‘Jotown’ to the Rescue…!

The wind had died down quite well overnight, and a sunny sky greeted me as I looked out, so, move I thought, the worst of the weather is gone now…?

So,shortly after 9 a.m. I set off from the campsite at Scarborough, not quite sure where I was destined for that night, but with several possibilities in mind.

I had only been going a few minutes, when at the side of the road I saw a car with smoke/steam coming from the engine, a woman looking like she didn’t know what was happening, and an elderly lady alongside her, sat in a wheelchair. Amazingly even though it was a busy ‘A’ road no one had stopped to help. I turned Wally around, and drove to the rear of the car, and pulled up on the grass verge. The ladies were from Nottingham, up on holiday and on their way to Whitby – amazingly no one had stopped to check if they were OK – they weren’t, it was raining , the lady in the wheelchair was getting soaked and cold, and the driver (her daughter) couldn’t get a signal on her phone. I got them both out of the rain, and into Wally, where they used my phone to ring the RAC, who because of the disabled lady’s presence were there within a short time – although probably still an hour. The RAC man towed their car to a nearby lay-by for safety, and was arranging a transfer car for them as I left… my good deed for the day, we all need one sometimes don’t we ?

I then drove around the famous Robin Hood Bay,http://www.robin-hoods-bay.co.uk/  one end of the ‘Coast to Coast’ walk, and towards Whitby,  briefly stopping outside Whitby Abbey, http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/whitby-abbey/but at £6 entrance….I didn’t go in.

Then it was through the wilds of Durham, skirting Teeside and to Hamsterley Forest, where there were a couple of bike trails I had wanted to do. However it was belting down with rain , again, and I couldn’t find anywhere to stop overnight, so continued through County Durham, eventually by mid afternoon arriving in Kielder Forest.http://www.visitkielder.com/  The Lake here is the biggest man made Lake in Europe, and the black skies were helping to fill it !

I did find the local campsite, but, at £16 a night, for a dirty muddy field…’I’m only a pensioner’- I decided to find a wildcamp somewhere. I located a car park to an observatory, and ‘Skyspace’ interactive art structure, which seemed ideal for the night.

I did go up to the ‘Skyspace’ exhibit, http://www.forestry.gov.uk/website/ourwoods.nsf/LUWebDocsByKey/EnglandNorthumberlandKielderKielderKielderCastleForestParkCentreSkyspace but the information said it was best experienced at dawn or dusk…..and, as it’s raining again, seems useless to go for dusk, although I may try for the dawn opportunity – if I can wake in time.

So, here I am, wild and windy Kielder Forest, no phone signal,no lights visible….should be a wild one – Goodnight !

Surviving a Hurricane

I’d originally decided that I was to move on again today, further up North, however, on wakening to the rocky blasts of wind buffeting Wally in the early morning, I decided that it would be a wise move to stay put, and do what any ‘retiree’ does on a Monday morning…. read the Saturday/Sunday papers…

I stretched the morning, reading, exercising my brain with Sudoku,crosswords and other puzzles, before eventually conceding that I just couldn’t do nothing all day, and so, as the wind continued to rock Wally, I decided to drop the roof down, and go out for a walk on the beach…that’s what you do in a hurricane isn’t it ?

I must say though, that considering the strong winds across the campsite, and on the cliffs, as I dropped down to the rocky coves, and beaches it was quite pleasant, the sun was shining, fairly warm blasts of wind, and me indulging in my usual ‘geology’ without knowing what I was doing !

I spent a couple of pleasant hours wandering the coves, almost getting cut off by the advancing waves, then back, up the cliffs into the teeth of the stormy winds, and back to the campsite, and an early night awaiting the winds to subside, and ready for a move in the morning…

The Day they never forget….but, Don’t always Remember !

It’s 10 years now since I had my Birthday ‘Hijacked’ ! – I can remember what I did  that day, can you ?

As you may guess not being a ‘tele addict’ having returned from work, me and Susan spent the evening ignoring the World, having a BBQ, and drinking Champagne, in our secluded part of the garden with the Chiminea to keep us warm !, oh and celebrating ‘Jotown’s ‘Birthday !

In any event I’ll never forget that day, nor I suspect will most people.

