Well, we have got the van through this years MOT, although it did coast me. It failed on the off side front wheel bearing. It took the garage longer than it should have to change, as it was seized on but they got it done eventually. So the MOT and the wheel bearing cost me about £260, not too bad for something built in 2002.
We are now ready for our next trip away, not far at this time of year, its just our usual trip to York for our birthdays. Only we will be there for about a week this time, to cover both our birthdays and we like it there. We are away from the end of the first week in March, I do hope we get some good weather though.
Tuesday, 7 February 2017
Wednesday, 18 January 2017
York, second week in January, 2017
This trip was booked last year, as you know we couldn't get booked in towards the end of last year as we usually do, but we did get this one and our Birthdays in March. I think it is my memory that is causing us to miss booking times for trips like this but that can not be helped nowadays. I have looked back at last year and was surprised to see that we did almost the same things last year just a bit later in Jan.
York 8th to 11th of Jan 2016
Sunday Jan 8th
We arrived in York not long after twelve and set up against the side with the big trees. The TV was just plugged into the ring main and we were ready to go into town but we didn't. We sat and watched TV for a while and had lunch before we set off.
when we did set off we just walked along to Ouse Bridge and there crossed into the centre. Walking there, the elastic in Dots leggings burst so we made our way straight for Next to get some new ones. We then had a bit of a look around before heading to the Kings for a drink. It was nearly a year since we were last in there and there was not one person in that we recognised.
For a second pint in there I did have a Christmas beer, the Samuel Smith's, Winter Welcome Ale 2016/2017, it was very good but a bit strong at 6.0%. I only had three pints (two of them just ordinary bitter) in there before we wandered off back to the van for the night.
Monday Jan 9th
Again it was fairly late, about three before we set off into town. The sun was really shining and it was a very nice day as we walked over Skeldergate Bridge, past Clifford's Tower, to start looking in the shops.
Fist thing that happened is that I bought some shoes, we then moved on to Dot buying a new handbag (or two) and then spent the rest of our time there shopping.
It was Monday and that is half price for meals in the Slug and Lettuce, so we made for the one next to the river. The Slug and Lettuce no longer do two for one meals on Monday anymore and the pint and a half of lager we got in there was really expensive. So we took our time drinking them, before moving on for something cheaper and our tea in Spoons. The Slug and Lettuce used to be full this time on a Monday night, when we left there were about fourteen people in there.
The Postern Gate on the other hand was fairly full but we got a seat and drinks easily. I got a pint of Ossett, Excelsior and it was not to my taste, it was not nice at all. So when we ordered food I got something different with it, Abbot Ale. Stake and Chips was on offer so we had that, it was good but it could have done with some peas or lettuce with it.
After that we made our way back to the van.
Tuesday Jan 10th
Today we decided to try and walk a bit further than the last couple of days. So we set off in the wrong direction, something we have done many times before and written about on here. Anyway we crossed over the Millennium Bridge and walked back into the centre.
Dot bought another new handbag (she had only got one yesterday), then we wandered off into the Museum Gardens to sit and get it set up. It was getting cold and the wind was getting up so we headed of to the pub to warm up. Yes we ended up in The Postern Gate again, it was warm in there and just about everything in there is also cheap.
It was still early but we ate anyway, I had the BLT and Dot had the stake pie, the stake pie didn't come with a beer but the BLT did and I had the Abbot Ale again. I had tried some of the other beers first before we ate, but they were foul, The Rat Brewery, Rat Crafted and Bad Co, Clockwork Orange, both far to hoppy.
Wednesday Jan 11th
This is what I wrote last January "Up in plenty of time to get the van sorted and left fairly early, it was due to get windy again so it was straight home."
Well it was almost the same this year, only it was already windy and it was a dodgy drive home but we got there ok.
York 8th to 11th of Jan 2016
Sunday Jan 8th
We arrived in York not long after twelve and set up against the side with the big trees. The TV was just plugged into the ring main and we were ready to go into town but we didn't. We sat and watched TV for a while and had lunch before we set off.
when we did set off we just walked along to Ouse Bridge and there crossed into the centre. Walking there, the elastic in Dots leggings burst so we made our way straight for Next to get some new ones. We then had a bit of a look around before heading to the Kings for a drink. It was nearly a year since we were last in there and there was not one person in that we recognised.
For a second pint in there I did have a Christmas beer, the Samuel Smith's, Winter Welcome Ale 2016/2017, it was very good but a bit strong at 6.0%. I only had three pints (two of them just ordinary bitter) in there before we wandered off back to the van for the night.
Monday Jan 9th
Again it was fairly late, about three before we set off into town. The sun was really shining and it was a very nice day as we walked over Skeldergate Bridge, past Clifford's Tower, to start looking in the shops.
Fist thing that happened is that I bought some shoes, we then moved on to Dot buying a new handbag (or two) and then spent the rest of our time there shopping.
