Well our first trip away this year was supposed to be to York, we had it all booked up in plenty of time and for a whole week to fit in both of our birthdays. Well with the bad rain we had around the end of February the trip was first put off for a day, then canceled altogether. This was the second time in two years that we had our birthdays on the campsite in your York canceled and the first time it wasnt even wet. You can read about last year here
Anyway we rebooked and stayed in a hotel in Barnard Castle then a log cabin in the Lake District and had very good birthdays. See Here
I have just reinsured the Van but am very seriously thinking of selling it but that will have to wait, see below.
Within a month of this time away though, Coronavirus (COVID-19) has us all staying at home under lockdown, let's hope the remedy is found very soon and the world gets back to normal.
Showing posts with label York. Show all posts
Showing posts with label York. Show all posts
Wednesday, 16 September 2020
Monday, 13 March 2017
Back in York but for a week (March 2017)
4th March to the 11th March
Second time in York this year and only the second time away in the van. We are away for a full week to take in both our birthdays and to have a nice rest.
Saturday 4th March
My birthday, got ready and set off for York. When we arrived there it was very busy and it took some time to get through to the site. Once we got there we were told drive around, pick out a site and go back for the key (all very usual), only there were only three places available and one of them was reserved.
When we got settled in Ralph and Fran came to visit us and we sett off into town. Ralph's feet are not that good so in the end the girls wandered off and we made for the Spoons pub. Before we finished our first pint the girls turned up and joined us. Eventually we got our tea bought for us for our birthdays and it was very nice.
After they had gone we just stayed in the van and watched TV for the rest of the night.
Sunday 5th March
Today the other half of the family, Nick, Tim, Georgia, Emily and Sid came to visit. As yesterday we wandered off into town to go shopping, although the weather was not that good, it kept poring down. At one point I got the job of standing outside with Sid as everyone else was inside shopping (Sid is a Staffordshire Bull Terrier and he is very soft).
Latter when we were on our own after the others had gone home we just stayed in as the weather was not good. I messed with the iPad I had got from Nick and the others and had a couple of beers that I had brought with us.
Monday 6th March
Latter on the afternoon we wandered off towards the train station, just to see how long it took to get there. Of coarse we have done this before but we are getting old and just needed to check. We are off to Leeds for the day on Wednesday (makes a change from Harrogate), just for the day and it only cost us £12 in total.
Well it took about half an hour, we had a look around the station, got our train tickets from the machine and then wandered off into town.
I managed to buy a shirt and a cardigan in one shop after all our walking about, then made for the pubs. We had decided to try some different pubs for a change, and wandered into the first one we passed. Evil Eye Lounge was nice inside but the beers we got in there were not nice and very expensive (only in cans and bottle as well), so we drank up and moved on.
Next we went into the House Of The Trembling Madness, a very good beer shop and went upstairs to were they sell beers but it was too full, so we moved on.
The next place was The Botanist, the beer was much better in here even though I was from the USA. It was a Sam Addams on draft, from were we sat we noticed a bar restaurant opposite and decided to pop in there next. Dot had also noticed that it was half price in there on Monday as well, so that was it.
Kennedy's Bar and Restaurant, was full but we managed to get a table and ordered food, I think we both had the chicken burgers. I had a new beer in there a Helmsley, Striding The Riding, not too bad but I have had better.
On our way back to the van we did have another much cheaper one in the Kings.
Tuesday 7th March
Today after walking about York for a couple of hours we ended up in another new pub for us (I think we may have been in before a long time ago), the Hole in the Wall. I had a Marstons Pedigree and as we sat reading the menu noticed that they did smaller afternoon meals before five. So we had another beer each and ordered Stake Pie for Dot and I had Hunters Chicken.
From there we moved on to PivnĂ, I had a Wild Weather Ales, Big Muddy and Dot had Primátor, Czech Wheat Beer. Both nice although Dots was better than mine.
From there on our way back to the van we did have another one in the Kings again.
Wednesday 8th March
Up early, showered and ready to go to Leeds. Arrived at the train station with plenty of time but could not find our train on the departure boards. In the end I asked and we were stood next to our train, still never got onto the main boards though.
On arrival in Leeds we walked into the Spoons in the station for an early lunch, the breakfast that is available until twelve. But the one in the station was very full and we could not find seats, so we decided we would just get something later.
Out of the station we walked along Park Row and within minuets came across another Spoons, so we popped in and ordered two breakfasts. The spoons was Becketts Bank and it was a bit rundown must be one of the older ones but the food was ok. Looking out of the window in Spoons we noticed a Gino D'Acampo My Restaurant, opposite, looked good but probably beyond our pockets.