So, today, Birthday boy…again ! and I had the pleasure of opening those cards and presents that had made it before I left home, and proudly got displayed in Wally, thanks Pop and everyone – I know there’s cards and presents waiting at home, so Thank You for remembering.

I also spent the day answering phone calls, receiving texts and emails (which I’ve not been able to reply to,sorry).

So, the sun was shining, still rather blustery, and after a shower, clean clothes (Sunday best !),  I was off across the cliffs to 11-30 a.m. Mass at St Peter’s church, Castle Street , Scarborough.http://www.scarboroughcatholicchurches.co.uk/ParishGroups.asp

Afterwards it was a final meander through the shops to Peasbody Park,where there was an ‘Acoustic Gathering’ http://www.acousticgathering.co.uk/  event going on, and free ! Lots of different acts on, a very striking stage set within a boating lake, with the ‘Dragon boats’ continuing to be rowed around !

Well, that was a different Birthday Party’ for ‘Jotown’

- Thank You Scarborough !

Riding Several Waves…and Wings

the day started overcast, and I wasn’t sure what to do, so did the sensible thing…..read the papers, and did the washing, like the man in the ‘Carling advert’, everything done  !!

Later in the afternoon I wandered along the clifftops, the surfers and kayakers were out on the water  and into Scarborough itself, and had a meander round the area and ‘joke shops’ –several years out of date !

Then it was the big event, Manchester United V Bolton, and another annihilation of a sorry team, 5-0 to United, and it could have been several more, all pleasantly washed down with a couple of pints of Guinness…and then onto the front for another fish supper, far better than last nights, eaten properly, sat outside from paper !!

Shortly after 8 p.m. an East Coast favourite… the night ride of Honda ‘Goldwings’ – big motorbikes (with even bigger riders,some in costumes) http://www.goldwing-light-parade.co.uk/all decked out with coloured lights, going on a parade down the prom and back, with a collection for the RNLI. The crowds lined the prom, on both sides as the big machines roared up and down, twinkling in the darkness, with a well timed ‘downpour’ to accompany them !  

 

 

 

 

Then it was a dash in the darkness back along the clifftops and the campsite… Goodnight !

No Meat Friday get you to Paradise !

Up bright and early today, and for once wasn’t accompanied by the spattering of rain, well, only one quick shower !

Having packed, I left the campsite, and made my way to the Stained Glass Centre, http://www.stainedglass-centre.co.uk/ on the outskirts of Scarborough, a very interesting place detailing the way in which Stained Glass, particularly windows were/are made, and with some nice pieces, although rather too traditional for me, none the less very interesting.

I then filled Wally’s food locker and fridge with weekend supplies, and then went to the CCC site at Scalby, http://www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk/siteseeker/aspx/details.aspx?id=7255&returnPage=search.aspx  just outside Scarborough, which I had booked a couple of nights ago, a good job I had booked, as it was massive, and I may have just driven away, if I hadn’t paid a deposit ! In any event I got a pleasant grass pitch, well away from the nearby main road, and so, getting ahead of the rest of the Catholic Church in England and Wales, I resumed my ‘Fish on Fridays’, like I had done,as a lad !- a week before I was due to, as a ‘practice’ , I had tried last Friday, and forgot !

So, it was salmon and salad for lunch, followed by cream Raspberry turnover… before walking along the coast path and into Scarborough ,  the sun was trying to put in an appearance, and it was quite sultry, rather than sunny (although I did have some ‘suntan lotion’ on , being a delicate lad !), I even had a paddle in the North Sea- yes, it was cold, and not very clear.

I wandered along the promenade linking North and South Bays, then up towards the castle ruins, and nearby St Mary’s Church, where I located the grave of Anne Bronte, one of the famous authoress sisters, and proving I can be literary, having been to their home in Haworth with Susan some years ago .

Whilst still feeling superior and literary, I walked round the corner to find I had finally arrived…Well, wonder what it means, what comes next ???

A fish supper, and walk back to the campsite along the cliffs, taking in another of my famous ‘sunset’ scenes, it bodes well for the weekend..enjoy the views

 

 

 

 

And then of course some old fashioned beach huts along the ‘prom’--As for ‘Kiss me Quick’…there were some desperate sights along the front…. and I ran Quick !!

