF4iZgsIA6eVA20k-hYUFo2SMFyhD82WL_M-hsJX43HNvBCLniLzILXjUzhOIahzKKtT5AxWZAEITY96umxlK3GBKJmhsUbp51/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgETb2Efz0nI9usJCB7B64sRv6tmGw67Vyw7n4bxaAlFLTF4iZgsIA6eVA20k-hYUFo2SMFyhD82WL_M-hsJX43HNvBCLniLzILXjUzhOIahzKKtT5AxWZAEITY96umxlK3GBKJmhsUbp51/w640-h480/IMG_3324.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And another Godwit (or is it the same one!)</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Saturday 9th October 2021 ๐ซ๏ธ๐ซ๏ธ๐ซ๏ธโ๏ธ๐๐๐<p></p></div></div><div>Another walk was on our itinerary for today, and our chosen destination for that was 9 Barrows Down in the Purbeck Hills. However, after a long climb up onto the ridge (from just outside Corfe Village) all we could see was a very big fat zilch because the mist was like a <span style="color: #6aa84f;">thick pea soup๐ฅฃ</span> at that time!</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2cU_VS4tg3fch7QyJS_dE2ImvIiCayBsoxdzDRRn0cH7Hwox1uxvP26RgEiZAY1wY4H22MI8KreRJTgqaPf1svpEh0UWrzRgrur2y9bf2KapbfHnLSefd09KVptTBWCGMoK2pSutO-aFE/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1729" data-original-width="2048" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2cU_VS4tg3fch7QyJS_dE2ImvIiCayBsoxdzDRRn0cH7Hwox1uxvP26RgEiZAY1wY4H22MI8KreRJTgqaPf1svpEh0UWrzRgrur2y9bf2KapbfHnLSefd09KVptTBWCGMoK2pSutO-aFE/w320-h270/IMG_3334.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ1C1vEbG90_FuY11G-yE3hqOBeRunlVDP0950bypICDneq7ToDm1pyA6LX_NnjEWS58TCzlZKD5iEGA1R48xUO5XxWhU-LFNyPP5k8NjtCbqApCrrtzzViKC45whFDnvLXG-h9_yDmr3K/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1769" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ1C1vEbG90_FuY11G-yE3hqOBeRunlVDP0950bypICDneq7ToDm1pyA6LX_NnjEWS58TCzlZKD5iEGA1R48xUO5XxWhU-LFNyPP5k8NjtCbqApCrrtzzViKC45whFDnvLXG-h9_yDmr3K/w276-h320/IMG_3335.JPG" width="276" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>However, soon after we reached the ridge the mist began to lift and it was just as if someone was rolling back a thick carpet to reveal the ghostly images of a jagged toothed Corfe Castle and Corfe village below us!</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_7DcuJM6NAQsDOLmA6Dg2npz77e3rn_Z0g8RPUVP12TjyudLaEXA5WmIefBnSx5hUnPA_ThJVxd-1kKXsSIelavnDl6ommenZZU4vj6DklpZTSK0xCGMpJs5qC-HvJ44DVIJBSu3sYOu2/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_7DcuJM6NAQsDOLmA6Dg2npz77e3rn_Z0g8RPUVP12TjyudLaEXA5WmIefBnSx5hUnPA_ThJVxd-1kKXsSIelavnDl6ommenZZU4vj6DklpZTSK0xCGMpJs5qC-HvJ44DVIJBSu3sYOu2/w640-h480/IMG_3333.JPG" width="640" /></a></div></div><br /><div>And it didn't take much more time before the sun managed to dispose of the rest of the mist and then we were able to enjoy it's warm rays as we went! </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0wgnAiHAUSN-cyvrY2SNUAgXV3sw3cbkXaIvuqWJpRaP0IH79w94kpDZOX_LVvWzdsBu5Vo8ebQFG6ujyiKsXfmPXvFSQ8UAq4qWJa2imE0U4jj1upxURlRuvm8rWyeRAnF8IirtiHkwv/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="525" data-original-width="844" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0wgnAiHAUSN-cyvrY2SNUAgXV3sw3cbkXaIvuqWJpRaP0IH79w94kpDZOX_LVvWzdsBu5Vo8ebQFG6ujyiKsXfmPXvFSQ8UAq4qWJa2imE0U4jj1upxURlRuvm8rWyeRAnF8IirtiHkwv/w640-h398/Screenshot+2021-10-10+at+14.57.24.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div>Along the way we met some more of the Ruby Red Dorset Moos and we also came across the Burial Mounds after which the Down is named!</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk1LU-N-7YvDU3X2bbm0tdx7KmtAqnjwzsFN5EosqRgJX9oNHCWv1_ZIgGeYs70W0Yt3dW6YgWLFhRhyphenhypheniIRKZrsQp7YkO2t6D3sxtEVZeiAiDM4WlVRyYZM4qn0GnwVr4tkorvOafD-5VE/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="380" data-original-width="818" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk1LU-N-7YvDU3X2bbm0tdx7KmtAqnjwzsFN5EosqRgJX9oNHCWv1_ZIgGeYs70W0Yt3dW6YgWLFhRhyphenhypheniIRKZrsQp7YkO2t6D3sxtEVZeiAiDM4WlVRyYZM4qn0GnwVr4tkorvOafD-5VE/w640-h298/Screenshot+2021-10-10+at+14.57.12.png" width="640" /></a></div><br />Then eventually Swanage came into site and this marked our turning back point! However, our 7 mile walk really hadn't taken very long so as it was only 1ish we decided to extend our outing by going into the town of Swanage for our picnic lunch. But now it was a warm sunny Saturday afternoon, so as you would imagine, it was rammed and finding a 'quiet spot' proved to be a bit difficult. Our first attempt at Peveril Point was thwarted but then we noticed that there were a vast number of unoccupied benches on the pier so we headed for there, and for a nominal fee of ยฃ1.50 each (for the pleasure of entering the pier) we enjoyed our sarnies while taking in the sea air!</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6nvJXM_m6-jl8VBv4Ew2KVahHn7aG174eyiwPrDpV7sF9FlV_ZczjIpwRKubg5xd8lWWukQpNEuZs-VL5ZLsyqQ-Ryx-QNQdldRjDC_38jCGx9seGtvCHNTnZEUchwDdJJ3iH8UVDPnZ_/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1668" data-original-width="2048" height="521" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6nvJXM_m6-jl8VBv4Ew2KVahHn7aG174eyiwPrDpV7sF9FlV_ZczjIpwRKubg5xd8lWWukQpNEuZs-VL5ZLsyqQ-Ryx-QNQdldRjDC_38jCGx9seGtvCHNTnZEUchwDdJJ3iH8UVDPnZ_/w640-h521/IMG_3338.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />While we were there we also watched divers diving directly from the pier and as we exited it we learnt why! It seems there are a large number of wrecks in the vicinity some of which date as far back as the late 1800's.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY2YoGLLULgTzKZb1vFfA1YozKLeLZLyYwTrK4EIfyGcKfUQYudoj02u3qKdKJ6ZlZMHSWkblQLuj-C2VeXMnMhMprHbKJ96wTTPZq9uq6goOOUZumHNTzRErAxzmD1FaIS3_VQdmm5rXS/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY2YoGLLULgTzKZb1vFfA1YozKLeLZLyYwTrK4EIfyGcKfUQYudoj02u3qKdKJ6ZlZMHSWkblQLuj-C2VeXMnMhMprHbKJ96wTTPZq9uq6goOOUZumHNTzRErAxzmD1FaIS3_VQdmm5rXS/w640-h480/IMG_3340.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Apparently a jar of Marmite was found on The Kyarra - it was in a ceramic pot with a lead lid! </div><div><br /></div><div>Sunday 10th October 2021 โโโ โ โ โ โ </div><div><br /></div><div>Well, after another busy week we decided to have an easy day today - a few cleaning chores, then Brunch and then another stroll around the local Sika trail. However, I was slightly tempted to make our Brunch of salmon and scrambled egg a little more interesting because almost right outside our door I found these beauties growing!</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir4o_WYWX9PBJudC4AQ5j3CEzuR8GLi8khLd07b_-plkeVxpa0ztxMMApfcuHjH-ylzAkgypJ9L_hx_uzhpRt31ez1Yx0KUh9WFzdmvv5YKOixawFT88DEt74uS0RA8NbGHezAyhfV1Gko/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir4o_WYWX9PBJudC4AQ5j3CEzuR8GLi8khLd07b_-plkeVxpa0ztxMMApfcuHjH-ylzAkgypJ9L_hx_uzhpRt31ez1Yx0KUh9WFzdmvv5YKOixawFT88DEt74uS0RA8NbGHezAyhfV1Gko/w640-h480/IMG_3342.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fly Agaric mushrooms or Amanita Muscaria<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>Don't worry, I never intended to use them but if I had we might have had a very strange day because I later learnt that when ingested they have intoxicating and hallucinogenic effects, but that additionally, for some people, the less appealing result of eating them may just be to cause excessive vomiting ๐คข๐คฎ ๐!</div></div><div><br /></div><div>Anyway, that's all for another edition so goodbye and take care ๐</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?hl=en&mid=1tG7G55azXmNAvv09V4MjcDksouY&ll=50.729358192478784%2C-2.3590893507812405&z=11">Click here to see our present camping spot</a></div>Linda Varneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10023578343265888742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8250550279331493077.post-14365339901111030132021-10-03T18:39:00.001+01:002021-10-07T17:20:11.810+01:00Wareham Forest Tourist Park - Days 15 - 21 of our Autumn/Winter Tour <p><b>Wareham Forest Tourist Park - Days 15 - 21 of our Autumn/Winter Tour </b></p><p>Monday 27th September 2021 ๐๐๐๐๐ โโ </p><p>Today we aimed our car towards The Purbeck Hills, but more specifically, at the National Trust's car park at Studland from where we planned to walk to Old Harry Rocks, and then on a bit further to the Obelisk. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG-481Illes2e9jGBHYD9CnS6gY8GYL3_cO2_2sNISxH_ETvSSH_zyCSzOnxPLL8gYrwhHPZDNV2eGQdfr2BmUvt0kKDc4mPlEn7OPZn1rk13FD-mzOUn__OXjKN_3MJwDASru2LTy9mkk/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG-481Illes2e9jGBHYD9CnS6gY8GYL3_cO2_2sNISxH_ETvSSH_zyCSzOnxPLL8gYrwhHPZDNV2eGQdfr2BmUvt0kKDc4mPlEn7OPZn1rk13FD-mzOUn__OXjKN_3MJwDASru2LTy9mkk/" width="640" /></a></div><br />Once there we coughed up our ยฃ5 parking fee and then paused to admire the wide sandy beach that stretched away from us in both directions before we pottered along deep sandy paths to find the entrance to the coastal path. Then it was upwards and onwards past several concrete structures that are relics from the war, and then out onto the more open cliffside from where we had fantastic views of Old Harry Rocks and almost the entirety of Studland Bay. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivhzjP1aoH7w5UTeMxhgN85ABx5zaBhcWU70ffPr6MiXJydtPUf8ztY5YOyPJOqwj4rdNL5AIAgxumvfC2Iej-8DefLgH8_2YKe9fQproUJUEPfYTmo5v9TPymII00N6w7mMAaSduxF03O/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivhzjP1aoH7w5UTeMxhgN85ABx5zaBhcWU70ffPr6MiXJydtPUf8ztY5YOyPJOqwj4rdNL5AIAgxumvfC2Iej-8DefLgH8_2YKe9fQproUJUEPfYTmo5v9TPymII00N6w7mMAaSduxF03O/w640-h480/IMG_3173.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />The Bay was gifted to the National Trust in 1981 by Henry Ralph Bankes as part of the estates of Kingston Lacey of Corfe Castle, and at the time it was the richest ever gift to the National Trust. The info boards told us that in the early 20th Century Ralph enjoyed summer holidays at Studland Bay with his sisters Daphne and Viola and his Mother Henrietta who was widowed when he was only 2 years old <p></p><p>Initially on our walk the Old Harry Rocks was somewhat hidden from our view by low bushes and stunted trees but after a bit more than a mile the white chalky rocks came into view in all their glory and we were able to watch the waves swashing through the 2 arches of the largest one. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnZJSgcj79foCn4gWBhxGJWCh9-DhrAudfZR__PoZCtWh74KloFRrXmYRJiLMsBTFZfXwdipvqdK8stcbwcJecduX4eAXJ1Ncdiaw_fOuEeECX3bmi7v8DqznudtMXqnJudw12TYQXQyPw/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnZJSgcj79foCn4gWBhxGJWCh9-DhrAudfZR__PoZCtWh74KloFRrXmYRJiLMsBTFZfXwdipvqdK8stcbwcJecduX4eAXJ1Ncdiaw_fOuEeECX3bmi7v8DqznudtMXqnJudw12TYQXQyPw/" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_WQtIN4H1FEj8zIfkCdoDKc5V8xmdJSq5GzAPwqbVL4WdFDFsQLZjc66TxYMcju-kNXBQVH1O614sYavwpY1CtlyNkSXPfPZYGIl62FW3gPvxhWbBGkNvJjnfvhwvpqk7kAin_QtlpoNR/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_WQtIN4H1FEj8zIfkCdoDKc5V8xmdJSq5GzAPwqbVL4WdFDFsQLZjc66TxYMcju-kNXBQVH1O614sYavwpY1CtlyNkSXPfPZYGIl62FW3gPvxhWbBGkNvJjnfvhwvpqk7kAin_QtlpoNR/" width="640" /></a></div><br />The rocks are made up of three chalk formations that include a stack and a stump, and are located at Handfast Point which is the most eastern point of the Jurassic Coast UNESCO World Heritage Site. And the name?? Well, as you would imagine there are various stories about how that came about. One legend tells how the Devil (who used to be called 'Old Harry') used to sleep on the rocks, and another suggests that the rocks were named after Harry Paye - a famous Poole pirate who used to hide his ship behind the rocks awaiting passing merchantmen. Then yet another tale tells how a Viking raid was thwarted by a storm and that one of the drowned was Earl Harold who was turned into a pillar of chalk!<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcsn99cfelapYCIvrPD0zSiLxYmwyE64csyKVsSPe7Yrln4YK0osKDJ3eb_fOgPa0RsqDR3kpsDWzh-sHHrIeKntb7z5hIn1yayknU0EddHDHxrH0Hkm9_ynbweAVzan0fGrSlC7ceTWLa/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcsn99cfelapYCIvrPD0zSiLxYmwyE64csyKVsSPe7Yrln4YK0osKDJ3eb_fOgPa0RsqDR3kpsDWzh-sHHrIeKntb7z5hIn1yayknU0EddHDHxrH0Hkm9_ynbweAVzan0fGrSlC7ceTWLa/" width="640" /></a></div><br />We sat and picnicked on a ledge overlooking the rocks and from our vantage point we could also look over and just make out the chalky cliffs and Needles of the Isle of White. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6ZKRP1Cv0iUmGnQY1SFE0lUwDB9yh8zvfBuKhPW4pupa3H4ZgC_VStkwMEWXfN2nHt63mmHKyW1JIWYqrIzGiP2k9EHyyYqM0uvcp-ct06_imoDLYQpQ0BVsXVBV9lkEze0dMIXG00Ex0/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6ZKRP1Cv0iUmGnQY1SFE0lUwDB9yh8zvfBuKhPW4pupa3H4ZgC_VStkwMEWXfN2nHt63mmHKyW1JIWYqrIzGiP2k9EHyyYqM0uvcp-ct06_imoDLYQpQ0BVsXVBV9lkEze0dMIXG00Ex0/w640-h480/IMG_3184.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Once fed and watered we set off again over Ballard Down and followed part of the Purbeck Way to the Obelisk which is a towering hexagonal monument. But at that point our walk turned into a bit of a battle because we were walking steeply uphill and directly into the strong wind - it almost felt like a natural CPAP ventilation machine as the powerful gusts forced the lovely Dorset sea air down into our lungs ๐. However, our distraction from that was the fantastic views that we were 'forced' to gaze at over Poole Harbour. <p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkHTYDD-DoPOjhk9Ye95u5cJBf2C04yvZRKxsl3ZLLkTEM3Lgy77yMoG2e9BF2GMwkajQtxbcL0iHkO3PuDLlJtCznxmrDTz3C0jQ9ISuZLUVsp1P4sx1U2Fhhj8kuFZpZG4eAdlp0zoqb/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkHTYDD-DoPOjhk9Ye95u5cJBf2C04yvZRKxsl3ZLLkTEM3Lgy77yMoG2e9BF2GMwkajQtxbcL0iHkO3PuDLlJtCznxmrDTz3C0jQ9ISuZLUVsp1P4sx1U2Fhhj8kuFZpZG4eAdlp0zoqb/w640-h480/IMG_3181.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Mouth of Poole Harbour</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBXG3amp2Gvcuf22rPHw_J5Y3s0ppYU-P2Gt0v2RUPNVc1Id0Uc_qHBemnB3SFTtmSUwk4hyPdBdrimnb69DzzgwLCi60sVmcd8yd1ULnEWet6_25gea4n9C4aD1gqRwPVL_nFfjfXIIZx/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBXG3amp2Gvcuf22rPHw_J5Y3s0ppYU-P2Gt0v2RUPNVc1Id0Uc_qHBemnB3SFTtmSUwk4hyPdBdrimnb69DzzgwLCi60sVmcd8yd1ULnEWet6_25gea4n9C4aD1gqRwPVL_nFfjfXIIZx/w640-h480/IMG_3182.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And some of the more than 14 square miles that it's waters cover!</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>Apparently Obelisks of this type often stand over important graves but this one was brought from London to commemorate the provision of a new water supply to Swanage in 1883. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM1okaslHt1hCWNgFnTcxwOszf2jhqo-fN-Kc5bE4NQ_Te6tBq2r7Mo2ed-qVLVlbyWOnCkjfengws51KB3ocyeg6eIIAnpv0OFw_iaJ8LYTaeh4RxMTqWbiAJjE55ZpZP6ZTc_VbfEmgz/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="506" data-original-width="826" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM1okaslHt1hCWNgFnTcxwOszf2jhqo-fN-Kc5bE4NQ_Te6tBq2r7Mo2ed-qVLVlbyWOnCkjfengws51KB3ocyeg6eIIAnpv0OFw_iaJ8LYTaeh4RxMTqWbiAJjE55ZpZP6ZTc_VbfEmgz/" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="text-align: left;">However, in 1941 (during WW2) it was taken down for fear that it might act as a navigation aid for enemy aircraft, but later in 1973 it was re-erected and is now a Grade II listed structure. </span></div><p></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir54aU7RuVK5eAlFWUCPsgdiN7e91LLpH6JMY-_aPK-gh5cPq7HLGOa0WYtGH9BB4QQ-2WgbboMxZgg1Ju5IJGN0j_xUykpg6H0UWK4NPQtPRy3VZACq8Okbg_1UgVa108VE7sbYnBu4ps/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5184" data-original-width="3888" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir54aU7RuVK5eAlFWUCPsgdiN7e91LLpH6JMY-_aPK-gh5cPq7HLGOa0WYtGH9BB4QQ-2WgbboMxZgg1Ju5IJGN0j_xUykpg6H0UWK4NPQtPRy3VZACq8Okbg_1UgVa108VE7sbYnBu4ps/w300-h400/IMG_3188.JPG" width="300" /></a></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiIp_aBIUGD8lhcFj9AKtEfs0MpRRYNdgNoMSSwdUNAHXnEHkk0PBpMJO99hxrjkPQtCvVW0VgZ-6csNtTSnyC57g2uYkmx5BqlYaqE1c5rvKZvGcB5cyZ_LKo3vYJ5eJhXzw5__uVcpzc/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5184" data-original-width="3888" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiIp_aBIUGD8lhcFj9AKtEfs0MpRRYNdgNoMSSwdUNAHXnEHkk0PBpMJO99hxrjkPQtCvVW0VgZ-6csNtTSnyC57g2uYkmx5BqlYaqE1c5rvKZvGcB5cyZ_LKo3vYJ5eJhXzw5__uVcpzc/w300-h400/IMG_3191.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>The Obelisk marked our turning back point and from there it was mostly downhill all the way back to the National Trust Visitors Centre, and as we went we debated whether or not to re-join the Trust. We've been members before but because we used to spend so much time abroad we let our membership lapse, but now because we're planning on staying within our own shores for the time being we decided it would offer us a lot more choice in things to see and do. </p><p><br /></p><p>Tuesday 28th September 2021 ๐ง๏ธ๐ง๏ธโ โ โ ๐ง๏ธ๐ง๏ธ๐ง๏ธ</p><p>Today started bleak and windy but by 10ish the sun was peeking out. However, the forecast for the afternoon was grim, so that, along with the issues concerning fuel shortages persuaded us to stay local for a walk and then to get a jigsaw our for our afternoons entertainment! </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRnOzQmLUMbpeSLtcdAwhuosJBXIfdkopqyVDKBFa4bv_YMNaSKElr62zM5ODGoqVDPYEk_0lgwYRsQZQBxmNdJztRUauV0BQsXJCcoDYJp-wTwCKOL50LAfdn8isTplTimCUYZeCJILYU/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRnOzQmLUMbpeSLtcdAwhuosJBXIfdkopqyVDKBFa4bv_YMNaSKElr62zM5ODGoqVDPYEk_0lgwYRsQZQBxmNdJztRUauV0BQsXJCcoDYJp-wTwCKOL50LAfdn8isTplTimCUYZeCJILYU/w640-h480/IMG_3192.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjFSLP-Ly99PyzO7rai_sDy5Tk-beDgGqqJ5OnuUzCa1bTElewMfrzpLYPsML9fxSFK3fps-OVEldETKvBa8p2CLg6PsAR3BLA2IyxUNMlokxpO__5Y63_pUs_hDVBFipEPqu_WjQWJgTU/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjFSLP-Ly99PyzO7rai_sDy5Tk-beDgGqqJ5OnuUzCa1bTElewMfrzpLYPsML9fxSFK3fps-OVEldETKvBa8p2CLg6PsAR3BLA2IyxUNMlokxpO__5Y63_pUs_hDVBFipEPqu_WjQWJgTU/w640-h480/IMG_3193.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>So the morning saw us out on the Sika trail once more, but on this occasion we were lucky enough to catch distant fleeting glimpses of the very shy Sika deer that live in the forests there๐! </div><p></p><p></p><p>Wednesday 29th September 2021 โ โ โ ๐๐โ โ โ โ </p><p>Today turned out to be another lovely mostly sunny day but unfortunately we couldn't take the best advantage of it because I had an appointment for my booster Covid jab booked at a Mass Vaccination centre in Boscombe. My appointment was at 10.45, but to say the least, the newly opened facility was a bit disorganised and what should have been a quick job took over an hour! Then we had food shopping to do so by the time we got back to our van it was nearly 2pm. Therefore, our plans to visit Corfe Castle were shelved and instead we decided to go for a wander around Wareham's ancient city walls and a walk down by the River Frome</p><p>Wareham town walls were originally built in Saxon times to defend Wareham from the Vikings but today only stumpy grassy mounds are left so it was quite hard to imagine what they would have looked like back in the day!</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpb-JH2ZpXVtR1paJeOP_kkgVhTTbxbMwp2p2WvFO9hhpZPDol2QS4D3IwYFbgU1cX_-biRjWvLP3DLLtFapHmN4JuqRML76zM7FTjvnx2nSiYOqVZXRKNsk_f3Rpmv0psP2tyHi2nGJyi/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpb-JH2ZpXVtR1paJeOP_kkgVhTTbxbMwp2p2WvFO9hhpZPDol2QS4D3IwYFbgU1cX_-biRjWvLP3DLLtFapHmN4JuqRML76zM7FTjvnx2nSiYOqVZXRKNsk_f3Rpmv0psP2tyHi2nGJyi/w640-h480/IMG_3194.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It almost looked like a Dutch Dyke rather than anything used for defence!</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>Part way round we came across the 11th century St Martin's Church which is said to be the most complete Saxon Church in the country and one that has served as a Parish Church for over 1000 years. Additionally, after The Great Fire of Wareham in 1762 a number of homeless families lived in the building so a fireplace was built in the nave for warmth and cooking and it's chimney can still be seen on the roof today!</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhal668BOCwkoV4uqHElfzjkO4IpnZ6KeSUCiuMr56UcTS69gMbbeP6Lha9iVJ3M6m-kjSilFx4N0ymHyXZbWP-n4kdrJTBMPmJE949Dzg3pMxyNFdAp8zau56WKF1cG_y7Is_ll4uNVMBE/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1594" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhal668BOCwkoV4uqHElfzjkO4IpnZ6KeSUCiuMr56UcTS69gMbbeP6Lha9iVJ3M6m-kjSilFx4N0ymHyXZbWP-n4kdrJTBMPmJE949Dzg3pMxyNFdAp8zau56WKF1cG_y7Is_ll4uNVMBE/w499-h640/IMG_3196.JPG" width="499" /></a></div><br /></div>Then after we'd done on Wareham's walls we traversed along a path that took us to the river side, but unfortunately that was maybe a bit of a mistake๐ because we now had 2.5 miles to walk back to Wareham Quay and the trail was unkempt to say the least! <div><br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4FMx03qYKyHs79Xx6tCYjq5aqL6g0pho0oN01xALV-U9lkg0O8wJN1VLKIlKTc7_tpWceXvGgLlwYdKPHMpOdfd6mNb3y9H4jbfU9dsPzlfYi6DsNe27qjQnzNLUsT7Bd4u16HdRLmVBC/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4FMx03qYKyHs79Xx6tCYjq5aqL6g0pho0oN01xALV-U9lkg0O8wJN1VLKIlKTc7_tpWceXvGgLlwYdKPHMpOdfd6mNb3y9H4jbfU9dsPzlfYi6DsNe27qjQnzNLUsT7Bd4u16HdRLmVBC/w640-h480/IMG_3198.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />It was hugely overgrown with tall reeds that almost completely obscured our views of the river, and although some attempt had been made to cut the reeds they'd all been left lying on the path and thus it was difficult to watch your footing on the very uneven and sometimes muddy ground. Added to that nettles and brambles had to be waded through and that wasn't so bad for me because I had long trousers on but John only had shorts so he was well and truly 'nettled' by the time we got to the other end! And to make things worse we hardly had time for our coffee and cake break before we had to dash back to the car park!</div><div><br /></div><div>Thursday 30th September 2021 ๐ง๏ธ๐ง๏ธ๐ง๏ธ โ๏ธ โ๏ธ โ๏ธ ๐ง๏ธ๐ง๏ธ๐ง๏ธ</div></div><div><br /></div><div>Oh dear! After my jab yesterday (I was fine after the first 2) I was feeling quite delicate, and added to that the weather was a bit unfriendly! However, after a couple of paracetamol and with a promise from the weather man that we'd have a few hours without wet stuff from mid morning we decided to bring yesterday's postponed visit to Corfe Castle forward to today. After all, we've got to make good use of our newly acquired National Trust Membership!</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2JoOM5fnAGoNHwoyI9-LWOYsFpiO7nJe0w54NgD5eXjMzGmWZrc6FnHcA0bSxHeOnJnZ2VBahHWwNwksXz7Yo0EuvKhXN65xcHSTiCT_8_v6HPI09pO0hHpuUFXlaQ8LokEp6zumXkMp_/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1288" data-original-width="2048" height="402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2JoOM5fnAGoNHwoyI9-LWOYsFpiO7nJe0w54NgD5eXjMzGmWZrc6FnHcA0bSxHeOnJnZ2VBahHWwNwksXz7Yo0EuvKhXN65xcHSTiCT_8_v6HPI09pO0hHpuUFXlaQ8LokEp6zumXkMp_/w640-h402/IMG_3199.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />The Castle sits high atop of a hill overlooking the ancient village of Corfe and history tells how the Castle survived the English Civil War, but then how it was partially demolished by the Parliamentarians in 1646. However, later when we looked around the village it seemed that much of the stone from the demolition had been put to good use in the buildings there. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIp14Uzoi_naUJ3CsfmrWsJ0cg09EGKGef4STuZBNkdzY4gzH1famyk7rK1Y5QEAsxmWW7PBs619-hIzk6WdXNagPcrzqG_3Cr9CBJeUM8CBAJtsNFdXk1Z2FN8fcnNQ37NRwCFNYzB5f6/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1242" data-original-width="2048" height="388" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIp14Uzoi_naUJ3CsfmrWsJ0cg09EGKGef4STuZBNkdzY4gzH1famyk7rK1Y5QEAsxmWW7PBs619-hIzk6WdXNagPcrzqG_3Cr9CBJeUM8CBAJtsNFdXk1Z2FN8fcnNQ37NRwCFNYzB5f6/w640-h388/IMG_3213.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />The Castle itself has been part of the Purbeck landscape for almost a thousand years and it was originally built by William the Conqueror in the 11th Century, and the info boards informed us that it then remained a 'Royal Castle' until the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, but she eventually sold it to Sir Christopher Hatton for the princely sum of ยฃ4,762, and after that it became a stately home!</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsT-uLkZssxosg9Rq4YDtFgyxRlGT7LDOk3ZEXDv51lKQu-CH7EKxnXOB2Jo6qMfuV5cqOK31MZctZgyvakau497fMQdWhnBvoisfMyTxjp8yj_SZc_iFXa-4bI51-W7aMorIXPR_Wp71_/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsT-uLkZssxosg9Rq4YDtFgyxRlGT7LDOk3ZEXDv51lKQu-CH7EKxnXOB2Jo6qMfuV5cqOK31MZctZgyvakau497fMQdWhnBvoisfMyTxjp8yj_SZc_iFXa-4bI51-W7aMorIXPR_Wp71_/w640-h480/IMG_3205.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Views as we walked up through The Bailey</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5UbU6UZVYg5VogC9dLMOtN1QXnFPnIEtrjvElsWI8HU_jCed8qJs5PccltQBTR6xrznbhlX8qlgSTQbhkQeryVzWMsV3FjxGyfor9GUdnwjz3PbydTHoNg5WwwQAYH9Xb2UjQymP5UnHm/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5UbU6UZVYg5VogC9dLMOtN1QXnFPnIEtrjvElsWI8HU_jCed8qJs5PccltQBTR6xrznbhlX8qlgSTQbhkQeryVzWMsV3FjxGyfor9GUdnwjz3PbydTHoNg5WwwQAYH9Xb2UjQymP5UnHm/w640-h480/IMG_3208.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div>As we pottered up towards the Keep we were afforded views of the draw bridge and gateway which has split down the middle with the left side much lower and further forward than the right. </div><div><br style="text-align: left;" /></div></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiy0x-EZlt2kRpmPojRmwC0ukHyICZhiGnw5l1W2AZ2yFBJPqMCRMcreJWAnJd4GSj7OCqjit6SfXtPtrB8RHggGJLBSO-bsN6E8Lh96-vJOj0pcHXVGrvJzFpx-3j0Xv_u7gKPKvNw-Ir/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiy0x-EZlt2kRpmPojRmwC0ukHyICZhiGnw5l1W2AZ2yFBJPqMCRMcreJWAnJd4GSj7OCqjit6SfXtPtrB8RHggGJLBSO-bsN6E8Lh96-vJOj0pcHXVGrvJzFpx-3j0Xv_u7gKPKvNw-Ir/w640-h480/IMG_3207.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Third Tower with John having a peep out of one of the arrow slits!<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEYXNEEyb6jhmd8s1T-TY7gEKHn87cwhOmBrbJH-eUbInRNYb4qbj2sfKuc9hMQRsdmgA8v6b9uKDgJar2ecDmyGHS1uURr_AyxJ-rKhrUrIxxeKStMMaC4bVryyLQYQCGxgI_eOu_7-GZ/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5184" data-original-width="3888" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEYXNEEyb6jhmd8s1T-TY7gEKHn87cwhOmBrbJH-eUbInRNYb4qbj2sfKuc9hMQRsdmgA8v6b9uKDgJar2ecDmyGHS1uURr_AyxJ-rKhrUrIxxeKStMMaC4bVryyLQYQCGxgI_eOu_7-GZ/w480-h640/IMG_3210.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And this part of the Keep was refereed to as Twelfth Century Skyscraper!<br />It stands 80 feet high on top of a hill that rises to 180 feet!<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>Now, to say the least, while we were up in the highest reaches of the Castle our cobwebs were well and truly blown away on this very windy day but the views were fantastic. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_F8YhyphenhyphenJKfHzqws5F8aXMi77n8p7Tel9Lbsd3tkMCt3vZFlMYwbhddvY9NCJMOh22Gwbmz-hefQmHxYH_mpyRIN3todwCtEihMSwxG5XGX2utBghxJbWeHdfXD-JRoIU29hJr0FRb2g6mP/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_F8YhyphenhyphenJKfHzqws5F8aXMi77n8p7Tel9Lbsd3tkMCt3vZFlMYwbhddvY9NCJMOh22Gwbmz-hefQmHxYH_mpyRIN3todwCtEihMSwxG5XGX2utBghxJbWeHdfXD-JRoIU29hJr0FRb2g6mP/w640-h480/IMG_3212.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We saw an old Steam Train Chuffing along the Swanage Line<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRBUxWpt3Cm3x30S1xtpxLblFZahEd1_NFDmFqYnV5W3___uRuITQV1KrUKoR9yynvcHApUVN_SYVmwGcRoUHFUzog6mpjkb5RDphjQulzJ3LYuC5wHTwGygAn0WZYUfEBgJlc7TM-bQFj/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRBUxWpt3Cm3x30S1xtpxLblFZahEd1_NFDmFqYnV5W3___uRuITQV1KrUKoR9yynvcHApUVN_SYVmwGcRoUHFUzog6mpjkb5RDphjQulzJ3LYuC5wHTwGygAn0WZYUfEBgJlc7TM-bQFj/w640-h480/IMG_3214.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And we had magnificent views of the Purbeck Hills were we plan to do more walking soon.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div>However, eventually, the buffeting strong winds got the better of us so we descended back down through the Bailey to view the Trebuchet at the bottom of the hill. These devices could be up to 20 metres tall and could throw stones weighing 100 kg for about a distance of 300 metres but other missiles might have included casks of burning tar, dung, bee hives and sometimes dead animals!</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijP12kJ1PuY0Jz4HuuA_bUuC3akgZasq9vrhLsDYnYIyE9_8ghsEVGkVCiBUWjNYZS_HJepH0vLfNVSZkvdozP645uFY4jprK2k2qOOj0FevY_5Dj2QYip2j35XARmOREzXjts0-hCGh3-/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5184" data-original-width="3888" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijP12kJ1PuY0Jz4HuuA_bUuC3akgZasq9vrhLsDYnYIyE9_8ghsEVGkVCiBUWjNYZS_HJepH0vLfNVSZkvdozP645uFY4jprK2k2qOOj0FevY_5Dj2QYip2j35XARmOREzXjts0-hCGh3-/w480-h640/IMG_3216.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br />The Castle finally came into the care of the National Trust in 1982 along with surrounding countryside, coastline, farms and the mansion at Kingston Lacy which we will probably visit on another occasion. </div><div><br /></div><div>But to complete our day today we jumped back into our car and headed for the seaside town of Swanage for lunch, but don't worry, we didn't spoil ourselves too much๐! We just sat watching the waves while we noshed on Chicken sarnies accompanied by a big box of chips from Harry Ramsdon's - and very nice they were too!</div><div><br /></div><div>Friday 1st October โ โ ๐๐๐๐โ โ </div><div>๐๐ฐ๐</div><div>Well, what a difference a day makes! I was feeling much better today and the <i>'sun had got his hat on' </i> '<i>so we were going out to play</i>'๐! And today's target was <a href="https://www.durlston.co.uk/the-castle.aspx">Durlston Castle Country Park</a> from where we planned to walk along the Coastal Path to see parts of it that have been romantically named Tilly Whim Caves, Boulder Ruckle, Catte Troughs, The Pormenade, Fisherman's Ledge, Guillemot Ledge, and our final destination - Dancing Ledge! </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6nvEeOLLdeecvd1LCCZHu5a-XQexDPOboUYlz-Jl5KJNgAI8laiJnunUbpxNPQh6AEUz6KP7joXR_8snGidq3iQRX_LtRDnOfJRA9G_QzAbt7AfNO4uzs_BTbnSERDE_BcGUD7mvzlIYZ/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6nvEeOLLdeecvd1LCCZHu5a-XQexDPOboUYlz-Jl5KJNgAI8laiJnunUbpxNPQh6AEUz6KP7joXR_8snGidq3iQRX_LtRDnOfJRA9G_QzAbt7AfNO4uzs_BTbnSERDE_BcGUD7mvzlIYZ/w640-h480/IMG_3220.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiietmnY6ab_fnXIuzmSkv4uyGqHJYsULV9MENpDJpATio951zKjhY4paB64GejYBOub_QM95wE2nITheMQrVLR-v5s8-wm2lzhY3INz5zEuStVMT53k8xRLPIGz5YjBQr1dfq1aXV13Gzj/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiietmnY6ab_fnXIuzmSkv4uyGqHJYsULV9MENpDJpATio951zKjhY4paB64GejYBOub_QM95wE2nITheMQrVLR-v5s8-wm2lzhY3INz5zEuStVMT53k8xRLPIGz5YjBQr1dfq1aXV13Gzj/w640-h480/IMG_3218.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ9MQGUNGGAAp7zchEuZ7mVHw028fjTfd_7rTvlWTL3J7JkCsxs2bUJ8slh7enc4CiXY2FGJOf6fRyhBiGvMFHpmO_hpCRiyiAhzf0-u1Xo1cRKzpPVoN2zF-zk2xlVIxgAeCKHlG7LXuC/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ9MQGUNGGAAp7zchEuZ7mVHw028fjTfd_7rTvlWTL3J7JkCsxs2bUJ8slh7enc4CiXY2FGJOf6fRyhBiGvMFHpmO_hpCRiyiAhzf0-u1Xo1cRKzpPVoN2zF-zk2xlVIxgAeCKHlG7LXuC/w640-h480/IMG_3224.