After diner we wandered around into the centre and did the shops, lots of shops, Leeds is a lot bigger than I remembered. Even the indoor market it very big and I think the only thing we bought in Leeds was in there.
Eventually it was time to sit down and we ended up sat outside another spoons The Cuthbert Brodrick, it looked a lot newer and was in a very good position. Sat outside in the sun was very nice and with our backs against the wall, it was very warm. I had an Acorn, Jarrylo IPA, it was not too bad Dot was sticking with the 1664.
We had a couple sat outside in the sun, although I switched to Abbots for the second one. We then moved inside as the wind got up a bit and we decided to have food again. This time we had Tandoori Chicken Wraps with Chips and yet another beer or two.
Soon it was time to get back to the station, we had a slow walk back and waited about half an hour for the train back to York. Once back we just walked back to the van and had an early night. We had walked today further than we had walked for over a year.
I woke about midnight with my hart in defib and I kept having to get up and go to the toilet, luckily by the time Dot woke at about eight, I was back to normal but it had tiered me out.
Thursday 9th March
We didn't do much at all today, besides me, we were both worn out after our long walk yesterday. We sat watching the TV but eventually set off for a walk late in the afternoon. Although we didn't get far, we just wandered out the back and made for the pub out there, the Swan, but only had the one in there. I asked what to try and the one I was given was foul, Empire, Soner, is not nice at all.
We were joined in there by a group of about seven what looked like students, and an older man with a dog. The older one was asking for volunteers for something tomorrow and when three said they could, he gave them pamphlets and left. The seven what looked like students, then all sat there with their half's or water and looked and typed on their phones in silence. It was all very strange.
We then set off for food, we looked in the caffs and restaurants close by but just got something from the shop and went back to the van.
Friday 10th March
Dots birthday, we were both feeling better today and set off into town for tea. After a look around the shops and getting birthday presents from me, we made for The Star Inn the City and sat outside in the sun. Although that didn't last long and we moved inside to finish our drinks. Again I did that thing with the drinks, I asked what to try and again it was foul. The Brew York, Jarsa Session Ale, could have been the same one as last night, so we moved on after that one.
Dot had picked somewhere for tea, it was a restaurant bar we had been in on Monday, The Botanist, first we had a drink in the front before moving into the restaurant at the back. There were also rooms upstairs but we just got a table under the stirs, this was a lot better than is sounds though. I had Lamb Koftas and Dot had Steak, both very nice, I also had the Sam Addams to drink again.
Saterday 11th March
Nice sleep in, then got the van to go, the drive home was straightforward see you next time.
Second time in York this year and only the second time away in the van. We are away for a full week to take in both our birthdays and to have a nice rest.
Saturday 4th March
My birthday, got ready and set off for York. When we arrived there it was very busy and it took some time to get through to the site. Once we got there we were told drive around, pick out a site and go back for the key (all very usual), only there were only three places available and one of them was reserved.
When we got settled in Ralph and Fran came to visit us and we sett off into town. Ralph's feet are not that good so in the end the girls wandered off and we made for the Spoons pub. Before we finished our first pint the girls turned up and joined us. Eventually we got our tea bought for us for our birthdays and it was very nice.
After they had gone we just stayed in the van and watched TV for the rest of the night.
Sunday 5th March
Today the other half of the family, Nick, Tim, Georgia, Emily and Sid came to visit. As yesterday we wandered off into town to go shopping, although the weather was not that good, it kept poring down. At one point I got the job of standing outside with Sid as everyone else was inside shopping (Sid is a Staffordshire Bull Terrier and he is very soft).
Latter when we were on our own after the others had gone home we just stayed in as the weather was not good. I messed with the iPad I had got from Nick and the others and had a couple of beers that I had brought with us.
Monday 6th March
Latter on the afternoon we wandered off towards the train station, just to see how long it took to get there. Of coarse we have done this before but we are getting old and just needed to check. We are off to Leeds for the day on Wednesday (makes a change from Harrogate), just for the day and it only cost us £12 in total.
Well it took about half an hour, we had a look around the station, got our train tickets from the machine and then wandered off into town.
I managed to buy a shirt and a cardigan in one shop after all our walking about, then made for the pubs. We had decided to try some different pubs for a change, and wandered into the first one we passed. Evil Eye Lounge was nice inside but the beers we got in there were not nice and very expensive (only in cans and bottle as well), so we drank up and moved on.
Next we went into the House Of The Trembling Madness, a very good beer shop and went upstairs to were they sell beers but it was too full, so we moved on.