Dodging the Rain Showers in the Forest….and failing !

Overnight nice and dry, so, as I lay in bed watching the sunrise, I thought ‘then Indians are finally putting in an appearance’ ! Errr… wrong just as I was ready to get up, and going the rain thundered down – no problems I thought, the ‘forecast’ said it would be turning dry, particularly on the East Coast, that’s me I thought…wrong !

So, breakfasted and ready to go I was off, shortly after 10 a.m., through the ‘toll’ (he hee,free for me !) into Dalby Forest and swooping down the Forest Road to the visitor centre, and the start of my days riding.. I had decided I would ride all 3 ‘Red Routes’ in the Forest, which could be done, on a great loop, and hopefully with enough ‘puff’ !

I was soon climbing up through the Forest, on the same route as the day before, before swiftly turning onto a far harder climb, the day was set… it was going to be tricky. The weather held fine initially, and although tricky and hard, I was enjoying the climb and route, and I had soon completed the first route, the Adderstone trail, and up to the Dixons Hollow Bike Park, where I had had some fun before, and not wishing to overlook an opportunity swooped up,down and round the jumps ,drops, and swooping turns for a fun filled time,and having it to myself…

However, I couldn’t stop there all day, I had more climbing and trails to do, so off I went onto the next Route, which straight away showed it’s teeth, as I dropped right off the track, through the Forest, bouncing and bumping over some large rocks,and chasms..just managing to hang on (for Dear Life !) Right I thought,time to get the Muvi camera going..and guess what ? – came a cropper on a simple twisty uphill corner, fortunately mud and moss makes for a soft landing !, undaunted I carried on, as the rain started, quite heavy, and I sheltered for a while from the deluge under some handily placed trees – amazing what you find in a forest !

This was then to be the process of the day – ride,rain,shelter,ride,splosh,rain etc etc… the rain was heavier and heavier, turning the rocks on the trail to glass, and I slithered my way round several corners, and over rocks. I kept going up,down,round, sploshing my way round the next two routes, picking up some lost bikers in front of me, and leading them along.I did, in the main stick to the ‘difficult’ red route, but tempted as usual, the signs of a ‘skull and crossbones’ indicating a severe/dangerous jump or drop, reeled me in, and I had a few jolly japes pitting my wits against them…and surviving !

I eventually dropped into the visitor centre area, having only had a couple of ‘small’ mishaps on the way, and having taken 5 1/2 hours to complete the days ride, soaked,mud splattered, but satisfied ….and treated myself to a hot spicy tomato soup, before my ride back up the hill to the camp site…and a long shower, the clothes first,then me !  

A good days riding 675 metres climbing (and descending), and now… watching the swallows swooping around the campsite feeding, and bathing themselves in the puddles..

A rest is called for – so, off to the seaside for the weekend….’Kiss me Quick’ ????

Them Pesky Indians !!

Well, as usual, I was up early in a rain swept,windy Gordale Campsite, and hoped that as I moved on, the weather may improve.. almost, but not quite.

I was packed and on the Road by 9 a.m. sweeping through the rain sodden back lanes of the Yorkshire Dales, going around the outskirts of Harrogate, and briefly towards York, before turning towards my destination of a campsite,Pexton Moor Farm http://www.dalby-forest.co.uk/index.html just outside Thornton Le Dale, http://www.yorkshire-escapes.com/yorkshire/places/70-thornton-le-dale-north-yorkshire/ and more importantly just outside the ‘toll gate’ to Dalby Forest http://www.forestry.gov.uk/dalbyforest (£7 each entry,by car – Free by bike!!),where I intended a couple of days mountain biking.