It was Monday and that is half price for meals in the Slug and Lettuce, so we made for the one next to the river. The Slug and Lettuce no longer do two for one meals on Monday anymore and the pint and a half of lager we got in there was really expensive. So we took our time drinking them, before moving on for something cheaper and our tea in Spoons. The Slug and Lettuce used to be full this time on a Monday night, when we left there were about fourteen people in there.
The Postern Gate on the other hand was fairly full but we got a seat and drinks easily. I got a pint of Ossett, Excelsior and it was not to my taste, it was not nice at all. So when we ordered food I got something different with it, Abbot Ale. Stake and Chips was on offer so we had that, it was good but it could have done with some peas or lettuce with it.
After that we made our way back to the van.
Tuesday Jan 10th
Today we decided to try and walk a bit further than the last couple of days. So we set off in the wrong direction, something we have done many times before and written about on here. Anyway we crossed over the Millennium Bridge and walked back into the centre.
Dot bought another new handbag (she had only got one yesterday), then we wandered off into the Museum Gardens to sit and get it set up. It was getting cold and the wind was getting up so we headed of to the pub to warm up. Yes we ended up in The Postern Gate again, it was warm in there and just about everything in there is also cheap.
It was still early but we ate anyway, I had the BLT and Dot had the stake pie, the stake pie didn't come with a beer but the BLT did and I had the Abbot Ale again. I had tried some of the other beers first before we ate, but they were foul, The Rat Brewery, Rat Crafted and Bad Co, Clockwork Orange, both far to hoppy.
Wednesday Jan 11th
This is what I wrote last January "Up in plenty of time to get the van sorted and left fairly early, it was due to get windy again so it was straight home."
Well it was almost the same this year, only it was already windy and it was a dodgy drive home but we got there ok.
Friday, 18 November 2016
Bowness-on-Windermere, October 2016
Time away with the girls for half term
This trip, unlike the last one has been booked for quite a while, it is to meet up with Nicole, Tim and the girls for a break at half term. The site, Park Resorts Fallbarrow Park, right in Bowness is perfect for visiting but very expensive. I would normally give a place that costs this much a miss (it was nearly twice as much as most sites) but we were meeting up with the girls and would have them in the van for the last two days. It is right on the lake though.
29th Oct to the 2nd Nov
Saturday 29th October
We were supposed to meet up with the others for dinner but got a message on the way there to say they were going out and would meet up later. So that gave us time to get there and get set up, it also allowed for the Sat Nav to take us down all the smallest roads it could find on the way there.
After we arrived and got set up we had something to eat and watched the practise for the Mexico Grand Prix. We then wandered over to see the others, their log cabin was really nice. Nichole, Tim Dot and Me took the dog for a walk (they have a dog now, Sydney and he is really nice), the girls would not move so it was just us.
We walked into town and went to the The Angel Inn, for a beer, we are on holiday, we got a table outside in the rain for Sydney but it stopped almost straight away. We sat with another lady with a dog and chatted about the area. We didn't stop out long as we got a phone call from the girls asking when we would be back, as they were hungry.
We went straight to the bar on site for supper but it was fairly full, noisy and there was no room for the dog. So we all went back to the lodge and ordered pizza from a takeaway instead. We had plenty of beers with us, so that was all sorted. We watched TV for a while before we left for bed, back in the van.
We were not very pleased with all the noies coming from the bar area until midnnight and then all of the noies coming from the campers making there way home, some sounded like very young childeren. It seems that the more you pay for a campsite the more noisy it is on a night.
Sunday 30th October
After breakfast, we went over and met the others, then set off towards the lake to catch a ferry up the lake to Ambleside. Luckily we arrived just as one was getting ready to go, although we had to queue for a short while though. It was about now that I realised I didn't have my camera with me, so today it was just my phone camera to use.
When we arrived at the top end of the lake, we took the longer walk into Ambleside, following the side of the lake. We came across the ruins of a Roman fort facing down the lake, I did not even know that these were here, there is not much left though.
Next we next went for some dinner, and again sat outside the pub, the White Lion Hotel, a nice place. Three of us has Sunday dinner and three of us had a large burger, I had a burger and wish I had had the Sunday diner, I never get it right. Any way it was warm sat there and we had a couple of beers with our food, I had Black Sheep, Ember Inns Pale Ale, a beer brewed just for Ember Inns, not a bad beer.
From there we did a bit of shopping before making our way back towards the boat, we went back the quicker way and just missed a boat. Anyway we were first in the queue for the next boat and it didn't take very long to arrive anyway. We got a seat at the stern and it was very cold but enjoyable on the way back.
That evening back at their chalet after supper they all went in the hot tub but as I was feeling very tired and just watched some TV. Later when the rest were all cleaned up we watched a film before me and Dot made our way back to the van.
Monday 31st October
Nicole, Tim and Sydney were off home today and they had to be out of their chalet for ten but they were allowed to park their car on our pitch for the day.
First we had a wander down to the lake on site, and early in the morning it looked fantastic, although the views from here are good all of the time.
So it was not long after ten, when we set off for a walk. Out of the site we headed north and walked along the road until we came to a place were we could get down the the lake. I wandered off to find a toilet then met up with the others down by the edge of the lake. Emily went in for a plodge and even got Sydney to go in, it took quite some time though.