The next place was The Botanist, the beer was much better in here even though I was from the USA. It was a Sam Addams on draft, from were we sat we noticed a bar restaurant opposite and decided to pop in there next. Dot had also noticed that it was half price in there on Monday as well, so that was it.
Kennedy's Bar and Restaurant, was full but we managed to get a table and ordered food, I think we both had the chicken burgers. I had a new beer in there a Helmsley, Striding The Riding, not too bad but I have had better.
On our way back to the van we did have another much cheaper one in the Kings.
Tuesday 7th March
Today after walking about York for a couple of hours we ended up in another new pub for us (I think we may have been in before a long time ago), the Hole in the Wall. I had a Marstons Pedigree and as we sat reading the menu noticed that they did smaller afternoon meals before five. So we had another beer each and ordered Stake Pie for Dot and I had Hunters Chicken.
From there we moved on to PivnĂ, I had a Wild Weather Ales, Big Muddy and Dot had Primátor, Czech Wheat Beer. Both nice although Dots was better than mine.
From there on our way back to the van we did have another one in the Kings again.
Wednesday 8th March
Up early, showered and ready to go to Leeds. Arrived at the train station with plenty of time but could not find our train on the departure boards. In the end I asked and we were stood next to our train, still never got onto the main boards though.
On arrival in Leeds we walked into the Spoons in the station for an early lunch, the breakfast that is available until twelve. But the one in the station was very full and we could not find seats, so we decided we would just get something later.
Out of the station we walked along Park Row and within minuets came across another Spoons, so we popped in and ordered two breakfasts. The spoons was Becketts Bank and it was a bit rundown must be one of the older ones but the food was ok. Looking out of the window in Spoons we noticed a Gino D'Acampo My Restaurant, opposite, looked good but probably beyond our pockets.
After diner we wandered around into the centre and did the shops, lots of shops, Leeds is a lot bigger than I remembered. Even the indoor market it very big and I think the only thing we bought in Leeds was in there.
Eventually it was time to sit down and we ended up sat outside another spoons The Cuthbert Brodrick, it looked a lot newer and was in a very good position. Sat outside in the sun was very nice and with our backs against the wall, it was very warm. I had an Acorn, Jarrylo IPA, it was not too bad Dot was sticking with the 1664.
We had a couple sat outside in the sun, although I switched to Abbots for the second one. We then moved inside as the wind got up a bit and we decided to have food again. This time we had Tandoori Chicken Wraps with Chips and yet another beer or two.
Soon it was time to get back to the station, we had a slow walk back and waited about half an hour for the train back to York. Once back we just walked back to the van and had an early night. We had walked today further than we had walked for over a year.
I woke about midnight with my hart in defib and I kept having to get up and go to the toilet, luckily by the time Dot woke at about eight, I was back to normal but it had tiered me out.
Thursday 9th March
We didn't do much at all today, besides me, we were both worn out after our long walk yesterday. We sat watching the TV but eventually set off for a walk late in the afternoon. Although we didn't get far, we just wandered out the back and made for the pub out there, the Swan, but only had the one in there. I asked what to try and the one I was given was foul, Empire, Soner, is not nice at all.
We were joined in there by a group of about seven what looked like students, and an older man with a dog. The older one was asking for volunteers for something tomorrow and when three said they could, he gave them pamphlets and left. The seven what looked like students, then all sat there with their half's or water and looked and typed on their phones in silence. It was all very strange.
We then set off for food, we looked in the caffs and restaurants close by but just got something from the shop and went back to the van.
Friday 10th March
Dots birthday, we were both feeling better today and set off into town for tea. After a look around the shops and getting birthday presents from me, we made for The Star Inn the City and sat outside in the sun. Although that didn't last long and we moved inside to finish our drinks. Again I did that thing with the drinks, I asked what to try and again it was foul. The Brew York, Jarsa Session Ale, could have been the same one as last night, so we moved on after that one.
Dot had picked somewhere for tea, it was a restaurant bar we had been in on Monday, The Botanist, first we had a drink in the front before moving into the restaurant at the back. There were also rooms upstairs but we just got a table under the stirs, this was a lot better than is sounds though. I had Lamb Koftas and Dot had Steak, both very nice, I also had the Sam Addams to drink again.
Saterday 11th March
Nice sleep in, then got the van to go, the drive home was straightforward see you next time.
Saturday, 26 March 2016
Second Trip, York and Barnard Castle 2016
March 5th to the 15th
Our second trip away this year was in March for our birthdays, we went the day after my birthday and a few days before Dot birthday. This trip was for a good few days in York then a few more in Barnard Castle, both using Caravan Club sites.