The views from the site were quite pleasant, with cows and sheep grazing on the adjacent fields, and the sound of a steam train somewhere in the distance – although the camp fees were a bit steep £14 a night ! (minus £7 that I’d saved on getting into the Forest, so effectively £7 a night !),and the best of it, the sun was almost shining, the woman at the site said there had been little rain here…

I had lunch, and decided to go and try the ‘medium’ blue trail in the Forest, so sorted myself out and rode into the Forest, passing the ‘toll booth’ with great delight (£7 saved!), and then ,as you could guess ,them Indians put their brollies up, and sent a big rain shower down on me, as I sheltered under the trees, hoping it would soon pass. http://www.forestry.gov.uk/pdf/eng-dalby-mtb-map.pdf/%24FILE/eng-dalby-mtb-map.pdf It did (that time) so off I went from the visitor centre, up and along the blue trail, which although slightly technical and tricky climbs, didn’t really have much challenge in it, and as I rode along more and more Forest roads,which although rocky were hardly a challenge to ‘Jotown’,semi-expert MTB’er !!, and within an hour or so, I was back where I started.

I knew there was a ‘skills area’ within the Forest, and checking a map located it, some distance up and along the Forest Drive.

As I was looking at the map I saw an amusing sign, considering I was in the middle of a muddy forest, which presumable was trying to lure in lots of visitors.. not the most welcoming !!

Anyway off I went several miles up along the Forest Drive, eventually finding my way to ‘Dixon’s Hollow’ the bike Park, to test my skills…Thankfully the really,really difficult ‘drop off’ was closed, so I had to make do with swooping up,over and down lots of other hills and jumps, having great fun, fortunately no children around to see me ! Getting splattered in mud, and risking life and limb to get over some of the ‘table tops’ !!

Then it was time to return to camp,with the rain to accompany me most of the way, and I returned,bedraggled,sopping wet and ready for a hot shower…which it was ,almost too hot !!

So, now a relaxing evening, before I return to the Forest again tomorrow, to do the Difficult ‘Red Routes’ ..

Hope them Indians start to listen…although I did speak to one,when booking my next campsite !!

Still No Indians

The morning dawned…wet,wild,windy, and very uninviting , so, what could I do… get up, have breakfast,do the butties and get out there !

So, that’s what I did, although it was mid morning before I ventured out from Wally, initially walking back up the track to Gordale Scar, to see the difference a night of rain would make..it was virtually unclimbable (glad I did it yesterday)

Then I was off, up along some nearby footpaths and up to Malham Cove, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malham_Cove  a big Limestone cliff, that once had a great run of water over it – no longer,  but the Limestone at the top of the cliff has eroded into a large Limestone pavement, with lots of nooks and crannies in it, where plants grow .

The wind was howling over the top – it even made my hair go out of place !however was dry , for the time being...

I then walked across ‘Ewe Moor’ to Malham Tarn, http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-vh/w-visits/w-findaplace/w-malhamtarnmoor/ and as I was furthest away from the campsite, what happened ?

Yes, the rain smashed down, almost hailstones, certainly ‘stair rods’ bashing me from every direction, as I forced my way back from the tarn, along ‘Dry Valley’ …huh ! to return to the other side of Malham Cove, and dropping down below, I spied some climbers on the cliffs above, and following the climbers path joined them on a ledge immediately below the escarpment, and out of the rain, for a while – the overhanging cliffs protected the path below.

I spent a pleasant half hour watching various pairs of climbers ( No, I wasn’t tempted !) having a sandwich, and then returning to the valley below, and out to Malham, only briefly stopping for a ‘Cream Tea’, and back to Wally, having been soaked,dried,soaked and dried many times over the day, but getting back only mildly damp !

So it was into the expensive shower (10p, 2 minutes ! I spent 20 p !) and changed, ready for my evening meal ( other half of last nights meal !) and listening to England V Wales on the radio –although winning 1-0, it sounded a pretty dour match!,and so to sleep, with the wind and rain to accompany me , nighty night !

Indians with Umbrella’s

I was up bright and early on a cloudy, windy day , ready for my travels, firstly having to do the mundane things, like washing the bedding etc, and waiting for the final call of the Postlady, bearing Birthday cards (well 1 from Pop) to accompany me on my journey.

So, late morning I was off, only making it to Broadbottom, before returning home, having left the milk out, and dreading to think what it would be like if left for some months ! So, off again, another pit stop at Sainsbury’s Denton, then onto the motorway, and away towards the Yorkshire Dales.

The weather as I got into Yorkshire was not very inviting, black clouds, wild winds, and rain spattered roads and fields, where was my Indian Summer ? Ah well it should get better….I hope.