We then had a walk along the lakeside, then up the bank following a stream and then back along the top of the hill, it wasn't a very long walk but it was far enough for me. On the way up the hill we passed lots of mushrooms (or toadstools) growing by the side of the path.
Back in Bowness we went to The Albert for a late lunch, well it was after two and we sat outside again in the sun. Me and Dot had the Halloween burgers and I also had a new beer a Robinsons, Unicorn, not bad at all.
Sydney was really well behaved again, it seams like they have got a very good, very nice dog. After our food we had a walk around the port area before heading back to the van and Nicole, Tim and Sydney headed off home.
We spent the rest of the day and night just watching TV before bed.
Tuesday 1st November
After a morning in the van, we set off to do a bus tour, we had seen them around since we had been there. We got on near the boat jetties and the bus took us to Ambleside, it was not even a very pleasant drive but it got us there. Don't get me wrong, it was a open top bus and some of the views were very nice but it did stop everywhere and it stopped at Windermere train station for ages.
In Ambleside we wandered around the shops and had a good look around the place before wandering along to the big garden centre on the way back to the port. It had one of the best Christmas displays I have seen and we had a good look around in there. After that it was back on the bus to Bowness, it left from just outside the garden centre and just as we got there.
When we got back to Bowness the girls wanted to go back to the site but we went for a walk to the cable ferry anyway.
The girls enjoyed themselves anyway and we had a sit by the lake while they played. We eventually made it to the ferry, watched it move off to the other side then made our way back. We took the quicker walk back into town and made our way to the pub for tea.
Back in The Albert, we sat inside for our tea this time, the girls would not let me take photos of them in there, so I only have blurred ones.
Wednesday 2nd November
We had to be back to see to the dog so we set off fearly early. We took the right road out of the lake area this time but from Kendal, we got it wrong again. We took the whindy road to Tebay rather than the Motorway. It didn't take much longer it was just annoying to get it wrong. The rest of the drive home was pretty normal.
Well that is it until January, when we are off back to York after a long miss there.
This trip, unlike the last one has been booked for quite a while, it is to meet up with Nicole, Tim and the girls for a break at half term. The site, Park Resorts Fallbarrow Park, right in Bowness is perfect for visiting but very expensive. I would normally give a place that costs this much a miss (it was nearly twice as much as most sites) but we were meeting up with the girls and would have them in the van for the last two days. It is right on the lake though.
29th Oct to the 2nd Nov
Saturday 29th October
We were supposed to meet up with the others for dinner but got a message on the way there to say they were going out and would meet up later. So that gave us time to get there and get set up, it also allowed for the Sat Nav to take us down all the smallest roads it could find on the way there.
Park Resorts, Fallbarrow Park
Bowness-on-Windermere
We walked into town and went to the The Angel Inn, for a beer, we are on holiday, we got a table outside in the rain for Sydney but it stopped almost straight away. We sat with another lady with a dog and chatted about the area. We didn't stop out long as we got a phone call from the girls asking when we would be back, as they were hungry.
We went straight to the bar on site for supper but it was fairly full, noisy and there was no room for the dog. So we all went back to the lodge and ordered pizza from a takeaway instead. We had plenty of beers with us, so that was all sorted. We watched TV for a while before we left for bed, back in the van.
We were not very pleased with all the noies coming from the bar area until midnnight and then all of the noies coming from the campers making there way home, some sounded like very young childeren. It seems that the more you pay for a campsite the more noisy it is on a night.
Sunday 30th October
After breakfast, we went over and met the others, then set off towards the lake to catch a ferry up the lake to Ambleside. Luckily we arrived just as one was getting ready to go, although we had to queue for a short while though. It was about now that I realised I didn't have my camera with me, so today it was just my phone camera to use.
When we arrived at the top end of the lake, we took the longer walk into Ambleside, following the side of the lake. We came across the ruins of a Roman fort facing down the lake, I did not even know that these were here, there is not much left though.
Next we next went for some dinner, and again sat outside the pub, the White Lion Hotel, a nice place. Three of us has Sunday dinner and three of us had a large burger, I had a burger and wish I had had the Sunday diner, I never get it right. Any way it was warm sat there and we had a couple of beers with our food, I had Black Sheep, Ember Inns Pale Ale, a beer brewed just for Ember Inns, not a bad beer.
From there we did a bit of shopping before making our way back towards the boat, we went back the quicker way and just missed a boat. Anyway we were first in the queue for the next boat and it didn't take very long to arrive anyway. We got a seat at the stern and it was very cold but enjoyable on the way back.
That evening back at their chalet after supper they all went in the hot tub but as I was feeling very tired and just watched some TV. Later when the rest were all cleaned up we watched a film before me and Dot made our way back to the van.
Monday 31st October
Nicole, Tim and Sydney were off home today and they had to be out of their chalet for ten but they were allowed to park their car on our pitch for the day.
First we had a wander down to the lake on site, and early in the morning it looked fantastic, although the views from here are good all of the time.