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>The caves we saw from a distance are what has been left behind after the area was used to quarry Purbeck stone in the 1800s, but sadly they are no longer accessible for exploration. However, as we trekked along the dramatic undulating and often muddy clifftops we were afforded some of the most stunning views this area has to offer.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRWL47MTbJaORY6uQ0MchzS02Gh1jzdBt4gAICeKMmJu_Nr94NXMsxByUy_Ska-bVXw6linMtTnLkbeiCFWcUbbxngN750oLlMLYwr5mr9PGMWLsJaPlINreUSX_GwbdSqLQfTDca9auX8/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRWL47MTbJaORY6uQ0MchzS02Gh1jzdBt4gAICeKMmJu_Nr94NXMsxByUy_Ska-bVXw6linMtTnLkbeiCFWcUbbxngN750oLlMLYwr5mr9PGMWLsJaPlINreUSX_GwbdSqLQfTDca9auX8/w640-h480/IMG_3222.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSOJkoYcDk_L-SqEHVtXiuev1-QyTeYHf8IQicGVIyCIjfypc4JD_ECrXCTLUQkzEmv92XnvJjBj1JQSmO1M5KAcLP0Bqzs4rcJQbm6f5yE1RVLRXf1bT9SieTNwKbaudbr3TdhUDClNeE/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSOJkoYcDk_L-SqEHVtXiuev1-QyTeYHf8IQicGVIyCIjfypc4JD_ECrXCTLUQkzEmv92XnvJjBj1JQSmO1M5KAcLP0Bqzs4rcJQbm6f5yE1RVLRXf1bT9SieTNwKbaudbr3TdhUDClNeE/w640-h480/IMG_3223.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table>Then after a couple of miles Dancing Ledge itself came into view and we were able to scramble down the rough staircase so that we could sit and watch the waves crashing into the rocks below. </div></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJWYsVcHLp896KXVT3LCmNqXzeMKNbavZRw4NaodVtYNF_iEsrXOj_ErjHxf7ySsOnOV5lmGV6bqSM1g79TmZ5TBTbff5GcrwIvfFVnGXnQtuFwsergjfPNw6x-7gI-kp_KsQlw0aiLTCM/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJWYsVcHLp896KXVT3LCmNqXzeMKNbavZRw4NaodVtYNF_iEsrXOj_ErjHxf7ySsOnOV5lmGV6bqSM1g79TmZ5TBTbff5GcrwIvfFVnGXnQtuFwsergjfPNw6x-7gI-kp_KsQlw0aiLTCM/w640-h480/IMG_3225.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAgvpkQ0SW7A0Vd58qEx35Xdu6uu1fUM3d3QtBWR7I241U4J2G9SLq8LdIZLTH2tjutnCYMD_3u6IZclMi-V_3GZMheg_qRVVr1VHOvyEY_0Y36EDUl0fcxX0GCqDODMiho7USeKCx7YQg/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAgvpkQ0SW7A0Vd58qEx35Xdu6uu1fUM3d3QtBWR7I241U4J2G9SLq8LdIZLTH2tjutnCYMD_3u6IZclMi-V_3GZMheg_qRVVr1VHOvyEY_0Y36EDUl0fcxX0GCqDODMiho7USeKCx7YQg/w640-h480/IMG_3228.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbJrW1dMxZ3tfyieDCuvGLYkcPIU6O63ilUWSE9F0FCFYH0EKYzzISl1kWE2doru-0QAm8nFr56Rtx6b6BDrH6s9TsQEZXIXB1w2BK_4MA42j27uEXQhMAULincIpfbx5PywkmzUMWubX1/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbJrW1dMxZ3tfyieDCuvGLYkcPIU6O63ilUWSE9F0FCFYH0EKYzzISl1kWE2doru-0QAm8nFr56Rtx6b6BDrH6s9TsQEZXIXB1w2BK_4MA42j27uEXQhMAULincIpfbx5PywkmzUMWubX1/w640-h480/IMG_3233.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />The views were quite mesmerising and we really could have sat and watched the riotous wave formations for hours. But after a good rest (along with a cup of coffee and a hot cross bun) we started our return journey, but this time instead of following the Coastal Path we climbed to a much higher level and followed a path that on one side overlooked the English Channel and on the other mostly open moor land.</div><div><br /></div><div>Once back at the car we dumped our bag and then walked the short distance to Durlston Castle which is free to enter following it's restoration and conversion into a Visitor's Centre in 2011. However, on this occasion we didn't really have time to explore because our parking ticket was coming towards it's end but we did purchase a cold drink which we sipped on it's balcony while watching the waves for a short time longer. </div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1E_KeVNE3Qm29BAwcFGlL4z7LK96MncXrHg3Va_VPvBvpovlzcCUyLC49YdbQBX6tKNcIh0_pBhdSylT_Vw0OownyVW-MQQAb4FOebZaA_lOkiI5mYJGocLKbUiaYmZBLgtcqP6Xe0l5t/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="357" data-original-width="851" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1E_KeVNE3Qm29BAwcFGlL4z7LK96MncXrHg3Va_VPvBvpovlzcCUyLC49YdbQBX6tKNcIh0_pBhdSylT_Vw0OownyVW-MQQAb4FOebZaA_lOkiI5mYJGocLKbUiaYmZBLgtcqP6Xe0l5t/w640-h268/Screenshot+2021-10-02+at+15.03.19.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Durlston Castle</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Saturday 2nd October 2021 ๐ง๏ธโโ๐ง๏ธโโ๐ง๏ธโโ๐ง๏ธ๐ง๏ธ</div><div><br /></div><div>If I said it had <b>RAINED</b> that would have been a bit of an understatement! It absolutely hammered down for most of the day, and at times it was almost impossible to communicate with each other because the noise of it bouncing off our roof was so intense. However, we knew it was coming cos 'The Weather ๐จ' told us so, but what we mostly didn't get was the gale force winds that he predicted to go with it!</div><div><br /></div><div>Therefore, because we knew it wasn't going to be fit for any further 'adventures' we decided to continue with what we'd started on Tuesday and see if we could complete a bit more of 'The Lion King' </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPmpV0j6Mee_S-o-B-eWwBy_ZqNTxHGBFV3W0xyzsJL6YMncxt7kZee0yuHAIaSMD6e8DhEPUWTOAPHSxzB-LSOhepUZ_OXJadAFEgQeEtRoUW2OgWXnSJpeNSFay9T3y0zS2zv7zybpt8/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPmpV0j6Mee_S-o-B-eWwBy_ZqNTxHGBFV3W0xyzsJL6YMncxt7kZee0yuHAIaSMD6e8DhEPUWTOAPHSxzB-LSOhepUZ_OXJadAFEgQeEtRoUW2OgWXnSJpeNSFay9T3y0zS2zv7zybpt8/w640-h480/IMG_3235.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Its coming on ๐</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div>Sunday 3rd October 2021 โ ๐๐โโ๐ง๏ธโ ๐ง๏ธ</div><div><br /></div><div>After being stuck in all day yesterday we were quite determined to get out for a walk today but the weather man said 'go early' cos more rain was expected for this afternoon. So by 10am we'd aimed our car towards the carpark at Corfe Castle (National Trust so we didn't have to pay), donned our walking boots and set off in an westerly direction over the rolling Purbeck hills. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjunKJlnQKC1yTD9JpKHnhLx5dUGQJG29Ducu3Ix0F7HxQV8dpfksr-Gqx6nBsgW3ETXZUkkmDrGMhdGgBwXB37x93rKSZ1FtTa_22KGJndz4OyvUIH5DSbf8MF-rjAae5Xj472N3tLVF3x/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjunKJlnQKC1yTD9JpKHnhLx5dUGQJG29Ducu3Ix0F7HxQV8dpfksr-Gqx6nBsgW3ETXZUkkmDrGMhdGgBwXB37x93rKSZ1FtTa_22KGJndz4OyvUIH5DSbf8MF-rjAae5Xj472N3tLVF3x/w640-h480/IMG_3238.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCRJgChXC3pSPqT56KQbpbqCS_D_iTWXVmB2zPnYZadxwvKUq8amnnyjQ_DJRAmE0VjLIMx10dP8B872PIDIDFVHgTTu5DRCuwaFIxu9xGgB4e5RLsY-MPNIxfac1o26jE9Me16CBUDogn/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCRJgChXC3pSPqT56KQbpbqCS_D_iTWXVmB2zPnYZadxwvKUq8amnnyjQ_DJRAmE0VjLIMx10dP8B872PIDIDFVHgTTu5DRCuwaFIxu9xGgB4e5RLsY-MPNIxfac1o26jE9Me16CBUDogn/w640-h480/IMG_3241.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You might get some idea of how high we were because in this pic we were <br />looking down over Corfe Castle <br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="text-align: left;">As you would imagine, getting to the top of the hills required a very steep climb, and once up there all our cobwebs were well and truly blown away on what was once more a bright but very windy day!</span></div></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmMfDTc7I7bu0xpbxuYdwr2HUDAiOtCiQkwOA3NLxWDnUfuDQCKJdtrKAV9H8y-3Jpkm3snXqAJFqumgEfg-l3meaqaKvRT3OHx8iy35wk9Q7Z6BUrFDx3-8oQG3Tf50q0uiTah2QTqjLj/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmMfDTc7I7bu0xpbxuYdwr2HUDAiOtCiQkwOA3NLxWDnUfuDQCKJdtrKAV9H8y-3Jpkm3snXqAJFqumgEfg-l3meaqaKvRT3OHx8iy35wk9Q7Z6BUrFDx3-8oQG3Tf50q0uiTah2QTqjLj/w640-h480/IMG_3239.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Our walk took us along a ridge that undulated over open grassland taking in West Hill, Knowle Hill and Ridgeway Hill, and provided us with stunning views over Poole Harbour and later out towards Weymouth and Portland. Our ultimate goal was folly called Grange Arch that is also known as Creech Folly. It was built in 1746 on what is the second highest point of the Purbeck Hills (Ridgeway Hill), and it stands in alone right in the middle of no where and it certainly isn't quite what you expect to see when your out hill walking!</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga6udWUMPKGA5JnJJvp9zAiLsi4vuU8WBzPMZeeESr2RD4dFtVNS8I2ylnBDPbNKVbip2KQXcJldwzEsFbxBRv6qMld42MG65jGKJJpy9B511xE3mrH9A72KXDuZJfjLp7vCKo9W-IM_pR/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga6udWUMPKGA5JnJJvp9zAiLsi4vuU8WBzPMZeeESr2RD4dFtVNS8I2ylnBDPbNKVbip2KQXcJldwzEsFbxBRv6qMld42MG65jGKJJpy9B511xE3mrH9A72KXDuZJfjLp7vCKo9W-IM_pR/w640-h480/IMG_3242.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmqijXjGuIsWz8ciU3c917ljsBJDsp3sbsl8qHkfiiK553lOgeQX2yWdUQtD4BZ4TTOtGSzYgMrxF653WndtWCy-756W7md0sbFLbfB8QoZFDTKObxUfUAGUKCph_H3Hp_4GXpAAJLJa9M/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1339" data-original-width="2048" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmqijXjGuIsWz8ciU3c917ljsBJDsp3sbsl8qHkfiiK553lOgeQX2yWdUQtD4BZ4TTOtGSzYgMrxF653WndtWCy-756W7md0sbFLbfB8QoZFDTKObxUfUAGUKCph_H3Hp_4GXpAAJLJa9M/w640-h418/IMG_3243.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's not quite the same picture - Can you spot Wally ๐๐๐<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div>By now it was just after mid-day so we thought we'd got plenty of time to sip our coffee and head back before the rain came, and when we started to retrace our steps the sky was mostly still blue - but that was in front of us๐ฌ. However, as we peered back over our shoulders the sky had darkened and looked quite ominous with ๐rainbows๐ glinting below dark billowing clouds. John said '<i>don't worry, it's not coming our way yet' </i>but I begged to differ - and guess who was right!</div><div><br /></div><div>Huge wind blown blobs of stinging rain and hail hit us with a fair force and we were almost soaked before we could struggle into our waterproofs as strong gusts buffeted us and tried to snatch them out of our hands, and it was a good job the wind was on our backs or our next couple of miles would have been very uncomfortable. </div><div><br /></div><div>It took us about another 40 mins to get back to the car, and would you believe, by then the rain had almost stopped, but at least our mission had been accomplished. We'd had another lovely walk and could tick off our exercise for another day. </div><div><br /></div><div>And that's about all for this week!</div><div>Look forward to chatting again soon ๐</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?hl=en&mid=1tG7G55azXmNAvv09V4MjcDksouY&ll=50.729358192478784%2C-2.3590893507812405&z=11">Click here to see our present camping spot</a><br /></div>Linda Varneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10023578343265888742noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8250550279331493077.post-24043017422145540822021-09-26T18:10:00.002+01:002021-09-27T18:19:59.043+01:00Wareham Forest Tourist Park - Days 7 - 14 of our Autumn/Winter Tour <p><b>Wareham Forest Tourist Park - Days 7 - 14 of our Autumn/Winter Tour </b></p><p>Sunday 19th September 2021 โ โ โ โ โ โ โ </p><p>Today we travelled the 180 odd miles from <a href="https://countryparks.warwickshire.gov.uk/kingsburywaterpark">Kingsbury Water Park</a> to <a href="https://www.warehamforest.co.uk/">Wareham Forest Tourist Park</a> and to get there we followed mostly motorway (M42, M40, A34 and M27) and then A roads almost right up to the front door of the campsite. However, early on in our trip we had a bit of a scare with our car๐ฌ! All of a sudden the engine started to massively over rev and John worriedly said ' Oh ----k there's something VERY wrong with the car' </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBrNjlvsycplrdPuFo8y32C7n6LesEe6LlNbcTNBrUKEhULqiBRxZG-Qi29x46NzrubHEHj908ySQSb63NwZuAovEh0SJDlZPUf1vvRLh6tJVRvOr9SF-sWptn0SNjU2nIZnO6q-Ixd4VQ/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="283" data-original-width="295" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBrNjlvsycplrdPuFo8y32C7n6LesEe6LlNbcTNBrUKEhULqiBRxZG-Qi29x46NzrubHEHj908ySQSb63NwZuAovEh0SJDlZPUf1vvRLh6tJVRvOr9SF-sWptn0SNjU2nIZnO6q-Ixd4VQ/w200-h192/Screenshot+2021-09-22+at+14.16.43.png" width="200" /></a></div>Initially he thought the clutch had gone and this conjured visions of us having to be rescued by the AA along with multiple <b>ยฃยฃยฃยฃยฃยฃ</b> signs to get it fixed๐ญ๐ญ๐ญ, and because we were quite worried (and because we could keep going) we decided to coast along to the next service area and then investigate. But I think our ๐ง Fairy Godmother๐งmust have been watching out for us because over the next few miles the over revving settled down and by the time we got to Cherwell Services it was as if nothing had happened. Therefore we ate our lunch and then very gingerly set off again but the issue never reoccurred so we've got everything crossed that we just had a gremlin hitching a lift for a short while!<p></p><p>We arrived at our destination around 3.30, and as usual, our first priority was a cuppa and then we set too to get everything set up for our 28 day stay here. This huge 5โดsite is set within woodland and has lots of tracks and trails leading off right from the doorstep, and added to that it's quite central for lots of other things to do. Therefore, we're quite happy with our choice, and especially so because the cost was heavily discounted due to our long stay ๐.</p><p><br /></p><p>Monday 20th September 2021 ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐</p><p>Well, today was just like a mid-summers day with wall to wall very warm sunshine, and after our long drive yesterday we were quite reluctant to get back in the car for an outing!</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIAkQQpPfgAeRO2EyqU6Fg0HZR2J_ybCnTj26bisKygAIZH74BujSlF5AwrUACfby0hB9quPIS67EchqK7yY2zv9qJJtisvds4CrTL4vZK9gNXx5uToxpxnz2crpzyr-tveEEWb-Rh1Mdq/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="361" data-original-width="578" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIAkQQpPfgAeRO2EyqU6Fg0HZR2J_ybCnTj26bisKygAIZH74BujSlF5AwrUACfby0hB9quPIS67EchqK7yY2zv9qJJtisvds4CrTL4vZK9gNXx5uToxpxnz2crpzyr-tveEEWb-Rh1Mdq/w400-h250/Screenshot+2021-09-26+at+09.36.39.png" width="400" /></a></div>Therefore, we chose to walk around the 7 mile loop of the Sika Cycle and Walking Trail that we could access directly from the campsite. However, although it made a pleasant outing the scenery was unchanging with huge swarths of pine trees and heath land for most of the way and very little wildlife to entertain us despite the fact that the forest around here is supposed to be home to the Asian Sika deer which were introduced to the area as far back as 1850. But maybe we were expecting too much because the info boards informed us that this breed of deer are very shy and tend only to venture out onto the heath land at night! <p></p><p>We did however spot a snake slithering across our path, and if we turned our eyes skywards there were quite a few buzzards riding on the thermals to gain altitude. </p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8ZevAXMWNJx6z6Ne3YzQiuDAplNxBc4C0T5gfza8stxyueEUIU73x4bz0HpLxG4QKcUKRZK7OKbialaHvXTw54zNnvj85isaB0ZH2B9mLCNbBEA5W3Nsl2CDiUdX1hocwFHKxdWdFayiY/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1150" data-original-width="2736" height="269" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8ZevAXMWNJx6z6Ne3YzQiuDAplNxBc4C0T5gfza8stxyueEUIU73x4bz0HpLxG4QKcUKRZK7OKbialaHvXTw54zNnvj85isaB0ZH2B9mLCNbBEA5W3Nsl2CDiUdX1hocwFHKxdWdFayiY/" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Slow Worm that's really not a snake but a Legless Lizard<br />(When I told John about it he replied 'why, has it been out on the p__s all night!!)</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjimAKggBp6ljqQnFmj7R8GGxOkyfG7ej-b9hY0Bs4oZ1IzQgfnTFecSjXbpnXe5HRSVC2z4SPYpTMxmwkS18xaYJ9mHujWwOMjVUCgLNzu4OoxKYXVgtlge0Xc-J6nUo2YbMJKmh3LR1rg/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjimAKggBp6ljqQnFmj7R8GGxOkyfG7ej-b9hY0Bs4oZ1IzQgfnTFecSjXbpnXe5HRSVC2z4SPYpTMxmwkS18xaYJ9mHujWwOMjVUCgLNzu4OoxKYXVgtlge0Xc-J6nUo2YbMJKmh3LR1rg/" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Sika Trail</td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p>Tuesday 21st September 2021 ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐</p><p></p><p>On this 2nd very hot day of our stay we decided to release our bikes and ride into the town of Wareham, and then on to RSPB Arne which made a round trip of about 18 miles. </p><p>Wareham is located between the Rivers Frome and Piddle ๐ฝ and is apparently built on a site that was occupied as far back as the Iron Age. Later in it's history it became an important cross channel port and the River Frome and what is now The Quay would have been the place where ships would arrive from the continent to unload their cargoes of mostly salt and potters clay! However, today the river bank and Quay just provided a very popular place to sit in the sunshine while sipping coffee and watching the hordes of swans and ducks, along with a few boats just messing about on the river! </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEineCQ3n88gYpyLLhfZmV5XoTL8M4SdSIGqBKLKFWGVAqyai-HF1CVuZbDYAZujDQ0TkpNmVdl1E1lWb8clJfrmgSwJdsPWhMtCsc7x4ZoHpSyJP2empCg3S0Z5VH3gpjEDC6lRgrQvWpHm/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEineCQ3n88gYpyLLhfZmV5XoTL8M4SdSIGqBKLKFWGVAqyai-HF1CVuZbDYAZujDQ0TkpNmVdl1E1lWb8clJfrmgSwJdsPWhMtCsc7x4ZoHpSyJP2empCg3S0Z5VH3gpjEDC6lRgrQvWpHm/" width="640" /></a></div><br />From there we headed onwards to <a href="https://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves-and-events/reserves-a-z/arne/">RSPB Arne</a> which is nestled near the base of the Purbeck Hills from where the peninsula on which it is situated juts out into Poole Harbour. Initially our ride took us along quite roads as it meandered towards the ancient town of Arne, but once there we followed a gravelled track down to the waters edge where we picnicked on the sands while watched the ebbing tide wash over the seaweed strewn beach!<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYs_7wKLfA8hyjcFaRjioD7YO9e8CW6UXfXkoZyzoAfuBX2Ky8Dl7cr5MPyywG8J7eDYhEP_uIdL2mqWWsW_a0LqX1T4WkCTmBRyJxWuB93NSv3Tf4DkJfCR3LMWuGJlPFsZhHWY4p5LFD/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYs_7wKLfA8hyjcFaRjioD7YO9e8CW6UXfXkoZyzoAfuBX2Ky8Dl7cr5MPyywG8J7eDYhEP_uIdL2mqWWsW_a0LqX1T4WkCTmBRyJxWuB93NSv3Tf4DkJfCR3LMWuGJlPFsZhHWY4p5LFD/" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf0zCyLFV7FZpFa_OEzIoiOenE2zIrRK277_ByWHbQt8Tizc3g8pZpi4nkjgNSFmityGYeZHjiFJnoiXY3WyjYIRXNxstxWvKCerSM5Em-p3L_vWKIVAXVOyAvLd7WywgwDSKURuIHTbzI/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1281" data-original-width="2048" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf0zCyLFV7FZpFa_OEzIoiOenE2zIrRK277_ByWHbQt8Tizc3g8pZpi4nkjgNSFmityGYeZHjiFJnoiXY3WyjYIRXNxstxWvKCerSM5Em-p3L_vWKIVAXVOyAvLd7WywgwDSKURuIHTbzI/" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDC8altdzuT_gq8FWbIxgK83qaxiH6ueZZRoBtZaXPLHB1cjzMFkyjKauDlYOWuAdqV87oqVXyScUhw4wIcOXNo061wgAytcXG4rEdclZ9x4ndFzm6aw8wPzP9v3ZKCRgUS4cCal1R79ZG/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1741" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDC8altdzuT_gq8FWbIxgK83qaxiH6ueZZRoBtZaXPLHB1cjzMFkyjKauDlYOWuAdqV87oqVXyScUhw4wIcOXNo061wgAytcXG4rEdclZ9x4ndFzm6aw8wPzP9v3ZKCRgUS4cCal1R79ZG/" width="565" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Curlew searching for Lunch</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div>Apparently Arne is one of only a very few places in the UK where all six of our native reptiles can be found but we didn't see any of them today. That was maybe because we'd got our bikes with us so it would have been difficult to go 'off piste' and explore the lovely landscape which consisted of open heathland and ancient oak woodland. However, we plan to go back on foot probably on Friday so๐คwe might see some then. </div><p></p><p>Wednesday 22nd September 2021 ๐๐๐๐โ โ โ โ </p><p>Today was a lovely day but with a bit of a disappointment at the end! The sun had got his hat on right from the get go but most of today's leisure activities were planned for the late afternoon and evening. The morning had to be given over to chores and shopping but a quick trip to Lidl soon saw our cupboards brimming, and then it was a lazy lunch before setting of for Poole to do something we rarely do and that was to visit the theatre (however, in the end we wished we'd stuck with our usual habit of not bothering)</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoXU34r8McoujrJyVwfrIU39NkwZht_SbtdYDr1K1wPfhAlwVF4oNNvB4HE2sD2ZKxb-q57qIsDgeOLcWf6uT-0T9taZZQBQ7BxMmLzGiJX9HNgucCO10Nyc4zaZOiGNzN8wkxgK-_-Xmu/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoXU34r8McoujrJyVwfrIU39NkwZht_SbtdYDr1K1wPfhAlwVF4oNNvB4HE2sD2ZKxb-q57qIsDgeOLcWf6uT-0T9taZZQBQ7BxMmLzGiJX9HNgucCO10Nyc4zaZOiGNzN8wkxgK-_-Xmu/w640-h480/IMG_3103.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pool Park Lake</td></tr></tbody></table><br />We arrived at the very lovely Poole Park at around 3.30 and ambled around it's massive lake then onto the harbour side where we partook of coffee and cake to while a bit of time away. We then toddled up through Poole town to the Quay side in search of something to eat and good old Weatherspoons met our need very well. <p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIw8SyBYSCYM1Xb6pjxOkgDyGQ7t4oK6iAS7ME_nycOAFCzjs_owGtktR69gxSrtdKeh5nUN4TnCyDRcOjhRJXyB1dq1UgynIq3BHDcPAVB6Dz1A7NPLdMuwkgBBIlrvwKtCS2TJC62YAx/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIw8SyBYSCYM1Xb6pjxOkgDyGQ7t4oK6iAS7ME_nycOAFCzjs_owGtktR69gxSrtdKeh5nUN4TnCyDRcOjhRJXyB1dq1UgynIq3BHDcPAVB6Dz1A7NPLdMuwkgBBIlrvwKtCS2TJC62YAx/w640-h480/IMG_3108.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me having a quick chat with someone I met on Poole Quay Side!</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Then once fed and watered we left the Quay and completed a full circuit by following the water's edge back towards Poole Park but this time heading for the Lighthouse Theatre where we'd booked seats to see an Eric and Ernie Tribute. Now, from many years ago we both remembered this duo as being 'funny', and The Telegraph, Times and Independent also seemed to give the act their blessing so we had high hopes for what we were about to see! However, maybe the warning was in the number of empty seats in the auditorium, and the only good thing I can say about them was that Ian and Jonty did actually look like who they were impersonating!<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqbbit1NAkBZpd1O1W9QRHkZ6KnJftdrrbSvMB9KhaxzphEPZ7AVq5msM1FMRgkpevB3bcHVhHEgNmdd7dkY-vpIq0fQ2fo004q8YaQQQ-6Fm7cKsj72y73JPC0GTP4nd6Ro_H_h00qk3q/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="557" data-original-width="871" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqbbit1NAkBZpd1O1W9QRHkZ6KnJftdrrbSvMB9KhaxzphEPZ7AVq5msM1FMRgkpevB3bcHVhHEgNmdd7dkY-vpIq0fQ2fo004q8YaQQQ-6Fm7cKsj72y73JPC0GTP4nd6Ro_H_h00qk3q/w640-h410/Screenshot+2021-09-23+at+20.17.34.png" width="640" /></a></div><p>Other than that the show was absolutely terrible with bad jokes and sketches, and when it came to half time, John and I looked at each other and almost said in unison 'Shall we go home'! And once there we enjoyed a very pleasant evening ๐in each others company๐ enhanced with a little tipple of G&T๐ฅ๐ฅ</p><p>Thursday 23rd September 2021โ โ โ โโโโ โ </p><p>Now, as you might have guessed from the above, although unimpressed by the show we'd half seen, we were very impressed by Poole Harbour - apparently it lays claim to being the second largest natural harbour in the world, but Wiki says there are others that also compete for that honour! We also learnt that the harbour was the result of a valley being 'drowned' at the end of the last ice age, and that today it is the estuary for several rivers, the largest being the Frome, and that it covers an area of approximately 14 square miles.</p><p>So for today's outing we decided to take our bikes back to the harbour side and then cycle mostly along the sea front all the way through Bournemouth to the outskirts of Boscombe. In all the return journey came to a little over 20 miles, and although we had to do a bit of people dodging in some areas of the promenade it was a lovely ride and good to be away from traffic (except for one short section). </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzvGoRsxFEDc9k_uX1DHgu3ASPesA_6tCiyWCabt6gGN6W7GtClHzDiWHzrhAleMln0i1LELfRZWV4IcWml1cLILrY1DpiwSzKgVm4kg5WJ5WFckfxDSFpL3JeQCt1ir1u2nc88fjPjGu2/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="967" data-original-width="3250" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzvGoRsxFEDc9k_uX1DHgu3ASPesA_6tCiyWCabt6gGN6W7GtClHzDiWHzrhAleMln0i1LELfRZWV4IcWml1cLILrY1DpiwSzKgVm4kg5WJ5WFckfxDSFpL3JeQCt1ir1u2nc88fjPjGu2/w640-h190/IMG_3114.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bournemouth Pier</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Along the way we stopped to picnic a couple of times and from our sea front vantage points we had lovely views of both Bournemouth and Boscombe piers, and also much more distantly Old Harry's Rocks. (which we'll include in our itinerary for another day)!</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisKHJILCu51oTq5sN9EzZKYeulpiu8P3YCg8lkf6sJs3CqUYh3AA12iUqGcdszHIHmGHOhHne0uI4GkHL2-unk3-gwCBTPiycv3mN1g_ISZOYG433WwKEqQMAlOLC3y5yCUvZZaQBd4oTR/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisKHJILCu51oTq5sN9EzZKYeulpiu8P3YCg8lkf6sJs3CqUYh3AA12iUqGcdszHIHmGHOhHne0uI4GkHL2-unk3-gwCBTPiycv3mN1g_ISZOYG433WwKEqQMAlOLC3y5yCUvZZaQBd4oTR/w640-h480/IMG_3115.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old Harry's Rocks taken from a distance of about 3 miles away!</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Friday 24th September 2021 ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐<p></p><p>Today, as planned we revisited The 565 hectares of RSPB Arne and while there we visited many of it's bird hides and also traversed along several miles of trails that overlooked the calm tidal waters of Poole Harbour.</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJN-ljuu87XC6M-CcNnmiGhr_H3X9Odj1TLFsE0xAAsSKsIh6NPo2ftbMMhlIQ-FTQ_qGElzC3Y7lq9fqOVheP6b15F4SeafgvfMl3UkwHjXRhjtNADW_QiBYLoStciw0wYkbkC4BXdmU6/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJN-ljuu87XC6M-CcNnmiGhr_H3X9Odj1TLFsE0xAAsSKsIh6NPo2ftbMMhlIQ-FTQ_qGElzC3Y7lq9fqOVheP6b15F4SeafgvfMl3UkwHjXRhjtNADW_QiBYLoStciw0wYkbkC4BXdmU6/w640-h480/IMG_3127.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our view from inside the main hide which also provided some much needed shade <br />while we ate our lunch. </td></tr></tbody></table>However, while we were there the tide was high so there was a distinct lack of activity with many of the wading birds being absent, but there was an Osprey out fishing - unfortunately we blinked and missed it๐.<p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Fe-5dxT46fniOUBGX3k3dSho_5i-3mXbvBV3UYwa9u5LEKNdI_XPUWKpnJIZI26Ubi1PGcQb7tTy8miDXJ7b6t83tmmd0V0E-gJkLbKiVYEiHZ239OkyUsvzktkCeHrWwdXSDsvXpCQu/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Fe-5dxT46fniOUBGX3k3dSho_5i-3mXbvBV3UYwa9u5LEKNdI_XPUWKpnJIZI26Ubi1PGcQb7tTy8miDXJ7b6t83tmmd0V0E-gJkLbKiVYEiHZ239OkyUsvzktkCeHrWwdXSDsvXpCQu/w640-h480/IMG_3131.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Poole Harbour from high up on the paths of Arne</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdaaa7bjGb9Fprg90VYlkFjd_8Oirw3Ngw3FZ3IgJBuhHJbPcGQ5Dg4OwsxFB60_hq-koPEhVVpUvRUNjMD1yVJs-fdvLMOH0cgYN1TyA5x5Sv3QzpUAQZ6Epix6UIe0cFbCT3AGzcgGN5/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdaaa7bjGb9Fprg90VYlkFjd_8Oirw3Ngw3FZ3IgJBuhHJbPcGQ5Dg4OwsxFB60_hq-koPEhVVpUvRUNjMD1yVJs-fdvLMOH0cgYN1TyA5x5Sv3QzpUAQZ6Epix6UIe0cFbCT3AGzcgGN5/w640-h480/IMG_3126.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From our vantage point we also had very distant views of Corfe Castle </td></tr></tbody></table><br />Our walk eventually took us into the tiny ancient village of Arne which today only consists of a few houses along with the old St Nicholas's Church which sits on top of a large bank and which dates back to about 1200. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghSGIdrWWJDJ94vGVfr2-lApvO1qxayKGww4kI4BCKr_7twLpS-oGd6KoxnLX_OzpxsVGbsU2Z0on8uL98JMu8BmL5nM7R7WHnhPjOujnLe-ClZlrszvJNEYgX0SGlZrmORq2WWmH-a_cr/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghSGIdrWWJDJ94vGVfr2-lApvO1qxayKGww4kI4BCKr_7twLpS-oGd6KoxnLX_OzpxsVGbsU2Z0on8uL98JMu8BmL5nM7R7WHnhPjOujnLe-ClZlrszvJNEYgX0SGlZrmORq2WWmH-a_cr/w640-h480/IMG_3134.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Saturday 25th September 2021 โโโ โโโโ โ<div><br /></div><div>So what did we do today? We visited the island of Portland which is connected to Weymouth via a causeway that runs parallel to the stunning Chesil Beach, and our purpose for choosing there was to visit the Tout Quarry Sculpture Park and also to explore Church Ope Cove where the Pirates' graveyard can be found. However, we only succeeded with the former because the latter was bared by a ridiculously narrow entry to it's car park๐ก. John reckons our car is 1.8 metres wide and the entrance (which was guarded by huge Portland Stone blocks) stated it was 1.83 metres so with only 3 cms to spare we didn't want to risk going in - but we did find an alternative activity which I'll tell you about later. </div><div><br /></div><div>After arriving on Portland we drove past lots of old stone cottages, past lots of quarrying memorabilia and up several very steep hills before we finally arrived at the Bill where Portland lighthouse stands to guide shipping through the treacherous waters that surround the island. It stands 135 feet tall and was completed in 1906 when it superseded 2 previous ones that were known as the Old Higher and Lower Lighthouses. <br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOmpevOjhOyIzKrXsyE362KMwTIIsyC8Jn9jMfNY3srxCzi0jsfXNnD7aTQfGNtwS6nzWegNqOxMDSGeJOXxTxv2oGsLRSUOPaVA_dZn5gZW23_RNcXGrGhy9r0qkTAnHWna0QypRenK1b/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1749" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOmpevOjhOyIzKrXsyE362KMwTIIsyC8Jn9jMfNY3srxCzi0jsfXNnD7aTQfGNtwS6nzWegNqOxMDSGeJOXxTxv2oGsLRSUOPaVA_dZn5gZW23_RNcXGrGhy9r0qkTAnHWna0QypRenK1b/w547-h640/IMG_3135.JPG" width="547" /></a></div>The 'New'Portland Bill Lighthouse</div><p>From The Bill we proceeded to walk back along the very rugged coastal path on the west side of the island and from there we had distant views of Chesil Beach but rather than looking at that it was really quite important to watch where we were putting our feet because the rough path had plenty of trip traps! </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCPKe3MKpL2VvRgUeHZwthtAQxGjczkqREWHWuM14UkWZ3SPbn_N-5x0wpoJGCfj-xSh21KWD1WtKOoCOStolJMEiq8XZEfK54JFbv7OEPxsuz_eNg5IyQ9aapbcxmnaVTJz7NLhX1Co7W/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCPKe3MKpL2VvRgUeHZwthtAQxGjczkqREWHWuM14UkWZ3SPbn_N-5x0wpoJGCfj-xSh21KWD1WtKOoCOStolJMEiq8XZEfK54JFbv7OEPxsuz_eNg5IyQ9aapbcxmnaVTJz7NLhX1Co7W/w640-h480/IMG_3138.