I traversed the Dales on single track roads, until I ended up at my destination Malham. http://www.malhamdale.com/ A quick visit into the National Park Centre there, and off to find a campsite. My initial selection Townhead campsite, was no good, the fields were flooded, and I wasn’t allowed on, then to Gordale Campsite,http://www.ukcampsitesearch.co.uk/northeast-england/north-yorkshire/gordale-scar-campsite-malham.php  a basic but affordable site, and there it was, I paid my £12  (2 nights !) and I was on, only getting bogged down in the mud once !

Then, as the name suggests, and being along the track , I went to Gordale Scar, a famous Yorkshire attraction. It had been a cave that collapsed many years ago, leaving the water to run down the cliff, in spectacular fashion.http://www.britain360.co.uk/viewPano.php?id=88 

As I looked at the rocks in front of me, I was tempted… I knew there was a route up the waterfall somehow , so scrambling over the sodden rocks, and half remembering the route description…I was up, and over, soon climbing through the falling water, and through another rocky chasm, and out onto open ground above, into the wild winds off the moor.

I could see ‘Wally’ below.

A ramble around the tops, and cut down the side of the escarpment, saw me back at Wally, for an evening meal of Chicken curry, Naan bread, followed by cheese and crackers, all washed down with some glorious red wine !,and an early night, as the wind and rain howled around !

Perhaps them Indian’s will turn up tomorrow !

Worthwhile Pit Stop !

First thing Friday morning I was on my way to Derby to have ‘Wally’s’ heater fixed,thanks to the people at Derby Auto Electrics- it sounded bad when they told me they’d have to remove the fuel tank, to ascertain the problem, however, they soon located the problem (poorly placed pipe, re-positioned) and by early afternoon, and one Wetherspoons ‘Big Breakfast’ – really big !, I was on my way back home, and gave Wally a good clean outside and in, ready for the next journey.

A lie in on Saturday morning, and re-packing for my journeys, before Saturday evening going to Hillhouses, for  the ‘Big Do ‘, anyone that was ‘anyone’ in Hayfield was there….perhaps not quite – but the important ones were, and a pleasant evening was had by all.

Sunday morning after church, and my farewells,again,I packed all my gear and ‘Wally’ ready for the start the following day….

So, are you ready…..??   

I am !!…Let’s hit the Road !

Through the Hills and Home ,briefly

Well, the start of the day in South Wales was beautiful, clear blue skies, and warm sunshine, but, I had a busy day ahead, so packed up, and was off before 9 a.m. from my base in the South Wales valleys.

First of all travelling along the South Coast of Wales, through Port Talbot, Swansea, and eventually ending up , after a couple of hours driving in St David’s…. where my goal was finding a glass studio, where I had bought my glass artwork in the Lounge.

Trouble loomed, the studio, when I found it was no longer…surely not ?, so I went into the town, enquiring at the Tourist Information Office, was re-directed and soon found it !

Steve Robinson http://www.steverobinsonglass.com/ glass studio, had re-located to a different location, but I still found the man busy at work designing new pieces…. he remembered coming to Derbyshire some years ago, and we had a brief chat. Unfortunately my visit was in vain, there were no pieces which took my eye, but he did offer to do something as a commission – have a look at his work, it’s brilliant !

Then, it was off up North, i had initially thought I would visit Coed Y Brenin http://www.mbwales.com/en/content/cms/Centres/Coed_y_Brenin/Coed_y_Brenin.aspx near Dolgellau to see what facilities were on offer, but, as time passed I decided to just head for home, as ‘Wally’s’ internal heater was not working, and I needed it fixing before I leave next week for Northern travels…

So, onward and upward I travelled, briefly stopping at Fishguard Fort  http://www.experiencepembrokeshire.com/history-archaeology/military-heritage/fishguard-fort and watching a ferry pull in beneath me.

Then it was over the hills towards passing Welshpool , and into Shrewsbury,England, I’d not travelled this route in years, and it was so much quieter and picturesque.

I had the obligatory ‘pit stop’ at Sainsbury’s…. before arriving home around 7 p.m., for a luxury bath…..aaah the pleasures that I miss,whilst out on the ‘road’.

I’ll only be here for the weekend…then off again, keep reading !