So it was not long after ten, when we set off for a walk. Out of the site we headed north and walked along the road until we came to a place were we could get down the the lake. I wandered off to find a toilet then met up with the others down by the edge of the lake. Emily went in for a plodge and even got Sydney to go in, it took quite some time though.
We then had a walk along the lakeside, then up the bank following a stream and then back along the top of the hill, it wasn't a very long walk but it was far enough for me. On the way up the hill we passed lots of mushrooms (or toadstools) growing by the side of the path.
Back in Bowness we went to The Albert for a late lunch, well it was after two and we sat outside again in the sun. Me and Dot had the Halloween burgers and I also had a new beer a Robinsons, Unicorn, not bad at all.
Sydney was really well behaved again, it seams like they have got a very good, very nice dog. After our food we had a walk around the port area before heading back to the van and Nicole, Tim and Sydney headed off home.
We spent the rest of the day and night just watching TV before bed.
Tuesday 1st November
After a morning in the van, we set off to do a bus tour, we had seen them around since we had been there. We got on near the boat jetties and the bus took us to Ambleside, it was not even a very pleasant drive but it got us there. Don't get me wrong, it was a open top bus and some of the views were very nice but it did stop everywhere and it stopped at Windermere train station for ages.
In Ambleside we wandered around the shops and had a good look around the place before wandering along to the big garden centre on the way back to the port. It had one of the best Christmas displays I have seen and we had a good look around in there. After that it was back on the bus to Bowness, it left from just outside the garden centre and just as we got there.
When we got back to Bowness the girls wanted to go back to the site but we went for a walk to the cable ferry anyway.
The girls enjoyed themselves anyway and we had a sit by the lake while they played. We eventually made it to the ferry, watched it move off to the other side then made our way back. We took the quicker walk back into town and made our way to the pub for tea.
Back in The Albert, we sat inside for our tea this time, the girls would not let me take photos of them in there, so I only have blurred ones.
Wednesday 2nd November
We had to be back to see to the dog so we set off fearly early. We took the right road out of the lake area this time but from Kendal, we got it wrong again. We took the whindy road to Tebay rather than the Motorway. It didn't take much longer it was just annoying to get it wrong. The rest of the drive home was pretty normal.
Well that is it until January, when we are off back to York after a long miss there.
Thursday, 20 October 2016
Hawes, October 2016
A trip to Hawes Caravan Club Site 2016
I like Hawes and have been there many times and I really like it there, so left on my own at home one day, I booked us in there for a few nights.
16th October to the 19th
Sunday 16th October
We arrived around one o’clock and got booked in and settled, had a pizza for dinner, I do not think the grill is working properly but it was just edible.
Although it was raining at home and most of the way there, it was sunny in Hawes, so about three, we got ready and went for a walk.
In Hawes we did the usual walk around, looking in the shops that were open but eventually set off to a pub for a drink. We did take some photos of the old railway just behind the houses, there are hopes to reopen it one day but it doesn't look like it will be soon.
After the first drink, I was not feeling that good and we were going to set off back to the van but we got another beer instead, and just stayed. Eventually I felt better and we even had our tea in there. We both had mince and potato pie with mushy peas and chips, very nice.
We were in the White Hart, the forth pub in the town, the other three are all in a line farther along, we will use them later in the trip, probably. In there though I had a Black Sheep, Baa Baa, the new one of theirs, drinkable but not that nice, so moved on to Theakstons, Bitter, weaker but a nice beer.
There was a very nice full moon on the walk back to the site, but I was unable to get a photo, I do not seem to be able to drink and take photos anymore.
Monday 17th October
The weather was on and off today and we just spent the morning sat in the van watching TV. We had bacon for breakfast, as we usually do when away, but the buns we had with us were dreadful, they were doughy, teach me to use a big name, Kingsmill. Will just use Aldi for bead next time.
We were going to walk up to Simonstone Hall for something to eat but the weather was that unpredictable we just walked into town. It was nice and sunny now but who knows how long it will last.
On the way in we popped down to the old station and had a walk through the old rope factory, its a bit since we did this and it is very new in there now. After a walk through town, we ended up right up at the Wensleydale cheese factory and wandered around tasting the cheeses in the shop. It then started to rain so, in a break we managed to get back into town and into the first pub.
The Old Board Inn is nice, we stayed there many years ago. There was a nice big fire going in there and we got a seat close to it. Had another pint or two of Theakstons, Bitter, in there and a chat with the others sheltering from the rain.
From there we moved on to the White Hart and had another couple of Theakstons, Bitter and a meal, this time we both had the Chicken Kiev, again it was very nice. In there we also talked to others from the campsite, now with a separate 120 pitches on the campsite, I can see how this very small town can have four pubs doing so well.
Tuesday 18th October
It rained all night but got fine during the morning. Spoke to early as around dinner time it started to pore down, so we just sat in the van watching TV again.
Went for a shower and discovered that the site will be closed next year, basically to do the toilets and what looks like a few other small things, it will be closed for six or seven months. From January until July, it is now the middle of October on a Tuesday and the site is just about full, the working of the Caravan Club sometimes baffles me.