Sat March 5th
Back in York, the day after my birthday, I have not been well for a couple of days so really missed my birthday. Dot was ill for a few days before me but is feeling a lot better now, hope I do tomorrow. As its Saturday York is very full and we are not giving the drunks another chance to spoil out time away. So we parked up and watched some TV, a film on channel 4.
Eventually went for a walk along the river and back through the park and took some photos of just how high the river was.
Later we walked out the back gate to get something to eat, but as nether of us was that bothered about eating we just popped into the nearest pub for a beer. The Swan and Signets was full but we got a seat (we do not like the centre of York on a Saturday night as it is very full and a little bit rough, so that why we went in there) but after a couple of beers we decided to go back to the van.
On the short walk back, we got a bag of chips some curry sauce and a couple of buns, not what we would usually get but we didn't fancy anything much. Afterwards we decide that we could have done without the chips as they were not that good at all.
Had an early night and a real good sleep.
Sun March 6th
Nice sleep in and morning resting watching TV (Sunday Brunch), after lunch we went for a shower each, before setting off into town.
The river had dropped a little bit today but it is still very high. As the Flying Scotsman was in town today, we popped into the Railway Museum to see it. Last time we were in there to see it (long time ago) its number was 4472 now it is 60103. The numbering of this Engine has been 1472, 4472, 502, 103 then 60103, it may now be the 60103 but to me it is still the 4472.
From there we walked through the town centre just as all the shops were closing but Dot managed to buy some new gloves.
Then it was off to the pub for tea, in the Spoons the The Postern Gate, we had tandoori chicken wraps, very cheep and not bad at all. We also had a couple of beers but then went back to the van, we are still not at all well.
Mon March 7th
Nice quiet morning in the van and didn't go out until after lunch. It was a walk we really wanted to do, so we set off along the town walls. We got up onto the wall at the Victorian turret, at Baile Hill and walked along clockwise (I have covered the wall walk many times see here). But we came down at Micklegate Bar and walked along and down Micklegate into town (or as it is, the city centre).
We had a look around the shops (avoiding people from the red cross collecting) and went for a cup of tea in the British Home Stores, never again though the place was in a really disgusting state. The tea was ok but the place could have done with a good clean, floor, seats, tables well everything, it was disgusting (British Home Stores closed for good later that year).
After that we continued shopping, ordered some jeans in Next (have to pop back in tomorrow for them) but eventually popped into a pub The Pivni for a rest. Had a beer in there but Dot only had a soda water.
From there we went into The Slug and Lettuce to get something to eat. Half price Monday in there, we got a seat at the front with a nice view of the river. We both had Italian Chicken, not bad for half price and a full price beer each.
We then moved down stares to the Kings, it was not open on our last trip after a flood, this time it had been flooded when we arrived in York but was now open. The ladies toilets were closed and the till went off while we were in there but they had beer.
On the way back we popped into the new Sainsbury’s, to get some things we needed for tomorrow.
Tues March 8th
After lunch and late on, we set off into town, we went the quick way across Skeldergate bridge and straight to the shops. Dot had a look at some shoes and handbags before we went for the jeans from Next.
From there we went shoe and handbag shopping again but managed to look into one of the expensive beer shops. Didn’t get any beer in there but eventually we did go into the The Pivni for a beer or two. We started with a wheat beer, which unfortunately went off before we could get another, so we had to try something different. In the end we, well I had three different beers, although I did give Dot half my wheat beer.
As we were walking back to the van, Dot suggested that we pop into the Smiths pub in the centre, The Burns (the old Hansom Cab), so we did and she had another wheat beer (a pint) while I had an Old Brewery. The price of both our beers in there, was about the price of one beer in the pub before.
On the way back we popped into Tesco to top up on different cheeses for our tea.
Wed March 9th
Wednesday morning it was bucketing down so we just stayed in the van and watched TV.
It stopped raining late in the afternoon and we went out to get a card for Dot’s birthday tomorrow, but the shops local didn’t have anything nice. So we just went back to the van and had a night in, we did have wine and beer back there though.
Thur March 10th
Slept in, then I made a nice big breakfast, did I mention its Dots birthday. We had a very easy rest of the morning, sat watching TV. Later in the afternoon we set off into town, we walked the quick way over Skeldergate Bridge and hit the shops.
Eventually we ended up at The Star Inn the City by Lendal Bridge and wandered in for a drink, the weather had improved that much we sat outside. As we had sat outside to drink, a few others also came and sat outside, we had started a trend. We had a look at the menu in there but did not fancy anything they had.
So we moved on, we had to have a pint in the Smiths pub, that was for me to use the toilet and to have a dark beer, something they seem to have stopped serving in most pubs (I may moan about this again).