Up and Around the Wall

A dry start to the day… and the South Wales Valley looks good, and ready for a days riding. I set off from my base at Gwyncorrweg and rode 6 miles along an old railway track, now a cycle path to Afan visitor centre, and ready to do another Red route ‘Yr Wal’ http://mbwales.com/en/content/cms/Centres/Afan_Forest_Park/The_Wall/The_Wall.aspx , better known by it’s old name ‘The Wall’, at one time reputed to be the best MTB route in Wales, and graded ‘Black’ (Extreme !).

I started by looking round the visitor centre at Afan, where old mining equipment was maintained and exhibited.

Then off and onto the wall …up the side of the valley, deep into the woods, where trees were being cut down and harvested – the sound of chain saws, and trees crashing to the ground was an unusual accompaniment to most of my ride.

The climb, although fairly high was mainly along Forest fire roads, and so reasonable, with occasional technical sections as I went along.

Eventually I got to the top plateau, and having posed for the obligatory photo, started towards the tricky descent… what was to come ?, I soon came across this warning , and no, they weren’t warning about pirates on the trail !

Undeterred I flew down, towards my destiny….the Wall….

I traversed the hillside, with many steep drops alongside to accompany me, although I happily sped along, enjoying myself as I thundered through the woods, and pounded over hard rock and scrub, flying around through the ‘Graveyard’ and around the death defying ‘Wall’, and down to the valley floor below, where I turned left and rode the 6 miles back to my camp, showered….and collapsed !!

The sunny glimpses during the afternoon found me lying around most of the afternoon recovering, and ultimately getting my blog up to date !

So, there we are, the South Wales Valleys, great biking, I shall return, and on my way again tomorrow…sleep tight !

Into the Valleys of the Rhonda

I was up reasonably early for my travels into South Wales – having decided to go home via Wales, and what Mountain Bike trails I could find.

Having left Gerard and the family- Sarah giving me a bumper packed lunch and Lemon Tart, which would last me two days,thanks Sarah !), and stocking up at a nearby Sainsbury's I travelled through Bristol, and across the new Severn Bridge, and having to pay £5-70 to enter Wales (some may wonder whether it’s worth it !?)

I then traversed South Wales passing Newport and Cardiff, and to Afan Forest http://www.afanforestpark.co.uk/ , and park. I went to the second of two centres – Glyncorrweg http://www.forestry.gov.uk/website/recreation.nsf/LUWebDocsByKey/WalesNeathPortTalbotAfanForestParkAfanForestParkGlyncorrwgMountainBikeCentre, where I found the basic campsite – with electric hook up, for the princely sum of £5 per night !, although a shower would cost me £1 extra !

Having got there early afternoon, I decided to have a ride this afternoon, and so decided to go on a Red trail ‘White’s levels’ http://mbwales.com/en/content/cms/Centres/Afan_Forest_Park/Whites_Level/Whites_Level.aspx , which seemed to follow old miners tracks, and rocky tracks uphill or quite some distance (actually 550 mts +), and as I neared the top I was reminded of ?

Who wishes to own up ?

I did get ‘slightly lost for a while, but managed to re-find the trail, with some local help, and continued crashing up, across, and finally down the tortuous Rocky descent 

My wrists were really aching, as I held on for dear life, and the rocks continued to pound at me and the bike, and just as I thought it was easing slightly, I ended up having to cross a long length of boardwalk, with quite severe drops off to one side , Oops ! Then it was back through the trees, and rocks towards the Valley base, and home for the night !

and what a night…. the stars came out in glorious fashion, very little light pollution, clear skies and loads to see…although not for long, bed beckons !

Bank Holiday Travels

A beautiful day in South Devon, as I packed Wally and headed off up North, and to Shrivenham http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shrivenham to see Gerard,Sarah,Ethan and Elijah.

I had set off before 10 a.m. and so arrived there shortly after 1 p.m., for an afternoon of ‘Jenga’ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jenga (Ethan was today's ‘Champ’), lunch and a trip to the swimming baths to watch the two little ones have their weekly swimming lessons – Yes, even on a  Bank Holiday.

Then back to their home for a Roast Beef Dinner prepared by Sarah, some glasses of wine, and an ‘early’ish night’ the journey having taken more from me than I thought.