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhAL7NS0etXCZVP7ZsT8OtucYudA3PeD1hYpLt2mzS51-ufPExrvhIndlHVBeMfXhfsg07wNwV0CYo6xo30SMKDrOlA1sCEmFn9KyyAcX5Nut2EAuGcfWOeRpu1dfPOkFehKTgi9ETFyMm/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhAL7NS0etXCZVP7ZsT8OtucYudA3PeD1hYpLt2mzS51-ufPExrvhIndlHVBeMfXhfsg07wNwV0CYo6xo30SMKDrOlA1sCEmFn9KyyAcX5Nut2EAuGcfWOeRpu1dfPOkFehKTgi9ETFyMm/w640-h480/IMG_3142.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpsHBXRJCGIalHPblZ6QKE7mEHJN_TW7NtLBuaLE9aQVxWEjZLXg_EIaqYO5iDi2Jbw-chd6M1DtFfPZgwU8we8lrliy_VSQnxMxpUXHq94ifQjysjALdDnEnRP-0GW1XxHjTRVg0uekiX/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpsHBXRJCGIalHPblZ6QKE7mEHJN_TW7NtLBuaLE9aQVxWEjZLXg_EIaqYO5iDi2Jbw-chd6M1DtFfPZgwU8we8lrliy_VSQnxMxpUXHq94ifQjysjALdDnEnRP-0GW1XxHjTRVg0uekiX/w640-h480/IMG_3143.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtkBezzQMyEaT67F3dyNXh17cXD4F9e-JCsr2xGRC01h9BY846J4Xs6LJScsJqG9EU2aFj3resNThC0VY8hyphenhyphenAM581KKmWwzTmTWcBifqaoOnof-eLOmj-CIpJ1fxfKv_1ubK4gghtAmcWN/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtkBezzQMyEaT67F3dyNXh17cXD4F9e-JCsr2xGRC01h9BY846J4Xs6LJScsJqG9EU2aFj3resNThC0VY8hyphenhyphenAM581KKmWwzTmTWcBifqaoOnof-eLOmj-CIpJ1fxfKv_1ubK4gghtAmcWN/w640-h480/IMG_3144.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Md0By-qUKeUId2i7RURoQ35woiM0NmBxryHHXt6eBd9nn5LwikWGqF_rP2y6junZRyzxU6PAU7alPa2XdW7aLU5J3WzfL8_xEkULsd6wWuLkS7MoYz4Af29eEhfiR1151wcDO4Tlznkm/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Md0By-qUKeUId2i7RURoQ35woiM0NmBxryHHXt6eBd9nn5LwikWGqF_rP2y6junZRyzxU6PAU7alPa2XdW7aLU5J3WzfL8_xEkULsd6wWuLkS7MoYz4Af29eEhfiR1151wcDO4Tlznkm/w640-h480/IMG_3147.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLvECUXVnpGcJmmN9bnLxe-pksbjdhKaPjihTrC_JkrZ5hTP5ZDgtGYNO6FaKpBF3vG-TIJ5n6k5elUNa9oOJnfX_koO-bUXpXs4XpzFxi8eCQepX0nYh9tEmBjFYQJS-6swY08gqVEa7h/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLvECUXVnpGcJmmN9bnLxe-pksbjdhKaPjihTrC_JkrZ5hTP5ZDgtGYNO6FaKpBF3vG-TIJ5n6k5elUNa9oOJnfX_koO-bUXpXs4XpzFxi8eCQepX0nYh9tEmBjFYQJS-6swY08gqVEa7h/w640-h480/IMG_3146.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWiYRRGnWtpHujVUKTUreiZ_64dSBK-MOXMJu0QCh2JxBuIB7n2Ag6b2DC8cmPXScSFVNfNmaGiBpfW39zjBv9Cb9tFSmkwywvxbfij303MeOohbRauBJ2NNTgxI1rzB64PZcXM2MKLWUz/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWiYRRGnWtpHujVUKTUreiZ_64dSBK-MOXMJu0QCh2JxBuIB7n2Ag6b2DC8cmPXScSFVNfNmaGiBpfW39zjBv9Cb9tFSmkwywvxbfij303MeOohbRauBJ2NNTgxI1rzB64PZcXM2MKLWUz/w640-h480/IMG_3145.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A comfy chair for me!</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Our walk to Tout Quarry took us about an hour and a half with our lunch stop so as we'd only paid for 3 hours parking (and we'd got to allow for our return journey) we didn't have quite as much time as we'd have liked to explore the vast number of sculptures (over 60) that can be found there, but maybe that's just a good excuse to go back at a later date!<p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_QBx_TfxeVVFnExM1vzQl63OJcOe5RoTyt45bvjglpXkljt5wyGPrpLjuGluhTZIGr-UnujGPGKP57_tD8QCD-ZcCov6zrzEviv9FckuKweyDyVSyI9EKrMmeXGKiH8IZuPQdj6s0_JtK/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1326" data-original-width="2048" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_QBx_TfxeVVFnExM1vzQl63OJcOe5RoTyt45bvjglpXkljt5wyGPrpLjuGluhTZIGr-UnujGPGKP57_tD8QCD-ZcCov6zrzEviv9FckuKweyDyVSyI9EKrMmeXGKiH8IZuPQdj6s0_JtK/w640-h414/IMG_3157.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On our way back we found ourselves being watched</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrnco2SxMeO21GORxOybS9y398YkD9kSrKen-3m5CM254ahsoBtq4Lw-P5HE-DvndfNsC1jzjgh6BuLu34u4qLAwnYqfDZn1AlPBhyphenhyphenSysjXlWBTiIb-OH2sgVZWd945Sa_a1adrL4LZOrB/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1493" data-original-width="2048" height="466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrnco2SxMeO21GORxOybS9y398YkD9kSrKen-3m5CM254ahsoBtq4Lw-P5HE-DvndfNsC1jzjgh6BuLu34u4qLAwnYqfDZn1AlPBhyphenhyphenSysjXlWBTiIb-OH2sgVZWd945Sa_a1adrL4LZOrB/w640-h466/IMG_3158.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And I just managed to snap this chap before he flew off to do some hunting!</td></tr></tbody></table><br />We made it back to the car with just a few minutes to spare but I don't think that really mattered because it didn't look like anybody was checking! However, that still left us with plenty of time for more exploring, and as Ope Cove was unavailable on this visit we decided to check out Chesil beach and Fleet Lagoon instead! <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbyyznjhISs2jV87FfFPkDf1GsfuJaKV7pvUu0kiT7wN84jzsGo64i4SnbG-N8PbCT4g7WyzE2SKBASqznHMpD7RUKYRSLnV8DhNZtZAb9xQS6nAWiK5SdmHDOzmaycjc7nZfEtK6dKgpV/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbyyznjhISs2jV87FfFPkDf1GsfuJaKV7pvUu0kiT7wN84jzsGo64i4SnbG-N8PbCT4g7WyzE2SKBASqznHMpD7RUKYRSLnV8DhNZtZAb9xQS6nAWiK5SdmHDOzmaycjc7nZfEtK6dKgpV/w640-h480/IMG_3161.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />The area is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and part of the West Dorset and East Devon World Heritage Site. The beach itself is made up of billions of pebbles washed up over 10,000 years ago, and in total, the huge natural structure is 18 miles long. It stretches from Portland Down to West Bay and these days it protects the land from huge waves rolling in from the Atlantic. On the land side of Chesil Beach sits The Fleet which is the largest saline lagoon in England and it only connects with the sea at Ferry Bridge which is the point where the Fleet Lagoon joins Portland Harbour. <p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvCTTkvPchhUVFdlQi3Km0bwTwz1ZG9JqUIhyGp1aiAwZABBJp1fAzaxLh6IoJpbIfuD8TGaPp7K6N6m7pg6yvRF4RcX17SsGnvgvXVbOk2FnUltFvdZ6f4JaOT_d5jldY1QyI-_rM_rvk/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvCTTkvPchhUVFdlQi3Km0bwTwz1ZG9JqUIhyGp1aiAwZABBJp1fAzaxLh6IoJpbIfuD8TGaPp7K6N6m7pg6yvRF4RcX17SsGnvgvXVbOk2FnUltFvdZ6f4JaOT_d5jldY1QyI-_rM_rvk/w640-h480/IMG_3159.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There were no sharp edges, all the stones were oval shaped<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRVhJXELtLawhsfroUN7w3hUSBFQfHf2mT1QQ3fKBNk820naMqPWs14zgPT_b8wA5f7z7xhZNq2WDXOh50ffUw8dVj0NurKvq5PpcBygaoEwqXgmblHisBYoa5k2NnSiyghs5p4Y4gZdN4/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRVhJXELtLawhsfroUN7w3hUSBFQfHf2mT1QQ3fKBNk820naMqPWs14zgPT_b8wA5f7z7xhZNq2WDXOh50ffUw8dVj0NurKvq5PpcBygaoEwqXgmblHisBYoa5k2NnSiyghs5p4Y4gZdN4/w640-h480/IMG_3163.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And quite difficult to walk on - so instead we sat and watched the waves crashing up<br />onto the extremely steep beach</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Sunday 26th September 2021 โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ <p></p><p>Well, after a busy week Sunday was declared a day of rest - but only till after a late Brunch! After that we set off for a short walk out on the Sika trail again. However, our short walk turned into about 6 miles but as it was all in very pleasant sunshine it was very much a pleasure to lengthen our exploration. And the photo below really doesn't do it justice but the Autumn colours were just lovely! </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFaGZb9gVfyj0bbZkvqaiRo6F6BH9YdPspgy-C78Cy7NKR96C-aYwdYSAlc_npsBhL95x7ReTjh5UHzIjT5k580tnIPd_iho-gpq-sOU-ikGPcHJLd3KfU-JMFBswsybPXvUTysfdh5e06/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFaGZb9gVfyj0bbZkvqaiRo6F6BH9YdPspgy-C78Cy7NKR96C-aYwdYSAlc_npsBhL95x7ReTjh5UHzIjT5k580tnIPd_iho-gpq-sOU-ikGPcHJLd3KfU-JMFBswsybPXvUTysfdh5e06/w640-h480/IMG_3165.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Then, once back home we enjoyed a nice cuppa while we did a bit more planning for this Autumn/Winter tour and now we've reassuringly got our campsites booked right through until mid December๐! <p></p><p>Now all that's left to do on our lazy Sunday is cook dinner in our lovely little Bistro, and tonight's speciality will be Duck a l'orange accompanied by a drop of Malbec ๐</p><p>See you soon ๐</p><p><a href="https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?hl=en&mid=1tG7G55azXmNAvv09V4MjcDksouY&ll=50.722028880906805%2C-2.15617395&z=17">Click here to see our present camping spot</a></p><p></p></div>Linda Varneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10023578343265888742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8250550279331493077.post-41939004512710446192021-09-20T19:42:00.004+01:002021-10-03T17:59:31.288+01:00'Hip Hip Hooray' We're Back on the Road Again!<p><b>'Hip Hip Hooray' We're Back on the Road Again!</b></p><p><span style="color: red;"><b>And on September 15th we'll be celebrating 6 full years of full time living on the Road shared between our Motorhomes and Caravan!</b></span></p><p>Hello, ๐๐๐ and it's great to be back on the road, but once again, this tour will be within the UK and allow us to visit some of the lovely parts of our own country rather than travelling any further afield. </p><p>However, before I get onto that I'll tell you a little bit about what we've been doing while we were at 'home'. (Home to us is a <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?hl=en&mid=1tG7G55azXmNAvv09V4MjcDksouY&ll=55.36854220383297%2C-3.9164013624999905&z=6">tiny campsite</a> that lies between the towns of Ripley and Swanwick in Derbyshire, and it's the place where we always stay when we want to be near our family). </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSqXN-ReZXpeR_d3IeKDRZrRyZ8VecvS2GlQQKWNthpOSJSgP2T2LFswunXcBX4v6XuE9jEkxm2bzsWQ-czja3jT0ISko8uRdYA0ifP2aiKqYDW6-UHRDx9EJ_OrbXl2CweiHROhxtwVct/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSqXN-ReZXpeR_d3IeKDRZrRyZ8VecvS2GlQQKWNthpOSJSgP2T2LFswunXcBX4v6XuE9jEkxm2bzsWQ-czja3jT0ISko8uRdYA0ifP2aiKqYDW6-UHRDx9EJ_OrbXl2CweiHROhxtwVct/w320-h240/WhatsApp+Image+2021-09-02+at+21.00.56.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>We arrived back there from Barnard Castle in County Durham on 24th July and set up camp on our usual pitch, and there we stayed for the next 52 days. Our first week was spent looking after John's Mum (Rose) while his sister (Val) and her husband (another John) had a short holiday in their motorhome. Then after that, it was back to work for me (vaccinating at our local vaccination centre), so our days for outings were somewhat restricted and John ended up spending a lot of time on his own while I was out doing 12 hour shifts. However, we did fit in lots of visits with our family and also several walks and bike rides both locally and a bit further afield in the Peak District. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoqmLZlXqag8FtcuSpnVqsotLcafpJcyfm9EE4BMvecqL0JtM1j9DpeIOvhMj6Qm85zfmOHmxcXHiLGdS1o24Xfe8y9ALPLUwBXyN1cK_l4atQGMZk-aThYKcE2ippgGOK7eYm4xkUXKTN/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoqmLZlXqag8FtcuSpnVqsotLcafpJcyfm9EE4BMvecqL0JtM1j9DpeIOvhMj6Qm85zfmOHmxcXHiLGdS1o24Xfe8y9ALPLUwBXyN1cK_l4atQGMZk-aThYKcE2ippgGOK7eYm4xkUXKTN/w240-h320/WhatsApp+Image+2021-08-24+at+14.00.42.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio2iPkVGBbTUBngLz3i3QpTvtPBM4zuB7T1GwDqvyIovhCO_AoROvuI6e99beGez19HW7iLtvJhf_Zi1TquhF2ue7KdRsD7aF69KZu9ib1HptAzPWpmsop_Akx02ttc7hR3zRw2uCbkNzJ/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio2iPkVGBbTUBngLz3i3QpTvtPBM4zuB7T1GwDqvyIovhCO_AoROvuI6e99beGez19HW7iLtvJhf_Zi1TquhF2ue7KdRsD7aF69KZu9ib1HptAzPWpmsop_Akx02ttc7hR3zRw2uCbkNzJ/w300-h400/WhatsApp+Image+2021-09-06+at+08.19.09.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>All our lovely Grandchildren ๐๐</p><p>Thomas at the top, Evelyn just above and Jack (all ready for his first day at Big School) and Max to the right. </p><p>We enjoyed walks over the Stanage Edge (Which is a gritstone escarpment just a few miles away from Hathersage), and on another day we visited Higger Tor with it's weird and wonderful rock formations. Other outing took us to Curbar Edge and also the plague village of Eyam.</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje7DmpWSQiZ9-qHI0nMQ0Gp2W0efqZ-m9HcWnJm3GmJlMv6nKix2ucwpEECW_lM-sy0b0LJmDKl0yWJIG5UWLIQhKH8mNuxXnHQQiEUZoEWU9oHKB6SQSHkMHt2Ud1USFymW2KJzKtoV4E/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="344" data-original-width="581" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje7DmpWSQiZ9-qHI0nMQ0Gp2W0efqZ-m9HcWnJm3GmJlMv6nKix2ucwpEECW_lM-sy0b0LJmDKl0yWJIG5UWLIQhKH8mNuxXnHQQiEUZoEWU9oHKB6SQSHkMHt2Ud1USFymW2KJzKtoV4E/w640-h378/Screenshot+2021-09-19+at+13.00.53.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stanage Edge</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcYdwiU0DkHTPmyR7ts-XPd1cTJoLRD55LV0OJ8chRpXS6NYiduTvV_OGUFFpU_hi9i_FYo1BpWDxM26xUXAQ1nCHD-0NM2dg3zBlYmIqAGTCe4gImpA230cJt6UET38Tif5vwgtG1cyV0/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="802" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcYdwiU0DkHTPmyR7ts-XPd1cTJoLRD55LV0OJ8chRpXS6NYiduTvV_OGUFFpU_hi9i_FYo1BpWDxM26xUXAQ1nCHD-0NM2dg3zBlYmIqAGTCe4gImpA230cJt6UET38Tif5vwgtG1cyV0/w640-h426/Screenshot+2021-09-19+at+13.04.40.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Higger tor</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHVUoWt4E43P3MHs8geLgHAUY6_yWqKk3vxhee-Gw39NON9O9dQ25BQGNEDsQRhiUZ8bbGTW1-G93at99_zPtsB6SlkgMw5CnaD9Ky7Y-kAmu7xW3Ctnq1RUZENYS8Hw8LqatRTuz1CB_C/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHVUoWt4E43P3MHs8geLgHAUY6_yWqKk3vxhee-Gw39NON9O9dQ25BQGNEDsQRhiUZ8bbGTW1-G93at99_zPtsB6SlkgMw5CnaD9Ky7Y-kAmu7xW3Ctnq1RUZENYS8Hw8LqatRTuz1CB_C/w640-h480/IMG_3070.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Village of Eyam - The Plague Village</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">Between September 1665 and October 1666 the people of Eyam completely quarantined</span><span style="text-align: left;"> themselves to stop the plague infecting other villages around them, and in so doing they must have saved a great number of lives. History tells how a flea infested bundle of cloth arrived from the then plague ridden London and was handled by a tailor's assistant called George Viccars. Before long he was dead along with other members of his family and also some of his close neighbours. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU2n1yghlHAMJ3G6COGqshUlrAJHjU9E6hS-pr6JgmcCJikycaY2Ye0Z8ubrVqxFXM9juh3vUZ15m70qVzdsM8-Yp1Ob9sYlNC62QiWZSQODPU-Ob5-RjL4vcX3eA-ZI7D7hnJ3IX1jQWA/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1593" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU2n1yghlHAMJ3G6COGqshUlrAJHjU9E6hS-pr6JgmcCJikycaY2Ye0Z8ubrVqxFXM9juh3vUZ15m70qVzdsM8-Yp1Ob9sYlNC62QiWZSQODPU-Ob5-RjL4vcX3eA-ZI7D7hnJ3IX1jQWA/w250-h320/IMG_3057.JPG" width="250" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGAxW3JbEkDTxoChRnJVCrSKAAmJFWOVukyRIWmNCT08o4RlwTpbVlvwyJspfsiqCHTFic_XwGS6g6Z3tha_TYOWeDqWU_x09CUYoRZjU0QkG5zFLjCrRgqVXan0a4nuc0peRgooHUuF0t/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1648" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGAxW3JbEkDTxoChRnJVCrSKAAmJFWOVukyRIWmNCT08o4RlwTpbVlvwyJspfsiqCHTFic_XwGS6g6Z3tha_TYOWeDqWU_x09CUYoRZjU0QkG5zFLjCrRgqVXan0a4nuc0peRgooHUuF0t/w258-h320/IMG_3058.JPG" width="258" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEj6TOS_NKEX3NSN4BlFUgisyOax_dYnmmMjpFaym4hDFBV2nWpJyaZVwY0hvKJl2cWHThWMwXcJEvHfPWgopiKpj5ZhWPwaVjsWlK4vFZ0MEda_KCHIOIm6KNjpNQ9qONp9sXa-yqx_k-/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEj6TOS_NKEX3NSN4BlFUgisyOax_dYnmmMjpFaym4hDFBV2nWpJyaZVwY0hvKJl2cWHThWMwXcJEvHfPWgopiKpj5ZhWPwaVjsWlK4vFZ0MEda_KCHIOIm6KNjpNQ9qONp9sXa-yqx_k-/" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Plague Cottages</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: justify;">As the disease spread the villagers turned to Reverend William Mompesson for leadership and a number of precautions were put in place try and slow the disease's progress and these included a rule that families must bury their own dead and that they were prohibited from leaving the village. Additionally, rather than attending the local church for services they would go to a near by open air amphitheatre called Cucklett Delph where they could 'socially distance' ๐ - does that sound somewhat familiar ๐. As well as this anybody selling goods to the village would leave them on marked rocks and the villagers then made payment by leaving their money in holes filled with vinegar in the hope that this would prevent any transmission of the illness. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-a7F4F7V5dOc9F38dKdeVqrMbuiNueUttaq1lbumEc6J0r49fSAWbSarCa8GFLHkVqf0x3GIVxTv6jr2Oqd8i65WxCejEuGIP0UvM6tEQRPlVvh1RdpTfSsxfI-ap5RzG3sH9jPQa8cfe/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-a7F4F7V5dOc9F38dKdeVqrMbuiNueUttaq1lbumEc6J0r49fSAWbSarCa8GFLHkVqf0x3GIVxTv6jr2Oqd8i65WxCejEuGIP0UvM6tEQRPlVvh1RdpTfSsxfI-ap5RzG3sH9jPQa8cfe/" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Well Where Money Might have been Left!</td></tr></tbody></table><br />The plague lasted for 14 months in the village and over that time 260 individuals lost their lives leaving only 83 of the total population as survivors! But several of those seemed to be immune! A lady called Elizabeth Hancock was uninfected despite burying six of her children and her husband in eight days and the gravedigger Marshall Howe also survived despite handing many of the infected bodies. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqqcDBLEcCyKho0mviXkE7rk5JnNgwJMvb-vxzY3nFQ_lpv-QjeSGCJJroFOqZa05HVP7qE0TJBNQxETALkgVHkizolyLlyOKIW6vluMVAwUqRiHXe3ABHvQ6FexyuX9psTx2Yeq01lHMq/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqqcDBLEcCyKho0mviXkE7rk5JnNgwJMvb-vxzY3nFQ_lpv-QjeSGCJJroFOqZa05HVP7qE0TJBNQxETALkgVHkizolyLlyOKIW6vluMVAwUqRiHXe3ABHvQ6FexyuX9psTx2Yeq01lHMq/w640-h480/IMG_3062.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /></div>Catherine </span><span style="text-align: justify;">Mompesson</span><span style="text-align: justify;"> (wife of Rev </span><span style="text-align: justify;">Mompesson) was the only person buried in the local church yard during the time of the plague. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5bKVS5qMOV3Mu-HIaUas3T7FELFIqwNl_IuQoEIrQL6JapL82Ep4_B4Y4kLripajvpajBwkAk5ZElwJf412_Vti7o6iEwbtZkBw4n4OTQJ8gXrYzoZaa9oB_S_Pw2WpgoFrpmfjrRWwqG/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5bKVS5qMOV3Mu-HIaUas3T7FELFIqwNl_IuQoEIrQL6JapL82Ep4_B4Y4kLripajvpajBwkAk5ZElwJf412_Vti7o6iEwbtZkBw4n4OTQJ8gXrYzoZaa9oB_S_Pw2WpgoFrpmfjrRWwqG/w640-h480/IMG_3060.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St Lawrence's Church, Eyam. </td></tr></tbody></table><br />Then, on the 18th of August, our daughter Sarah acquired a free pass for 6 (because she worked for the NHS) to visit Chatsworth House and it's surrounding gardens and farm adventure playground. In total it's value was around ยฃ140 so when she invited us to join her we jumped at the chance. However, to make 'a day' of it we decided to go for Brunch first. And for that we chose a newly opened Cafe in Ambergate called <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BridgeHouseAmbergate/">Bridge House</a> - the breakfast was ASTRONOMICAL!!!</span></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzgZDhhVg5hsjOP2s9Hnqm9xkkmtPwbToSWlAPLqYGetsGciYzn038l6wiekoHst87Pkj2jPQA6X92HoH1LKmQhbIcMz_20gmwtEDVArLYys71B8fkwifXheTswRY6SWv0hfb3zxhP4xTV/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzgZDhhVg5hsjOP2s9Hnqm9xkkmtPwbToSWlAPLqYGetsGciYzn038l6wiekoHst87Pkj2jPQA6X92HoH1LKmQhbIcMz_20gmwtEDVArLYys71B8fkwifXheTswRY6SWv0hfb3zxhP4xTV/w640-h480/IMG_3032.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZpbycSSf9kYtNmOdFfFENuAochDXeCkQoHQ3wTElgxgjhYboelMPQ0JC_aGit7NbAC3-gbGUl24d-qmshZ-OQ7fa2evP7r7KYxbnTbM1uXbhavtyNGs0rwLei6fT0KY6MDWaTQQAgi0Ef/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZpbycSSf9kYtNmOdFfFENuAochDXeCkQoHQ3wTElgxgjhYboelMPQ0JC_aGit7NbAC3-gbGUl24d-qmshZ-OQ7fa2evP7r7KYxbnTbM1uXbhavtyNGs0rwLei6fT0KY6MDWaTQQAgi0Ef/w640-h480/IMG_3036.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />So, mostly after that we didn't need feeding for the rest of the day (but later we did mange to fit in a <span style="font-size: xx-small;">small </span>picnic and ice cream ๐) </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVcgT1wrb1EngQq7ZyYaNDw7wilFVUp2lS-u-HqaovgTlTi7jjjJdvucuNWhdKr2h1G3gI75wzMSSKo4NOnbPqktTEfmlyt3iCPzJrvBkUf8CPRop7Y4LXcDJTSma9gyCtifVa46OMLzPW/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVcgT1wrb1EngQq7ZyYaNDw7wilFVUp2lS-u-HqaovgTlTi7jjjJdvucuNWhdKr2h1G3gI75wzMSSKo4NOnbPqktTEfmlyt3iCPzJrvBkUf8CPRop7Y4LXcDJTSma9gyCtifVa46OMLzPW/" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarah, John, Me, Thomas and Paul.<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>When we arrived at our venue we first of all wandered around the park lands, then the house itself (which was interesting, but because John and I are philistines it didn't really float our boat), and then we took in the gardens which were excellent and much more our cup of tea. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlF0ojd020nDMKufwY6FIY1MDO7jbB-6IUb3fYW_535y-uWvEUqJvxgt9E3kt-wreWsgLkH6ES4v8EteQuBZGDd05_TNoi0PYYyDXRkIwmVC4jHXdBvNI2r3k8RPyqclzX5xh-x5ero_bP/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlF0ojd020nDMKufwY6FIY1MDO7jbB-6IUb3fYW_535y-uWvEUqJvxgt9E3kt-wreWsgLkH6ES4v8EteQuBZGDd05_TNoi0PYYyDXRkIwmVC4jHXdBvNI2r3k8RPyqclzX5xh-x5ero_bP/w640-h480/IMG_3050.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Then after that we had a short time to explore the farm and adventure playground which we'd visited many moons ago when our children were knee high! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><span style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBiN2y7ZxJACYhtanfEYbN1y03eFFnDV4t0yPOxJ43oVHR28apHfZZMMmQJ44ZqtMo8L_g1EXmv8CQKgu6h31IVanb7XOw09IZC-Q4SbTnZt1ysWQc2MCGqyUdcTcgDOQr_npM2di72zag/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBiN2y7ZxJACYhtanfEYbN1y03eFFnDV4t0yPOxJ43oVHR28apHfZZMMmQJ44ZqtMo8L_g1EXmv8CQKgu6h31IVanb7XOw09IZC-Q4SbTnZt1ysWQc2MCGqyUdcTcgDOQr_npM2di72zag/w640-h480/IMG_3051.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />There, amongst other critters, we met a little 3 day old donkey who had yet to be named - he was very cute! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">Another family day out included a trip to Wirksworth so that Sarah, Paul and all of our Grandchildren could board the <a href="Ecclesbourne Valley Railway">Eccalsbourne Valley Steam Train</a> to watch a pantomime. Unfortunately Grandma and Grandad couldn't travel with them because of Covid restrictions (but we did provide additional transport) (only 6 allowed in a compartment) but we very much enjoyed their company later at the <a href="http://www.nationalstonecentre.org.uk/">National Stone Centre at Middleton</a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaKLH4-5_l3eMq0AhvPj61eo3zEcjwjWp6sFp8rdAjw1GtSxCjXCNK128Hw1dPzAtBqhuZxoyOQnwgei8zxisqAaR6g4gfx9qkWUv1DOFX4WjPWPyS69JRMpshLPdmgi2W1BGYMw-6MFfD/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="970" data-original-width="2048" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaKLH4-5_l3eMq0AhvPj61eo3zEcjwjWp6sFp8rdAjw1GtSxCjXCNK128Hw1dPzAtBqhuZxoyOQnwgei8zxisqAaR6g4gfx9qkWUv1DOFX4WjPWPyS69JRMpshLPdmgi2W1BGYMw-6MFfD/w640-h304/WhatsApp+Image+2021-08-21+at+10.58.35.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Evelyn, Paul, Thomas, Max, Jack and Sarah.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju06u8Dfq79AqX6vuIcBjbhYEifVSulJUPHmWhpsObj6r_HifyKOFsolPdbLQblhjw8jnv6qn-eGQEEYxax2XVIDiPrYCAya84dGSZaGntWguVAR6axbV89xZ5N_6mDmDVAZKbscJnecp7/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="970" data-original-width="2048" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju06u8Dfq79AqX6vuIcBjbhYEifVSulJUPHmWhpsObj6r_HifyKOFsolPdbLQblhjw8jnv6qn-eGQEEYxax2XVIDiPrYCAya84dGSZaGntWguVAR6axbV89xZ5N_6mDmDVAZKbscJnecp7/w640-h304/WhatsApp+Image+2021-08-21+at+15.59.31+%25281%2529.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtzNLpTI2unHSHPhq16MgCUPxqs95W-2uLqwNDCTt-tkG_K_IFvNiLuCuC7t-NwqqUGA7cv6HC8OhA2dpiKBIvY7q7jxUmTFFYMIJ3PvO7lTFWr5-U9ZSeDDXICY8DakU_Q8cqz4ZNHmOz/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="970" data-original-width="2048" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtzNLpTI2unHSHPhq16MgCUPxqs95W-2uLqwNDCTt-tkG_K_IFvNiLuCuC7t-NwqqUGA7cv6HC8OhA2dpiKBIvY7q7jxUmTFFYMIJ3PvO7lTFWr5-U9ZSeDDXICY8DakU_Q8cqz4ZNHmOz/w640-h304/WhatsApp+Image+2021-08-21+at+15.59.31.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grandad with all 4 Rouges๐<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>Then, for our last week at 'home' we looked after Rose again while John and Val had another little holiday!</div></div><p>And finally, after 54 long days at 'home' our time came to break away and start what we hope will be a 3 month tour taking in some very lovely parts of England! </p><p><br /></p><p>Monday 13th - Sunday 18th September 2021</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz_TvDwCyzsMD1LiHvN5nSGUYcxmgxt6ZVr7GgEYLyaJ8KTdVnyBPi8wgmHkwyXyr8oUAgZiHSWstmFZ-6htI8Q1o7XxjUwWi3xgK_BzYj2-3squQS1f4-UywbUszTj83uCprTZ9XGgFU4/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="289" data-original-width="422" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz_TvDwCyzsMD1LiHvN5nSGUYcxmgxt6ZVr7GgEYLyaJ8KTdVnyBPi8wgmHkwyXyr8oUAgZiHSWstmFZ-6htI8Q1o7XxjUwWi3xgK_BzYj2-3squQS1f4-UywbUszTj83uCprTZ9XGgFU4/w640-h438/Screenshot+2021-09-20+at+18.37.11.png" width="640" /></a></div><br />Our first stop was at the <a href="https://www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk/campsites/uk/west-midlands/sutton-coldfield/kingsbury-water-park-camping-and-caravanning-club-site/">Camping and Caravan Club's </a> - near Tamworth were we met up with our very good friends Keith and Jackie who we first met in Spain a couple of years ago. We spent 6 lovely nights socialising ๐ท๐ทwith them and exploring the old gravel pits that now make up 16 lakes, part of which belong to the RSPB and thus provide a home to numerous water birds along with lots of other creatures. Our mornings were spent either walking or cycling amongst the ponds and our afternoons and evenings indulging in chatting and dining in grand style!<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirlifHLbKjsVJBdJc1l3G0iWS47-nHE5ciM3nR0uFPhcxZqTxbFB1H7xDuJd2YEy8lF8Rdy4nvwh9b0C7csStTZ6BVglJ__EpkVkXEAn02hwjyaQmYDVzZHeNE_ro9P-d911_IUCvmbcv3/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirlifHLbKjsVJBdJc1l3G0iWS47-nHE5ciM3nR0uFPhcxZqTxbFB1H7xDuJd2YEy8lF8Rdy4nvwh9b0C7csStTZ6BVglJ__EpkVkXEAn02hwjyaQmYDVzZHeNE_ro9P-d911_IUCvmbcv3/w640-h480/IMG_3091.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXW1iDFQlJ1BnBBXXS10yz8I2JGgz3GS1jbzfyCCT1P6kiBl4ZRL0PefiHTHSguLmupZ1mz0sCoDu_gkupZJxMcxSaly294AVyxVREss0CnyLuss32tU4DKHmIYDMzg8Cl4wmhquKz6e8B/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXW1iDFQlJ1BnBBXXS10yz8I2JGgz3GS1jbzfyCCT1P6kiBl4ZRL0PefiHTHSguLmupZ1mz0sCoDu_gkupZJxMcxSaly294AVyxVREss0CnyLuss32tU4DKHmIYDMzg8Cl4wmhquKz6e8B/w640-h480/IMG_3090.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRixqo5HD6ZzNvrzNHGHwbvqBlmPN6tr9MQ4A0jxp7_F4HeU-L2c6X_y8v5safcMP0hiugy2VzSU2_Uj3a7M4Zt-mYrbxEJx46aUu0DebMh9M96zLzkL5RzYmZsrzPyWYwKN_nDMyRO9ag/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRixqo5HD6ZzNvrzNHGHwbvqBlmPN6tr9MQ4A0jxp7_F4HeU-L2c6X_y8v5safcMP0hiugy2VzSU2_Uj3a7M4Zt-mYrbxEJx46aUu0DebMh9M96zLzkL5RzYmZsrzPyWYwKN_nDMyRO9ag/w640-h480/IMG_3096.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Konik ponies that were introduced to the area to keep the grass short where machines<br />couldn't reach. The dark horse is Wilfred who is leader of the herd.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />And that more or less brings us to the end of our first stop, however we're booked for a month at <a href="https://www.warehamforest.co.uk/">Wareham Forest Tourist Park</a> and then for 2 weeks at <a href="https://www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk/campsites/uk/dorset/wimborne/verwood-new-forest-camping-and-caravanning-club-site/">Verwood CCC</a> site where our kids and grand kids will be joining us for half term so there will be lots more tales to tell. <p></p><p>Bye for now ๐</p><p><a href="https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?hl=en&mid=1tG7G55azXmNAvv09V4MjcDksouY&ll=52.56854113199955%2C-1.7031634000000162&z=17">Click here to see our present camping spot</a><br /></p><p><br /></p>Linda Varneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10023578343265888742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8250550279331493077.post-20426037320253737402021-07-24T16:15:00.001+01:002021-07-24T16:17:04.169+01:00Heading North for a 'Little' 36 Night 'Holiday' Day 32 - 36<p> <b>Heading North for a 'Little' 36 Night 'Holiday' Day 32 - 36</b></p><p>Sunday 18th July 2021 ๐๐๐๐๐ฅ๐ฅbut with a bit of a cooling breeze!</p><p>Today our plan was to go back to Balderhead Reservoir to circumnavigate the lower Blackton and Hury Reservoirs, and that's exactly what we did. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcZcwr_69Z9cWmRyTg-uvmWFhv6IYmWoa435Zh4ihLtvTwxgytaBrMs1bsoOWVVSewBObWKZ_4FyrGmUXdmUq_z_4E91ng99YwcT-Hij5OnVjHsdSYfPsQLmy62GuEkpacbKBhkmraR36u/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1090" data-original-width="2048" height="341" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcZcwr_69Z9cWmRyTg-uvmWFhv6IYmWoa435Zh4ihLtvTwxgytaBrMs1bsoOWVVSewBObWKZ_4FyrGmUXdmUq_z_4E91ng99YwcT-Hij5OnVjHsdSYfPsQLmy62GuEkpacbKBhkmraR36u/" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blackton and Hury</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Our walk was initially close to the water on the left side, and along the way at the Blackton/Hury dam we found a huge overflow station that was in full flow with water pouring from the former into the later at a great rate of knots! It was almost like a man made waterfall! </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVP-M10EVGcQ_o9YGsq60PH1IRF_95z8hSgqSChGw0jKrjgJOSNgAlArszAxANhQ3X-Q3jkZiRnNKf6brBfSSRIBAYgXL1VhCufC8ZhAwiTeEseufr0LrYD5ncyqSpoozSlNuUBGdL27IS/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVP-M10EVGcQ_o9YGsq60PH1IRF_95z8hSgqSChGw0jKrjgJOSNgAlArszAxANhQ3X-Q3jkZiRnNKf6brBfSSRIBAYgXL1VhCufC8ZhAwiTeEseufr0LrYD5ncyqSpoozSlNuUBGdL27IS/w640-h480/IMG_2900.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Then a little further on beside the Hury Reservoir we picnicked by the waterside before going to see the two below sunbathing and I'm not sure if they were watching us or it was us watching them!<p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSebBfs_tpWrphdxzF6tXTuNpYF5_17M17_Wi3JQUc7qKf-2ifGpldtqTUOBFAdAixgtiTrHqUoKNAqgWO7fL7AgwqFDvB6OYFbEm0ugoMjrF-Z5Wu7sfRCufkUTHM18GO1Ws5mKqpOzeI/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1576" data-original-width="2048" height="492" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSebBfs_tpWrphdxzF6tXTuNpYF5_17M17_Wi3JQUc7qKf-2ifGpldtqTUOBFAdAixgtiTrHqUoKNAqgWO7fL7AgwqFDvB6OYFbEm0ugoMjrF-Z5Wu7sfRCufkUTHM18GO1Ws5mKqpOzeI/w640-h492/IMG_2903.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table>Later we walked higher over deserted narrow roads and then back on gravel tracks to our car, and to be honest, I was quite glad to get away from the grassy waterside! Before we'd set off I'd given myself a good coat of insect repellent (I make John laugh by calling it flea powder), but unfortunately a couple of the little flying buggers were quite persistent and got us causing a good deal of irritation for the following night! But hey ho, we had a lovely 8 mile walk with magnificent views so we shouldn't really complain!