And thinking about it, I hope the pubs in town manage over this period, without money from the people on the campsite coming in.
The sun came out latter in the afternoon and we set off into town, just for the short walk and a drink.
We went to the shops for some stuff we needed and then went to the pub for tea, it was still very early, about half four. As it was still early so we got something off the before five menu and it was as good as anything else we had had in there this week but half the price. We had the food and a couple of pints in there, then set off back to the van.
On the walk back we noticed just how much water was flowing over the falls in town, you can see compered to the photo from the day before.
We were back in the van early and just watched some TV, had another beer before we gave up and went to bed early.
Wednesday 19th October
We were up at the usual time and took our time getting ready to head home. We were not in a hurry at all and took our time all the way home but we had to be back to go and met the girls from school, just like the old days.
The next time we are away is in in a couple of weeks, we are off to the Lakes with Nicole, Tim and the girls. They are in a cabin and we have the van at Fallbarrow Park, lake Windermere.
I like Hawes and have been there many times and I really like it there, so left on my own at home one day, I booked us in there for a few nights.
16th October to the 19th
Sunday 16th October
We arrived around one o’clock and got booked in and settled, had a pizza for dinner, I do not think the grill is working properly but it was just edible.
Although it was raining at home and most of the way there, it was sunny in Hawes, so about three, we got ready and went for a walk.
In Hawes we did the usual walk around, looking in the shops that were open but eventually set off to a pub for a drink. We did take some photos of the old railway just behind the houses, there are hopes to reopen it one day but it doesn't look like it will be soon.
After the first drink, I was not feeling that good and we were going to set off back to the van but we got another beer instead, and just stayed. Eventually I felt better and we even had our tea in there. We both had mince and potato pie with mushy peas and chips, very nice.
We were in the White Hart, the forth pub in the town, the other three are all in a line farther along, we will use them later in the trip, probably. In there though I had a Black Sheep, Baa Baa, the new one of theirs, drinkable but not that nice, so moved on to Theakstons, Bitter, weaker but a nice beer.
There was a very nice full moon on the walk back to the site, but I was unable to get a photo, I do not seem to be able to drink and take photos anymore.
Monday 17th October
The weather was on and off today and we just spent the morning sat in the van watching TV. We had bacon for breakfast, as we usually do when away, but the buns we had with us were dreadful, they were doughy, teach me to use a big name, Kingsmill. Will just use Aldi for bead next time.
We were going to walk up to Simonstone Hall for something to eat but the weather was that unpredictable we just walked into town. It was nice and sunny now but who knows how long it will last.
On the way in we popped down to the old station and had a walk through the old rope factory, its a bit since we did this and it is very new in there now. After a walk through town, we ended up right up at the Wensleydale cheese factory and wandered around tasting the cheeses in the shop. It then started to rain so, in a break we managed to get back into town and into the first pub.
The Old Board Inn is nice, we stayed there many years ago. There was a nice big fire going in there and we got a seat close to it. Had another pint or two of Theakstons, Bitter, in there and a chat with the others sheltering from the rain.
From there we moved on to the White Hart and had another couple of Theakstons, Bitter and a meal, this time we both had the Chicken Kiev, again it was very nice. In there we also talked to others from the campsite, now with a separate 120 pitches on the campsite, I can see how this very small town can have four pubs doing so well.
Tuesday 18th October
It rained all night but got fine during the morning. Spoke to early as around dinner time it started to pore down, so we just sat in the van watching TV again.
Went for a shower and discovered that the site will be closed next year, basically to do the toilets and what looks like a few other small things, it will be closed for six or seven months. From January until July, it is now the middle of October on a Tuesday and the site is just about full, the working of the Caravan Club sometimes baffles me.
And thinking about it, I hope the pubs in town manage over this period, without money from the people on the campsite coming in.
The sun came out latter in the afternoon and we set off into town, just for the short walk and a drink.
We went to the shops for some stuff we needed and then went to the pub for tea, it was still very early, about half four. As it was still early so we got something off the before five menu and it was as good as anything else we had had in there this week but half the price. We had the food and a couple of pints in there, then set off back to the van.
On the walk back we noticed just how much water was flowing over the falls in town, you can see compered to the photo from the day before.
We were back in the van early and just watched some TV, had another beer before we gave up and went to bed early.
Wednesday 19th October
We were up at the usual time and took our time getting ready to head home. We were not in a hurry at all and took our time all the way home but we had to be back to go and met the girls from school, just like the old days.
The next time we are away is in in a couple of weeks, we are off to the Lakes with Nicole, Tim and the girls. They are in a cabin and we have the van at Fallbarrow Park, lake Windermere.
Friday, 30 September 2016
Two Days at Thirsk Racecourse Caravan Club Site 2016
Dot was still off work so after her Dads birthday, we looked for somewhere else to go for a couple of days, unfortunately we had to be back for physio and dentist appointments after then. So we just booked the Caravan Club site in Thirsk on the racecourse for the two nights.