We ended up in the Cote Brasserie a French restaurant and had the set three course menu, we did have different dishes though and it was all ok. I had a couple of bottles of Pelforth Blond, not bad at all. The bill did come with a tip already added on, bit of a cheek I thought, the price was in small printing but with the tip was it was in large.
From there we went into The Pivni and again I had a yellow beer getting a bit sick of this now, I suppose the kids are the ones out, so it is their beer that’s for sale, shame they do not know what they are missing.
Fri March 11th
Up early today as we are moving on, got sorted and set off for Barnard Castle and arrived there just about twelve. There was lots of room when we arrived but by the evening the site was full.
After lunch we wandered of into town, quite a walk but not too bad. The footbridge across the Tees has changed the cables or pipes that cross the river here have been recovered with a plastic cover. Hope it is stronger then it looks.
We had a good walk about the shops, before going into the pub, The Three Horseshoes, the really nice pub and hotel. We had a few pints and even had food in there, Dot had the Steak & Ale Pie and I had the Homemade 6oz Burger. The food was very good but the beer was that gold coloured poor excuse again.
When we left we got a taxi back, it was £4.00, a bit poor when you can practically see the campsite from were we got it.
Sat March 12th
Well we could not be bothered to go out today, Dot was tired and my back was not too good at all. So we just stayed in and watched the Rugby on TV. Even after the Rugby we did nothing and even had an early night. By the way did I mention that England won, we beat Wales easily, only France to go now.
Sun March 13th
Foggy morning according to the TV, just watched the news and that's what it said, well it isn't foggy up this way, strange that.
After dinner we set off for a short walk, we wandered down the hill and along to the second footbridge over the Tees. The weather was now very nice now and we walked without our coats on. I do not have many photos of our walk as we have done it quite a few times in the past.
Up in town we had a nice sit in the sun and then a wander round the shops that were open. Before I wandered into a couple of pubs to see if the Boro match was on anywhere. We found one that said they would put it on, so we went into the Coach and Horses. They had the Rugby on one TV and put the Boro match on another one. Although after about half an hour they turned over and put the Man United match on, so we left. The language used by some of the other customers and staff in there was a disgrace and most seemed drunk early in the afternoon. This pub has really gone down hill over the last few years but at least we now know, not to pop in there again.
We went into another much nicer pub along the road the Cricketers Arms and watched the end of the Rugby. The Boro got worse as the game went on and they lost by two goals anyway. Eventually we crossed back over the road and went back into the Three Horseshoes for a couple.
On the way back to the van we popped into the Co-op and got a couple of curries to have for supper. We then walked back to the site in the dark, something we said we would not do again but it wasn't that bad.
Mon March 14th
My back was really bad this morning, it has been getting worse as we have been away but it was very bad today. Took a couple of pain killer tablets and in an hour or so it wasn't too bad.
The plan for our last day, was to go for a walk this afternoon and pop into the nice pub for tea later.
We wandered into town the same way as we did on the yesterday and wandered around the shops for a while. we soon gave up and went into the Three Horseshoes but sat outside in the sun for a couple of beers.
When the sun went down, we went inside and had our tea, we got the same as a couple of days ago only I had the Steak & Ale Pie and Dot had the Homemade 6oz Burger.
It was still early when we wandered back to the campsite.
Tues March 15th
My back was really bad again, hope it is not using the van that is hurting it. Took pain killers again and it cleared up slightly. We had a restful morning and because my back was bad (and it was raining, unlike the weather forecast, which said no rain), when we left we headed straight home.
Our second trip away this year was in March for our birthdays, we went the day after my birthday and a few days before Dot birthday. This trip was for a good few days in York then a few more in Barnard Castle, both using Caravan Club sites.
Sat March 5th
Back in York, the day after my birthday, I have not been well for a couple of days so really missed my birthday. Dot was ill for a few days before me but is feeling a lot better now, hope I do tomorrow. As its Saturday York is very full and we are not giving the drunks another chance to spoil out time away. So we parked up and watched some TV, a film on channel 4.
Eventually went for a walk along the river and back through the park and took some photos of just how high the river was.
Later we walked out the back gate to get something to eat, but as nether of us was that bothered about eating we just popped into the nearest pub for a beer. The Swan and Signets was full but we got a seat (we do not like the centre of York on a Saturday night as it is very full and a little bit rough, so that why we went in there) but after a couple of beers we decided to go back to the van.
On the short walk back, we got a bag of chips some curry sauce and a couple of buns, not what we would usually get but we didn't fancy anything much. Afterwards we decide that we could have done without the chips as they were not that good at all.
Had an early night and a real good sleep.
Sun March 6th
Nice sleep in and morning resting watching TV (Sunday Brunch), after lunch we went for a shower each, before setting off into town.