<p></p><p> </p><p>Monday 19th July 2021 ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐</p><p>Today was another really hot one, and maybe because of that, or maybe because we'd had a disturbed night due to our insect bites (mine were really red and swollen) neither of us felt like doing much! Therefore, we had a lazy day around the van, caught up with some chores (which took all of an hour) and also watched the inside of our eyelids for a short while๐ด๐ด๐ด! But it was very pleasant just to have time to do nothing more strenuous than holding our kindle's and maybe lifting the odd โโ to our lips๐!</p><p><br /></p><p>Tuesday 20th July 2021๐๐๐๐๐๐๐</p><p>The Bird's of Prey Centre at Thirsk was on our agenda today and to ensure we timed our arrival for one of the flying displays we needed to be there for around 1ish. The Centre holds the accolade of having the most breeds and birds in Yorkshire with over 70 birds and 30 species that include eagles, falcons, hawks, kites, vultures and owls and as I've always had a fascination with those kinds of birds I was quite excited about our day - but beware - there are a lot of pics to follow!</p><p>When we first arrived we had a short time to browse around some of the enclosures and these are just a few of the magnificent birds we found there.</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjyQA4DP2lfNv94py_Y7a7zjLoW_Iwx4mRm2g1xiaGhLJGYZO-Z-lZ2cnjmZgOsNrfti_FiSiEaWtBa83jUggCp0z374PHWYlyVUNc769tEx-m5tELI_omWsy-woeqtM5gP82iIncPFOOj/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1238" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjyQA4DP2lfNv94py_Y7a7zjLoW_Iwx4mRm2g1xiaGhLJGYZO-Z-lZ2cnjmZgOsNrfti_FiSiEaWtBa83jUggCp0z374PHWYlyVUNc769tEx-m5tELI_omWsy-woeqtM5gP82iIncPFOOj/w387-h640/IMG_2912.JPG" width="387" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Grey Eagle Buzzard</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTQgW2SenJ2F4W4Ryu427uMWoX_loKzIOKk3SiPHn4pqojPuyWIZBt0JBC6cCWl0DN-JTfQxvSQjxiGwZWMQjFbwYCYOlpYqAZHkGe5XMY_0eVxFbZiL7hy71OaXL4nWg2d23rJe1ZyFOW/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1784" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTQgW2SenJ2F4W4Ryu427uMWoX_loKzIOKk3SiPHn4pqojPuyWIZBt0JBC6cCWl0DN-JTfQxvSQjxiGwZWMQjFbwYCYOlpYqAZHkGe5XMY_0eVxFbZiL7hy71OaXL4nWg2d23rJe1ZyFOW/" width="418" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Mean Looking Golden Eagle<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTxgcAvFwTpRPJYh-im9TaP2VTkoSzTXvRhC6XNLC_5qrANVDWT099f56SB4EUJGxpdyz0Xrkbqkgt70PXB5FdaF-Fuphw91pMA17et7vSsTWJQRfKtwq1M152JRHkbRyirrkSM9sxfRgz/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1369" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTxgcAvFwTpRPJYh-im9TaP2VTkoSzTXvRhC6XNLC_5qrANVDWT099f56SB4EUJGxpdyz0Xrkbqkgt70PXB5FdaF-Fuphw91pMA17et7vSsTWJQRfKtwq1M152JRHkbRyirrkSM9sxfRgz/w427-h640/IMG_2917.JPG" width="427" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An African Fish Eagle</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjImpy53WTv4p6cdC-u1_8xVEpU2Zy-h6wBJK0JtEnlbD1uxVnvronweLPZRtY951zyEBzcDQ8_nEyrk-5Lf8NzoDtjacQJGMw_MG2sXjOhENQ2upkGlGY-NNO6ec8z_542hcDjOCcLQ1mX/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1989" data-original-width="2048" height="622" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjImpy53WTv4p6cdC-u1_8xVEpU2Zy-h6wBJK0JtEnlbD1uxVnvronweLPZRtY951zyEBzcDQ8_nEyrk-5Lf8NzoDtjacQJGMw_MG2sXjOhENQ2upkGlGY-NNO6ec8z_542hcDjOCcLQ1mX/w640-h622/IMG_2919.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Steller's Sea Eagle </td></tr></tbody></table><br />We saw all of the above fly but I think I would have to say the Steller's was my favorite. He was magnificent both in flight and when perched and the info boards informed us that Steller's are the heaviest eagles in the world and can weigh up to 20 pounds. They come from coastal north-eastern Asia and eat mainly fish and small water birds.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjta4Heid0qWRjWnJ5YFT5LWGjGT2PoCPwyQZL01MQPw_WPgzw41cGcGTAFnYCdTZBlux6zpX_bD4qwMQur3etFvuvUH_njyQq3B9nfksprRuqvTFIImn9zRWnCPXHmBa_qEsI-WINP45fC/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1244" data-original-width="2048" height="388" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjta4Heid0qWRjWnJ5YFT5LWGjGT2PoCPwyQZL01MQPw_WPgzw41cGcGTAFnYCdTZBlux6zpX_bD4qwMQur3etFvuvUH_njyQq3B9nfksprRuqvTFIImn9zRWnCPXHmBa_qEsI-WINP45fC/w640-h388/IMG_2925.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Steller's Eagle in flight.<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div>Once the show started I think it would be fair to say that Wesley and Ethel stole a good part of it!<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjka1SKUOGvZU76W-0RkEaphFNYeiMpYFFPxuHm_PCDbwLPWi8iry5o9jISAN7xOsnaA_5hPUkaNCGKyPPEBi6sbx3rV1URg9DO4GHKmT4N2VlU6Od3PdShZfxTmuwOHzaU34AuOB9vxxBh/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1984" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjka1SKUOGvZU76W-0RkEaphFNYeiMpYFFPxuHm_PCDbwLPWi8iry5o9jISAN7xOsnaA_5hPUkaNCGKyPPEBi6sbx3rV1URg9DO4GHKmT4N2VlU6Od3PdShZfxTmuwOHzaU34AuOB9vxxBh/w621-h640/IMG_2943.JPG" width="621" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">They are White Headed Vultures who are now in their 20s! It seems Ethel has been at the centre for many years, and for much of that time the handlers have been searching for a suitable mate for her, and recently, in 2020 they found Wesley who seems to be a perfect match. They now live and fly together and a few months ago they even started building a nest ๐ but apparently the weather turned cold so nothing came of that. Sadly Wesley isn't quite up to full strength because before he came to the centre he'd been kept in a pen and not allowed to fly for quite a few years, but now he flies (for just a short while) every day with Ethel so over time he should hopefully build some muscle mass and fully recover. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDQDj3qjmAfhlzm90ZCZOA9T4gMZ70XqxABq1Aa3cXtW62hQjOgfapaTWdg8OYscSk9SkxYkupr1y8q22n6hKRRm00BEaW_USeyQaviw8ZjJ4uNjMCn0-m2nQazFN3mpfuqUCtRWvetFrD/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1693" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDQDj3qjmAfhlzm90ZCZOA9T4gMZ70XqxABq1Aa3cXtW62hQjOgfapaTWdg8OYscSk9SkxYkupr1y8q22n6hKRRm00BEaW_USeyQaviw8ZjJ4uNjMCn0-m2nQazFN3mpfuqUCtRWvetFrD/w528-h640/IMG_2940.JPG" width="528" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ethel Showing of her gorgeous feathers after Wesley had gone to rest<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7nW7rZYbwAY1YGSP58lVi7Ax5330DkuZomyHHbKqi-bIdgPLc2rUkDt_v4aVv3rHt5cFnmLHuF2LQRsv39pmgZFclNztP_6nsni48LZ8N-0A3AS76JlrL3QliZXEKov4LpewIuuzsohEK/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1664" data-original-width="2048" height="521" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7nW7rZYbwAY1YGSP58lVi7Ax5330DkuZomyHHbKqi-bIdgPLc2rUkDt_v4aVv3rHt5cFnmLHuF2LQRsv39pmgZFclNztP_6nsni48LZ8N-0A3AS76JlrL3QliZXEKov4LpewIuuzsohEK/w640-h521/IMG_2934.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Next came the hilarious Kookaburra who had been taught to laugh <br />to order - he giggled at us giggling at him! <br />Apparently Kookaburras are part of the kingfisher family and are native to Australia and New Guinea.<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNry8ox72CqTzfGKsA1JBEmmarOghVVup2_yBhWMFqsWcGwMJ2_YueAeO5ypC1AyOt9Onl2vYiTRKup_vNmFbo7WQzLqrSEPy7P09q3QktNsQ1CK0x5OWOzKxUQtRY-46C7kVHiaNR8FO2/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1877" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNry8ox72CqTzfGKsA1JBEmmarOghVVup2_yBhWMFqsWcGwMJ2_YueAeO5ypC1AyOt9Onl2vYiTRKup_vNmFbo7WQzLqrSEPy7P09q3QktNsQ1CK0x5OWOzKxUQtRY-46C7kVHiaNR8FO2/w587-h640/IMG_2947.JPG" width="587" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Next the Grey Eagle Buzzard swooped in......</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ6A_hDYn0-b6arqP_FW2O8eiMIrkM9j4SMgjujsZLuof0qMw6jgmObR38sUUQH76BkIuEzv7XiPbYX-dbfWT3mBZrZ7lF_GKZASljxtZylP5WV_0mD9FZqrurpoWHh72AwoEbnk1R7znu/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1995" data-original-width="2048" height="624" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ6A_hDYn0-b6arqP_FW2O8eiMIrkM9j4SMgjujsZLuof0qMw6jgmObR38sUUQH76BkIuEzv7XiPbYX-dbfWT3mBZrZ7lF_GKZASljxtZylP5WV_0mD9FZqrurpoWHh72AwoEbnk1R7znu/w640-h624/IMG_2936.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">......And after that The Long Eared Owl did a few fly bys</td></tr></tbody></table><br />There were also loads more birds flying, and even when the show was over (after about an hour) there were still more beautiful birds to see!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsuLEnUulF6dtGB2gJoQS_UdTULuTrGGbCJUsLceM2AIAeqxFLRv2TI5wPxlyJlU_uRdHuOut8fvy92FktzYv1jmI-5JdV2Z-C8PtleWHRiY-vETJJ4IjuKAcaQcLQN5tycy9fdz7jXBI-/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1830" data-original-width="2048" height="571" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsuLEnUulF6dtGB2gJoQS_UdTULuTrGGbCJUsLceM2AIAeqxFLRv2TI5wPxlyJlU_uRdHuOut8fvy92FktzYv1jmI-5JdV2Z-C8PtleWHRiY-vETJJ4IjuKAcaQcLQN5tycy9fdz7jXBI-/w640-h571/IMG_2956.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">To name but a couple there was Viper who is an American Kestrel<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk_JqsDKPPX0Zi50pfujIfmNl2YOHNEsAwHry03zA5j5GwVpwZYUqvneDZBJr9sXgPNBEUbCGYpGsuJDxUSMoPs_zoJP3LRxvhVLttLLsl_uGu6Qv1OlSHGHC2Tkf4y0-ag5Jqwe3xMU_q/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2043" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk_JqsDKPPX0Zi50pfujIfmNl2YOHNEsAwHry03zA5j5GwVpwZYUqvneDZBJr9sXgPNBEUbCGYpGsuJDxUSMoPs_zoJP3LRxvhVLttLLsl_uGu6Qv1OlSHGHC2Tkf4y0-ag5Jqwe3xMU_q/w639-h640/IMG_2960.JPG" width="639" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And Rick who is a Lanner Falcon </div><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>It had been quite a long drive to get to the centre but afterwards we both agreed it had been well worth it, and additionally, we'll hopefully be paying they another visit in the fairly near future because you can book 'Experience days' where you get to fly and learn about the birds under the supervision of an experienced handler. <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Wednesday 21st July 2021 ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Today we stayed on the theme of birds and made use of our RSPB membership to visit RSPB Saltholme which is quite near to where the River Tees empties into the North Sea and also near the coastal town of Seaton Carew. When we got there I was quite surprised to find the reserve lies amongst a huge industrial sprawl but if you could ignore that there was lots to see that included birds, bees, butterflies, wild flowers, damsel and dragonflies, and even The Mad Hatter's Tea Party!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikVl_yXYuSHGirdq_5B5supxuHPW1OqQdbUQxJ2ItZr8T2VmPtVVgXlLsrsVWs3dcCCRPG5Ylul6nPaUyBRd5wjdFCvWvXL7ZdZRtsVtCGDpwe78CtI7srPVaxbOkCh4d-iEdKEJm3UzqL/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1650" data-original-width="2048" height="515" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikVl_yXYuSHGirdq_5B5supxuHPW1OqQdbUQxJ2ItZr8T2VmPtVVgXlLsrsVWs3dcCCRPG5Ylul6nPaUyBRd5wjdFCvWvXL7ZdZRtsVtCGDpwe78CtI7srPVaxbOkCh4d-iEdKEJm3UzqL/w640-h515/IMG_2978.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlEE2QSD4KCu9AhJ7KQ20GSkkg0nMU9cfyLbunVxvY0F-j8TbuEecpCplKZevW-jWQ6SknbXoavqtspO3ljIqNDqs-Pp-Lh4qs_3cqP5xRa_qEKDsr14ISkhjOr0CG2CJ89aRRThUeCMdP/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlEE2QSD4KCu9AhJ7KQ20GSkkg0nMU9cfyLbunVxvY0F-j8TbuEecpCplKZevW-jWQ6SknbXoavqtspO3ljIqNDqs-Pp-Lh4qs_3cqP5xRa_qEKDsr14ISkhjOr0CG2CJ89aRRThUeCMdP/w501-h640/IMG_2979.JPG" width="501" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">But they hadn't got any Earl Grey so John decided not to stay๐</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRYeJ9comyOVM4-q4ad7vbPTe9nuZIWqmIgTVe6DP7gOTlisW0iNcGBI51KgUeg4fiGXAQpxDoYX3caPz-zn0H0d6vBYPFiwsdLGMK7fuPmCCA9E45PSY-pOQyE-beq74d2Am3TpySChx6/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="2048" height="338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRYeJ9comyOVM4-q4ad7vbPTe9nuZIWqmIgTVe6DP7gOTlisW0iNcGBI51KgUeg4fiGXAQpxDoYX3caPz-zn0H0d6vBYPFiwsdLGMK7fuPmCCA9E45PSY-pOQyE-beq74d2Am3TpySChx6/" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At one point we got quite excited because we thought we'd seen a Crane<br />But it was only a digger! <br />(See what I mean about the industrialisation)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUgs8N_hM2GOJOl9an9S4ffGhpGkxWQkleixVxqmqIwzlVTX76bpK15zJHW2VS0ya2GJJJ-qmx1R7MsLPMcBMcMsgtHBdeK1VY1CFTlWd_5UYvJ_Gy8_LL_UKTXx_h7ze-f_nI40RI1w95/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1877" data-original-width="2048" height="586" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUgs8N_hM2GOJOl9an9S4ffGhpGkxWQkleixVxqmqIwzlVTX76bpK15zJHW2VS0ya2GJJJ-qmx1R7MsLPMcBMcMsgtHBdeK1VY1CFTlWd_5UYvJ_Gy8_LL_UKTXx_h7ze-f_nI40RI1w95/w640-h586/IMG_2989.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">But we did see an Arctic Tern<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOASiynWHjjKprUpTktwURVOwE-45hDK_mF0T43YMsYZsRc6w2uRSPOxL-xtPo-Z6Gzyy3WSWEBTDrWA5eGkqjCy8yYQycSInz73idq7FRhyfWyjqSwfGRFcY435Z7haU55_Kd6DsmjjYF/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1757" data-original-width="2048" height="549" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOASiynWHjjKprUpTktwURVOwE-45hDK_mF0T43YMsYZsRc6w2uRSPOxL-xtPo-Z6Gzyy3WSWEBTDrWA5eGkqjCy8yYQycSInz73idq7FRhyfWyjqSwfGRFcY435Z7haU55_Kd6DsmjjYF/w640-h549/IMG_2993.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">and a Lapwing</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr></tr><tr></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div></div><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB5xPfnJF65LJWTqWvDhvzlUH-hW2QddbVkRrwk8fKw-s2VgAiSGeo3kYY3_dfvo4-4TgEK1P27QBkjJ3TWSAb5jJPyDuo8HVvt5htY1a8SpAU-p-fuMxlCIsAABTxGzmt_sxrnzyXXcop/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1574" data-original-width="2048" height="492" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB5xPfnJF65LJWTqWvDhvzlUH-hW2QddbVkRrwk8fKw-s2VgAiSGeo3kYY3_dfvo4-4TgEK1P27QBkjJ3TWSAb5jJPyDuo8HVvt5htY1a8SpAU-p-fuMxlCIsAABTxGzmt_sxrnzyXXcop/w640-h492/IMG_2994.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">and a Ringed Plover</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7-73kD7IaFqrWzaTVHhQXYjwZzFCGJGVw6OCHTL9HGwJSXI2U4fiygbuUXwWJcU1wKeUdltQkOYMChyphenhyphenEfIt8284Fa3YEnUCm-U0a05Mr-DXkmCPRHdy_MYGNZJ9obRrbwPJkRHoV_Ccr7/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1240" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7-73kD7IaFqrWzaTVHhQXYjwZzFCGJGVw6OCHTL9HGwJSXI2U4fiygbuUXwWJcU1wKeUdltQkOYMChyphenhyphenEfIt8284Fa3YEnUCm-U0a05Mr-DXkmCPRHdy_MYGNZJ9obRrbwPJkRHoV_Ccr7/w387-h640/IMG_2991.JPG" width="387" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">along with this sculpture</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhix_lI70OS7xzjy-LTAc_0nOYl1wwdNM5QqF11iXpg5a6GyIVs72VmD0xcqtlVNshpH2sSDZhVjBpJ3NcEiNKZq50ZjMydaFHOdkJLKZWc16qVIKCG72I4mhrcsBv2Cj3XpqFfyrPIbFpW/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="2048" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhix_lI70OS7xzjy-LTAc_0nOYl1wwdNM5QqF11iXpg5a6GyIVs72VmD0xcqtlVNshpH2sSDZhVjBpJ3NcEiNKZq50ZjMydaFHOdkJLKZWc16qVIKCG72I4mhrcsBv2Cj3XpqFfyrPIbFpW/w640-h376/IMG_3002.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And then one of these little blighters kept still for long enough for us to get a pic of the real thing!</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Apparently, even though dragonflies and damsels seem fragile, in reality they're fearsome predators! They start as an egg on an underwater plant but then soon hatch into a pincer snapping nymph. It seems they live in the water for a few years eating anything they come into contact with before climbing out to emerge as adults. But then the adults only live for a few weeks and during that time they have to find their mate and start the cycle all over again!<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5V8BsZ9bTl3YguXLXBocj6khnAy7D88LLOo528Yq4EFJPicAhTpYLMBFEM0LxlVcID_ubmW4GhIhQRJof2lcT7UA9f4cLvymPJNhsv5Fk2DagHITJnXZKlwpFkG3sZ_ni3nNNClCTV_Mk/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1063" data-original-width="2958" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5V8BsZ9bTl3YguXLXBocj6khnAy7D88LLOo528Yq4EFJPicAhTpYLMBFEM0LxlVcID_ubmW4GhIhQRJof2lcT7UA9f4cLvymPJNhsv5Fk2DagHITJnXZKlwpFkG3sZ_ni3nNNClCTV_Mk/w640-h230/IMG_3009.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />After we'd done at Saltholme we nipped on to see the sea at Seaton but the industrialisation continued and I don't think I've ever been anywhere were I can see a nuclear power station (on the right) and a wind farm (left) all in one view finder! But we had a nice walk and the cooling breeze was lovely after our dust bath at Saltholme!<p></p><p>Thursday 22nd July 2021 ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐</p><p>Another glorious day dawned but this would be our last full one in County Durham๐ so to make the most of it we decided to visit The Cow Green Reservoir which lies in Moor House Upper Teesdale Nature Reserve which is situated in the heart of the North Pennines. The park is the largest Nature Reserve in England and apparently, it's Britain's leading site for research into the effects of changing climate on the natural environment. It covers 8,800 hectares of upland country through which part of the Pennine Way runs, along with lots of public rights of way and Open Access Land. However, there are also lots of blanket bogs and old mine shafts so we were quite happy to stick to one of the Waymarked routes.</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijyCBFNxph7LMWDHR_Uyux0c8VLqhNeS7QPogAO_31zM0gzNK34Ffg7jVG818wAyHOXWniH_ar56j6dxsymjXzk5zvXA3Rl8oG0zTz6xoYmya3iwl-keHvqTUy5t3uYDxvXmpXIgJIWv-F/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1096" data-original-width="2048" height="342" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijyCBFNxph7LMWDHR_Uyux0c8VLqhNeS7QPogAO_31zM0gzNK34Ffg7jVG818wAyHOXWniH_ar56j6dxsymjXzk5zvXA3Rl8oG0zTz6xoYmya3iwl-keHvqTUy5t3uYDxvXmpXIgJIWv-F/w640-h342/IMG_3013.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Cow Green Resevoir<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>The info boards also told us about the golf ball like structure that we could see in the very far distance! It's the dome on top of Great Dun Fell and it's an important part of Britain's air traffic control system!<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmC5Zln65SgnjxhTFdk1TIwXa6Y4lYkbrUkIT9x0xz4QboDHhyphenhyphenlIvBShjc30b9XRAjhG80q0dJ28F23rUOq1LsO1oyD20CNrYzOqm34j4SpTeQjlUCt36C4u3f0-AFeKvWOkZ6b-sQpADJ/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1232" data-original-width="2552" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmC5Zln65SgnjxhTFdk1TIwXa6Y4lYkbrUkIT9x0xz4QboDHhyphenhyphenlIvBShjc30b9XRAjhG80q0dJ28F23rUOq1LsO1oyD20CNrYzOqm34j4SpTeQjlUCt36C4u3f0-AFeKvWOkZ6b-sQpADJ/w640-h308/IMG_3019.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taken with full zoom from several miles away!<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />As we looked towards the dome we could also see the highest point along the Pennine Chain, a hill called Cross Fell which stands at 2930 feet, and also Great Dun Fell which is the second highest at 2766 feet. And it is also here that the River Tees rises before flowing 85 miles eastwards to empty into the North Sea, but before it gets there it has 3 spectacular waterfalls along it's way! We'd already visited 2 of them - High Force and Low Force and today we were going for the 'hat trick' by going to see The Cauldron Snout Waterfall that tips over the Great Whin Sill, and we thought it was the most magnificent of them all!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">To get to the fall we followed the Widdybank Fell Nature Trail which led us down to the Cow Green Dam and from there we could see the outflow that allows the River Tees to continue on it's way!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAt13Ac2Szuanl11QLrDtf6AKN_tNGvRVGSCtHDPsaXvNwYWalTY7HTjv1-MD_Y4zNnG8qf8p-lnmZtKaQaQHBA5oIrlZ1G_-FDm2wkuReooe7BghWgl3dh4pnwAxnaoLtF5nyTMEX5-sL/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1231" data-original-width="2048" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAt13Ac2Szuanl11QLrDtf6AKN_tNGvRVGSCtHDPsaXvNwYWalTY7HTjv1-MD_Y4zNnG8qf8p-lnmZtKaQaQHBA5oIrlZ1G_-FDm2wkuReooe7BghWgl3dh4pnwAxnaoLtF5nyTMEX5-sL/w640-h384/IMG_3026.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Then by scrambling down a rough rocky path we found ourselves beside the gushing waters of the very powerful Cauldron Snout which falls over three levels for about 600 yards which makes it the longest waterfall in England!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKa9j3h92ef7JT2YjxEGU3XdqVr-FgNHPd8zRmrEGNa47DleG5QcYVgD-CSVBADilsjvOoKuV80Ke-sUqmDb6oXsL3zdOT7B7_RPCg3WaI2oAY_2h6FS7BHsexUmO36k8rDruZulTzNDI4/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1561" data-original-width="2048" height="488" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKa9j3h92ef7JT2YjxEGU3XdqVr-FgNHPd8zRmrEGNa47DleG5QcYVgD-CSVBADilsjvOoKuV80Ke-sUqmDb6oXsL3zdOT7B7_RPCg3WaI2oAY_2h6FS7BHsexUmO36k8rDruZulTzNDI4/w640-h488/IMG_3028.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihO7U5uulc_hdgtrwvhBO7PP7AxRpRTZk58yz47vcrYgHYs6_6Ka5RUmrUoJFm9HnKHy6NHu8_cLYUr7HXHWM9_ioozwzONsqd130sUr0bN9U3A9Roazkq0YVqx3zQjNllzXmjFxeRaXY5/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1559" data-original-width="2048" height="488" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihO7U5uulc_hdgtrwvhBO7PP7AxRpRTZk58yz47vcrYgHYs6_6Ka5RUmrUoJFm9HnKHy6NHu8_cLYUr7HXHWM9_ioozwzONsqd130sUr0bN9U3A9Roazkq0YVqx3zQjNllzXmjFxeRaXY5/w640-h488/IMG_3029.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Middle</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS29j_oiu2bJygEBbb-07hgPBODvZoc5B2PZo7K74k4reTV6YgXxPPOqUJFaNu9QFa4u-2qzhWC-8sO3kSi68Uaul7MDB51f03AIGQAjP54LZ3TuuNPAP51rcVCPpT26LGcZrYCNiFYtKc/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1482" data-original-width="2048" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS29j_oiu2bJygEBbb-07hgPBODvZoc5B2PZo7K74k4reTV6YgXxPPOqUJFaNu9QFa4u-2qzhWC-8sO3kSi68Uaul7MDB51f03AIGQAjP54LZ3TuuNPAP51rcVCPpT26LGcZrYCNiFYtKc/w640-h464/IMG_3030.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And Bottom - The Waterfall was so long I couldn't get it all on one pic!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyjQqRKcZZNoMPvnaucOLWcgX1FWpz5Bc18vgvE2_fa8Kmm0frrrjEujMiQv9IcgD2zuTtB_F1r8t3uxpVQB8LuFbXglACuvVsjjIs00kRHJUhCtYZWK6J548lQhs1txBACHf-fdPllE_Q/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1567" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyjQqRKcZZNoMPvnaucOLWcgX1FWpz5Bc18vgvE2_fa8Kmm0frrrjEujMiQv9IcgD2zuTtB_F1r8t3uxpVQB8LuFbXglACuvVsjjIs00kRHJUhCtYZWK6J548lQhs1txBACHf-fdPllE_Q/" width="627" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And us admiring the views</td></tr></tbody></table>Then all we had to do was climb back to the car park at the top of the hill and head back to the campsite to do a bit of packing before setting off for home Friday๐! But never mind, it's only about 7 weeks till our next little jaunt!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Friday 23rd July 2021 - <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?hl=en&mid=1tG7G55azXmNAvv09V4MjcDksouY&ll=53.06425539686046%2C-1.4113468886230374&z=14">'Home'</a> safe and sound after a very quick run down the motorway with absolutely no holdups despite it being the first day of the school hols for many!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?hl=en&mid=1tG7G55azXmNAvv09V4MjcDksouY&ll=54.60992767816742%2C-2.3343701124999905&z=10" style="text-align: left;">Click here to see our present camping spot</a></div><div><a href="https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?hl=en&mid=1tG7G55azXmNAvv09V4MjcDksouY&ll=53.0642586484303%2C-1.4113468886230374&z=14" style="text-align: left;">Click here to see our Home camping spot</a></div></div></div></div>Linda Varneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10023578343265888742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8250550279331493077.post-16992249580049462742021-07-17T18:29:00.005+01:002021-07-17T18:29:53.480+01:00Heading North for a 'Little' 36 Night 'Holiday' Day 27 - 31<p><b>Heading North for a 'Little' 36 Night 'Holiday' Day 27 - 31</b></p><p>Tuesday 13th July 2021 โ โ โ โ โ โ ๐๐๐</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhimNlEZB1RSZbDytN_lKLJJiAys4C4NjBuAkmMld9wE3hkn7Gf4z6-44r9hIfAnPf9gSuE2DiSS63nHHqWGTtcQGDEf6gfdnL4fKoYVZFw6wA-QIbEdWJjdAO0v4VMU79Su35oQxyQkXew/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1408" data-original-width="1056" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhimNlEZB1RSZbDytN_lKLJJiAys4C4NjBuAkmMld9wE3hkn7Gf4z6-44r9hIfAnPf9gSuE2DiSS63nHHqWGTtcQGDEf6gfdnL4fKoYVZFw6wA-QIbEdWJjdAO0v4VMU79Su35oQxyQkXew/w240-h320/WhatsApp+Image+2021-07-15+at+10.04.07.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>Today was a bit of a Deja day in that we revisited somewhere that we'd previously been 11 years ago and that was the town of Stanhope with it's <b>mahousive </b>hill up onto the moor! On that occasion we were undertaking the last stage of our <a href="https://www.sustrans.org.uk/find-other-routes/c2c-or-sea-to-sea">C2C Tour</a> which, over 5 days, had taken us from Whitehaven to Tynemouth, and on that 5th day the weather was absolutely appalling! Today, in the car, we sailed up the very aptly named Crawley Hill but on that bleak storm begotten day 11 years ago it wasn't quite so easy. On that day our party split up - Sharon and Paul followed a track over the Moor and John and I chose to travel on tarmac but even with that even surface under our wheels we ended up getting off and pushing from about half way up๐ฌ๐ฐ. Statistics for it state that the hill goes on for 2 and half miles and has an average gradient of 6% but the steepest parts are 20%! However, eventually we did get to the top but by then the wind was so strong that we had to shelter behind a dry stone wall while we got our breath back and recouped our energy with a little snack!<p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoFxtfk5Ij2w1xCzdbLl_EqcAs3wgttvsYFX9BzqZz1otM8PdDSykpN0oTqqeVxmFHZuQWgIaWdWEaiMKpl6Efqv0OpcNky8SjZNiJcFw3y8AMXXPvDwBEOirAzWkM4WXaPmNd3T0GOBn6/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="601" data-original-width="1013" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoFxtfk5Ij2w1xCzdbLl_EqcAs3wgttvsYFX9BzqZz1otM8PdDSykpN0oTqqeVxmFHZuQWgIaWdWEaiMKpl6Efqv0OpcNky8SjZNiJcFw3y8AMXXPvDwBEOirAzWkM4WXaPmNd3T0GOBn6/w640-h380/WhatsApp+Image+2021-07-15+at+10.05.57.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sharon, me, Paul and John just setting of from Whitehaven<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>Going back to today our plan was to walk over some of the Moor that Sharon and Paul had ridden across just to see if we'd missed anything by not going with them! We set off from the Parkhead Cafe (that used to be a railway junction) and once we'd crossed the road we were straight out onto the open Moor. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8hTn6AlB0TGD511ygTTxR0F9wXp8BwOi-j5MMlyXhDnWKZzEEc5600VvXm9w54UAyX8A1ZYuDWpVE6vJPQ_6tV0x2GmfeaNwTNzqKZ40st1leanpyar2mmlDLhbG5gSq6L3KoxQKFZUb4/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1182" data-original-width="2048" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8hTn6AlB0TGD511ygTTxR0F9wXp8BwOi-j5MMlyXhDnWKZzEEc5600VvXm9w54UAyX8A1ZYuDWpVE6vJPQ_6tV0x2GmfeaNwTNzqKZ40st1leanpyar2mmlDLhbG5gSq6L3KoxQKFZUb4/w640-h370/IMG_2822.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Parkhead Cafe where 11 years ago we'd all sat dripping while sipping hot choc and <br />gobbling cake!</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;">Our views as we traversed over the old Rookhope Railway Path were vast but at times we had to be quite careful because there were plenty of wet boggy patches to avoid!</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj674WpJg2LDK6sl4PkGmH_2KuOG4CgOKHZgi_hPy5OE4E6HSo6cj2y9UL8pgIDHbvC-S-cKnC1zQsMgjCJZHX2F8SNWx8dNKMXmkLHzBT8FCCrjF0rj6y8zpU1idPbvoiT8p56qTpZbG9/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj674WpJg2LDK6sl4PkGmH_2KuOG4CgOKHZgi_hPy5OE4E6HSo6cj2y9UL8pgIDHbvC-S-cKnC1zQsMgjCJZHX2F8SNWx8dNKMXmkLHzBT8FCCrjF0rj6y8zpU1idPbvoiT8p56qTpZbG9/w640-h480/IMG_2823.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKlEUhgdxiP7Gh3I_TA2l3I8kgVDMUC2jXRXK5_Uif2QBgxv3nZJxIXsjePkSkaWPA40YeYuS_42LlNdcZ_V2uBJk9YzJmfgPNOUhZAcXNZg_XuZxErMGQr2q7-oJlbHz8CL-y0kwnf-Sg/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKlEUhgdxiP7Gh3I_TA2l3I8kgVDMUC2jXRXK5_Uif2QBgxv3nZJxIXsjePkSkaWPA40YeYuS_42LlNdcZ_V2uBJk9YzJmfgPNOUhZAcXNZg_XuZxErMGQr2q7-oJlbHz8CL-y0kwnf-Sg/w640-h480/IMG_2829.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div>After about 4 miles we came to what's left of the Bolt's Law Standing Engine House, which in times gone by, provided power to haul railway trucks up and down the Bolt's Law Railway incline on the end of a cable. These would have been filled with iron ore and limestone that was being taken from the Rookhope Terminus to the Tow Law iron-works, and apparently, after being built in 1846 it became the highest ever standard gauge railway in the UK and it wasn't decommissioned until 1923 .<div><br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6ArVtMMzTs__THZvgFodYQG_XIP8fi43QidOJJ7xx3np5UzCsOhOoTRigTYjQq0jSQSAN5W2CK1ewXV-ZgJEh9FL0kwG4zeaRrjEB4nwEX8yS6-K3tMiiBkn8jUZG81ggW9mKaPwJoSRF/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6ArVtMMzTs__THZvgFodYQG_XIP8fi43QidOJJ7xx3np5UzCsOhOoTRigTYjQq0jSQSAN5W2CK1ewXV-ZgJEh9FL0kwG4zeaRrjEB4nwEX8yS6-K3tMiiBkn8jUZG81ggW9mKaPwJoSRF/w640-h480/IMG_2827.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>It was here that we chose to stop for our picnic and we were quite grateful to Alan Turnbull's relatives for providing a memorial bench where we could rest while eating because there was far to much sheep ๐ฉ๐ฉ๐ฉ to sit on the grass ๐๐๐<br /> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgku0M_WzA3RKC11uK2F0tSi4tn8Ux_mV477kqFn_v9MoOXCulTFsv_4RAV116-sEfHwk730623K77V4dgIRThQ4eSAHNZlgNkcZLKrUb4gYHBIkthWdHZWOxVsW8FsaLvBJIEQTNxRmwtI/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgku0M_WzA3RKC11uK2F0tSi4tn8Ux_mV477kqFn_v9MoOXCulTFsv_4RAV116-sEfHwk730623K77V4dgIRThQ4eSAHNZlgNkcZLKrUb4gYHBIkthWdHZWOxVsW8FsaLvBJIEQTNxRmwtI/w640-h480/IMG_2828.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>After that we didn't go any further because we still had 4 miles to walk back to the car but on our return journey we were quite entertained by the many many grouse that jumped out of the heather almost right under our feet. I'm not sure who was the most startled at times, and because there were so many it was quite easy to get a good pic!