20th September to the 23rd
Tuesday 20th September
We arrived in Thirsk not too long after twelve and for the first time ever, we were given one of the three pitches facing over the racecourse. A very nice spot to be pitched in.
We got set up and only used the aerial for the TV, it was not worth bothering with the sat. Eventually we went out for a walk, we went through the town, looked in some of the shops, then wandered over one of the bridges. It wasn't that long before we crossed over the other bridge back into town and continued with our shopping. I bought a couple of new beers from the off licence near The Three Tons pub and we got a couple of other things close by.
Eventually though it was time for tea (I have just recently realised that the word tea and its meaning for the early evening meal, is not widely known, anyway we wanted food), so we went into The Three Tons. Yes another Wetherspoons pub but they are very cheep and most are very nice places, this one is anyway.
After tea and a couple of pints, I had Arcadia, Thunder Trail, from the USA (actually from the Caledonian brewery Scotland), dot had lager, we made our way back to the campsite. We called into Tesco on the way back but we didn't need anything except milk.
Wednesday 21st September
Not as sunny today as yesterday but not cold at all so after lunch we went out for a walk again. This time we wandered off towards the church and then down by the river. We were going to have a longer walk but Dot didn't feel to well, so we sat by the river instead.
After the sit we made our way into town and Dot got an ice cream, I on the other hand bought some more bottled beer (I wonder where that went, I put is somewhere). We then sat in the town square while Dot ate her ice cream and we decided what to do next. Well we had another wander about the shops before giving up and going back in to Spoons for tea.
Tea was good as usual and I tried a different beer, Naylor's, Origaninal Liquorice Libation, this is what I wrote 4.4% black in colour with a nice head, the aroma is blackcurrant and something strange, the taste is a stout with Iiquorice and blackcurrant not that good at all, went back to the one I had yesterday after that one.
Soon it was time to wander back to the van and watch TV.
Thursday 22nd September
We had plenty of time to get ready to head off home but we just sorted stuff out and off we went.
20th September to the 23rd
Tuesday 20th September
We arrived in Thirsk not too long after twelve and for the first time ever, we were given one of the three pitches facing over the racecourse. A very nice spot to be pitched in.
We got set up and only used the aerial for the TV, it was not worth bothering with the sat. Eventually we went out for a walk, we went through the town, looked in some of the shops, then wandered over one of the bridges. It wasn't that long before we crossed over the other bridge back into town and continued with our shopping. I bought a couple of new beers from the off licence near The Three Tons pub and we got a couple of other things close by.
Eventually though it was time for tea (I have just recently realised that the word tea and its meaning for the early evening meal, is not widely known, anyway we wanted food), so we went into The Three Tons. Yes another Wetherspoons pub but they are very cheep and most are very nice places, this one is anyway.
After tea and a couple of pints, I had Arcadia, Thunder Trail, from the USA (actually from the Caledonian brewery Scotland), dot had lager, we made our way back to the campsite. We called into Tesco on the way back but we didn't need anything except milk.
Wednesday 21st September
Not as sunny today as yesterday but not cold at all so after lunch we went out for a walk again. This time we wandered off towards the church and then down by the river. We were going to have a longer walk but Dot didn't feel to well, so we sat by the river instead.
After the sit we made our way into town and Dot got an ice cream, I on the other hand bought some more bottled beer (I wonder where that went, I put is somewhere). We then sat in the town square while Dot ate her ice cream and we decided what to do next. Well we had another wander about the shops before giving up and going back in to Spoons for tea.
Tea was good as usual and I tried a different beer, Naylor's, Origaninal Liquorice Libation, this is what I wrote 4.4% black in colour with a nice head, the aroma is blackcurrant and something strange, the taste is a stout with Iiquorice and blackcurrant not that good at all, went back to the one I had yesterday after that one.
Soon it was time to wander back to the van and watch TV.
Thursday 22nd September
We had plenty of time to get ready to head off home but we just sorted stuff out and off we went.
Two Days at Akebar Park
Dot was off work and we were not out this Saturday, so we looked for somewhere not too far away to go in the van. Akebar Park was a place we used quite a lot when the kids where little but have not been much at all recently, I think we went with the twins ones, a long time ago though. Anyway we booked two nights there.
17th September to the 19th
Saturday 17th September
We managed to book in for the Saturday and Sunday, we had to be back home on Monday for Dots Dads 92nd birthday. We arrived at the site, booked in and found a site, it was quite busy with a lot of tents but not too bad. The tents I am on about are bigger than the van, even bigger that any of the caravans but thankfully most of them were quiet at night.
If you do not have a car there is plenty of walking to do there but we went just there for a rest. We just sat around most of the afternoon, reading and watching TV. Later we went for a walk up to the bar, only it was too full, so we just wandered back to the van.
We had plenty of beer back there anyway. So we just spent the night down on the site by the van sat in the sun, then moved in to watch TV.
Sunday 18th September
Another quiet morning sat in the sun reading, very relaxing. Eventually we wandered up to the bar again and this time it was quite empty. As was most of the site, many people had moved off this morning, most to be back at work tomorrow and kids back to school. We had a couple of beers sat outside in the sun before wandering back down to the van.