Spluttering Around on the Dart

Up bright and early, on a nice sunny Sunday morning, as me and Dot went to our respective churches in Brixham.

I was slightly disappointed that I wasn’t able to hear the wonderful sermon of the Priest at Our Lady Star of the Sea Church http://www.stellamarisbrixham.org.uk/ , and instead had to listen to a pastoral letter from the bishop !

After mass I had a brief walk around Brixham shops http://www.brixham.com/(that’s all it takes) and meeting Dot after her service had a quick drink and biscuits in the hall with Aubrey ( 81 years, day before) and Eileen ( ?? years 2 days before) -Susan’s Godmother, then it was up the hill for the car, and a dash back, change and across to Kingsweir to go sailing on the River Dart…http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/River_Dart

I was joined on the River by ‘Captain Matt’, and deck hands Phillippa and Jen, for an experience not to be missed. The moorings were extremely busy with lots of yacht crews coming and going, as we got to ‘Lulu’- Lesley and David's latest addition – I’m not sure how it should be described , a flat bottomed boat, with an outboard engine, should be sufficient !

Matt and Jen had already had the morning out on the River, with no incidents reported – if only things stayed the same ! As we weaved our way from the moorings, around what appeared to be quite expensive yachts and motor boats we happily chugged into the body of the River, splashing through the watery waves. The plan was to get up the River to a pub, for a drink, however , best laid plans etc…

The engine started sputtering, and cut out, just after Jen, much to Matt’s surprise said ‘Your Dad says, it keeps cutting out !’. Well, what to do now ? Captain Matt, unflustered calmly restarted the engine, with some deft pulls on the starter cable, and off we continued –right into the centre of the River, as – guess what? – Yes, spluttered out again, and again coaxed into action by Matt, although it sounded worse than before. We continued up River towards our destination, but, after several more ‘splutters’ of inaction Matt,rightly decided to turn around, and try to get back…. easier said than done !

At one stage we had to refuel in mid River, Leslie having thoughtfully provided extra fuel, which seemed to do the trick, as we dodged the car ferry crossing the River, and back towards Kingsweir, passing the Royal Naval College http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/operations-and-support/establishments/training-establishments/brnc-dartmouth/ , and several Navy ships .

Captain Matt safely brought us to shore, and as we speedily walked up the hill to Leslies, we realised we were ‘just’ in time ( surprise, surprise) , to watch Manchester United thrash Arsenal 8 (yes EIGHT) –2, what a result ,and a great start to the season, especially as we overtook Manchester City ! (as usual)

Then it was back to Dot’s for a quiet dinner, and watching spy thrillers on the television !

My sojourn in Devon was at an end, and further travels beckoned….thanks everyone !

Fireworks Ahoy !

What a start to the day…. Tea and toast (with chunky marmalade) in bed, at a leisurely 8-30 a.m., shortly afterwards followed by TWO newspapers…. this is the life ! (thanks Dot !)

However, we couldn’t stay in all day, and were soon out into Brixham, and a great lunch, in amongst the jet set (and a wedding party) at the Berry Head Hotel http://www.berryheadhotel.com/, followed by a bracing walk up and over Berry Head, looking out across the still waters, and the birds wheeling up and over us.http://www.berryhead.org.uk/

After that it was back to Dots for Devon cream tea’s and a light dinner, before it was back to Lesley’s at Kingsweir for the big firework display from Dartmouth Regatta.

Promptly at 9 p.m. the sky was lit up with all differing Fireworks…

 

 

 

 

 

…and once again back for an early’ish night.

In Dartmouth for the Regatta

When we eventually surfaced mid morning, after a late night, we were soon off to the local garden centre, and I was introduced to the full ‘Farmers’ for Breakfast , including Hog’s pudding…(white pudding, I would normally call it), a great filler for the day.

Then it was off and across to Kingsweir, to park the car and meet up with Leslie for a trip along the River Dart, and ultimately across it, and into Dartmouth…. very busy, with the hordes in for the Regattahttp://www.dartmouthregatta.co.uk/  – although there were probably fewer there than usual, as the star attraction the Red Arrows http://www.raf.mod.uk/reds/ would not be flying, due to the recent crash of one of their planes, and death of a pilot.