</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR5eJ4qVc2D4_ga6Ddvrgq8OuoeRg2p3zcEzfbvMlcgyvkqk1zuTgeLQ8DnGlkzZYagYBlg5Zhurl2NnASneJnUISR_t3Rz13J5Y9tcHISiPLp_TSvs5DWuUG0iej4LrpDbx_85YN1ZX1o/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1542" data-original-width="2048" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR5eJ4qVc2D4_ga6Ddvrgq8OuoeRg2p3zcEzfbvMlcgyvkqk1zuTgeLQ8DnGlkzZYagYBlg5Zhurl2NnASneJnUISR_t3Rz13J5Y9tcHISiPLp_TSvs5DWuUG0iej4LrpDbx_85YN1ZX1o/w640-h482/IMG_2836.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I hope he's got his running legs on for when the ๐ฅ shoot ๐ฅ starts in August!<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP-CreeWja-kRNm91QjKK_T1h7xnOQQFeRhg3l3DHPJMXH3ANWx42LjtcHY03q51Ag7UZ5OSPNaNdI-U5YWEWTR2bP0oy2sVD6KQKCgjWcYmDZTZ3vGKyxr7sIIUqaYTbMic_adyX1cXYJ/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1964" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP-CreeWja-kRNm91QjKK_T1h7xnOQQFeRhg3l3DHPJMXH3ANWx42LjtcHY03q51Ag7UZ5OSPNaNdI-U5YWEWTR2bP0oy2sVD6KQKCgjWcYmDZTZ3vGKyxr7sIIUqaYTbMic_adyX1cXYJ/w613-h640/IMG_2838.JPG" width="613" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We also spotted this huge Dragon Fly as we meandered back</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Wednesday 14th July 2021 โ โ โ โ โ โ ๐๐๐</div><div><br /></div><div>Well today turned out to be quite a hard day that was a bit reminiscent of our C2C trip! We ๐ด๐ฝโโ๏ธ ๐ดโโ๏ธ to <a href="https://www.forestryengland.uk/hamsterley-forest">Hamsterley Forest</a> ,and in places the 30 mile round trip presented quite a challenge! We left our campsite at Barnard Castle and followed Sustran's cycle route <a href="https://www.sustrans.org.uk/find-other-routes/walney-to-wear-and-whitby-w2w">W2W</a> which stands for Walney to Wear and Whitby and it runs from Walney in Cumbria to Sunderland or Whitby running for 152 - 248 miles depending on which route you choose. Obviously we only followed it for a short part of it's length but in doing so it took us over very quite country roads and Moor land but it's contours were daunting in places and Shank's Pony was required for short distances! </div><div><br /></div><div>However, once we arrived in the 2000 hectares forest it was quite beautiful with lots of very old trees, excellent tracks and grassy picnic areas where we could enjoy the sunshine. </div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvmQ68sxy6JmMeM2wHzG4o1JgRjhHUIK8kP9GkRQz3t8rCzbrXWhj2UrNoZWZlu81k_DAXjFvogvrjiHpyj0ICoWr6vLHWPSDk_5Ht0fpyjUG5pGbPhIVzJt-5qrmtnov1KeEawCc8cKES/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvmQ68sxy6JmMeM2wHzG4o1JgRjhHUIK8kP9GkRQz3t8rCzbrXWhj2UrNoZWZlu81k_DAXjFvogvrjiHpyj0ICoWr6vLHWPSDk_5Ht0fpyjUG5pGbPhIVzJt-5qrmtnov1KeEawCc8cKES/w640-h480/IMG_2843.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Where's Wally???</td></tr></tbody></table>And Wally even met the Gruffalo </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1isJUYG1HfHY6nvdgMDx2iIEcT30Q5yWrMNUDS_njnq7KKWpymbp6O1X95vY5KHBic3jVXKf_qwIMZfVBmsIqzdD9kcvadLiwEIXTMVKupvJjP3_9TtKEvFyUH0_bbhIvdR4kpW_uRszG/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1isJUYG1HfHY6nvdgMDx2iIEcT30Q5yWrMNUDS_njnq7KKWpymbp6O1X95vY5KHBic3jVXKf_qwIMZfVBmsIqzdD9kcvadLiwEIXTMVKupvJjP3_9TtKEvFyUH0_bbhIvdR4kpW_uRszG/w640-h480/IMG_2844.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Our way home was no less challenging and when we got there we both needed tea and cake to help us recover โ๐ฐ, but maybe that means we just need to do it more often to aid our 'getting a bit fitter' plan๐คฃ๐คฃ๐คฃ.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>Thursday 15th July 2021 โ โ โ โ โ โ ๐๐๐</div><div><br /></div><div>So after 2 fairly tough days today we'd booked to go to a place called <a href="https://www.theforbiddencorner.co.uk/">The Forbidden Corner</a> which is described as a unique labyrinth of tunnels, chambers and follies that resides in a 4 acre garden. Apparently, initially it was built as a private folly for the exclusive enjoyment of a Mr Armstrong's family but it subsequently opened to the public by popular (and possibly profitable) demand! </div><div><br /></div><div>Our slot was booked for 1.30pm but as it was at least an hours drive away we set of soon after 12, so as John knew we'd got plenty of time he decided to take us there via the scenic route! And this turned out to be a Roller Coaster of a ride over narrow 'roads' that passed through lots of Moorland were a lot rabbits had managed to get squashed because they hadn't quite ran fast enough๐. There were also plenty of dozy sheep to dodge and as we approached one jumped over a wall where there looked to be a precipitous drop ๐ค it was okay! We also passed by 'Tan Hill' which has the highest pub in England at it's summit (1732 feet) and which has been used often in the Tour of Britain cycle race. </div><div><br /></div><div>But even having done all that we still arrived at The Forbidden Corner well before our allotted slot so we took advantage of their lovely picnic area to partake of our lunch. </div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRC_Gdv3PjtYgbMeg6GrHD26MWNy5304zRRzwAC-ZhcTDnceLsag12jgoKN9_Kp_4V8uN1MZG_SQVwHKdg_h7125kppEB8Nlpo_0GsbxDN-lH_cN0IrVWMqkytG-Cbk1oMlI8bU983_ApO/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRC_Gdv3PjtYgbMeg6GrHD26MWNy5304zRRzwAC-ZhcTDnceLsag12jgoKN9_Kp_4V8uN1MZG_SQVwHKdg_h7125kppEB8Nlpo_0GsbxDN-lH_cN0IrVWMqkytG-Cbk1oMlI8bU983_ApO/w640-h480/IMG_2847.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The very tame ducks really wanted to share our lunch but we were to mean to give them any๐<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Then it was into the Garden itself and this rather tall young chap pointed out the way forward!</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdQ7jB8vJfW9ygZf54wQ5q4cjTJz3kpxWmy6YBwiser-MnFMDFrvHKOvNVXhILC8ds_Mr6JWlWn7YksB74_HTDl_ySoiseV-uI_cA_Y4l4Svj_G0QuXQC360wTjNc5iLBvVrPUGkLcr2af/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1981" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdQ7jB8vJfW9ygZf54wQ5q4cjTJz3kpxWmy6YBwiser-MnFMDFrvHKOvNVXhILC8ds_Mr6JWlWn7YksB74_HTDl_ySoiseV-uI_cA_Y4l4Svj_G0QuXQC360wTjNc5iLBvVrPUGkLcr2af/" width="496" /></a></div><br />So we took his advise and headed in the direction he was pointing and I think what would have to be the most hilarious 'folly' awaited us a short distance further on and I really do wish I could add sound to our story!</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu6QxigX9lgoABWNGW58Wo-xbnZ320BTWdVNi5IQu_0Eehw4bdEoSTvWBcogLUlj_vdxhtTg9dUwTWZ-O2r_aeptUdZvt-X_h5ugl6xaqUkYaRnCHx1d2mRgMCbqnXAjsLJIuMFTRP1M0H/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu6QxigX9lgoABWNGW58Wo-xbnZ320BTWdVNi5IQu_0Eehw4bdEoSTvWBcogLUlj_vdxhtTg9dUwTWZ-O2r_aeptUdZvt-X_h5ugl6xaqUkYaRnCHx1d2mRgMCbqnXAjsLJIuMFTRP1M0H/w640-h480/IMG_2851.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />This huge mouth belongs to a dinosaur and as John tried to push past his dangling uvula he let our an extremely loud, long multi toned belch which definitely competed with the ones my dearly beloved used to do when he was a bit younger! We almost rolled on the floor laughing, and of course, he had to go back and have several more goes๐๐๐๐, and even after that the dinosaur hadn't quite done with us because to proceed into the garden we needed to be expelled our of his rear end ๐ฉ!</div><div><br /></div><div>From there we proceeded though an absolute maze of twisty turney paths that led to nowhere, through castles and crypts and passed statues that attempted to pee on you if you were a bit unlucky! And along the way there were lots of cryptic messages that may have helped!</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIj3kzJQulVijdXZaQHea3Wc6Xc9byt4nwWoZUM3qQNa0dDKUkRYMzxfdhDnSAlUAzqrqe_rvycN_j2kjB7s7Yq8BcjE8WvXFP8wwfLurw-XCAmsuGzt3s9_GU0mc9EeAt_daKAYldguyl/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIj3kzJQulVijdXZaQHea3Wc6Xc9byt4nwWoZUM3qQNa0dDKUkRYMzxfdhDnSAlUAzqrqe_rvycN_j2kjB7s7Yq8BcjE8WvXFP8wwfLurw-XCAmsuGzt3s9_GU0mc9EeAt_daKAYldguyl/w272-h150/IMG_2852.JPG" width="272" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDY4bPrSWIwqecti6q98_owt04I8pQ7TjHKGh_scHgpowDMau4or2x6r-W7IPgMcY9Edckp4x43afaC7q0wEHNy6wYGE50QAI23pVMt_Ub4M7yzSznVwV6uasps2eDfJPnK6cxiWsfLmWm/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDY4bPrSWIwqecti6q98_owt04I8pQ7TjHKGh_scHgpowDMau4or2x6r-W7IPgMcY9Edckp4x43afaC7q0wEHNy6wYGE50QAI23pVMt_Ub4M7yzSznVwV6uasps2eDfJPnK6cxiWsfLmWm/w261-h150/IMG_2862.JPG" width="261" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrac5vHYJexP6ZtCmph0VgQ-hksu-WXtfgCy85Qffx04PPFO7nBWEI9Vj4X9U2RuXPMf_p1KYVc0BGZUv3OhKwn99kHyT3X_IlSL9qCKWcpeRMZWh3GGQXBU4XIDIUk8Cy8oXvxB7H3bIW/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrac5vHYJexP6ZtCmph0VgQ-hksu-WXtfgCy85Qffx04PPFO7nBWEI9Vj4X9U2RuXPMf_p1KYVc0BGZUv3OhKwn99kHyT3X_IlSL9qCKWcpeRMZWh3GGQXBU4XIDIUk8Cy8oXvxB7H3bIW/w640-h480/IMG_2853.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9M63ypV_F1BxprkindVC1t_N2QKNIUhnfWjAl7ROWP5b_MQW6nIAOSgv_T27nuK-o1HCt6UYTzpYqJBO6clrRRsY2ZN17wExidSF3IFOdhyVA670wkiF3-WAIdnOjxf_QKOWnLG7_ObFi/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9M63ypV_F1BxprkindVC1t_N2QKNIUhnfWjAl7ROWP5b_MQW6nIAOSgv_T27nuK-o1HCt6UYTzpYqJBO6clrRRsY2ZN17wExidSF3IFOdhyVA670wkiF3-WAIdnOjxf_QKOWnLG7_ObFi/w640-h480/IMG_2854.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEistqWIOocI8Nkav2Za8R6RYdmRh4frUbKCP7WzfGJi6b3OU81iCaH8Br6fw1RaLIWhoU5SpAQuDaBD-mXLvCjayy-7EBMoiFpXOc4UL6ynlpPGPV9LIq_tSp0T1_gvE07_UwoVeMf3dHM0/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEistqWIOocI8Nkav2Za8R6RYdmRh4frUbKCP7WzfGJi6b3OU81iCaH8Br6fw1RaLIWhoU5SpAQuDaBD-mXLvCjayy-7EBMoiFpXOc4UL6ynlpPGPV9LIq_tSp0T1_gvE07_UwoVeMf3dHM0/w640-h480/IMG_2857.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha0DnQkvEf8b-vupIajU0xW0LySSgpuos0Zyo7TxRr_NoI-c5jv0QvsBrFwPPqcsWB4xYyLU5LmF-fePosJs3Kn1a7lEHjMkJcnK2CNROxwJzJWBXvSrNUt12wcBUo9QU1MKXJxhOeIaUt/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha0DnQkvEf8b-vupIajU0xW0LySSgpuos0Zyo7TxRr_NoI-c5jv0QvsBrFwPPqcsWB4xYyLU5LmF-fePosJs3Kn1a7lEHjMkJcnK2CNROxwJzJWBXvSrNUt12wcBUo9QU1MKXJxhOeIaUt/" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anyone for Cricket</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz5l7NArhqHtVNDqlzzJKqJH2EZc78NMeiXTR9sj8EJBhV2_Z8FpfaC5FGNvGMcz6dVFszI1eNnAU7wPVLSFjY7cQrAwyj2v6a5PC-rtFhU90PXZQWwck8eVaZrhYgDrDtZtop3U6Uq_fX/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5184" data-original-width="3888" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz5l7NArhqHtVNDqlzzJKqJH2EZc78NMeiXTR9sj8EJBhV2_Z8FpfaC5FGNvGMcz6dVFszI1eNnAU7wPVLSFjY7cQrAwyj2v6a5PC-rtFhU90PXZQWwck8eVaZrhYgDrDtZtop3U6Uq_fX/w480-h640/IMG_2869.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What a Big Chopper You've got!</td></tr></tbody></table>We'd initially thought The Forbidden Garden would mainly be for kids (and there were plenty of them there) but John and I enjoyed it so maybe we've still got a bit of growing up to do even at our age๐๐๐!</div><div><br /></div><div>Friday 16th July 2021 ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐(mostly boiling)</div><div><br /></div><div>Today we headed off to Baldersdale to visit Baldershead Reservoir where we'd planned to walk along the Pennine Way to God's Bridge, and initially everything was fine because we were walking on a well defined track. However, after a couple of miles a finger board pointed us upwards through rough tall grass where the track became almost indistinguishable and it was only John's map app that kept us going in the right direction. But, that wasn't the problem! What was was problematic was the huge number of biting flies that kept nipping us and drawing blood, and it almost seemed that with every step we took we earned another bite! Now, sadly anybody that knows me knows I don't do flies - especially ones that bite! So after several squeals of distress, lots of flapping of arms, a bit of swearing and lots of sulking John suggested we reroute, which required a retracing of our footsteps to follow another path - but to be honest that was almost as bad. In the end the bite score was Me 10 John 4 but mine were definetely worse than his ๐!</div><div><br /></div><div>Therefore, plan C was required, and although we never got to see God's Bridge we did end up with a stunning walk were we were able to overlook the chain of reservoirs in the valley. The top one being Baldershead, then Blackton and finally Hury </div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW5z9bLEdbwLcSqlsDLSTlckO2w7tKIHVShveCO6r5gTkyaQxeI0xdt5VXr6YV-aVLZlp2Icu8qq8mzYVEA5dEiJDQvJSJ5XWVOUPmOQ1z3chEWjSB-r7ojcDd84R0mu7V-_PO8gJ4o42y/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW5z9bLEdbwLcSqlsDLSTlckO2w7tKIHVShveCO6r5gTkyaQxeI0xdt5VXr6YV-aVLZlp2Icu8qq8mzYVEA5dEiJDQvJSJ5XWVOUPmOQ1z3chEWjSB-r7ojcDd84R0mu7V-_PO8gJ4o42y/w640-h480/IMG_2871.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baldershead</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcZcwr_69Z9cWmRyTg-uvmWFhv6IYmWoa435Zh4ihLtvTwxgytaBrMs1bsoOWVVSewBObWKZ_4FyrGmUXdmUq_z_4E91ng99YwcT-Hij5OnVjHsdSYfPsQLmy62GuEkpacbKBhkmraR36u/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1090" data-original-width="2048" height="341" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcZcwr_69Z9cWmRyTg-uvmWFhv6IYmWoa435Zh4ihLtvTwxgytaBrMs1bsoOWVVSewBObWKZ_4FyrGmUXdmUq_z_4E91ng99YwcT-Hij5OnVjHsdSYfPsQLmy62GuEkpacbKBhkmraR36u/" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blackton and Hury</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><br /></div><div>Saturday 17th July 2021 ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ฅ (even hotter than yesterday)</div><div><br /></div><div>Today we decided to visit Bowlees Visitor Centre so that we could walk along some of the length of the River Tees which rises on the slopes of Cross Fell in the North Pennines and flows for 85 miles to where it empties into the North Sea. And our aim was to see some of the magnificent water falls that are clustered together but not all of what we saw belonged to the Tees!</div><div><br /></div><div>Once parked up on what was a busy carpark but not yet packed we headed along Bow Lee Beck to Summerhill Force and Gibson's Cave but it was a bit difficult to take good pics because some rather large people were cooling of in the pool below the fall!</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjc_yvnSxfeeZGHy74vb8Y8kDw5OHO4NagBXdtui0qZSqw32dHEJrjIPJiED-bFJKjpFn5sW9Yco-ICL2qcRQBVO-pbpVJvHhMvENDzetiRf1R3rKBCUVjQPuVMnl131mBrHp7b2R3zqPk/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5184" data-original-width="3888" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjc_yvnSxfeeZGHy74vb8Y8kDw5OHO4NagBXdtui0qZSqw32dHEJrjIPJiED-bFJKjpFn5sW9Yco-ICL2qcRQBVO-pbpVJvHhMvENDzetiRf1R3rKBCUVjQPuVMnl131mBrHp7b2R3zqPk/w480-h640/IMG_2878.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">But I did manage to miss them out ๐<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><br /></div><div>From there we retraced our steps and proceeded towards the Pennine Way to see Low Force </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqLKPfPmFXw36VU6gXJK2oGuiCEAxXkZ-AopWSRBd6b7b6VpMnMN9vaxOaryQsM1UztgBBlqOm4vBL767OHM_jFbth6AwwEhCNvu5Beb0iMn9fzIw5dsaP1DDzKzcZtvahrJvDym-PpM7n/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqLKPfPmFXw36VU6gXJK2oGuiCEAxXkZ-AopWSRBd6b7b6VpMnMN9vaxOaryQsM1UztgBBlqOm4vBL767OHM_jFbth6AwwEhCNvu5Beb0iMn9fzIw5dsaP1DDzKzcZtvahrJvDym-PpM7n/w640-h480/IMG_2886.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />And then we needed to cross a Grade 11 listed bridge that swayed as we crossed.</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj9LKrLnoi6-x9EJodgPmwoIQJYJcKmSIGLEyOaDl2mxbzIfC9ZOAn4_qYYJd8dI8VHEOErObs1oZYRl5NYbDactDsRyOBh02qhw4uVAu2i0bPZl3DQg1JTxDAKWPRk3XF_Nl-Bu3wJsDc/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj9LKrLnoi6-x9EJodgPmwoIQJYJcKmSIGLEyOaDl2mxbzIfC9ZOAn4_qYYJd8dI8VHEOErObs1oZYRl5NYbDactDsRyOBh02qhw4uVAu2i0bPZl3DQg1JTxDAKWPRk3XF_Nl-Bu3wJsDc/w640-h480/IMG_2884.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Wynch Bridge that is listed as a Grade 11 structure and where only one person is supposed to <br />cross at a time. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH5dWV4CYZF3zIxJCK1EHQhuVgiawPfTHrJhIFASqCWD2jU6LvQyCH7W6oaTRY7n9uLblyjmCODKt5fKbkairL2zYAWNztXYN18SpwzVb5HPgpj45Cao8cHOpuDACJkaK6tfxaMxuE7kwr/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH5dWV4CYZF3zIxJCK1EHQhuVgiawPfTHrJhIFASqCWD2jU6LvQyCH7W6oaTRY7n9uLblyjmCODKt5fKbkairL2zYAWNztXYN18SpwzVb5HPgpj45Cao8cHOpuDACJkaK6tfxaMxuE7kwr/" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>The Pennine Way then took us (after about 4 miles) to the opposite side of High Force which we'd visited a few days ago, and to be honest, if we'd known we could have such fantastic views from this side of the river we would have just come here instead!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeKT8W6GApVKQmpuIkZMVo36dMcbegesqvxweN0ibX64pNl2oPlFbMMzdaN05LucLrgx7iTZjjywK9iuAosOdVwM7h8Itx0SlzHB8J73uKun-vQEKe_PadkzaPrv3p6WdleTAYK28fuR33/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1214" data-original-width="739" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeKT8W6GApVKQmpuIkZMVo36dMcbegesqvxweN0ibX64pNl2oPlFbMMzdaN05LucLrgx7iTZjjywK9iuAosOdVwM7h8Itx0SlzHB8J73uKun-vQEKe_PadkzaPrv3p6WdleTAYK28fuR33/w389-h640/WhatsApp+Image+2021-07-17+at+15.46.24.jpeg" width="389" /></a></div><br /></div>Then because it was quite busy around the top of the fall we toddled a bit further and sat beside the chattering river for our picnic!</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYbaeTedkWIy97jrme22iqq5fYShSrNdz5irq_tobf7yI-gKylyemj-iHm9LnISMgoPp73pVSg6tvRgTBsa3J5oaVj3qmI6J41el63isdhucpsdwbHV6BmbpLdoXfRclg35VNYQT7s9Dib/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYbaeTedkWIy97jrme22iqq5fYShSrNdz5irq_tobf7yI-gKylyemj-iHm9LnISMgoPp73pVSg6tvRgTBsa3J5oaVj3qmI6J41el63isdhucpsdwbHV6BmbpLdoXfRclg35VNYQT7s9Dib/w640-h480/IMG_2895.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Throughout our walk we'd had loads of lovely wild flowers to admire</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOUKofIQEPD40tV9bAAA2pXK0dY07GNn8wLXb1Ilzu7MW0eTDdoC6S9hsYt6Tm0V550Aj55d-3mVENkfX49FtL_90vjO54DaUAExeQ6BElscRFBU0647ATQJ-9DdreSKCbCys9VwplEf6g/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOUKofIQEPD40tV9bAAA2pXK0dY07GNn8wLXb1Ilzu7MW0eTDdoC6S9hsYt6Tm0V550Aj55d-3mVENkfX49FtL_90vjO54DaUAExeQ6BElscRFBU0647ATQJ-9DdreSKCbCys9VwplEf6g/" width="640" /></a></div><br />And right at the end we found another waterfall called Blea Beck Force which fed into the River Tees</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLLuVPF8VGa3iSZuMmmdQUnHDYmVukpsCRLjaDvkEv-dgIuy-pG8dxwwd4Yu5OwfLxMWqWyeotcfAxHFwwqwrU4GHj4K15Q07SaoXdktmGIUN4JmaiSkbB8QPzV8jPBvvIOhyphenhypheniDs0F2SAb/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1599" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLLuVPF8VGa3iSZuMmmdQUnHDYmVukpsCRLjaDvkEv-dgIuy-pG8dxwwd4Yu5OwfLxMWqWyeotcfAxHFwwqwrU4GHj4K15Q07SaoXdktmGIUN4JmaiSkbB8QPzV8jPBvvIOhyphenhypheniDs0F2SAb/w499-h640/IMG_2899.JPG" width="499" /></a></div><br />But that wasn't quite the end because we'd still got to about turn and traverse our way back to the car, however as we went we felt quite glad we were leaving because all the rocky ledges, little 'beaches' and deeper pools were now full of scantily clad individuals trying to cool of and it was much to busy for our liking. </div><div><br /></div><div>Therefore, we quickly hiked back to our car and headed home - but when we got there it took us quite a while to cool down because the inside of our van was registering 46 degrees! </div><div><br /></div><div>Anyway that's it for this episode. </div><div>Bye for now ๐</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?hl=en&mid=1tG7G55azXmNAvv09V4MjcDksouY&ll=54.60992767816742%2C-2.3343701124999905&z=10">Click here to see our present camping spot</a></div>Linda Varneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10023578343265888742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8250550279331493077.post-166835509388947262021-07-12T12:47:00.003+01:002021-07-14T19:15:18.899+01:00Heading North for a 'Little' 36 Night 'Holiday' Day 21 - 26<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Heading North for a 'Little' 36 Night 'Holiday' Day 21 - 26 </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div>Wednesday 7th July 2021โ โ โ ๐ง๏ธ ๐ง๏ธ ๐ง๏ธ ๐ง๏ธโ โ <p></p><p><span style="color: #ff00fe;"><b>Happy Birthday Vicky (and John M) xx</b></span></p><p>Well, we started out well today but things got a bit soggy along the way!! We went to Alnmouth's stunning beach where we parked the car on a puddled rutted beach front carpark, and from there we walked into the the very pretty village and then along the coastal path to the traditional fishing hamlet of Boulmer that is said to have changed very little in the last 100 years! </p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0x1ljvGjItbVjcln2KEDtqP57vL8HwLl2IJCm3jtJ2XlYlNySKAopnSh7TmgIoN6QmdRiq6sCFbl2hWIoG70XvwHrNn2VXmtNi2xXms223oiv53htjoYhEso6ST9T83f_EG0MT1p9o6jD/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0x1ljvGjItbVjcln2KEDtqP57vL8HwLl2IJCm3jtJ2XlYlNySKAopnSh7TmgIoN6QmdRiq6sCFbl2hWIoG70XvwHrNn2VXmtNi2xXms223oiv53htjoYhEso6ST9T83f_EG0MT1p9o6jD/w640-h480/IMG_2730.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alnmouth Beach where the River Aln Meets the North Sea</td></tr></tbody></table>The weather was warm and sunny so when we explored the picture postcard village with it's colourful flower bedecked cottages, pubs and eateries we saw it at it's best, and that could also be said for most of the coastal path where there were loads of wild flowers to admire as we went! <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjgYuK6l8335lx6Xw04QGQtcWawsa6J-iv-_qgGIPeQXsSJ_DYsJBNroH8ZV8AjVTjPMZxu7rs66L4NlBu5VWNMx5FgQsMCfaTGX2MiApUQEwGXT-Xom3DZ6rMXEQtIdAjGWGmWiLMvedk/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjgYuK6l8335lx6Xw04QGQtcWawsa6J-iv-_qgGIPeQXsSJ_DYsJBNroH8ZV8AjVTjPMZxu7rs66L4NlBu5VWNMx5FgQsMCfaTGX2MiApUQEwGXT-Xom3DZ6rMXEQtIdAjGWGmWiLMvedk/w640-h480/IMG_2734.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />The path on which we were walking was part of St Oswald's Way which is a long distance walking trail (95.7 miles) that starts in Kirkwhelpington and finishes on Holy Island, and we learnt that St Oswald was a Northumbrian King in the early 7th Century who played a major role in bringing Christianity to his people! So with this knowledge in mind maybe we'll have to come back soon to explore more of it at a later date.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVaoeM2ws10Q0rL0HAsMLF9F1dk5x8yK_R44XdyNG0qbdsTFQboTvJS8zq0MfPUSSHhcMsh1-BpliMidwW2Hbr0UjgGYCvu_l6nZXo1Ee-ohF1_Zmxqa_aOVV_TQGujehK_cDX7qmDXYZU/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="351" data-original-width="517" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVaoeM2ws10Q0rL0HAsMLF9F1dk5x8yK_R44XdyNG0qbdsTFQboTvJS8zq0MfPUSSHhcMsh1-BpliMidwW2Hbr0UjgGYCvu_l6nZXo1Ee-ohF1_Zmxqa_aOVV_TQGujehK_cDX7qmDXYZU/w640-h434/Screenshot+2021-07-09+at+11.31.40.png" width="640" /></a></div><br />Eventually we got to Boulmer were we found a sea facing bench to rest on to eat our picnic while watching the waves wash up on the shore and the fishermen returning from their excursions out to sea! And the enjoyment of our corned beef cobs and crisps was much enhanced when a passerby stopped to chat and told us that a crab sandwich in the village would have cost 9 quid ๐<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjHlc8rSNT4QkFnu3cvwbp_47Ax9ZHDBYOpwe1c_-mtVmNgDAv2Q1-MA39kHkH0k33xDQ18CvUUXrhP6niFlw5gUzgWWV70Swupd3KK6Th0yoApkUolt9DJr-0r0J6PaZfjmPoXQFUsmfe/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="299" data-original-width="515" height="372" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjHlc8rSNT4QkFnu3cvwbp_47Ax9ZHDBYOpwe1c_-mtVmNgDAv2Q1-MA39kHkH0k33xDQ18CvUUXrhP6niFlw5gUzgWWV70Swupd3KK6Th0yoApkUolt9DJr-0r0J6PaZfjmPoXQFUsmfe/w640-h372/Screenshot+2021-07-09+at+11.35.30.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjETvNALn1r0SlqapYcqvrLaSJDlV08qNKGolhvYDoDW2fX0XMKkttmT-V172m5y6iTtkROWecONTp8LAuKq9Pzfec_MvtJZJXwwCW4DZrlHXQ51lqIUZKKunP9SfGmbFV2f4wc2OrZbTq_/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="321" data-original-width="514" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjETvNALn1r0SlqapYcqvrLaSJDlV08qNKGolhvYDoDW2fX0XMKkttmT-V172m5y6iTtkROWecONTp8LAuKq9Pzfec_MvtJZJXwwCW4DZrlHXQ51lqIUZKKunP9SfGmbFV2f4wc2OrZbTq_/w640-h400/Screenshot+2021-07-09+at+11.35.57.png" width="640" /></a></div><br />But as we sat something was going off behind our backs ๐ฒ and when we turned around we could see huge dark clouds gathering and clearly threatening us with a soaking! And that was exactly what we got as we walked back along the sands! Initially we didn't bother with rain coats because we thought it might only be a few spots but as we gazed back the way we'd come we could see the downpour coming rapidly and despite our brisk pace it easily caught us up - we were absolutely drenched in seconds ๐๐๐! Then when we got back to the car the little puddle that John had parked in had taken on the proportions of a lake so we ended up having a paddle as well!<p></p><p>Thursday 8th July 2021 โ โ โ ๐๐โ โ </p><p>Today we'd planned to park behind the dunes that run between Bamburgh and Seahouses and then walk along the beach into Seahouses and a bit beyond and that is exactly what we did. While we were walking the tide was well out so a huge width of fine white sand was set out before us thus making our walk quite spectacular, and even when we had to leave the beach just before Seahouses our views from the cliffs continued to hold our attention especially because there was plenty of bird life fishing about in the many rock pools. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTxK2niB9lIRSvNvgBhDLa9ASonvnSXnp6fbjKmPVpB0lzkj25vKM8x9SEGOQ_UPPmKfGwDlYK5brBveCZ5AB-yQXTh1WZulwoeeTN8aWlNRsbTG70IZ3CW6UJZ_Jm2JoRaXrLiK85dHiR/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTxK2niB9lIRSvNvgBhDLa9ASonvnSXnp6fbjKmPVpB0lzkj25vKM8x9SEGOQ_UPPmKfGwDlYK5brBveCZ5AB-yQXTh1WZulwoeeTN8aWlNRsbTG70IZ3CW6UJZ_Jm2JoRaXrLiK85dHiR/w640-h480/IMG_2745.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Once in Seahouses we found it to be incredibly busy but that didn't really bother us because we were soon out of the town and toddling along the headland towards the golf club. However, from there the coastal path turns landwards so we about turned and found a bench overlooking the harbour were we sat and sipped coffee and munched cake while watching the many pleasure boats departing for the Farne Isles.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNuuqJIV5e7C8XBdvUwU50Hsq3JpqXg_rcdl6MKXid2WRSW-RH3PjZrjz1smC-pFooh6F3SpILa3SXTZEh5bmNIf49hifPQFPx9-Z1Z2kRW8BBCMHs6SQi-gz0fTFboClrBCHnPFnzPmFy/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNuuqJIV5e7C8XBdvUwU50Hsq3JpqXg_rcdl6MKXid2WRSW-RH3PjZrjz1smC-pFooh6F3SpILa3SXTZEh5bmNIf49hifPQFPx9-Z1Z2kRW8BBCMHs6SQi-gz0fTFboClrBCHnPFnzPmFy/w640-h480/IMG_2749.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seahouses' Harbour and you can just about see Bamburgh Castle on the upper left of the pic!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXuR_kcuuDfjze5iCVfv_BbkqGA7ANR4T9FLSDcKnjxe4VQHPG-_NSnbJyNAXxAM__fn0qjopHoU42iKviS0_rILJzcly-dDJqXzaJ6LfK3ybBN-0JRlmms_-UN5P92JKEd7Y0WVWMEoNZ/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXuR_kcuuDfjze5iCVfv_BbkqGA7ANR4T9FLSDcKnjxe4VQHPG-_NSnbJyNAXxAM__fn0qjopHoU42iKviS0_rILJzcly-dDJqXzaJ6LfK3ybBN-0JRlmms_-UN5P92JKEd7Y0WVWMEoNZ/w640-h480/IMG_2747.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An old Gun Power Shelter that must be submerged by the sea twice a day!</td></tr></tbody></table>After our return stroll to our car our plan had been to go into Bamburgh and participate in a bit more coastal bird watching but if we thought Seahouses had been busy it was nothing to what we found when we got to Bamburgh and parking was absolutely impossible. Therefore, we gave that up as a bad job and headed for Budle Bay where, when the tide is out, a huge area of mud and sand flats are exposed, all of which is a small part of the Lindisfarne National Nature Reserve. Unfortunately we didn't spot anything particularly unusual but we passed a good bit of time trying to ๐๐๐.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjafVDno9PgyMxfHyKjQJtiNYCx0E-6sIlTMOu6nTyowjzngFY8DuvOqHp1EEa8HmaVNkbQDr0MVHZrFzSyha1SVK8RdByajNTKkaGDADz1qvdvL2q-EsGGL1_yQ7yP-qEmUlf5WiCcBIGq/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1468" data-original-width="2048" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjafVDno9PgyMxfHyKjQJtiNYCx0E-6sIlTMOu6nTyowjzngFY8DuvOqHp1EEa8HmaVNkbQDr0MVHZrFzSyha1SVK8RdByajNTKkaGDADz1qvdvL2q-EsGGL1_yQ7yP-qEmUlf5WiCcBIGq/w640-h458/pexels-omer-havivi-4084650.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC5Nm0DIdkJcqa7_NfjmxB0uYgWaFf1izXAAOzp4-56tXsUWBWx7lXj389tN60IHvzfGAZ7jN0UWcA4DlV1WwFG5bNkyNm_WSgm605P_oKnjkeBuUFc16rcg506zXa5logzWbWItTvjLFD/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC5Nm0DIdkJcqa7_NfjmxB0uYgWaFf1izXAAOzp4-56tXsUWBWx7lXj389tN60IHvzfGAZ7jN0UWcA4DlV1WwFG5bNkyNm_WSgm605P_oKnjkeBuUFc16rcg506zXa5logzWbWItTvjLFD/w640-h480/IMG_2755.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Light House on Farne Island taken from Budle bay with lots of Zoom!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-n7UAPFI59sxkm0sLYinIw8G2nNTNp54YHDF1vLBTiO5orxt_POrTcmRFcIV-lqvP1pXyln5jq_5SvpvkchIaCVIfGg0lnfFslMr7ZXrX4IfIqHDpLk4SDRCWlc-ESAgYNSKAA0UwgORT/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="332" data-original-width="503" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-n7UAPFI59sxkm0sLYinIw8G2nNTNp54YHDF1vLBTiO5orxt_POrTcmRFcIV-lqvP1pXyln5jq_5SvpvkchIaCVIfGg0lnfFslMr7ZXrX4IfIqHDpLk4SDRCWlc-ESAgYNSKAA0UwgORT/w640-h422/Screenshot+2021-07-09+at+12.18.23.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Viewing Platform at Budle Bay</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Friday 9th July 2021 โ โ โ โ โ โ โ โ </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div>Today was moving day and we set off at about 11.15 for our next destination which was a Camping and Caravan Club Site near Barnard Castle. Now I thought Barnard Castle was just a castle but in fact it's a market town in Teeside, County Durham that is named after the castle around which it's built. We made the 90 odd miles in a little over two hours, and it only took that long because of a 2 mile car park on the A66. But after that there was another challenge - for the last three quarters of a mile we were required to traverse along a very narrow track and we were very relieved not to have met anything coming in the opposite direction.<div><br /></div><div>We were soon settled in on the site that is a bit in the middle of nowhere but after some investigation John says he can find plenty for us to do to fill the 14 days of our stay here, but for the rest of the today all we had planned was to do not a lot!<br /><div><br /></div><div>The 'Castle' of Barnard Castle was mostly built in the 12th and 13th Centuries, so as you would imagine, it has had many many claims to fame in it's time but one of it's most recent involved a certain political adviser to our 'esteemed' Prime Minister, so John keeps telling me that if it was good enough for him (the adviser) he (John) might go and test his ๐๏ธ eyes ๐๏ธthere as well ๐คฃ ๐คฃ๐คฃ!