The river had dropped a little bit today but it is still very high. As the Flying Scotsman was in town today, we popped into the Railway Museum to see it. Last time we were in there to see it (long time ago) its number was 4472 now it is 60103. The numbering of this Engine has been 1472, 4472, 502, 103 then 60103, it may now be the 60103 but to me it is still the 4472.
From there we walked through the town centre just as all the shops were closing but Dot managed to buy some new gloves.
Then it was off to the pub for tea, in the Spoons the The Postern Gate, we had tandoori chicken wraps, very cheep and not bad at all. We also had a couple of beers but then went back to the van, we are still not at all well.
Mon March 7th
Nice quiet morning in the van and didn't go out until after lunch. It was a walk we really wanted to do, so we set off along the town walls. We got up onto the wall at the Victorian turret, at Baile Hill and walked along clockwise (I have covered the wall walk many times see here). But we came down at Micklegate Bar and walked along and down Micklegate into town (or as it is, the city centre).
We had a look around the shops (avoiding people from the red cross collecting) and went for a cup of tea in the British Home Stores, never again though the place was in a really disgusting state. The tea was ok but the place could have done with a good clean, floor, seats, tables well everything, it was disgusting (British Home Stores closed for good later that year).
After that we continued shopping, ordered some jeans in Next (have to pop back in tomorrow for them) but eventually popped into a pub The Pivni for a rest. Had a beer in there but Dot only had a soda water.
From there we went into The Slug and Lettuce to get something to eat. Half price Monday in there, we got a seat at the front with a nice view of the river. We both had Italian Chicken, not bad for half price and a full price beer each.
We then moved down stares to the Kings, it was not open on our last trip after a flood, this time it had been flooded when we arrived in York but was now open. The ladies toilets were closed and the till went off while we were in there but they had beer.
On the way back we popped into the new Sainsbury’s, to get some things we needed for tomorrow.
Tues March 8th
After lunch and late on, we set off into town, we went the quick way across Skeldergate bridge and straight to the shops. Dot had a look at some shoes and handbags before we went for the jeans from Next.
From there we went shoe and handbag shopping again but managed to look into one of the expensive beer shops. Didn’t get any beer in there but eventually we did go into the The Pivni for a beer or two. We started with a wheat beer, which unfortunately went off before we could get another, so we had to try something different. In the end we, well I had three different beers, although I did give Dot half my wheat beer.
As we were walking back to the van, Dot suggested that we pop into the Smiths pub in the centre, The Burns (the old Hansom Cab), so we did and she had another wheat beer (a pint) while I had an Old Brewery. The price of both our beers in there, was about the price of one beer in the pub before.
On the way back we popped into Tesco to top up on different cheeses for our tea.
Wed March 9th
Wednesday morning it was bucketing down so we just stayed in the van and watched TV.
It stopped raining late in the afternoon and we went out to get a card for Dot’s birthday tomorrow, but the shops local didn’t have anything nice. So we just went back to the van and had a night in, we did have wine and beer back there though.
Thur March 10th
Slept in, then I made a nice big breakfast, did I mention its Dots birthday. We had a very easy rest of the morning, sat watching TV. Later in the afternoon we set off into town, we walked the quick way over Skeldergate Bridge and hit the shops.
Eventually we ended up at The Star Inn the City by Lendal Bridge and wandered in for a drink, the weather had improved that much we sat outside. As we had sat outside to drink, a few others also came and sat outside, we had started a trend. We had a look at the menu in there but did not fancy anything they had.
So we moved on, we had to have a pint in the Smiths pub, that was for me to use the toilet and to have a dark beer, something they seem to have stopped serving in most pubs (I may moan about this again).
We ended up in the Cote Brasserie a French restaurant and had the set three course menu, we did have different dishes though and it was all ok. I had a couple of bottles of Pelforth Blond, not bad at all. The bill did come with a tip already added on, bit of a cheek I thought, the price was in small printing but with the tip was it was in large.
From there we went into The Pivni and again I had a yellow beer getting a bit sick of this now, I suppose the kids are the ones out, so it is their beer that’s for sale, shame they do not know what they are missing.
Fri March 11th
Up early today as we are moving on, got sorted and set off for Barnard Castle and arrived there just about twelve. There was lots of room when we arrived but by the evening the site was full.
After lunch we wandered of into town, quite a walk but not too bad. The footbridge across the Tees has changed the cables or pipes that cross the river here have been recovered with a plastic cover. Hope it is stronger then it looks.