Still, there was plenty going on, in reasonable weather, with rain threatening, but dry as we walked…I even did some shopping- purchasing some slippers for use inside ‘Wally’ (and not for publication!), cider champagne and some very startling (and half price shoes- guess what colour!).

Then it was back across the River to Kingsweir, and Leslies home, by now the rain had started, and we were getting soaked, although we were rescued by Matthew (in my old car), and driven up to the top of the hill.

There we were properly introduced (or I was ) to Willow Honor Searle, recently born and her mother Hayley (who’s wedding I had been at last year, see 2010 blog) 

As you can see, I’ve not lost the touch, and she was soon smiling with me !

Then it was a quick dash outside to see a Tocano aeroplane doing somersaults and aerobatics over the River Dart, and which we were afforded a superb view of, being in the ‘Danger Zone’ !

Then, back inside for a lovely dinner, and home to Dot’s for an ‘early’ish’ night, worn out ! Good night …

Ants doesn’t look 50……but he used to !!

 

Journeys start in funny ways, mine started by travelling from home to Bolton, on a beautiful afternoon to collect Dot, the beloved MIL, from Andrews, and after a pleasant afternoon in Bolton sunshine (yes, and in summer as well !),and dinner, we set off for the big city, arriving in Levenshulme, to that famous function venue M19 http://www.m19bar.com/ , to celebrate my brother Anthony's (now known as ‘Tony H’) 50th Birthday,famous for his founding of YGG http://www.stbedescollege.co.uk/news/2008/03/young-gifted-and-green-irish-night and their wonderful charity events which have raised thousands of £’s for local charities. 

Who Who would have thought ?, from these humble beginnings on the streets of Levenshulme, Manchester, we could all end up here….. Levenshulme !,not 200 yards from where this picture was taken almost 50 years ago !

All the clan were there, anxiously awaiting my ‘mystery guest’ to be greeted by Dot !, that fooled them! However I couldn’t stay too long as a journey to the South East of England awaited, and after the Birthday boy made his speech….We were off, me, Wally and Dot, heading for the coast of Brixham , Devon, 5 hours drive away. A reasonable journey saw us arriving in Brixham just before 3 a.m. !- …and a quick drink, and bed !

Summers Nearly Over…time to get going again !

Well, I’ve been home for two months, although not at home all the time.

I’ve managed to watch all the Tour de France, from the comfort of my living room.

Been to Otley for a night under the stars to watch Joe Wilkins, famous actor, in ‘Midsummer Nights Dream, in which ,incidentally he acted brilliantly, the best yet – he’s got to be ‘discovered’ soon, and then there’ll be no stopping him! http://www.digyorkshire.com/EventListing.aspx?event=61889&pdate=15/07/2011&tickets=show&name=Midsummer+Night&AspxAutoDetectCookieSupport=1

Hosted son Joseph and Nicola, on a brief stop from New York, and a great curry at the ‘Simply Indian’ restaurant in New Mills

Had a few days in Wales, where I went from the sublime, climbing Snowdon via Crib Goch, on what must have been one of the hottest days of the summer, to the ridiculous, swimming in the sea of Cardigan Bay, lovely warm water, and lots of fishes swimming around me !

Had my two little Grandchildren Tristan and Lincoln,on various occasions, adventuring in Lyme Park, climbing Lantern Pike, and swimming in NM pool.

Had a quick visit to Ireland for the funeral of Patricia Basquille, RIP, sister to my SIL Mary, and stopping in the palatial surroundings (!) of Ballycong.

and, last ,but certainly not least, welcoming my son and his family back from Germany to Shrivenham, Wiltshire, as Gerard got promoted to Major !,what an achievement, topping his (very proud)Dad. I did manage to get to Wiltshire to see Gerard,Sarah,Ethan and Elijah, and properly welcome them back to the UK.

I’ve also managed to get the odd bit of biking in,stopped on the top of hills for the Perseids meteor showers http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perseids…and having fun.

So, now time to get ‘Wally’ ready for the Road, and start my Autumn travels, which will last until……I come home !

Come and join me on the journey !!

Don’t forget,comments always Welcome !!