Back there we had our tea before we watched the F1GP repeat on CH4 and the Paralympics before bed, the satellite wasn't working, something to look into later.
As I said it was a very quiet relaxing two days away and I enjoyed it immensely.
17th September to the 19th
Saturday 17th September
We managed to book in for the Saturday and Sunday, we had to be back home on Monday for Dots Dads 92nd birthday. We arrived at the site, booked in and found a site, it was quite busy with a lot of tents but not too bad. The tents I am on about are bigger than the van, even bigger that any of the caravans but thankfully most of them were quiet at night.
Akebar Park
Wensleydale, North Yorkshire
DL8 5LY
If you do not have a car there is plenty of walking to do there but we went just there for a rest. We just sat around most of the afternoon, reading and watching TV. Later we went for a walk up to the bar, only it was too full, so we just wandered back to the van.
We had plenty of beer back there anyway. So we just spent the night down on the site by the van sat in the sun, then moved in to watch TV.
Sunday 18th September
Another quiet morning sat in the sun reading, very relaxing. Eventually we wandered up to the bar again and this time it was quite empty. As was most of the site, many people had moved off this morning, most to be back at work tomorrow and kids back to school. We had a couple of beers sat outside in the sun before wandering back down to the van.
Back there we had our tea before we watched the F1GP repeat on CH4 and the Paralympics before bed, the satellite wasn't working, something to look into later.
As I said it was a very quiet relaxing two days away and I enjoyed it immensely.
Monday, 22 August 2016
Whitby, 2016
Not been using the van much at all this year (I think the car being written off had something to do with it though) but we did use it to take the girls away for a few days. We booked a site in Whitby, not one we had used before but one closer to the centre, Airy Hill Farm Cottages and Caravan Park.
14th August to the 17th August
Sunday the 14th August
A nice simple drive down to Whitby, the traffic wasn't bad at all and the van went well. The campsite was on the right, the last right turn before the A171 passes over the river Esk. The site is very small with mainly static vans but there is room for a few Motorhomes or Caravans. The toilet block is acceptable and clean but nothing special. Just over the A171 there is a path down to the town along the railway and it isn't very far to walk, although is is rather steep to get up and down from the A171.
We arrived at the site and phoned the owner (who was out in his car), he asked just to park up on one of the hard bases where static caravans had been.
We had a sandwich for lunch and then set off into town. It was only a short walk down into town, we crossed over the railway lines and along by the river to the centre. When we got there Amber wanted to look in the shops on the north side of the river but we didn't get anything.
Next thing we did was pop into one of the jewellery shops on the other side, to have two of my gold rings altered, so that I could use them again. It was actually my wedding ring and my signet ring, both very old now and my fingers have grown. I have been wearing silver rings as a replacement over the last few years and usually forget to bring the gold ones whenever we come here. Anyway in The Black Market Jewellery Work Shop, it was only £15 to have them both made bigger, a bargain I reckon, they would not be ready until tomorrow though.
From there we wandered about the other shops on that side looking for a ring for Dot. Eventually though we wandered along to the beach.
After a sit on one of the piers, the kids decided that it was time for tea, even though it wasn't long since our lunch. Georgia and Emily even decided where we were going for tea, Hadleys Fish Restaurant, they like it there and so did we.
Dot, Georgia and Me all had fish and chips, Emily and Amber had sausage and chips, we also had mushy peas, all very good.
We walked back on the opposite side of the river to the way we came in, the climb back up to the bridge is worse on this side. The views from the bridge are pretty good though.
When we got back to the van, we set up for the night, watched a film and then the Olympics until we were all too tired to watch anymore.
Monday the 15th August
We had a nice easy morning in the sun and then after lunch, set off into town. We walked down the same way as yesterday and I took photos of the steam trains and the boats along the way.
As yesterday and headed straight to the jewellery shop to get my rings. After all these years my gold ring fit me again, Dot had another look at getting a ring but they didn't have one to fit her.
From there we headed to the beach for the girls to play in the sea. We crossed back over to the north side of the river and along to the pier, then down to the beach.
We spent the rest of the day down there, the tide we just starting to go out when we got there but was still fairly high when we decided to move on.
We wandered around to Spoons for tea but it was that busy in there I decided we would go back to the van and have a BBQ for tea. So we moved on to the Co-op, bought some thing we needed (beer for me) and made our way back to the site. There we had our food and sat out in the sun until we moved in to watch a film and the Olympics again.
Tuesday the 16th August
Quiet morning again then after lunch we set off for town, only this time we left via the back of the site and down onto the old train line. I had walked this line before, back in 2008 but that was a much longer walk we had done back then.
When we got down into town and after the girls looked in the shops, we decided to walk along the north pier (known as the West Pier). It was quite windy and cool along there but that didn't stop us, we did shelter behind the lighthouse for a while though .
After our walk, Dot made for the jewellery shop again and bought the ring she had been looking at, although it would have to be posted out to us later. After that I fancied beer so we popped into the Abbey Wharf, it was fairly full but we got a table ok. Only I queued for a while when a member of staff from the restaurant asked the barman to get the manager. So he wandered off and so did I, what sort of service is that.