We had a good walk about the shops, before going into the pub, The Three Horseshoes, the really nice pub and hotel. We had a few pints and even had food in there, Dot had the Steak & Ale Pie and I had the Homemade 6oz Burger. The food was very good but the beer was that gold coloured poor excuse again.
When we left we got a taxi back, it was £4.00, a bit poor when you can practically see the campsite from were we got it.
Sat March 12th
Well we could not be bothered to go out today, Dot was tired and my back was not too good at all. So we just stayed in and watched the Rugby on TV. Even after the Rugby we did nothing and even had an early night. By the way did I mention that England won, we beat Wales easily, only France to go now.
Sun March 13th
Foggy morning according to the TV, just watched the news and that's what it said, well it isn't foggy up this way, strange that.
After dinner we set off for a short walk, we wandered down the hill and along to the second footbridge over the Tees. The weather was now very nice now and we walked without our coats on. I do not have many photos of our walk as we have done it quite a few times in the past.
Up in town we had a nice sit in the sun and then a wander round the shops that were open. Before I wandered into a couple of pubs to see if the Boro match was on anywhere. We found one that said they would put it on, so we went into the Coach and Horses. They had the Rugby on one TV and put the Boro match on another one. Although after about half an hour they turned over and put the Man United match on, so we left. The language used by some of the other customers and staff in there was a disgrace and most seemed drunk early in the afternoon. This pub has really gone down hill over the last few years but at least we now know, not to pop in there again.
We went into another much nicer pub along the road the Cricketers Arms and watched the end of the Rugby. The Boro got worse as the game went on and they lost by two goals anyway. Eventually we crossed back over the road and went back into the Three Horseshoes for a couple.
On the way back to the van we popped into the Co-op and got a couple of curries to have for supper. We then walked back to the site in the dark, something we said we would not do again but it wasn't that bad.
Mon March 14th
My back was really bad this morning, it has been getting worse as we have been away but it was very bad today. Took a couple of pain killer tablets and in an hour or so it wasn't too bad.
The plan for our last day, was to go for a walk this afternoon and pop into the nice pub for tea later.
We wandered into town the same way as we did on the yesterday and wandered around the shops for a while. we soon gave up and went into the Three Horseshoes but sat outside in the sun for a couple of beers.
When the sun went down, we went inside and had our tea, we got the same as a couple of days ago only I had the Steak & Ale Pie and Dot had the Homemade 6oz Burger.
It was still early when we wandered back to the campsite.
Tues March 15th
My back was really bad again, hope it is not using the van that is hurting it. Took pain killers again and it cleared up slightly. We had a restful morning and because my back was bad (and it was raining, unlike the weather forecast, which said no rain), when we left we headed straight home.
Thursday, 4 February 2016
First Trip, York 2016
York 24th to 27th of Jan 2016
Sunday Jan 24th
We arrived in York not long after twelve and was surprised to see how much room there was on site. The warden said that it had been full on Friday and Saturday nights though.
As I was getting set up and Dot was over reception getting the keys, I discovered that I had forgot the TV. I had also taken all of the laptops out and left them at home, so we would have to go without TV for a few days.
After lunch we set off into town, the first thing we did was pop into Argos just to have a looks at the TV's but didn't get one, we just carried on with our walk. We did however look in several other shops at the TV's on our walk, but still didn't get one. Eventually, after a good walk around and close to closing time, we ended up back in Argos and bought a new TV.
From there we headed into Spoons the Postern Gate for something for tea and a couple of pints. I did not have my camera with me so there are no new beer photos (the new stuff was awful anyway) but I think that I had three. I only had the one new beer, it was awful so the rest were good old Abbots. We both had the same to eat, Chicken Ticker Wraps with Chips, I had a pint of Abbots and Dot had a Vodka and Coke, all for just less than a tenner.
Back at the van we got the TV working and had a nice night watching, I also had another beer.
Monday Jan 25th
I woke about two, with my heart out of rhythm, this is twice this has happened after arriving in the van and also once after a drive to France. It went back to normal at about ten but it is not good at all. I think it may have something to do with not having breakfast but I could be something else.
So we had a quiet morning and most of the afternoon before walking into town. We walked along the campsite side of the river, as far as the rail bridge then crossed over and walked back to the shops. After a short walk around the shops we went into the Slug And Lettuce by the river for tea.
It was Monday so it was two for one from the menu in there, although the beer is not cheep. Dot had the Italian Style Chicken and I had the Smothered Chicken not the best but not bad for around a tenner.
Then it was back to the van for a rest after my heart incident on the morning, from the Slug And Lettuce we walked passed The Kings but it was still closed after the floods, shame.
Once back, we watched TV again, I did have several bottles of Budweiser and Dot had a bottle of white wine, so much for not drinking.