</div><div><br /></div><div>Saturday 10th July 2021 โโโ โ โ โ โ โ </div><div><br /></div><div><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>A Very Happy Birthday to my Wonderful Husband John - I've always known how lucky I am to have you but without all your help, patience, research, and driving ability we wouldn't be able to maintain our fantastic lifestyle! I'll always be eternally grateful that because of you we've been able to achieve so much ๐๐๐ </b></span></div><div><br /></div><div>So what have we been up to on this special day? Well, the weather 'fairy tale' told us not to expect much in the way of a lovely summer's day, and when we drew back our curtains we were greeted by lots of mist and murk! However, by the time we'd dawdled over a birthday breakfast it looked much brighter and by lunchtime the sun was often breaking through. Therefore, we donned our walking boots and set off along a path from our campsite that would lead us down into the town of Barnard Castle and in so doing we found lots of interesting features along the way. </div><div><br /></div><div>At the start of our walk we had to pass through an equestrian centre that also had a large smelly piggery attached - there was lots of squealing and plenty of unpleasant whiffs but not a sign of any of the animals that were responsible ๐ท๐๐๐๐ท๐๐ฆจ. However, there were lots of beautiful horses and a few cute donkeys grazing </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYWH2QkSTv54Od2gDg2Z6K5B9EpejHGD5PRZGrRJZ_hlRStQAubMc4ekrgbG2_4hPj7Uh4GRad2iwtjVgQTTNYzho6_MXDg-EUKihSKGjUY5ehquo8pwxxNfflbZXHjL4JDhVC0xPv2yo6/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYWH2QkSTv54Od2gDg2Z6K5B9EpejHGD5PRZGrRJZ_hlRStQAubMc4ekrgbG2_4hPj7Uh4GRad2iwtjVgQTTNYzho6_MXDg-EUKihSKGjUY5ehquo8pwxxNfflbZXHjL4JDhVC0xPv2yo6/w640-h480/IMG_2761.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Then it was into the ancient woodland of Deepdale Nature reserve where we found lots of old gnarled trees along with plenty of pretty wild flowers (which included orchids) and wild areas of undergrowth. There was also an old bridge with a young man standing on it that caught my interest๐คฃ๐คฃ๐คฃ</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtK-nA9SkXQBj7bnvyWbXF5hC3V2r1C5nQj1wESNPdAopqOyqrMXlw2waj1Fj7K7WZ2rRxj4FF6IefdmsmdR6j4dGz6b300uvUeI0dtftc_xfK3ip3_qJJd4Qm1ut5_uTCSHAJO3fiKkws/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtK-nA9SkXQBj7bnvyWbXF5hC3V2r1C5nQj1wESNPdAopqOyqrMXlw2waj1Fj7K7WZ2rRxj4FF6IefdmsmdR6j4dGz6b300uvUeI0dtftc_xfK3ip3_qJJd4Qm1ut5_uTCSHAJO3fiKkws/w640-h480/IMG_2766.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Then as we neared Barnard Castle we passed over another bridge over the River Tees and from there we had lovely views of the old castle and also the fairly newly built weir.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkCNo1R83Ui8JlqENjvLDGVZ44DqatfysoiGLQlIPEJ9cPsrAeJFBOti6SUrnG_2In300xiTQT9XjTs4Xr-JkztD5vtRv_yDzz0gCLGEdB0Olcy3EyVC6yghFAP6Q0KZ9sXiO8-dZpvibF/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkCNo1R83Ui8JlqENjvLDGVZ44DqatfysoiGLQlIPEJ9cPsrAeJFBOti6SUrnG_2In300xiTQT9XjTs4Xr-JkztD5vtRv_yDzz0gCLGEdB0Olcy3EyVC6yghFAP6Q0KZ9sXiO8-dZpvibF/w640-h480/IMG_2768.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />The Barnard Castle weir was completed in 2014 and it's part of a gauging station that measures the depth and flow of the River Tees, and the info provided by it allows for early flood warnings for people downstream. Additionally it also contributes to the well being of the Atlantic salmon and sea trout that move upstream to breed and downstream to live their adult lives at sea. Apparently the previous weir from 1963 had been a huge barrier to the fish migration but the new one has a fish pass๐. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCo8i_x5xq2KezgZ36dlwOSf53dpw5EG097-lHqX_sqx2REg-z9QoQMmEweXe03-nj1Cev43wU-q9X1BBtryudxB6DRZTYxzR5243s1EH3fFNnj623aY1ScUxjw_t1Uhovgg2czFAHToOH/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCo8i_x5xq2KezgZ36dlwOSf53dpw5EG097-lHqX_sqx2REg-z9QoQMmEweXe03-nj1Cev43wU-q9X1BBtryudxB6DRZTYxzR5243s1EH3fFNnj623aY1ScUxjw_t1Uhovgg2czFAHToOH/w640-h480/IMG_2776.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Next along our way came The Roman Picnic Site but it certainly hadn't always been as we saw it today. In Victorian times the site housed The Gasworks which for over 120 years supplied light heat and power to the town.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifzoqnNUcX8i924gWyhuW8BWBFCOD6ENUxCX7v_prj3HkTzADHChQETyTD95h35nY8i8tGFsC3EY2iRNhZNIYjhgAlYR7KVOp5J0Pokwnq9kH29NM0eU06fhzfLHEUQKhiIs6gEF9qHMtS/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1459" data-original-width="2048" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifzoqnNUcX8i924gWyhuW8BWBFCOD6ENUxCX7v_prj3HkTzADHChQETyTD95h35nY8i8tGFsC3EY2iRNhZNIYjhgAlYR7KVOp5J0Pokwnq9kH29NM0eU06fhzfLHEUQKhiIs6gEF9qHMtS/w640-h456/IMG_2778.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>And while we were there we also learnt about The Tees Roll! It seems that back in 1942 seven soldiers were drowned by the infamous 'Tees Roll' - a 6 foot wave of water that occasionally surged down the river after heavy rain or snow melt but this danger was brought to a halt when the Cow Green resevoir was built in 1971 (Hopefully another place we'll visit while we're here). </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizYd4sRFMCWqWUNnj2hTCaQAPpm_S9lbrOnPlFTTFxcD9dbeSInu_Syz07PPRgQOq3mBlcWuBqTTheEoE6uwQ4IZ7IYoXj8uRKWxgiKLmTaGNVZXB6LwpaRDIUDr7B4m7KMKBDwlGhseFt/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="739" data-original-width="1437" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizYd4sRFMCWqWUNnj2hTCaQAPpm_S9lbrOnPlFTTFxcD9dbeSInu_Syz07PPRgQOq3mBlcWuBqTTheEoE6uwQ4IZ7IYoXj8uRKWxgiKLmTaGNVZXB6LwpaRDIUDr7B4m7KMKBDwlGhseFt/w640-h330/WhatsApp+Image+2021-07-10+at+17.28.27.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br />The trail then led us onto the green that lies in front of the castle wall and then a little further on into the town itself where we found lots of quaint shops and dozens of eateries. However what we couldn't find was a Bakers! John just fancied a large cream cake but although we saw plenty of seagulls there wasn't any 'Birds' to be found so in the end he had to make do with a Belgian fancy and a bottle of pop from the Co-op ๐</div><div><br /></div><div>Sunday 11th July 2021 โ๏ธโ๏ธโ๏ธโ๏ธ๐ง๏ธ๐ฅ๏ธ๐ฅ๏ธ</div><div><br /></div><div>Today the weather man promised sunshine and heavy showers but we were determined to make the most of the day so we opted for a driving tour with several short walks thrown in for interest and exercise! So with that in mind we left our campsite (at Barnard Caste) and after refuelling we headed for The High Force Waterfall passing through the settlements of Middleton in Teesdale and Bowlees on the way. However, what we hadn't realised was that the waterfall lies within the huge <a href="https://www.raby.co.uk/">Raby Estate</a> and as this is private land we had to pay to go and see it and to park our car. But in the end I think we considered it money well spent as we watched the peaty waters of The River Tees tumble nearly 69 feet into a deep plunge pool and then continue on it's way through a ravine that had been carved by water over many thousands of years.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg79YtRLbnZuCzt2R518U647KRHRvLtbF8cNmy2PSh4uMsJ-WlcFazMujvgqapBhyCRQGCMASBRHWMoCb3QT92KTJDpZgKlI83Qf-dCI7P2g3dVqPMKmTrF5TCClxqizfNoHwvHVU9UDNtk/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5184" data-original-width="3888" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg79YtRLbnZuCzt2R518U647KRHRvLtbF8cNmy2PSh4uMsJ-WlcFazMujvgqapBhyCRQGCMASBRHWMoCb3QT92KTJDpZgKlI83Qf-dCI7P2g3dVqPMKmTrF5TCClxqizfNoHwvHVU9UDNtk/w480-h640/IMG_2788.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br />But, because of Covid distancing regulations and a lack of space on the viewing platform we could only stay a short while to admire it and after we were required to climb up over many high steps and through a dark <b>dark</b> pine tree wood back to the car park</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq8kxLuii6_aheRMeRviFt5dpHJy39nhf2B2u4VVThnj46r2J64IyOlKBe-ibEfgaJh-YpxkRc6cHV_pjDwM4-L7c8iwyxk4Rs9NosmLL49bUaKhJqiZrOgEmnNXFcAHnLvyfT8aLp_OqE/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq8kxLuii6_aheRMeRviFt5dpHJy39nhf2B2u4VVThnj46r2J64IyOlKBe-ibEfgaJh-YpxkRc6cHV_pjDwM4-L7c8iwyxk4Rs9NosmLL49bUaKhJqiZrOgEmnNXFcAHnLvyfT8aLp_OqE/w640-h480/IMG_2792.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Once back in the car we drove up onto the open moors where we were welcomed by bumpy winding roads that were nearly completely free of any other traffic, and where we were treated to magnificent views over rough pasture that was home to lots of sheep who spent their time munching and roaming. Cattle grids, high snow poles, deer fences and many miles of dry stone walls also featured highly on this section of our drive, and as well as the sheep feeding this was the place were we chose to stop and have our own feast. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUt8PE6XeHQUyyYhZVwpgYXYfL27k77Y-vKcNwtEx7_npM3t56Ha7ALrosbXGp0EYY33E63xQIx2m58QeneLA08KtBP55Y0MuIW4rN9fU-Ph8nKRWRLMO97raqm04p_6LTm2xkbcD0vjXj/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUt8PE6XeHQUyyYhZVwpgYXYfL27k77Y-vKcNwtEx7_npM3t56Ha7ALrosbXGp0EYY33E63xQIx2m58QeneLA08KtBP55Y0MuIW4rN9fU-Ph8nKRWRLMO97raqm04p_6LTm2xkbcD0vjXj/w640-h480/IMG_2793.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAUeUZUVYY3lPV0FFxcsphytNWRgj6RGXs90KYaLtRLZNnpNk8lLd00Ck6UEP58W1MAblNXiEu_40k0U4B4JCir1Mi6rXNv1ptAIaQg12TIn2OxL37f-wzADso0Gns0HT7DDiRJLk77whq/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAUeUZUVYY3lPV0FFxcsphytNWRgj6RGXs90KYaLtRLZNnpNk8lLd00Ck6UEP58W1MAblNXiEu_40k0U4B4JCir1Mi6rXNv1ptAIaQg12TIn2OxL37f-wzADso0Gns0HT7DDiRJLk77whq/w640-h480/IMG_2794.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Once we got going again we crossed over into Cumbria and passed through the town of Alston which was quaint, pretty and had partly cobbled roads, and apparently, it shares the title of the 'highest Market Town in England' at about 1,000 feet above sea level with Buxton in Derbyshire. From there we continued on our way to see the Lambley Viaduct and in so doing we crossed another county border back into Northumbria. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL21bhMhIl8RIHFRDiftkW7TsApfiUO4-tlgz_lIiPZQEJd3fbHjuiAjRdu4RD5VePYn1XOvq9GgieERcFiEgubr6pIk1uZ-cnQP7ZL2xGGsJ41cTYtJnQauV9kSJIlowFylMZFzqtdMyE/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="740" data-original-width="1600" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL21bhMhIl8RIHFRDiftkW7TsApfiUO4-tlgz_lIiPZQEJd3fbHjuiAjRdu4RD5VePYn1XOvq9GgieERcFiEgubr6pIk1uZ-cnQP7ZL2xGGsJ41cTYtJnQauV9kSJIlowFylMZFzqtdMyE/w640-h296/WhatsApp+Image+2021-07-11+at+19.09.31.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Lambley Viaduct which was completed in 1852 and was used by Alston branch trains until 1976.<br />The Viaduct stands 105 feet high and has 9 main arches <br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><span style="text-align: center;">During it's time the railway was also used to transport vast quantities of coal and limestone </span><span style="text-align: center;">up to the </span><span style="text-align: center;">Newcastle and Carlisle railway to be distributed around the country, but after it's closure (1976) it's condition deteriorated with chunks of masonry falling to the river below and trees starting to grow between the stones. However, </span><span style="text-align: center;">this Grade 11 listed structure was restored in 1995 and the </span><span style="text-align: center;">Viaduct now forms part of a walking and cycling tail that runs from Alston to Haltwhistle. But it must have been quite a tough job to do because </span><span style="text-align: center;">much of the stonework needed to be replaced and the largest individual stone used weighed 2094 lbs! </span></div><div><span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="text-align: center;">As you would imagine it was impossible to take a pic from the lofty height of the Viaduct so we climbed down a pedestrian staircase to a foot bridge which crossed the river far below and in so doing we were able to make our way back to the car crossing open fields and enjoying the watery sunshine. </span></div><div><span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIegt9Bm06CaAzzlR5tL2hctD9nfGJjo-7MwYWWj3AK0nXcn4yuR3kyXSwcRdemhye7LyMcvUgdv-T56sWxwhM05-MGZFsWxcmtdR9MeeShkU_w3Zp3PoCDoZefkjcjaGgrIx3o2cNEps2/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIegt9Bm06CaAzzlR5tL2hctD9nfGJjo-7MwYWWj3AK0nXcn4yuR3kyXSwcRdemhye7LyMcvUgdv-T56sWxwhM05-MGZFsWxcmtdR9MeeShkU_w3Zp3PoCDoZefkjcjaGgrIx3o2cNEps2/w640-h480/IMG_2813.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Then we were back in the car again and heading for the Derwent Water Reservoir but to get there we needed to cross more Moor and traverse over more twisty turney hilly roads and as we did that it all looked a bit bleak because now the threatened rain had closed in and was pelting the car merrily! However, by the time we arrived the sun was brightening the sky again so as we approached we had magnificent views over the reservoir's huge expanse of water. </span></div><div><span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnCEC9WZjwAMY1f6BE7LenUD888-xBt6vRT63i1WXYPq8u2ShkzpFizjKqDbnRKkOVop5hoz3ssO6ACNS1Y9C5ObgYFFNDs95bMQ0UfJ4tVIYHPSN2RGeFAFfafvZb6GxwKTvgJFJ0rieb/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="740" data-original-width="1600" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnCEC9WZjwAMY1f6BE7LenUD888-xBt6vRT63i1WXYPq8u2ShkzpFizjKqDbnRKkOVop5hoz3ssO6ACNS1Y9C5ObgYFFNDs95bMQ0UfJ4tVIYHPSN2RGeFAFfafvZb6GxwKTvgJFJ0rieb/w640-h296/WhatsApp+Image+2021-07-11+at+19.08.13.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Derwent Water which lies in County Durham </td></tr></tbody></table>Apparently it is one of the biggest inland waters in England and has a shoreline of 7 miles. It's construction started in 1960 and it was officially opened in 1967 but in the process of it's construction two cottages and 3 farmsteads and Millshield Mill had to be demolished. It has a maximum depth of 100ft and holds 11,000 million gallons when full - and it looked fairly full today! </span></div><div><span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="text-align: center;">On the banks of the resevoir we found a very convenient bench were we finished our picnic in the company of an armada of Greylag Geese and ducks with chicks .........</span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgimbNe7N_Zdatf4Miqg2qZThdJuKLCvqF0wzm8WNqidILQ1294hdX8z8IbhK6-KVIysOvIzD-p0h3zzUO9W6wFhIqOGwFS_uKMds06NkpfIegAF1Pnn-eqlD4TNCTqJqqiMfy-Rg93Vdsy/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgimbNe7N_Zdatf4Miqg2qZThdJuKLCvqF0wzm8WNqidILQ1294hdX8z8IbhK6-KVIysOvIzD-p0h3zzUO9W6wFhIqOGwFS_uKMds06NkpfIegAF1Pnn-eqlD4TNCTqJqqiMfy-Rg93Vdsy/w640-h480/IMG_2819.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There were loads more but they wouldn't hold still while I took their pic๐</td></tr></tbody></table><br />....... and then we walked by the side of the peaceful waters for a while. But by now the time was getting on so we decided it was time to head for home and in so doing it was back up onto the moors as we crossed over Weardale and Teasdale. Happily, throughout our day it only rained once and in total we covered 108 miles - and we were back well in time for the England Match๐ญ but at least it provided our evening's entertainment!</span></div><div><span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: center;">Monday 12th July 2021 </span>๐ง๏ธ๐ง๏ธ๐ง๏ธ๐ง๏ธ๐ง๏ธ๐ง๏ธ๐ง๏ธ</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Well, today the weather prediction seems to be right because it's mostly rained from when we got up and looks like doing for the rest of the day. Therefore, other than going out to do a bit of shopping we're having a lazy day, and as this bit of blog is already far to long I'm going to close and I'll continue our story when we've got something interesting to write about next time. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Bye for now ๐๐</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?hl=en&mid=1tG7G55azXmNAvv09V4MjcDksouY&ll=54.56218052565011%2C-1.9306545701141653&z=10">Click here to see our present campsite.</a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>Linda Varneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10023578343265888742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8250550279331493077.post-49300191034514263192021-07-06T13:05:00.001+01:002021-07-14T19:17:37.281+01:00Heading North for a 'Little' 36 Night 'Holiday' Day 15 - 20<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Heading North for a 'Little' 36 Night 'Holiday' Day 15 - 20</b></div><p>Thursday 1st July 2021 โ โ โ ๐๐โ โ </p><p>๐๐ฐ๐</p><p>Today the fortified town of Berwick-on-Tweed was our target and Wiki informed us that it's the northernmost town in England lying just 2 and a half miles from the Scottish boarder, and that the town sits at the mouth of the River Tweed - a 97 mile long river that flows mainly in Scotland but which crosses the boarder into England for it's last 2 miles. </p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnIJrkGKlmr0sDmn3LWEN_mfHBkqNJrxyzKIYZVGgqQa44K2g3g1GCk85_-YOj0pz9nepP7LfxcCFmVapvBW9U5z6GD37A9nJVQjmvKNJyaabZZNTTxpAvoolgopYLo4GB4CqDnwEOgbvm/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnIJrkGKlmr0sDmn3LWEN_mfHBkqNJrxyzKIYZVGgqQa44K2g3g1GCk85_-YOj0pz9nepP7LfxcCFmVapvBW9U5z6GD37A9nJVQjmvKNJyaabZZNTTxpAvoolgopYLo4GB4CqDnwEOgbvm/w640-h480/IMG_2659.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The River Tweed as it flows into the North Sea</td></tr></tbody></table>When we first got to Berwick we had a very nice surprise! In almost every town we've ever visited we've always had to pay for parking but just below the walls of the city there was a huge free long stay car park, and as there was plenty of space we took full advantage of it!<p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2AHkYuZaGs6f-D0kz3ZCryyH-D5n-44_xika4yvbRuUhi9ursjB9FAtu2a2JQCmj8aw91xINfPDHOHlREriv5HHIKm9mUkIIiVdG0ebGwiVmUAJ390r9e2E72CigOLzw3EVSS0A5Rbzqd/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2AHkYuZaGs6f-D0kz3ZCryyH-D5n-44_xika4yvbRuUhi9ursjB9FAtu2a2JQCmj8aw91xINfPDHOHlREriv5HHIKm9mUkIIiVdG0ebGwiVmUAJ390r9e2E72CigOLzw3EVSS0A5Rbzqd/w640-h480/IMG_2649.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We're just in front of the trees</td></tr></tbody></table>And then we were off for a walk atop the city walls which had loads of info boards explaining about the history of town and the massive defences that were built between 1558 and 1570 in the reigns of the Tudor Monarchs - Mary 1 and Elizabeth 1. Apparently the ramparts were designed to mount guns on to defend the town at a time of great conflict between England and Scotland and there was still plenty of evidence of the old gun emplacements to be seen!<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZG6oE2i7zG1ZbJVUdVOzbBTnTMT9QPdNYLrRJ6GuUd8DWW9ORima1RSF1AH0YheQ3AMJiElUcph9ryKgysvD4MsxDFH7Xqc2ei9t_qACG9g2C23NL_Ky49x7e3Mt3O_qs5ecIfVN7Y2kS/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZG6oE2i7zG1ZbJVUdVOzbBTnTMT9QPdNYLrRJ6GuUd8DWW9ORima1RSF1AH0YheQ3AMJiElUcph9ryKgysvD4MsxDFH7Xqc2ei9t_qACG9g2C23NL_Ky49x7e3Mt3O_qs5ecIfVN7Y2kS/w640-h480/IMG_2648.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />A little later our walk took us out onto the very long pier which ends with a red and white lighthouse. Now, although the concrete structure is called a pier the info boards told us that it's actually a breakwater that was built to protect the entrance to the Tweed from the sea, and that it's length measures 960 yards and it took 11 years to build from when work started in 1810.<p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguM52Oncre4N3t-jNF7nQ9Rs2V91vYvrnQxgqvyHW9-is494LmGSXYBI-2jZCentewcSYXW9b14ZGC-cAgojdjkx5A-jbfI55sbdOZdnj7IJXGSZAwF9qMxc96RLDP393UhUDiW_D2A9v9/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5184" data-original-width="3888" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguM52Oncre4N3t-jNF7nQ9Rs2V91vYvrnQxgqvyHW9-is494LmGSXYBI-2jZCentewcSYXW9b14ZGC-cAgojdjkx5A-jbfI55sbdOZdnj7IJXGSZAwF9qMxc96RLDP393UhUDiW_D2A9v9/w480-h640/IMG_2661.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nowadays the lighthouse shows a fixed green light to the <br />landward side and a flash every 5 seconds to the seaward side <br />that's visible for 10 miles.</td></tr></tbody></table>Some of the old cobbles at the edge of the breakwater looked as if they might have been originals but it had obviously been renovated and it provided a lovely place to stroll, and additionally, because there were benches along it's way it was a great place for our picnic lunch in the very warm sunshine. <br /><p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0TA9QQ5zIESWRr600su8VDLRrZ-5yicxtyZFKVRWdgoiRndVIKRPAU0X4Q-hHZ8T4AHbwZzCfFB4P_OLwcGJdnqffB-KmLkxqrIWFS61QaGs858A_Q6iptKc4MBCcjKGeebETAjpkJTVK/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0TA9QQ5zIESWRr600su8VDLRrZ-5yicxtyZFKVRWdgoiRndVIKRPAU0X4Q-hHZ8T4AHbwZzCfFB4P_OLwcGJdnqffB-KmLkxqrIWFS61QaGs858A_Q6iptKc4MBCcjKGeebETAjpkJTVK/w640-h480/IMG_2660.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our view over the water to Spittal</td></tr></tbody></table>Then once refreshed we still had a bit more exploring to do, initially a bit further along the town's high walls from where we spotted a curlew hunting for his grub<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK2YmINe3fzOJdT888mG0i1k3v5BJE7yYJrUnOIPj_SmyjDi-8uo0_i6NPPsv1CZKG0gInsU5DiowXIzf_V19x_Kk_Qy_nKMEjkjiTUiZPjV7N6sEb0PPBg_2IHkAS-hZutVMkcXD8dLd3/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1699" data-original-width="2048" height="531" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK2YmINe3fzOJdT888mG0i1k3v5BJE7yYJrUnOIPj_SmyjDi-8uo0_i6NPPsv1CZKG0gInsU5DiowXIzf_V19x_Kk_Qy_nKMEjkjiTUiZPjV7N6sEb0PPBg_2IHkAS-hZutVMkcXD8dLd3/w640-h531/IMG_2666.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>Later still we walked beside the Tweed and found ourselves at the foot of The Grade 1 listed railway viaduct 'The Royal Border Bridge'. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2OhGYr1kZ8bvE8y8pScAKelCYj1mxMZsWuf-bUahUAxsIq5fQeHajvzF2pZQgUkgVmcNU5Fts0qnx9ZNE23TKCGiNfju1T8A24f3toPtuZm4vidNttuwZI8hT7av1EZi53cknOv2oWFmT/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2OhGYr1kZ8bvE8y8pScAKelCYj1mxMZsWuf-bUahUAxsIq5fQeHajvzF2pZQgUkgVmcNU5Fts0qnx9ZNE23TKCGiNfju1T8A24f3toPtuZm4vidNttuwZI8hT7av1EZi53cknOv2oWFmT/" width="640" /></a></div><br />It was built between 1847 and 1850 and was opened by Queen Victoria and amazingly it's still in regular use today with major repair work not being needed until 1993. While we were there we saw several trains traverse it's 2,162 foot length at a height of 121 feet, and in so doing they passed over the bridges 28 arches as they went!<p></p><p><br /></p><p>Friday 2nd July 2021 โ โ โ ๐๐โ โ </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN9NcMelZP2YXRGo8fW6bRDyDZl9ynb4fVQuTybUfn5a83fjdPDQZEFZKzKx6EWEtIWOZ4sE7ejmKi4HQ5ijJRtkOHAbJ1lAnyiaIcdAz0-wDtH3ENaVl8HNwoHYLbWMJd5m3P4aRoGx40/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5184" data-original-width="3888" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN9NcMelZP2YXRGo8fW6bRDyDZl9ynb4fVQuTybUfn5a83fjdPDQZEFZKzKx6EWEtIWOZ4sE7ejmKi4HQ5ijJRtkOHAbJ1lAnyiaIcdAz0-wDtH3ENaVl8HNwoHYLbWMJd5m3P4aRoGx40/w240-h320/IMG_2680.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>Today we finally released our bikes from their shackles and managed to nip out for a little 26 miles which started and ended just outside the town of Belford which is were we're calling home at the mo! At the beginning of our ride our route headed quite steeply up hill out of Belford but once we got to the top we were rewarded with views out to sea and also in the distance we could just about make out the Holy Island of Linisfarne and the start of the causeway that crosses over to it, and that was our first target. <div><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Ld9_ifo8qjGeGCTGxh8L7uQAUnN4iW1IpBb0-XthtbwMA1ILtcilxOWbk1glnwhcsaBnXvZ9Ftl7FsVnUJRWLBIvWd1DEdDjHSs6f5SBbkOG0_yAV0-PkmZKjso3lA4y_U2P5lc3_2sd/" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="279" data-original-width="399" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Ld9_ifo8qjGeGCTGxh8L7uQAUnN4iW1IpBb0-XthtbwMA1ILtcilxOWbk1glnwhcsaBnXvZ9Ftl7FsVnUJRWLBIvWd1DEdDjHSs6f5SBbkOG0_yAV0-PkmZKjso3lA4y_U2P5lc3_2sd/w320-h224/Screenshot+2021-07-02+at+18.49.16.png" width="320" /></a></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJyM2bTJOtAkHYrppkv1RoWjJ3SHbVIYPwW7eiEHefP_3s0Xo_xR6UXh1G6gX7lOc8ujBVuv34fKI2zzmPsB_xcHDiwzSXNCAq0OzSqtc1uY9iY5XllbWtp1cmgDWmstnicgmwQqoKuL72/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="319" data-original-width="565" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJyM2bTJOtAkHYrppkv1RoWjJ3SHbVIYPwW7eiEHefP_3s0Xo_xR6UXh1G6gX7lOc8ujBVuv34fKI2zzmPsB_xcHDiwzSXNCAq0OzSqtc1uY9iY5XllbWtp1cmgDWmstnicgmwQqoKuL72/" width="320" /></a></div>However, our plan didn't include crossing over the causeway that links the island to the mainland despite the tide being in our favour! Instead we retraced our tracks back to the A1 where we took our life in our hands in our attempt to cross it ๐ ๐ ๐ ๐ ๐ ๐ต ๐จ before we pedalled on to the little hamlet of Lowick where we found a lovely 'green' for our picnic. And while we ate we were entertained by multiple fly by-s from lots of acrobatic birds, but initially we couldn't decide if they were swifts, swallows or house-martins๐! But when we looked them up in our trusty pocket guide bird book it seems that only House-martins have white under-<strike>pants</strike> parts so that must have been what they were!<p></p><p>After lunch we continued our ride and although much of what surrounded us could be described as arable fields full of crops we were quite surprised to come across a huge field that was very closely packed with unopened poppy heads - we wondered if there was an opium factory near by - and maybe it's a good job they weren't all in flower because I think we might have got high just in our passing!</p></div><div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaOqohomMELB1NJHOFR6cqAg4kFrQdhVjiD04rTZReJeZFJmITnlrBP_fLqxuhkE5naQrhFmGYEHsmj3kFRRxKHF4Hsw16H4fW9EySFjYLeAKKs8kIxaTC5fCvAV1w51U2Sx6sgYNSklC0/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaOqohomMELB1NJHOFR6cqAg4kFrQdhVjiD04rTZReJeZFJmITnlrBP_fLqxuhkE5naQrhFmGYEHsmj3kFRRxKHF4Hsw16H4fW9EySFjYLeAKKs8kIxaTC5fCvAV1w51U2Sx6sgYNSklC0/w640-h480/IMG_2685.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I later learnt that they were actually opium poppies similar to those grown in Afghanistan for the production of heroin๐ฒbut these poppies are grown and harvested to manufacture medicinal opiates such as morphine and codeine!</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-l68YNGkWM1_d_ErW8-xCtMLU5m8K9zMfWMGMIWt5IamW1WRF9cQ63nmJUqMP4O1quYzqVGQFTC9tvoNCGXKZ8UEOT0JPcw3X2-Dm8mT-1HGmTlFnhaUFwnCD4IG_TpZqzQcS9uuR80uj/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="529" data-original-width="943" height="359" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-l68YNGkWM1_d_ErW8-xCtMLU5m8K9zMfWMGMIWt5IamW1WRF9cQ63nmJUqMP4O1quYzqVGQFTC9tvoNCGXKZ8UEOT0JPcw3X2-Dm8mT-1HGmTlFnhaUFwnCD4IG_TpZqzQcS9uuR80uj/" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A 'pinched' pic of the poppies in bloom</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbI6sW1Otfnecs9pwafemzw5ZpNMwcsWjEc0Lckvumhpzpqm-PhEfvKeOD5OMVXWiHXq-8TRgWSjE-9qy7VdyoOhlnaB0wPtq_7-D0lSDto5_KWl5Cc4Y9awlKY4dZH8k25mXz6ortfHYa/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="303" data-original-width="497" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbI6sW1Otfnecs9pwafemzw5ZpNMwcsWjEc0Lckvumhpzpqm-PhEfvKeOD5OMVXWiHXq-8TRgWSjE-9qy7VdyoOhlnaB0wPtq_7-D0lSDto5_KWl5Cc4Y9awlKY4dZH8k25mXz6ortfHYa/" width="320" /></a></div>Soon after that the road became quite shaded by trees and tall hedge rows and it was here that the many MANY <span style="font-size: large;">MANY </span>adolescent pheasant chicks kept jumping, running and fluttering as we startled them as we passed by!</div><div><br /></div><div>Then, as we rode along John informed me that the road we were on was part of the ๐ Devil's Causeway๐ - a Roman Road that in total runs for about 55 miles but we only rode along a short part of it! But that led us to the last uphill of today's ride and it was a long 2 mile drag to the top ๐ฐ, I was okay cos I had plenty of e-power, and although John mostly made it he needed a bit of minor resuscitation by the time he got to the top! But once again we had splendid views over the rough open moorland and on our left distant views out to sea. And the final bit of our reward was the long swoop downhill back into Belford!</div></div><div><br /></div><div>Saturday 3rd July 2021 โ๏ธโ๏ธโ๏ธโ๏ธ ๐ง๏ธ โ๏ธ๐ง๏ธ</div><div><br /></div><div>Unfortunately on this tour we still haven't done as much cycling as we'd like, and as my bike is new I'm still trying to bed it in and tweak it to fit me better, so with that in mind we'd thought we'd go out cycling again today! However, the weather predictions were for heavy rain from early afternoon so we ditched that plan and decided to go walking this morning and then to nip out to do a bit of bike and John's birthday shopping this afternoon! </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd8SeTKIu5rlymQL2niYKSIYK2LqQ3Yf4I6G8qXjfrZccj91yTjgI4lmUy2gU5wGbLRdRGQrt8LtdJepepT6iOZRLQrghp-abMf9sewDxLP68qH6WvxGL9kgivNJcQbDKktek9PrwCP2iV/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="428" data-original-width="300" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd8SeTKIu5rlymQL2niYKSIYK2LqQ3Yf4I6G8qXjfrZccj91yTjgI4lmUy2gU5wGbLRdRGQrt8LtdJepepT6iOZRLQrghp-abMf9sewDxLP68qH6WvxGL9kgivNJcQbDKktek9PrwCP2iV/w224-h320/Screenshot+2021-07-03+at+18.05.59.png" width="224" /></a></div>But where to go? St Cuthbert's Cave and a walk up on to the ridge above it was where we chose, and luckily when we got to the small car park at the base of the climb to the cave there was plenty of space. The cave itself is steeped in legend and it's said that the ancient monks from Lindisfarne laid St Cuthbert's body to rest there in AD875. </div><div><br /></div><div>Today the Cave is in the care of the National Trust and it's structure is formed by an overhanging outcrop of Sandstone rock supported by an isolated single stone pillar, but it hasn't always looked how it appeared today! In the mid 19th Century the entrance was enclosed by a stone wall and used as a lambing shed, and later when it was owned by the Leather family it was used as the their burial place after being consecrated in 1936. Memorials to members of the family are carved onto a large rock in front of the cave but as this is also sandstone these are fading fast!