We moved on to The Dolphin at the Swing Bridge, got a table in the window facing the bridge and I got served easily. In the passed we had sat there before and as last time the bridge opened up to let boats through. From there we moved on to the Spoons pub again, The Angel Hotel and got a table upstairs, it was a bit quieter than the first time.
We got served all right, the girls seemed to enjoy the food and drinks and it was very very cheep. Then it was back up to the van and the usual before bed.
Wednesday the 17th August
The one thing to report on our way back home, we stopped at Scaling Reservoir and got Hot Dogs and Burgers from the van there. I mention this as it only cost less than £6 for three big Hot Dogs and one Cheese Burger. They were well worth it.
14th August to the 17th August
Sunday the 14th August
A nice simple drive down to Whitby, the traffic wasn't bad at all and the van went well. The campsite was on the right, the last right turn before the A171 passes over the river Esk. The site is very small with mainly static vans but there is room for a few Motorhomes or Caravans. The toilet block is acceptable and clean but nothing special. Just over the A171 there is a path down to the town along the railway and it isn't very far to walk, although is is rather steep to get up and down from the A171.
Airy Hill Cottages, Airy Hill Farm
Whitby, North Yorkshire, YO21 1PZ
Web airyhillcottages.co.uk/
Web airyhillcottages.co.uk/
We arrived at the site and phoned the owner (who was out in his car), he asked just to park up on one of the hard bases where static caravans had been.
We had a sandwich for lunch and then set off into town. It was only a short walk down into town, we crossed over the railway lines and along by the river to the centre. When we got there Amber wanted to look in the shops on the north side of the river but we didn't get anything.
Next thing we did was pop into one of the jewellery shops on the other side, to have two of my gold rings altered, so that I could use them again. It was actually my wedding ring and my signet ring, both very old now and my fingers have grown. I have been wearing silver rings as a replacement over the last few years and usually forget to bring the gold ones whenever we come here. Anyway in The Black Market Jewellery Work Shop, it was only £15 to have them both made bigger, a bargain I reckon, they would not be ready until tomorrow though.
From there we wandered about the other shops on that side looking for a ring for Dot. Eventually though we wandered along to the beach.
After a sit on one of the piers, the kids decided that it was time for tea, even though it wasn't long since our lunch. Georgia and Emily even decided where we were going for tea, Hadleys Fish Restaurant, they like it there and so did we.
Dot, Georgia and Me all had fish and chips, Emily and Amber had sausage and chips, we also had mushy peas, all very good.
We walked back on the opposite side of the river to the way we came in, the climb back up to the bridge is worse on this side. The views from the bridge are pretty good though.
When we got back to the van, we set up for the night, watched a film and then the Olympics until we were all too tired to watch anymore.
Monday the 15th August
We had a nice easy morning in the sun and then after lunch, set off into town. We walked down the same way as yesterday and I took photos of the steam trains and the boats along the way.
As yesterday and headed straight to the jewellery shop to get my rings. After all these years my gold ring fit me again, Dot had another look at getting a ring but they didn't have one to fit her.
From there we headed to the beach for the girls to play in the sea. We crossed back over to the north side of the river and along to the pier, then down to the beach.
We spent the rest of the day down there, the tide we just starting to go out when we got there but was still fairly high when we decided to move on.
We wandered around to Spoons for tea but it was that busy in there I decided we would go back to the van and have a BBQ for tea. So we moved on to the Co-op, bought some thing we needed (beer for me) and made our way back to the site. There we had our food and sat out in the sun until we moved in to watch a film and the Olympics again.
Tuesday the 16th August
Quiet morning again then after lunch we set off for town, only this time we left via the back of the site and down onto the old train line. I had walked this line before, back in 2008 but that was a much longer walk we had done back then.
When we got down into town and after the girls looked in the shops, we decided to walk along the north pier (known as the West Pier). It was quite windy and cool along there but that didn't stop us, we did shelter behind the lighthouse for a while though .
After our walk, Dot made for the jewellery shop again and bought the ring she had been looking at, although it would have to be posted out to us later. After that I fancied beer so we popped into the Abbey Wharf, it was fairly full but we got a table ok. Only I queued for a while when a member of staff from the restaurant asked the barman to get the manager. So he wandered off and so did I, what sort of service is that.
We moved on to The Dolphin at the Swing Bridge, got a table in the window facing the bridge and I got served easily. In the passed we had sat there before and as last time the bridge opened up to let boats through. From there we moved on to the Spoons pub again, The Angel Hotel and got a table upstairs, it was a bit quieter than the first time.
We got served all right, the girls seemed to enjoy the food and drinks and it was very very cheep. Then it was back up to the van and the usual before bed.
Wednesday the 17th August
The one thing to report on our way back home, we stopped at Scaling Reservoir and got Hot Dogs and Burgers from the van there. I mention this as it only cost less than £6 for three big Hot Dogs and one Cheese Burger. They were well worth it.
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