</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij9tKPSQU6r2cgwpcwszPZcHMUebA8c0yP-ydOH34RF19Zlj8yBVCZevOuAdn5lf4t0xUFux9v3DhfyAk6L4HLXm5poAuIpYy1sJM84YT_Y33b6VUckp2ij6IGqRXpYtQjaHURhgsuKr8f/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij9tKPSQU6r2cgwpcwszPZcHMUebA8c0yP-ydOH34RF19Zlj8yBVCZevOuAdn5lf4t0xUFux9v3DhfyAk6L4HLXm5poAuIpYy1sJM84YT_Y33b6VUckp2ij6IGqRXpYtQjaHURhgsuKr8f/" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht9Q5glS7V5NgwjJjduplROVR8nucS0-NkE5tP_eTPT433vcdRZkTikCfiLQVISM3OKmnlAtwVrvxmwtw7tA4XXtqLL2BP3J4Ab_13y5vXdj7CkrJzkv68bAhFlmFAcLj0nziHs5wi-QX1/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht9Q5glS7V5NgwjJjduplROVR8nucS0-NkE5tP_eTPT433vcdRZkTikCfiLQVISM3OKmnlAtwVrvxmwtw7tA4XXtqLL2BP3J4Ab_13y5vXdj7CkrJzkv68bAhFlmFAcLj0nziHs5wi-QX1/" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfWCVkXTBUa5UNiixRZHYz-i3i2ks-UbTv7vbgtQeGoi8A40r2Nvext7NIxwgaQLrrb6-5m1ZOEjQr16X1eYNz-KpYNRRlyyQ3KiArlQrQuFy_emyAmNJxemCOWrsW-h6ndWwVsZs4H4vA/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfWCVkXTBUa5UNiixRZHYz-i3i2ks-UbTv7vbgtQeGoi8A40r2Nvext7NIxwgaQLrrb6-5m1ZOEjQr16X1eYNz-KpYNRRlyyQ3KiArlQrQuFy_emyAmNJxemCOWrsW-h6ndWwVsZs4H4vA/w640-h480/IMG_2691.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj0THF-dWhE-TWVZmTpkZMXU3APQzGe5bXd5BPezAvOSlsW12BgOEau7YAAnVMa3Xa90F9AupvqHDApbPr-es-1ZMlyw2oKgzAyQAwcCETTLFatzHT-uHArUUF4QuqWq1QyCi6MR7_BzuU/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj0THF-dWhE-TWVZmTpkZMXU3APQzGe5bXd5BPezAvOSlsW12BgOEau7YAAnVMa3Xa90F9AupvqHDApbPr-es-1ZMlyw2oKgzAyQAwcCETTLFatzHT-uHArUUF4QuqWq1QyCi6MR7_BzuU/w640-h480/IMG_2699.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maybe these scardy lambs were descendants of those kept in the cave</td></tr></tbody></table><div>After our walk we nipped back 'home' for lunch and set of for 'Go Outdoors' cos we thought we'd be able to get all our 'shopping' there but what we got was a big fat ZILCH! So instead we headed back in Berwick and went to the only bike shop in town, but low and behold, the very helpful owner was able to provided shoes and cleat peddles for John (his early birthday pressie๐) and bar ends for me! </div><div><br /></div><div>And the weather, well it did rain quite hard for a short while but it wasn't nearly as bad as the fairy tale weather forecast indicated!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Sunday 4th July 2021 โ โ โ โ โ โ </div><div><br /></div><div>Today our aim was to try out our new bike gear and we did that by completing a 30 mile circuit which was described as moderate to strenuous in our Cycling Guide Book! And for the most part it was a lovely ride, but it has to be said, it had a couple of 'horrible' bits thrown in for good measure! Once again we set off steeply uphill as we left Belford and this was one of the 'horrible' bits - but not because of the hill - it was more because of the many hundreds of flies which surrounded our sweating heads due to our slow pace as we ascended ๐ชฐ๐ชฐ๐ชฐ๐๐ชฐ๐ชฐ ๐ชฐ Luckily they weren't of the biting kind but we must have looked as if we'd got Tourette's as we attempted to waft them away๐.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>By the time we got to the top of the first hill we were half way to the town of Chatton and initially we had panoramic views or the Cheviot Hills, and then as we proceeded we thought we might be able to see Chillingham Castle and maybe some of the famous wild cattle that roam in the parkland but both were hidden by a high stone wall and a fee needed to be paid to enter so we didn't bother. And it was as we proceeded from there that we found another <span style="font-size: large;"><b>mahousive</b></span> hill was challenging our progress! There was absolutely no chance that either of us were going to conquer this one (not even me with my e-power) so it was 'Shanks's Pony๐' right to the top and by the time we got there <strike>we</strike>/I was completely knackered! However, a good reviving picnic soon put me right and then it was forward and onwards across sun drenched moor land that was almost completely traffic free and home to a huge number of ๐๐๐๐๐!</div><div><br /></div><div>After about 7 miles of this lovely undulating <strike>road</strike> track (it was a bit rough in places) the lane plunged back down to the A1 but this time we didn't have to take our life into our hands because there was a very convenient underpass to see us safely across the road but it was only a short distance after that (just after the town of Ellingham) that said life was at risk again ๐! John had led me down a rough track were eventually we would have had to pass through a gate, but on the other side of the gate stood this well endowed chap!</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9QMy0CODsLSJgQwukqGL9WSTTTLKi9nXZMfXbiuWavDyD715hkD_BScorAM_VjhCqPfBs5q17uyhU3Dxn9vmR4gd9mwJs_r6nGdrkaNQXAZw9O7MpAjZD5e_v5dwEMo70jnGHgq7eoqQi/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9QMy0CODsLSJgQwukqGL9WSTTTLKi9nXZMfXbiuWavDyD715hkD_BScorAM_VjhCqPfBs5q17uyhU3Dxn9vmR4gd9mwJs_r6nGdrkaNQXAZw9O7MpAjZD5e_v5dwEMo70jnGHgq7eoqQi/" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He looked quite placid but I wouldn't have wanted to risk getting on his wrong side!</td></tr></tbody></table>So this resulted in a little back tracking but luckily John had a 'plan B' so only an extra couple of miles was added! A little later (and by now I was flagging again) we came across an unusual structure called 'The Ducket'</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6owha1jydAmm9zEl8Xw5SxrZUMSABtzIa9cmNfmWJe_ftQ62hyeJZJzTzavm2HHLoTMRZarzx5hYtElDkNMLe1aA-Q_vK9bQBUJ_tG7btX9WOD6W6AIGtgDdWVfS5wAvr2ri-aYUIQQK6/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5184" data-original-width="3888" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6owha1jydAmm9zEl8Xw5SxrZUMSABtzIa9cmNfmWJe_ftQ62hyeJZJzTzavm2HHLoTMRZarzx5hYtElDkNMLe1aA-Q_vK9bQBUJ_tG7btX9WOD6W6AIGtgDdWVfS5wAvr2ri-aYUIQQK6/w480-h640/IMG_2703.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">A 65 foot high tower that overlooks Budle Bay that was built in the 18th Century</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Apparently it's initial function was as a windmill, then later it became a dovecot that provided a good supply of meat, eggs and manure to Outchester Farm, but more recently it's been converted into a luxury self catering holiday home. However, unsurprisingly to stay there you'd need deep pockets! <br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Then from that point it was only a few more miles home for a very well earned cuppa and slice of cake!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Monday 5th July 2021 ๐ฆ๏ธ๐ฆ๏ธโ โ โ ๐๐๐</div><div><br /></div><div>I really do think we ought to stop looking at the weather fairy tales because once again if we'd listened to the prediction we might not have done what we did! We stayed in for the morning to do chores but after a substantial Brunch of egg and bacon sarnies we set off for the fishing village of Craster for a walk along the Coast Path to the dramatic ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle. </div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGmznDVel4YxxfZcnk_OaKGD112DzmXi7mTgoCetefGEmJne28JkYNsYy52LV5OuQsa1gkXXTZg6GLWTXPqNymtIvb9MrchJIcK6SgUhQkX0cl6xVW7Uss7Pxj1OVuicvF0bmgmZG7zA9T/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGmznDVel4YxxfZcnk_OaKGD112DzmXi7mTgoCetefGEmJne28JkYNsYy52LV5OuQsa1gkXXTZg6GLWTXPqNymtIvb9MrchJIcK6SgUhQkX0cl6xVW7Uss7Pxj1OVuicvF0bmgmZG7zA9T/w640-h480/IMG_2713.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The 14th Century Fortification of Dunstanburgh Castle</td></tr></tbody></table>The site is owned by English Heritage, and of course there is a charge to enter the walls but we were quite happy to partially circumnavigate it and admire it from the cheap side!</div><div><br /></div><div>Coffee and scones were indulged in on the far side of the castle and while we consumed them we watched the many antics of the gulls, razorbills and guillemots as they ducked, dived and swam beneath the cliffs that they call home at this time of year!</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSl5AB-aAu5m1k04Y7a7FNvZUk-L_tyOMiO1omT5whHDayOoxRuHjG6GvRvS79ESb3smcS4CTZonlzomFNphs_qORWZJ7QELmwc_IOTETAktJOJnui_2qLNqjpHNZ5lNUOS-cGHoek6zhB/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSl5AB-aAu5m1k04Y7a7FNvZUk-L_tyOMiO1omT5whHDayOoxRuHjG6GvRvS79ESb3smcS4CTZonlzomFNphs_qORWZJ7QELmwc_IOTETAktJOJnui_2qLNqjpHNZ5lNUOS-cGHoek6zhB/w640-h480/IMG_2729.JPG" width="640" /></a><br /><br /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUBHWzmNQ35aVkejuK4TpbJRPPTBEv9Pjn4Mfl8jYCydL33ahGcA3pN6riTy-HRJLq4Ufs55d_CPure4oakB97gyl-FT0XshinyL_XxN-MUS59NVJA0Zbqx3yKB7Xyvw0WnXPuGjRr7MX6/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1416" data-original-width="2048" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUBHWzmNQ35aVkejuK4TpbJRPPTBEv9Pjn4Mfl8jYCydL33ahGcA3pN6riTy-HRJLq4Ufs55d_CPure4oakB97gyl-FT0XshinyL_XxN-MUS59NVJA0Zbqx3yKB7Xyvw0WnXPuGjRr7MX6/w640-h442/IMG_2721.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhliy_jdIYCKBFOXir583GeFFPWBgotBxCH-SPGu6f1qdtPzxMFmjEQpDDKFhyphenhyphenbq_j2PHng-7-Ha0aWHxm4MovO-7aRyCN1KFI4gJ00NalHDQTCPqbwKec6ApZ9O5lcbPL9uu1e3WTdBMok/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1153" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhliy_jdIYCKBFOXir583GeFFPWBgotBxCH-SPGu6f1qdtPzxMFmjEQpDDKFhyphenhyphenbq_j2PHng-7-Ha0aWHxm4MovO-7aRyCN1KFI4gJ00NalHDQTCPqbwKec6ApZ9O5lcbPL9uu1e3WTdBMok/w640-h360/IMG_2711.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There was even a little family of ducks battling the waves</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br />Tuesday 6th July 2021 ๐ง๏ธ ๐ง๏ธ ๐ง๏ธ ๐ง๏ธ ๐ง๏ธ ๐ง๏ธ</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4HWjhv9EsosVlL2PHc_hmlI-KsHovpgveVvkU7zeaa-jv1QNT_FcEcGpTd5vYUDDjdcoeUhkJ-mQmVZuOGJi6u3ykBJNLWXpFA4hAoIEHernRPtLkQyycZYXrSq6Zu_jQn0OBo5bcenWE/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="108" data-original-width="108" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4HWjhv9EsosVlL2PHc_hmlI-KsHovpgveVvkU7zeaa-jv1QNT_FcEcGpTd5vYUDDjdcoeUhkJ-mQmVZuOGJi6u3ykBJNLWXpFA4hAoIEHernRPtLkQyycZYXrSq6Zu_jQn0OBo5bcenWE/w200-h200/image.png" width="200" /></a></div>Well, for once the weather man got it right! The rain started banging on our roof sometime in the night while it was still dark and it hasn't given up since! So other than to nip to the very nearby farm shop for 2 delicious sausage rolls for lunch we're having a duvet day and staying in our van snug and dry! However, we have kept peering out at the very soggy tents and feeling very sorry for the poor wet campers!</div><div><br /></div><div>Bye for now ๐</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?hl=en&mid=1tG7G55azXmNAvv09V4MjcDksouY&ll=55.59147929345763%2C-1.8260985881429415&z=16">Click here to see our Campsite</a></div></div>Linda Varneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10023578343265888742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8250550279331493077.post-31575850738847498452021-06-30T18:31:00.003+01:002021-07-14T19:18:22.944+01:00Heading North for a 'Little' 36 Night 'Holiday' Day 10 - 14<p><b>Heading North for a 'Little' 36 Night 'Holiday' Day 10 - 14</b></p><p>Friday 25th๐ง๏ธ๐ง๏ธ๐ง๏ธ๐ง๏ธ๐ง๏ธ๐ง๏ธ and Saturday 26th June โ โ โ โ ๐๐</p><p>Well, there's absolutely nothing to say about Friday except maybe to comment about the atrocious weather! The rain hammered down all day, the wind howled as if it was winter and it was cold๐ฅถ, so it really wasn't worth doing anything except to stay warm in the van and have a duvet day.</p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7XVEkCA_yW2yuUHey4YwgQuENzpyzujcKFiXa6jQivguQnVJ5Mf3IHausXFO01HFVE2_7krL7Xq5SUqb1m1r2S8l-c2XZKEs-a5AxsYMcojmNXYGUbKEaycW1UErn8YPlcEYFJ0sMylQX/" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7XVEkCA_yW2yuUHey4YwgQuENzpyzujcKFiXa6jQivguQnVJ5Mf3IHausXFO01HFVE2_7krL7Xq5SUqb1m1r2S8l-c2XZKEs-a5AxsYMcojmNXYGUbKEaycW1UErn8YPlcEYFJ0sMylQX/w200-h150/IMG_2595.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dead boots with<br />soul departing!</td></tr></tbody></table><p>But Saturday was a lot better weather wise and for that day we had a bit of a mission! If you read our last post you'll know my hiking boots died while we were out walking, so today's task was to replace them but when we investigated we found that there were very few shops in the area where this was likely to be possible! Our choice was either Whitby or Scarborough, and we chose the latter but 'boy oh boy' was it busy when we got there! We parked on the Marine Drive which divides the North and South Shore, and passed by the old Toll House and we later learnt that both have quite an interesting history!</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2pvPJerYrSlSapGrEZnCv7_jSeqt_qd2af1Va-yUKOoU3hxZcHhlsPv-au2kqn9PM0gIE1F3wOUqwcWN9x_l04Ih4IebQNt4JobiyJ753pLo-2ZClvXY6PgjMBcDv8f7xx6uotTaXnvM-/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="598" data-original-width="800" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2pvPJerYrSlSapGrEZnCv7_jSeqt_qd2af1Va-yUKOoU3hxZcHhlsPv-au2kqn9PM0gIE1F3wOUqwcWN9x_l04Ih4IebQNt4JobiyJ753pLo-2ZClvXY6PgjMBcDv8f7xx6uotTaXnvM-/w640-h478/Screenshot+2021-06-27+at+17.38.10.png" width="640" /></a></div><br />The Drive was constructed mainly as a sea defence but nothing really went to plan and the building of it had constant setbacks as the sea attacked the site on more than one occasion. The work on it's construction started on March 30th 1897 and was carried out by hundreds of men along with steam-powered cranes, and the initial expected end date should have been 3 years later but in actual fact it took 10 years, 10 months and 10 days to complete!<p></p><p>The 'last' stone was laid on October 1st 1904 but the following January much of the work was undone as a huge storm washed away most of the North Pier, and after that the repairs weren't completed until January 1908. More damage befell the Drive a few days later when a 400 foot section of the wall moved seaward by about 16 inches leaving a huge crack that prevented it from being fully opened to the public until the following April and by then the total cost had doubled to ยฃ124,700! And even the tolls didn't really help to recoup any of the overspend because between 1908 and 1909 they only amounted to ยฃ1,892. Tolls were one penny for each person walking, riding a horse or bicycle, travelling in a carriage, motor car or bath-chair, but if you were on a motor cycle the price rose to two pence plus one penny for each person riding or wheeling the machine. It seems the tolls were suspended during the Second World War and the pedestrian toll was never resumed, and later, the vehicle toll was abolished in December 1950! However, the Drive still makes lots of money for Scarborough Town Council in the form of Rob ๐parking charges that are quite extortionate!</p><p>Eventually we managed to fight our way through the 'madding crowd' and into the towns shopping precinct but initially we thought we'd had a wasted journey! Mountain warehouse had nothing but tat and one of the other shops we'd planned to visit had closed down completely๐ญ. But then we spied Millet's, and it wasn't much longer after that that we were leaving with a very nice pair of Gortex Merrell Walking Boots which were a lot of 'Wonga ๐ฐ' but that was offset slightly by the fact that the very nice young man who assisted us told us that we were entitled to a 15% discount for being CCC members. </p><p>After all that it was lunch time but rather than joining the masses down by the sea front we found a bench high up on the cliffs overlooking the North Shore while we enjoyed our picnic in the very warm sunshine. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixhZ3OlIAGacCFpeWA75Vl_shq5e1ssuH1v7fW9614QM89WNlYfP6VEKotLUCym7_nZ0hO6q67W-BCz_JqL4OE0fEoezWROn0SskWA6wjWa5AluCvLZ4OaZtivzUK9GM0-eTxIaRoveRpQ/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixhZ3OlIAGacCFpeWA75Vl_shq5e1ssuH1v7fW9614QM89WNlYfP6VEKotLUCym7_nZ0hO6q67W-BCz_JqL4OE0fEoezWROn0SskWA6wjWa5AluCvLZ4OaZtivzUK9GM0-eTxIaRoveRpQ/w640-h480/IMG_2598.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Sunday 27th June 2021 โ โ โ โ โ โ ๐โ </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDQxSgtbozNP1sM5goYPYFyYmMH5aAjUQtJfwWbOGNj4JBnkMeE3l3PAnxHJYRtcGGBdZw2ceMH6BFYigK0sw4ber89ThnQPpC2TpoigH9wzDLA4lDTia_FOOVCC60Bg9r2Pk7mqDplI5L/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="120" data-original-width="120" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDQxSgtbozNP1sM5goYPYFyYmMH5aAjUQtJfwWbOGNj4JBnkMeE3l3PAnxHJYRtcGGBdZw2ceMH6BFYigK0sw4ber89ThnQPpC2TpoigH9wzDLA4lDTia_FOOVCC60Bg9r2Pk7mqDplI5L/w200-h200/image.png" width="200" /></a></div>Well now I'd got my new boots I needed to try them out and to do so we decided to drive the short distance down to Boggle Hole and then walk along the Cleveland Way to Ravenscar (we could have walked from the campsite but that would have added an extra mile and a half and we'd have had to risk being eaten alive by the marauding horse flies who've already managed to catch me more than once๐ซ). Added to that I really didn't fancy the cure for said bites - John informed me that Ammonia is supposed to help relieve the itching so he volunteered his 'pee' but I didn't need long to think about that before I hurriedly๐ง๐ declined<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4fzXnFpfilHB-nIuShN3Iq63y1SMiOAl0beMVD_0ltBnDMfpqQ8o1Np74_wVYFoxANttv0655s5Ey2ykcdWHhmzqiLcfC2AopE1CeehoiVwCEdPuT4jmsvxG1y1yRbx6_KDJQ74sKcsLb/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4fzXnFpfilHB-nIuShN3Iq63y1SMiOAl0beMVD_0ltBnDMfpqQ8o1Np74_wVYFoxANttv0655s5Ey2ykcdWHhmzqiLcfC2AopE1CeehoiVwCEdPuT4jmsvxG1y1yRbx6_KDJQ74sKcsLb/" width="320" /></a></div><p>And the boots? Just about perfect and so far I think worth every penny - but my final verdict will have to be postponed until I've tried them in inclement weather!</p><p>Our walk took us over undulating coastal path with constant stunning views of the coastline and Ravenscar itself always loomed in front of us but sometimes hidden by low clouds that initially shrouded it.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwD1zXnWIuAlQ2m9kmNMt_OSAA_lJb_Kb5412rzkFuyvNnw0jCsULUdmuQo9tSAsxNWRLrnRe1AAFvQhkHNca9g2BpwRMUxBGCNH6skWIF_QcY0776fv5lD1-ufnpcsMOvzHtGwg41olMU/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwD1zXnWIuAlQ2m9kmNMt_OSAA_lJb_Kb5412rzkFuyvNnw0jCsULUdmuQo9tSAsxNWRLrnRe1AAFvQhkHNca9g2BpwRMUxBGCNH6skWIF_QcY0776fv5lD1-ufnpcsMOvzHtGwg41olMU/w640-h480/IMG_2604.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />But before we reached our goal we also had the opportunity to learn about the old Alum Works that lie on the coast about a mile from Ravenscar. I hadn't really got the foggiest idea what Alum was or what it was used for but the info boards soon informed us that it's a crystal containing aluminium sulphate produced by a chemical process. However, the process by which it was extracted was long and arduous and required 'shale' to be quarried from rock and then burned in brushwood heaps that towered 100 foot high and 200 foot long and these fires had to be kept going for nearly a year! This produced an acid which converted the aluminium sulphate into a soluble form and after several more processes crystals were produced which were then ground into a 'flour' that was used as a fixing agent in the textile dyeing industry and as a preservative for tanning leather. Alum was one of Britain's first chemical industries and in the 17th and 18th centuries there were over 30 alum producing sites that produced 5,000 tons of alum a year! <div><p></p></div><div>After a couple of hours walking we reached Ravenscar and initially we'd planned to go on a bit further to the old RAF Radio station but as a very convenient picnic bench presented itself we took advantage of that instead! And we also took advantage of the Ravenscar National Trust Visitor's Centre which sold exceedingly nice ice cream!</div><div><br /></div><div>The history of Ravenscar describes how in the early 1900s plans were made to turn the village into a tourist resort to rival nearby Scarborough. Apparently roads were made, foundations were laid and sewers were dug, but the expansion of the village never happened and that seemed to be because it lacked popularity due to the long trek down it's rocky beach. </div><div><br /></div><div>In the fullness of time the plans were abandoned and the company responsible for the development went bankrupt but today parts of the unfinished village remain in the form of eerily quiet streets in which nobody has ever lived!</div><div><br /></div><div>Monday 28th June 2021๐๐๐โ โ โ ๐๐๐</div><div><br /></div><div>This morning chores had to be completed in preparation for moving on to our next destination tomorrow but that was all done by about 11am so that left plenty of time for another walk up up and up on Filingdale Moor. However, this time we took the car and drove the short distance (about a mile and a half) to the start point of our walk because that meant we could walk further once we actually got up onto the moor. </div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuS8d4uRddvPZ_T4s-Sj3gyupZo9yEymxRsiY-jR32Xw6uYI3ctnuIVnXY9AVfrcNHL9Yv9krOWIKrHKM-EXpPDqrHe3elUb95CdrshWlpSUnfTOKRQCmC9xECIIhyphenhyphendsG7eTwhoIwtvsiw/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1239" data-original-width="2048" height="388" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuS8d4uRddvPZ_T4s-Sj3gyupZo9yEymxRsiY-jR32Xw6uYI3ctnuIVnXY9AVfrcNHL9Yv9krOWIKrHKM-EXpPDqrHe3elUb95CdrshWlpSUnfTOKRQCmC9xECIIhyphenhyphendsG7eTwhoIwtvsiw/w640-h388/IMG_2619.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can just see the ascending path that we would need to climb on our way back<br />and this pic hides the huge climb we'd just made!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div>Some of our walk covered familiar ground as we headed down to <span style="text-align: center;">Jugger Howe Beck where spectacularly coloured dragon flies buzzed and frogs hopped but after that we climbed steeply up for a very long way and that took us onto a huge plain of heather clad moor land where birds and butterflies of many different shapes and sizes called and danced. </span></div><div><span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdben_JAhkWUi5jM2Sw-hH1oioSU0Vd3965CEGldxRJaUToekSMIMN1GoI7bs3vhTG7pQiCeTD4x60TsBF0rOtDn841AcjTzdB3Di4UIBTF2TZ10qCC0rcVWHrOSgERN4D8zBO9wdcTzd7/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1555" data-original-width="2048" height="486" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdben_JAhkWUi5jM2Sw-hH1oioSU0Vd3965CEGldxRJaUToekSMIMN1GoI7bs3vhTG7pQiCeTD4x60TsBF0rOtDn841AcjTzdB3Di4UIBTF2TZ10qCC0rcVWHrOSgERN4D8zBO9wdcTzd7/w640-h486/IMG_2621.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Tiny Fritillary Butterfly enjoying the sunshine</td></tr></tbody></table></span></div><div><span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXTDo3L0MXBcZ0iP3zcRaS7KsPGbUTa917dJ098-Z7RJtoTlK-IMBd4caIktNXhhTuTkg6X1IcZpeNoinIzIqE9obpTPXX9BOwagPglFfBF2kwYisz0UEdj0wwZgQS320ATSsBnRuzqkgy/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="308" data-original-width="577" height="342" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXTDo3L0MXBcZ0iP3zcRaS7KsPGbUTa917dJ098-Z7RJtoTlK-IMBd4caIktNXhhTuTkg6X1IcZpeNoinIzIqE9obpTPXX9BOwagPglFfBF2kwYisz0UEdj0wwZgQS320ATSsBnRuzqkgy/w640-h342/Screenshot+2021-06-29+at+11.27.39.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And what we thought might be a Plover singing his little heart out!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div>And there were also one or two other species up there!</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIlFruKkUhKD3s31GR4zIko4dkNzpGNfk2tFmz2eW2jcUR-YZahnAgovJIicUBTY6a-G9prU73ECGI5y3-dI3CMTHzH4HrElY19wxoUyK7dzjRhmOEvPaYewuFQxFCwO4e_vW3wa3-HnuO/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIlFruKkUhKD3s31GR4zIko4dkNzpGNfk2tFmz2eW2jcUR-YZahnAgovJIicUBTY6a-G9prU73ECGI5y3-dI3CMTHzH4HrElY19wxoUyK7dzjRhmOEvPaYewuFQxFCwO4e_vW3wa3-HnuO/w640-h480/IMG_2622.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFhsUWMJM4SKejF6olqszoYpupQ9snz5v8PcdfEUm6GczWGS8zfFb5VQzl4slXDZjbb2RUYOkQ4Uv1tzu1CU59f0macBs8pKegfmrWVFHRe9q1eQGk9IiORSNc_bcRVMU46bzPkBUAMq4K/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="740" data-original-width="1600" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFhsUWMJM4SKejF6olqszoYpupQ9snz5v8PcdfEUm6GczWGS8zfFb5VQzl4slXDZjbb2RUYOkQ4Uv1tzu1CU59f0macBs8pKegfmrWVFHRe9q1eQGk9IiORSNc_bcRVMU46bzPkBUAMq4K/w640-h296/WhatsApp+Image+2021-06-28+at+18.47.11.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div>Tuesday 29th June 2021 ๐โ โ ๐โ โ โ </div><div><br /></div><div>This morning we were up fairly early for us and nipping round packing away bits and bobs and our awning in preparation for our move north to South Meadows Caravan Park in Belford Northumberland. But before we could start our journey properly we had the dreaded rough hilly and bumpy three quarters of a mile track to negotiate first. A couple of our fellow campers had complained that they'd caught the undercarriage of their vans as they approached the site but we'd been okay on our journey in! However, we weren't quite so lucky going the other way despite my excellent chauffeur crawling along at a ๐ pace! As we passed through one of the unavoidable dips we heard something scrape and on later inspection it seems it was the jockey wheel - it now has a big gouge in it's tyre๐ , but oh well, I suppose it could have been worse!</div><div><br /></div><div>Now, as I'm tapping out these words we're flitting along the A1 looking for a coffee stop but even with The Angel of the North looking down on us parking places are in very short supply!๐ญ</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgucg50An8knQjNvKsOb3d1CVgnZvQoGLU6BKgqQU5QfrzqlUKKvS4TIzbBPZMX24ORvSx_gSmiecWE7kMbYconQn3bJxIaqpYrZg6D7G9wp9iQJqPvcv78Lmlfr-4h7y8iYkaYkc-q7b81/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="931" data-original-width="1268" height="470" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgucg50An8knQjNvKsOb3d1CVgnZvQoGLU6BKgqQU5QfrzqlUKKvS4TIzbBPZMX24ORvSx_gSmiecWE7kMbYconQn3bJxIaqpYrZg6D7G9wp9iQJqPvcv78Lmlfr-4h7y8iYkaYkc-q7b81/w640-h470/WhatsApp+Image+2021-06-29+at+12.32.54.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A bit of a wonky pic but my excuse is I had to take it as we speeded by!<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuiQbe0aWsjZHmq3ATKMPPvcJVnl-Jbqwf_NLelMFpLRUJBf1O22R0PrBK9CBxn0mv8SCmyB5Eh9OSTaZYaoOQXsPudRpnEg_KDBJrqSwi0mnYWsCHMdVEnDah2ZKCk3PWrrz3tRjeD8BU/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="758" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuiQbe0aWsjZHmq3ATKMPPvcJVnl-Jbqwf_NLelMFpLRUJBf1O22R0PrBK9CBxn0mv8SCmyB5Eh9OSTaZYaoOQXsPudRpnEg_KDBJrqSwi0mnYWsCHMdVEnDah2ZKCk3PWrrz3tRjeD8BU/w190-h400/WhatsApp+Image+2021-06-29+at+12.32.54+%25281%2529.jpeg" width="190" /></a></div>And it wasn't until we were within about 40 miles of our destination that we did eventually find a road side lay-by that had to suffice as today's dining room and somewhere to pass a bit of time because it was still to early (12.30ish) to pole up at our next campsite. However, this stopping place required us to have lunch in bed because my bike seemed to have taken over our usual dining space! </div><div><br /></div><div>So now we've only got about 20 miles to go and we've got everything ๐คthat this new site won't present such a challenging access as the last one but I'll have to let you know later!!</div><div><br /></div><div>Well, it's quite a bit later now and we're well settled in at <a href="https://www.southmeadows.co.uk/">South Meadows Camp Site</a> which is fairly huge compared to what we're used to! However, the site is set out in avenues with pitches located on either side and our pitch in particular is divided from the others by low hedges so we have our own little 'garden' for the duration of our 10 night stay. Additionally, access was incredibly easy, and it's only a few mins walk to the nearest shop which is in Belford, so all in all we're quite happy with our new home!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyB_f-KlCZySiy2lQce1I_8H9dqAesxj2l6QAPhyphenhyphenzZqNLbez8sGgxrdLOUqoS7mQuGKlNQka1r6txPYcLVBa0FPVmpva_hObMxhiu7v5tYx-yGRTlvGJrHq3kkl2RgcTabD9dNuIJFJkeo/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyB_f-KlCZySiy2lQce1I_8H9dqAesxj2l6QAPhyphenhyphenzZqNLbez8sGgxrdLOUqoS7mQuGKlNQka1r6txPYcLVBa0FPVmpva_hObMxhiu7v5tYx-yGRTlvGJrHq3kkl2RgcTabD9dNuIJFJkeo/w640-h480/IMG_2647.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Wednesday 30th June 2021 โโโโโโ โ โ </div><div><br /></div><div>Today we couldn't quite decide what to do! Should we๐ดโโ๏ธ๐ดโโ๏ธ or should we๐ถ๐ถbut because it was quite blustery and dull the latter won out. So after a bit of a lazy morning and some frustrating phone calls regarding our caravan insurance we set off in the car aiming for a local free car park that would allow us to walk to Budle Point. The path took us along some of Northumberland's amazing coast line and provided us with fantastic views back towards Bamburgh Castle, and in a northerly direction, we were looking across the wide open spaces of Ross Sands, that in the far distance, gave way to Holy Island and the Farne Islands. </div><div><br /></div><div>It also gave me the opportunity to practice with my new camera which is a Canon Power Shot that has up to x80 zoom, however it wobbles an awful lot when the lens is fully extended and I haven't quite got to grips with my new mono-pod yet!</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAkuGoihdXMMaP63ouxtdlXdsGWAnsXVekdLWQhvVPLxucHS9T6s7CSstRPYb2tzK6-rS6IrAckA6RezZERkWU0MOxqOWDmDFSpBu_adM_7EJLiIAkiuFirr8j4TEqxb3YkA-d_ygIFfNQ/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAkuGoihdXMMaP63ouxtdlXdsGWAnsXVekdLWQhvVPLxucHS9T6s7CSstRPYb2tzK6-rS6IrAckA6RezZERkWU0MOxqOWDmDFSpBu_adM_7EJLiIAkiuFirr8j4TEqxb3YkA-d_ygIFfNQ/w640-h480/IMG_2632.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The very beautiful and windswept beach that when covered in water would <br />be Budle Water<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeL28Ju0Kj2_UbNQIXRiwFNCLkEuVYZwa4talyklRZ7LeFwOVS4em1zfGlqKAGrPMzRma_YHF_0B4bozi7h3Uv7EpW6MGi2ImaO-lYHHh4JIIYmd2oDoNzx3sbrwvVWdJ5L2MTWf5bbj8f/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeL28Ju0Kj2_UbNQIXRiwFNCLkEuVYZwa4talyklRZ7LeFwOVS4em1zfGlqKAGrPMzRma_YHF_0B4bozi7h3Uv7EpW6MGi2ImaO-lYHHh4JIIYmd2oDoNzx3sbrwvVWdJ5L2MTWf5bbj8f/w640-h480/IMG_2631.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Monetary on Holy Island, Lindisfarne!<br />Apparently we were stood 5 and a half miles away - Its just a shame the light was so poor!<br /> </td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijSuoW-3XP8c83F2J0Pt8x8MJfilqOlOeh2o3U41EfBwDcCJ7eqi1pDkeUd2T0pvA2RJbi7vGWSuH87nIedGWBH-97dGixzdvCpe3sl40wgfrYpy-VZP5wjwuVFVm-KHtSPnLvuk254ESK/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijSuoW-3XP8c83F2J0Pt8x8MJfilqOlOeh2o3U41EfBwDcCJ7eqi1pDkeUd2T0pvA2RJbi7vGWSuH87nIedGWBH-97dGixzdvCpe3sl40wgfrYpy-VZP5wjwuVFVm-KHtSPnLvuk254ESK/w640-h480/IMG_2635.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Light House on the Inner Farne Island - and that looked as if it was even further away!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3WlUlI4jSJe5quvRwYpaFhEXjLk8VU4wYlj7GhRPJgMtmPIoZ7AlMYqHdLLOC6xQ-uz74MFnje4JwecfUA6iaMmKSfQadWffN63kPgDue6bcKLqSTU_XCsMH4Rat72dPGSszgn9rtxj-U/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3WlUlI4jSJe5quvRwYpaFhEXjLk8VU4wYlj7GhRPJgMtmPIoZ7AlMYqHdLLOC6xQ-uz74MFnje4JwecfUA6iaMmKSfQadWffN63kPgDue6bcKLqSTU_XCsMH4Rat72dPGSszgn9rtxj-U/w640-h480/IMG_2636.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The White Painted Stag on what is locally known as Stag Rocks. </td></tr></tbody></table><br />On our way back we stopped to admire the White Stag that is painted onto the rocks just below Bamburgh Lighthouse (which happens to be England's most northerly land-based lighthouse), and it seems there are many stories about why it's there! Some say it marks the escape of a white deer which jumped into the sea after running away from a hunt in nearby Spindlestone, some say it was painted by Italian prisoners-of-war during World War Two and some think maybe a local artist painted it in the early 1900's, but apparently quite recently it was given a new coat so it now stands out very clearly!</div><div><br /></div><div>After we'd had our picnic lunch overlooking the beach we thought we might visit Seahouses but when we got there it was very busy and our chances of parking were about zero so we carried on to another windswept spot at Beadnell and there we had a short walk which took us to the old Limekilns which now seem to be a store for lobster pots!</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmEf0oSuqfIQ5QVUhkCoybyve0QrrF_PKQWk1jOQnKdTlKVJGRUcGp5yq117o8NtoZc-nITVN2xCdK9PR0kDCt5d-2slaiSgi4D45KFkCLAQavLZrJSY4VRlZ00G-MMkrav1HV0MCUUXOj/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmEf0oSuqfIQ5QVUhkCoybyve0QrrF_PKQWk1jOQnKdTlKVJGRUcGp5yq117o8NtoZc-nITVN2xCdK9PR0kDCt5d-2slaiSgi4D45KFkCLAQavLZrJSY4VRlZ00G-MMkrav1HV0MCUUXOj/w640-h480/IMG_2643.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />The kilns date back to 1798 and in their heyday would have produced at least a thousand cart loads of lime each year that was taken away by sea from the tiny harbour.</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJORSzpiEVUQ3XK9qYf6sTJ6KcFKFRKuFDeDkGn-CIJgAn_htrUtTNIxpW2nilFJzq4a51zfljiUgBDaw6BRt-n5bTCsHjZ6Ohyphenhyphen4LrIUnPlsGKBFVak8OVc_It4KBHiFoB4_ekeVGRdOTC/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJORSzpiEVUQ3XK9qYf6sTJ6KcFKFRKuFDeDkGn-CIJgAn_htrUtTNIxpW2nilFJzq4a51zfljiUgBDaw6BRt-n5bTCsHjZ6Ohyphenhyphen4LrIUnPlsGKBFVak8OVc_It4KBHiFoB4_ekeVGRdOTC/w640-h480/IMG_2645.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looks like the boats must have been quite small to get out of that little mouth!</td></tr></tbody></table><br />And after that we were 'homeward bound' for tea and cake so I think that's about all I've got to say for another episode!</div><div><br /></div><div>So bye for now ๐</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?hl=en&mid=1tG7G55azXmNAvv09V4MjcDksouY&ll=55.59147929345763%2C-1.8260985881429415&z=16">Click here to see our Campsite</a><br /></div><div><br /></div>Linda Varneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10023578343265888742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8250550279331493077.post-46729910190889954542021-06-24T21:02:00.003+01:002021-07-02T17:15:07.475+01:00Heading North for a 'Little' 36 Night 'Holiday' Day 1 - 9<p><b>Heading North for a 'Little' 36 Night 'Holiday' Day 1 - 9</b></p><p>Since our last post we've just had quite a busy 14 night stay at 'Home' (Butterley Bank CCC)! During that time I've managed to fit a few more shifts in at Derby's Mass Vaccination centre, we've also very much enjoyed the company of all our family, and additionally, we've joined in with the celebration of my very best friends long postponed wedding. </p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiypUJEXyTiYrLM3DFy0IEyHB10_rBaqVoErUeMswgYbNFjTDvCyHWUKmmlKOTOQ9Fw54mAqzWeKQQh4ioejEvsGkYD2wwQlpB2zeiw00lx2-2WXwhmw4Rl1_fnd16NH2L5Mc5MDCj8r2jg/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiypUJEXyTiYrLM3DFy0IEyHB10_rBaqVoErUeMswgYbNFjTDvCyHWUKmmlKOTOQ9Fw54mAqzWeKQQh4ioejEvsGkYD2wwQlpB2zeiw00lx2-2WXwhmw4Rl1_fnd16NH2L5Mc5MDCj8r2jg/w640-h480/IMG_2496.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">๐A Very Beautiful, Romantic and Tender Event that was a Little Bit Overdue๐</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Thursday 17th June 2021 โ โ โ โ โ โ <p></p><p>Today we journeyed north to the CCC's Springfield Farm Certified Site near Whitby which we found to be very much to our liking๐! However what was less to our liking was the three quarters of a mile very 'rough as a ๐ฆก's ๐' rutted track which leads to it! We did get there all in one piece, and it's really not too bad when we have to traverse it in the car, but we're certainly not looking forward to extracting our caravan when the time comes!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwsZVHMLwpbwyT-yBlFRH8UT9RemPuHZdk65T_1YgZbkI2qfJqs8mIw-B6SpjngEHedFJXr_MbJ8r6E4b6dHiAbjDW5wT_vo3WS3xenjSKOvo4Pe7kpAAVZtaowoKg1yc8ideD-4xQZWWr/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwsZVHMLwpbwyT-yBlFRH8UT9RemPuHZdk65T_1YgZbkI2qfJqs8mIw-B6SpjngEHedFJXr_MbJ8r6E4b6dHiAbjDW5wT_vo3WS3xenjSKOvo4Pe7kpAAVZtaowoKg1yc8ideD-4xQZWWr/w640-h480/IMG_2576.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDGwhmRDxFn-EQWJhENEblkshvh7dG4KefWGoOKXf6iPlt_3h6FgwNtwOVLS6LS5THofWDKsQ2kNJ9pcHePKAGFOcaLbLRLRni79kc6hFYwEskkt-cyfokWvlPy13p9YN5y8OkiuVEhC_W/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDGwhmRDxFn-EQWJhENEblkshvh7dG4KefWGoOKXf6iPlt_3h6FgwNtwOVLS6LS5THofWDKsQ2kNJ9pcHePKAGFOcaLbLRLRni79kc6hFYwEskkt-cyfokWvlPy13p9YN5y8OkiuVEhC_W/w640-h480/IMG_2577.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The 'roadway' has huge dips and hollows along with concrete sections <br />where large chunks have broken away!<br />However, John's always up for a challenge so I'm sure he'll manage๐</td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p>Friday 18th June 2021 โ โ โ โ โ โ </p><p>Today our Son Adam, Partner Vicky and Grandsons Jack and Max joined us for two nights and for once we were very glad that the weather predictions were mostly wrong! The forecast was for cloud and rain, but in the end, the wet stuff only came overnight and the day's were mostly bright and sunny. They arrived about 5ish and their tent was very quickly erected so that left plenty of time for fun and games along with lots of food and of course a few jars of ๐บ๐บ.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW5sPcCvaRzlLADKzDfbrsdhShuNS0Tmu2mrQaAmQCGfsCthSAlxziu-s-1AY23XVIZ4bf7DaNXWv0jyh6SX2SbyXn6x-JG66LV21Jsrl4pl9Hact3LIkzvK7VqdJPgixQJnmgCVEu4z5c/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW5sPcCvaRzlLADKzDfbrsdhShuNS0Tmu2mrQaAmQCGfsCthSAlxziu-s-1AY23XVIZ4bf7DaNXWv0jyh6SX2SbyXn6x-JG66LV21Jsrl4pl9Hact3LIkzvK7VqdJPgixQJnmgCVEu4z5c/w640-h480/WhatsApp+Image+2021-06-20+at+16.36.41.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p>Saturday 19th June 2021 ๐๐๐๐๐๐</p><p>A lovely warm sunny day that was perfect for the beach๐ ! Boggle Hole was our target, and from there we knew we could walk along part of the long distance footpath, 'The Cleveland Way' to Robin Hood's Bay for lunch. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs68DWyRjwb2YVHoyDfFlxvlFuOZJuM_50SwonKI9isX3sql0JQw2a0lxO_0bLZEnjvhTwFjHyKO1snmTd2c6vpu1jdIVZybEK47-aMr62Kzocm6begu4y-abZeTDL9f1pb3OQh7IdDmJ4/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs68DWyRjwb2YVHoyDfFlxvlFuOZJuM_50SwonKI9isX3sql0JQw2a0lxO_0bLZEnjvhTwFjHyKO1snmTd2c6vpu1jdIVZybEK47-aMr62Kzocm6begu4y-abZeTDL9f1pb3OQh7IdDmJ4/w640-h480/WhatsApp+Image+2021-06-20+at+16.36.41+%25285%2529.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Following a little bit of research we learnt that Boggle Hole consists of a sheltered bay in front of an old Watermill that is now a youth hostel, and that in times gone by it was once a notorious smuggler's haunt. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Kz1BODn_iz2gdZ38LoV5gTWscqxxj7YgVGCoGoNkOMuLWDUaIsydLWS9CtwvDnvo7oZ2H-_hxiRmNI9qsDw4MT8o4Gke1Naz4ojAO2GKBFRx6Wgu4jmPMj6E4GdoNJdgfkaiNBu2f9UV/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="455" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Kz1BODn_iz2gdZ38LoV5gTWscqxxj7YgVGCoGoNkOMuLWDUaIsydLWS9CtwvDnvo7oZ2H-_hxiRmNI9qsDw4MT8o4Gke1Naz4ojAO2GKBFRx6Wgu4jmPMj6E4GdoNJdgfkaiNBu2f9UV/w640-h376/Screenshot+2021-06-21+at+18.34.58.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZfBeqZcwgSnrpxQYWpPjUQWE0GicPUXJLTtIcQbL2D_F3QNuuqx5DF5fBKbwP0OF7LkgtW9KfPftf_xv0DbVwJV3pXI-k4eyzAiHBtkuGk3OaSXiChTFIZ7iwLDNRHxvr7bnXVE0zrlEO/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZfBeqZcwgSnrpxQYWpPjUQWE0GicPUXJLTtIcQbL2D_F3QNuuqx5DF5fBKbwP0OF7LkgtW9KfPftf_xv0DbVwJV3pXI-k4eyzAiHBtkuGk3OaSXiChTFIZ7iwLDNRHxvr7bnXVE0zrlEO/w480-h640/WhatsApp+Image+2021-06-20+at+16.36.41+%25281%2529.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br />The cove itself has several curved-out hollows that could almost pass for caves, these have been worn away by the action of the sea and legend has it that these were once inhabited by little hobgoblin mischievous people called Boggles! The Boggles were thought to live in the caves along the coast and on the Moors and the locals believed that they had healing powers so they would sometimes bring their sick children to the holes (hob holes) in the hope that they would be cured. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCGTCpUqwZCrpNtNkwV5_I1GQInmPlJBh2x1rWG1SZkkPouGWbr8M2q91S-ljU8McpgEuXkMu519zkA3MMCutcL8u-gEHYwGFgGI_a9f7mqGJFgwrQnF78AYxuHrNuxvn3UE_2oOw0FjDJ/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCGTCpUqwZCrpNtNkwV5_I1GQInmPlJBh2x1rWG1SZkkPouGWbr8M2q91S-ljU8McpgEuXkMu519zkA3MMCutcL8u-gEHYwGFgGI_a9f7mqGJFgwrQnF78AYxuHrNuxvn3UE_2oOw0FjDJ/w640-h480/WhatsApp+Image+2021-06-20+at+16.34.08.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3lnQJFhyphenhyphen4KjsvTCoB6Trw85vA1IUCEOYmFLDqj_nZ36aWasAkgS_e83sI5QUORImr3GITtgbK386ihG9JHlkggZNtda2BzEqpMASL9_sSN2om3DPvruK8cRR4i2nsjR4TzI-RjxZe_PQ6/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3lnQJFhyphenhyphen4KjsvTCoB6Trw85vA1IUCEOYmFLDqj_nZ36aWasAkgS_e83sI5QUORImr3GITtgbK386ihG9JHlkggZNtda2BzEqpMASL9_sSN2om3DPvruK8cRR4i2nsjR4TzI-RjxZe_PQ6/w480-h640/WhatsApp+Image+2021-06-20+at+16.34.09.jpeg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jack at the Entrance to a Boggle Hole!</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Then it was fun and fish and chips on the beach at Robin Hood's Bay!<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaQI37rUWBcBRMtzZeqt552Tw6aTL32lT4McD5eNhWcxh-obrtnAu8PZ4z-mTXuwPvbxHwghTMUSxOPQV_3Iobq_5ylrjWitcrfhR1CfJdfRa_BiP32wCRbR0QpaWtel3U_XKXct43tzlC/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaQI37rUWBcBRMtzZeqt552Tw6aTL32lT4McD5eNhWcxh-obrtnAu8PZ4z-mTXuwPvbxHwghTMUSxOPQV_3Iobq_5ylrjWitcrfhR1CfJdfRa_BiP32wCRbR0QpaWtel3U_XKXct43tzlC/w480-h640/WhatsApp+Image+2021-06-20+at+16.36.42.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9-eTnPB5t0xNBkVn94BZhkf00p5OEGsjrTj0NB191GdszqJTq90ECMHorNzthDbaF4vCaquiZyUb454x40SjfHDb6zmJLw7uFXxbjLApX49d663DNc0Tc2Sm3Wod5NwXjSmHiqeVkiDaN/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="732" data-original-width="758" height="617" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9-eTnPB5t0xNBkVn94BZhkf00p5OEGsjrTj0NB191GdszqJTq90ECMHorNzthDbaF4vCaquiZyUb454x40SjfHDb6zmJLw7uFXxbjLApX49d663DNc0Tc2Sm3Wod5NwXjSmHiqeVkiDaN/w640-h617/WhatsApp+Image+2021-06-20+at+16.40.46+%25281%2529.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO8tD76zBrTjx25YAEvNah6HapURffv9cvy3plv9LWlvVcXYOlcAWCd5EO9Bj3J5ODRrdcksKiB1KyYIFYHV-mj8mjxH85GYncZbLs38Qc09coSjDRw8K86Vp2-_IA7YL8MPxejEzK187I/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1288" data-original-width="966" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO8tD76zBrTjx25YAEvNah6HapURffv9cvy3plv9LWlvVcXYOlcAWCd5EO9Bj3J5ODRrdcksKiB1KyYIFYHV-mj8mjxH85GYncZbLs38Qc09coSjDRw8K86Vp2-_IA7YL8MPxejEzK187I/w480-h640/WhatsApp+Image+2021-06-20+at+16.40.46.jpeg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm not sure who ended up wearing the most of that Creamo๐</td></tr></tbody></table></div><p>Sunday 20th June 2021 โ โ โ โ โ </p><p>This morning we waved our family off and then put our feet up with a plan to do nothing more than to have a very easy day and enjoy the glimmers of sunshine when they came!</p><p><br /></p><p>Monday 21st June 2021๐ง๏ธ๐ง๏ธโ๏ธโ๏ธโ๏ธ๐จ๐จ</p><p>The day started with heavy downpours and very gusty winds but we didn't let that stop us heading out to Bempton Cliffs RSPB site to see the metropolis of sea birds who inhabit the cliffs there. Between March and September almost half a million seabirds pile onto the cliffs to pair and raise young and the sights, sounds and smells that pervade the air are nothing short of breathtaking even when you've seen it all before. However, for saying it was Midsummer's Day it was bloody cold! </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh2GRzXjqsd4s2fUYYX1upt2qXQMkF8r53py_tOwYW6bxtMhiUY6RZgW8dIN2ZXFW1GRP7ZrlpSJjZZfiUvQWiG4aTxxZ7xyCvjTlsXParD0tA8KcPgcva68CA_kZ1UF_hao1hQejcoSF5/s2896/DSC02580.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1936" data-original-width="2896" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh2GRzXjqsd4s2fUYYX1upt2qXQMkF8r53py_tOwYW6bxtMhiUY6RZgW8dIN2ZXFW1GRP7ZrlpSJjZZfiUvQWiG4aTxxZ7xyCvjTlsXParD0tA8KcPgcva68CA_kZ1UF_hao1hQejcoSF5/w640-h428/DSC02580.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Magnificent Cliffs that were absolutely packed with sea birds<br />that included Gannets, Razor Bills, Guillemots, Fulmars and Puffins<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMhc-eQGmAg-g5FV6fRDUEtf2wTho7wurWE_MqNFJJ7Kmq7D7F6qD74YpsCrZ1mmIke6VVZyiLD060s3NAtOxXN9V8SIhCramb-stMLmULzhyMZ-eMLyGyuCAEttnDkF1U6B5AWUCxDjuC/s2896/DSC02575.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1936" data-original-width="2896" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMhc-eQGmAg-g5FV6fRDUEtf2wTho7wurWE_MqNFJJ7Kmq7D7F6qD74YpsCrZ1mmIke6VVZyiLD060s3NAtOxXN9V8SIhCramb-stMLmULzhyMZ-eMLyGyuCAEttnDkF1U6B5AWUCxDjuC/w640-h428/DSC02575.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nesting Gannets<br />Gannets are the UK's largest seabirds measuring around 3 ft long and with a whopping wingspan <br />of over 6 feet. </td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeo6u3iN2m9s5CW6EUdGuYA6nls-yt1TtqOCeUrxzgmW-5QQSG7coX3hwQapB0v07_Ul4kk3bu77zB9MYqvWV7h9AbNJvTeXzZzY86uy3HLDKzp0KovJf7ZZVmUTxHAq4s6ONx-k0CLPSR/s5184/IMG_2539.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeo6u3iN2m9s5CW6EUdGuYA6nls-yt1TtqOCeUrxzgmW-5QQSG7coX3hwQapB0v07_Ul4kk3bu77zB9MYqvWV7h9AbNJvTeXzZzY86uy3HLDKzp0KovJf7ZZVmUTxHAq4s6ONx-k0CLPSR/w640-h480/IMG_2539.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Apparently these birds perform their own special ceremony when they <br />greet their partners, often with lots of noise and head shaking, and at times it looked like they<br />were fencing with their beaks๐<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzEoHBamnWgu6HiFF6dDdXVbTE-0wKjXU1IUtjeWXymqHA6w_Bj8fXud78Y3vxBYpAG9F0t0IyPfseLHy-8XWuCSLZ1NhvAxpisirSbEjKgDiNoYiBE1df_y2kAOEcHRyp777kfYCr-bkF/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1988" data-original-width="2048" height="622" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzEoHBamnWgu6HiFF6dDdXVbTE-0wKjXU1IUtjeWXymqHA6w_Bj8fXud78Y3vxBYpAG9F0t0IyPfseLHy-8XWuCSLZ1NhvAxpisirSbEjKgDiNoYiBE1df_y2kAOEcHRyp777kfYCr-bkF/w640-h622/IMG_2533.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An Adult Gannet in flight. <br />They really struggled on this very windy day and had to use<br />their feet and tail feathers as rudders!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVeyHgojXIVgRmVV7bdBpbrPgBUlTUZRXF2DLq7uAsHWFw0gpkugQbwWEgx43zNTnhnf_1gIzxdmvLyxCVzwUqzB19fjcJWEwp-lO0uGovCvoqRn9qsFfLduWwg27VonneBZNwCW_tisyW/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1511" data-original-width="2048" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVeyHgojXIVgRmVV7bdBpbrPgBUlTUZRXF2DLq7uAsHWFw0gpkugQbwWEgx43zNTnhnf_1gIzxdmvLyxCVzwUqzB19fjcJWEwp-lO0uGovCvoqRn9qsFfLduWwg27VonneBZNwCW_tisyW/w640-h472/IMG_2534.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>A Juvenile - probably 2 or 3 years old. When Gannets are very young they are<br />completely covered with dark feathers but as the years pass these disappear<br />until by year 5 they have pristine white feathers, black wing tips and a <br />sunshine yellow head!<br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpVJMiCYNaHTxm0Z-gFC_DBo7wFLOxteJiwqWyhvm_fPHcRp_NtzSOJ4P0_3WFLDVYQvdWVlOmUaOFR4q3MnNYhTeP5N3u1hqRNm3yoxiFDiDrORReOyUSG7gGOdUl0D66LcxD48EaGM4Y/" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSd6cWXoznbcvw_wtu9vdTpToXnwQ7BfA5a8XtV9RXz1N7NW1z0NoZ2M6SCVRRrJaxC2o8Ijg_yjG2aFwZhAYDsE-Own7lUdSNWuh4cyU3AL38cunA3H2y7F8SadfSVeXzbf8vYdLquEeR/w640-h480/IMG_2544.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Couple of Razor Bills having a minute</td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh38twaHgh2_mdV-jjxhw_34gGUrsMxDp4VmGOXVbysBblMJCKhh_e04OAwre3Z5jwVyix0gOKDDcpHozEsS9jP0v1v9oyFNAZW8OT6JJXFmowkNp8KvBRLnL5bEshgT0m5Sa31YTupXpqR/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1936" data-original-width="2896" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh38twaHgh2_mdV-jjxhw_34gGUrsMxDp4VmGOXVbysBblMJCKhh_e04OAwre3Z5jwVyix0gOKDDcpHozEsS9jP0v1v9oyFNAZW8OT6JJXFmowkNp8KvBRLnL5bEshgT0m5Sa31YTupXpqR/w640-h428/DSC02577.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And 3 puffins who nipped out of their burrows to go fishing<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>One of the other birds that we didn't manage a proper pic of was the Fulmars which maybe we missed because we thought they were just common seagulls. However, while were on the Bempton Cliffs we learnt of their sorry tale to tell! It seems that their numbers are in decline and there are only about 900 pairs left in this area, mainly due to plastic pollution๐ข. One of the notice boards informed us that fulmars feed from the surface of the sea and can't distinguish between a tasty squid or a plastic bag and a resent study showed that dead birds were often found to have over 40 pieces of plastic in their stomachs which left less room for real food. </div><div><br />While we watched the acrobatics of the many birds we sat and picnicked on cliff top but the wind was howling and the chill it brought with it ensured we didn't linger for too long. However, our stroll also enabled us to admire the many lovely wild flowers that were very prolifically scatted in almost every direction except seawards!</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggbOwbNmQK32JKsHqxP5Zf9NkLA-BGnoeuooumWS9qUmHLprWu2ZZyN1A8eQSIx-6rdKwU5Tkhs-1L4H39qf0wRAaFbrYbePRylKpnlDNRfaokZtDospgYlhegXgrXtFMcFqDMZJw6hW9h/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggbOwbNmQK32JKsHqxP5Zf9NkLA-BGnoeuooumWS9qUmHLprWu2ZZyN1A8eQSIx-6rdKwU5Tkhs-1L4H39qf0wRAaFbrYbePRylKpnlDNRfaokZtDospgYlhegXgrXtFMcFqDMZJw6hW9h/w640-h480/IMG_2561.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Marsh Orchid.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Tuesday 22nd June 2021 ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐</div><div><br /></div><div>This morning it was chores, then an early lunch and then a stunning walk out onto Fylingdale Moor. We had a good deal of curiosity about the part of the Moor that we walked on because the old road that runs adjacent to the new one (A171) was a place that we used to wild camp in our Motorhome. And on those occasions we'd always said we'd come back and explore more, but up until today we never had. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxyNcZRXf5x2Ri53foMcphYjTbKoc7HWY8pSpS1HP6PqB_hvrGtCtUzS8T3WduFXr7GfZwdZq02saInky-zhA3HwBJuZSSQdZCR0bDIn_3ZQ2G-OsvQSP1_gg_TJ7jhAkHcl-vHnIAjPqO/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxyNcZRXf5x2Ri53foMcphYjTbKoc7HWY8pSpS1HP6PqB_hvrGtCtUzS8T3WduFXr7GfZwdZq02saInky-zhA3HwBJuZSSQdZCR0bDIn_3ZQ2G-OsvQSP1_gg_TJ7jhAkHcl-vHnIAjPqO/w640-h480/IMG_2587.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />As we stepped onto the Moor there was an info board that detailed a 5ish mile walk down to Jugger Howe Beck so that seemed perfect and that's exactly what if proved to be. The scenery was delightful with lots of purple heather that was just coming into bloom and the far reaching views held our attention throughout our walk. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1F1Hq6i-h-J3ZYmrLropp8VFxaiS-GoVLelN3bRstD_o4ZwsWep_j_iTKu3E88psxQO3s78-VmSywaCnodxA9KcEx_tJS8LX8IP4e6kR6OmEzQNZyiRm1UXoVwBVC5XZOOAQJ49QeYYCL/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1F1Hq6i-h-J3ZYmrLropp8VFxaiS-GoVLelN3bRstD_o4ZwsWep_j_iTKu3E88psxQO3s78-VmSywaCnodxA9KcEx_tJS8LX8IP4e6kR6OmEzQNZyiRm1UXoVwBVC5XZOOAQJ49QeYYCL/w640-h480/IMG_2584.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnu4eb8J53QWs2ML3rdGGp3uhfAYuQp0iT48TstTHUqpgw2aVj6rs_JnBuGxwPMcGf9Jk-33JSFzQb48qohuCn41NZjqZPxdMNnePSR4DWEkVNt1G7wiD7zwvjS8_PbOvorMuSZNrZHPK3/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnu4eb8J53QWs2ML3rdGGp3uhfAYuQp0iT48TstTHUqpgw2aVj6rs_JnBuGxwPMcGf9Jk-33JSFzQb48qohuCn41NZjqZPxdMNnePSR4DWEkVNt1G7wiD7zwvjS8_PbOvorMuSZNrZHPK3/w640-h480/IMG_2585.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Coffee and Cake Stop at Jugger Howe Beck</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><br /></div><div>Wednesday 23rd June 2021 ๐๐๐๐๐โ</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8LDy6h35ZbaJnkQ-InAcg7TLfGZ_fAgYJ_0ufyEeiF8SP_s78zXhDwaAK4dP0jvTHEhRzyWwVbp29NpQ72y1B13bJrC7HPjpmrqLqiQjPvZws05NOW2cMQKyN127pVxiWwufO6Svs9d1V/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="326" data-original-width="541" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8LDy6h35ZbaJnkQ-InAcg7TLfGZ_fAgYJ_0ufyEeiF8SP_s78zXhDwaAK4dP0jvTHEhRzyWwVbp29NpQ72y1B13bJrC7HPjpmrqLqiQjPvZws05NOW2cMQKyN127pVxiWwufO6Svs9d1V/w400-h241/Screenshot+2021-06-23+at+18.41.17.png" width="400" /></a></div>Today was the turn of our bikes and to test them out we decided to give the 21.7 mile Cinder Track which runs from Scarborough to Whitby a go! However, we never had any intention of riding it's full distance, we'd planned to join it a short distance from the Camp Site (near Boggle Hole) and to ride on to Ravenscar and maybe a bit beyond. The track follows the route of the old Scarborough to Whitby railway line which closed in 1965, and after that Scarborough Borough Council made it what it is today - a trail made from cinders. However, sadly now it's in quite a poor state of repair and much of the surface is rutted or roughly cobbled and it really was a game of dodge the craters! </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhbhnBviWXsCmkjKZL0jhDlfdMRVu_W3UxW557AsujmZtnPI6L5JIIU9FdOovuMBCycHtV-Z31nz_K1ItPQpa6alFke9oVB1y49UQUMABKk_7hU4tnL7Ksdtq05jbrh9muQ1u9qzvrWZmd/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhbhnBviWXsCmkjKZL0jhDlfdMRVu_W3UxW557AsujmZtnPI6L5JIIU9FdOovuMBCycHtV-Z31nz_K1ItPQpa6alFke9oVB1y49UQUMABKk_7hU4tnL7Ksdtq05jbrh9muQ1u9qzvrWZmd/w640-h480/IMG_2589.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Forward View Towards Ravenscar<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX3KQZ-cWsRdTT7vNBT5dG2eqR1BnrlkYWHgniMVofxuMv6pTNv8kd9d4AV4k-ZUP92POeQVvgdjF8bHqMvkAlT4L-vlKyDD3a6VfWukqDx30CEhTvQVgJawG1mx5r-8CSvfIvDbnJQ7Ro/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX3KQZ-cWsRdTT7vNBT5dG2eqR1BnrlkYWHgniMVofxuMv6pTNv8kd9d4AV4k-ZUP92POeQVvgdjF8bHqMvkAlT4L-vlKyDD3a6VfWukqDx30CEhTvQVgJawG1mx5r-8CSvfIvDbnJQ7Ro/w640-h480/IMG_2588.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And the View back towards Robin Hood's Bay<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div>Having said that the views seawards were spectacular so initially we thought it was worth the effort, but as it deteriorated further after Ravenscar we decided to call it a day and retrace our tyre tracks, and try it in the opposite direction towards Robin Hood's Bay. </div><div><br /></div><div>Unfortunately, this turned out to be a bad idea because the track was even worse in that direction, and when John decided to get off and walk he had the misfortune to trip and loose a fair bit of skin from his left leg! Initially, it looked quite gruesome as superficial wounds often do, but he's not one to fuss so other than a few expletives ๐ and a decision not to go any further we were soon remounted and heading for home! However, by the time we got there not only did we feel extremely grimy from all the dust, we also felt we'd been very thoroughly shaken, rattled and rolled. I would guess we wont be using that trail again any time soon!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Thursday 24th June 2021 โ โ ๐๐โโ๐๐</div><div><br /></div><div>Today we decided to take a walk from the campsite down to Boggle Hole, then on to Robin Hoods's Bay, then around to Ness Point via the Coastal Path, and then to complete a circular route we planned to climb up onto the Cinder track to get back to Robin Hood's Bay and then to retrace our steps home. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTWd9PDQZemncq7bJn9MCQbgq8uHeL4MHXW0n7cKCA2JZF02B1c7lPT9cXr-hEACSIz7Xu0rzSU-WX4Y-ZOb48INm543PVIFNE8Zt22zCv0yMAF90wwlNtbCpThExqd12wPI_zayh_xEIP/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTWd9PDQZemncq7bJn9MCQbgq8uHeL4MHXW0n7cKCA2JZF02B1c7lPT9cXr-hEACSIz7Xu0rzSU-WX4Y-ZOb48INm543PVIFNE8Zt22zCv0yMAF90wwlNtbCpThExqd12wPI_zayh_xEIP/w640-h480/IMG_2593.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />And in so doing, while we were in Robin Hood's Bay we had the opportunity to climb and explore the very steep twisting cobbled streets and alleyways where in times gone by fisher folk and smugglers would have roamed. </div><div><br /></div><div>But once again today's outing wasn't without an incident or two! We set off from the campsite via a heavily wooded track that used to be the access road to the site owners farm, and it's a track we've already walked down several times before. However today, possibly because of the damp conditions that had been left by overnight rain we were attacked by swarms of bitey flies and they seemed to prefer me to John๐จ๐ญ!</div><div>Happily, once we got down to Boggle Hole they seemed to disappear but we knew we'd still have to run the gauntlet again later on our return! </div><div><br /></div><div>From Boggle Hole we proceeded along the Beach to Robin Hood's Bay and in some places we had to paddle but as we had our walking boots on we thought this wouldn't pose a problem! </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLKZSg_4Z6VtoR4AV87vEaXnGfzO24RaCf6jik_R4yAtvgM1XZ7wpUuKEiqnBf8QIv9ksOT3-iBXYGiqJTjxDMImDo3icVQBMQxR3dTmCm5nohlAl7RWEhvXB0R0Jpo2KLYCwJBk3bAuqn/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLKZSg_4Z6VtoR4AV87vEaXnGfzO24RaCf6jik_R4yAtvgM1XZ7wpUuKEiqnBf8QIv9ksOT3-iBXYGiqJTjxDMImDo3icVQBMQxR3dTmCm5nohlAl7RWEhvXB0R0Jpo2KLYCwJBk3bAuqn/w640-h480/IMG_2591.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDDUFG_aL_fC-n7IQwuZe-ZuqN3YhEFPsWQOKsF3t8YOl0DYZrF6RUFhGn5tSn_LghWlbWysMH102enYc_1RIUWIHYz7o_YtvJE-W4xsdPf2koQ_SNuGDKhgQ914h2MbMrQ3t-Iny9O49I/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDDUFG_aL_fC-n7IQwuZe-ZuqN3YhEFPsWQOKsF3t8YOl0DYZrF6RUFhGn5tSn_LghWlbWysMH102enYc_1RIUWIHYz7o_YtvJE-W4xsdPf2koQ_SNuGDKhgQ914h2MbMrQ3t-Iny9O49I/w640-h480/IMG_2590.JPG" width="640" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDDUFG_aL_fC-n7IQwuZe-ZuqN3YhEFPsWQOKsF3t8YOl0DYZrF6RUFhGn5tSn_LghWlbWysMH102enYc_1RIUWIHYz7o_YtvJE-W4xsdPf2koQ_SNuGDKhgQ914h2MbMrQ3t-Iny9O49I/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div></div></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7XVEkCA_yW2yuUHey4YwgQuENzpyzujcKFiXa6jQivguQnVJ5Mf3IHausXFO01HFVE2_7krL7Xq5SUqb1m1r2S8l-c2XZKEs-a5AxsYMcojmNXYGUbKEaycW1UErn8YPlcEYFJ0sMylQX/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7XVEkCA_yW2yuUHey4YwgQuENzpyzujcKFiXa6jQivguQnVJ5Mf3IHausXFO01HFVE2_7krL7Xq5SUqb1m1r2S8l-c2XZKEs-a5AxsYMcojmNXYGUbKEaycW1UErn8YPlcEYFJ0sMylQX/" width="320" /></a>However, it seemed to Kill my right boot - I knew it was dead because I could see it's 'sole' trying to depart๐๐๐</div><div>But at that stage of our walk I couldn't let it go because we still had a very long trek in front of us and I had no other foot wear to replace it. Therefore, improvisation needed to be adopted and this was in the form of an old shoe lace!</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPQyknSkSswSQjNzyYOAOqzldk95pycU32UCCMV1qjWqNc4LDj-N8Uef9YdizQEXwXTqTnNGgzMGyRkgdvLp3oTcc5eKwRNVu1TAN3Qjr7qJjmXTfLFNpfr3rIRTetz17IlW1Z43GluebX/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPQyknSkSswSQjNzyYOAOqzldk95pycU32UCCMV1qjWqNc4LDj-N8Uef9YdizQEXwXTqTnNGgzMGyRkgdvLp3oTcc5eKwRNVu1TAN3Qjr7qJjmXTfLFNpfr3rIRTetz17IlW1Z43GluebX/w297-h258/IMG_2594.JPG" width="297" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>It wasn't quite a perfect fix but it lasted for the rest of our outing, and once we were home I allowed the 'sole' to depart and head off to boot heaven! In other words, I chucked them in the bin!</div><div><br /></div><div>And the second incident, which wasn't really an incident came with what the weather had in store for us!!! The first part of the day had been hot and humid along with sunny spells and this lasted until about 2pm by which time we were back in Robin Hood's Bay and had just scoffed our fish and chip late lunch while watching the tide reach full! </div><div>But as we looked up dark clouds loomed and odd splatters of rain were starting to pitter patter. Therefore, rather than linger any longer we set off climbing up onto the Cleveland Way (coastal path) with the thought that the forthcoming downpour might miss us. However, as we went we could hear the thunder rumbling and the odd flashes of lightening were quite ominous, and once the rain started in came in almost monsoon quantitiesโโโโ โ - even if we'd had a brolly it wouldn't have been much good. Therefore, we hid under the trees while we donned our waterproof jackets and then set off at a smart pace in the hope that we could outrun it - but all of a sudden the air around us positively โกsizzledโก and the crack of thunder that accompanied it was so loud that we grabbed each other in great alarm thinking our end had come! But I'm here to tell the tale and so is John so no harm was done - but it was definitely the loudest crack I've ever heard!</div><div><br /></div><div>The torrential rain then 'piss-isted' for most of the way home but maybe that was a good thing because as we walked back up the track to the campsite our waterproofs protected us from the marauding millions of flies!</div><div><br /></div><div>And I think that might be enough for this episode so I'll sign off for now and see you again sometime soon ๐</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?hl=en&mid=1tG7G55azXmNAvv09V4MjcDksouY&ll=54.39971085773296%2C-0.5545018000000046&z=13">Click here to see our present Camping Spot</a></div><div><p style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: ABeeZee, Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 1.1em; line-height: 1.6em; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p></div>Linda Varneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10023578343265888742noreply@blogger.com0