Tuesday Jan 26th
All ok last night and I felt a lot better than the previous day.
So after lunch we hit the town shopping, I got shoes and a shirt (a Ben Sherman), not too sure what Dot bought but I am sure it was something she needed.
Eventually it was time to head to a pub for tea, but first we went into one of the Smiths bubs in the center, for a pint of Old Brewery Bitter for me and an Organic Wheat Beer for Dot. After that we headed back to the Postern Gate, the food there is very cheap but edible and there is a large selection of beers. After our first drinks, a Great Heck, Shankar IPA and a Disaronno and Coke, we ordered food. The Shankar IPA was not nice at all so with our food we got the same drinks as our last visit. So again I had a pint of Abbots and Dot had a Vodka and Coke but this time we had Tandoori chicken wraps with chips, all for just less than a tenner.
It was a bit later when we got back to the van but not that late and we had the TV to watch.
Wednesday Jan 27th
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.
Sunday Jan 24th
We arrived in York not long after twelve and was surprised to see how much room there was on site. The warden said that it had been full on Friday and Saturday nights though.
As I was getting set up and Dot was over reception getting the keys, I discovered that I had forgot the TV. I had also taken all of the laptops out and left them at home, so we would have to go without TV for a few days.
After lunch we set off into town, the first thing we did was pop into Argos just to have a looks at the TV's but didn't get one, we just carried on with our walk. We did however look in several other shops at the TV's on our walk, but still didn't get one. Eventually, after a good walk around and close to closing time, we ended up back in Argos and bought a new TV.
From there we headed into Spoons the Postern Gate for something for tea and a couple of pints. I did not have my camera with me so there are no new beer photos (the new stuff was awful anyway) but I think that I had three. I only had the one new beer, it was awful so the rest were good old Abbots. We both had the same to eat, Chicken Ticker Wraps with Chips, I had a pint of Abbots and Dot had a Vodka and Coke, all for just less than a tenner.
Back at the van we got the TV working and had a nice night watching, I also had another beer.
Monday Jan 25th
I woke about two, with my heart out of rhythm, this is twice this has happened after arriving in the van and also once after a drive to France. It went back to normal at about ten but it is not good at all. I think it may have something to do with not having breakfast but I could be something else.
So we had a quiet morning and most of the afternoon before walking into town. We walked along the campsite side of the river, as far as the rail bridge then crossed over and walked back to the shops. After a short walk around the shops we went into the Slug And Lettuce by the river for tea.
It was Monday so it was two for one from the menu in there, although the beer is not cheep. Dot had the Italian Style Chicken and I had the Smothered Chicken not the best but not bad for around a tenner.
Then it was back to the van for a rest after my heart incident on the morning, from the Slug And Lettuce we walked passed The Kings but it was still closed after the floods, shame.
Once back, we watched TV again, I did have several bottles of Budweiser and Dot had a bottle of white wine, so much for not drinking.
Tuesday Jan 26th
All ok last night and I felt a lot better than the previous day.
So after lunch we hit the town shopping, I got shoes and a shirt (a Ben Sherman), not too sure what Dot bought but I am sure it was something she needed.
Eventually it was time to head to a pub for tea, but first we went into one of the Smiths bubs in the center, for a pint of Old Brewery Bitter for me and an Organic Wheat Beer for Dot. After that we headed back to the Postern Gate, the food there is very cheap but edible and there is a large selection of beers. After our first drinks, a Great Heck, Shankar IPA and a Disaronno and Coke, we ordered food. The Shankar IPA was not nice at all so with our food we got the same drinks as our last visit. So again I had a pint of Abbots and Dot had a Vodka and Coke but this time we had Tandoori chicken wraps with chips, all for just less than a tenner.
It was a bit later when we got back to the van but not that late and we had the TV to watch.
Wednesday Jan 27th
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.
Thursday, 9 February 2012
Past Trips, UK 2008 York
Three trips to York in 2008 (about usual).
March 13th to 16th
When we got back from Keswick, as Dot was still off work for another week, I checked out the CC website for late availability and was astounded to find the there was room on the York site, so booked in immediately.
March 13th
Got settled in and then walked into the centre, along the river and it was very high but not high enough to close the pub. We had a good look round (we do come to York all the time but there is always so much to see, epically if you remember to look up).
After our walk and some extensive shopping, we made our way to the Kings Arms, for a couple of pints of Sam Smiths. The river level was still very high, the jetties used by the pleasure boats were under water but we were informed that levels were on the way down.
We sat near a young couple from the Dewsbury area, who were here for the day, they had come on the train and would get the last one home tonight, for those that live near the main line, this is a very good idea.
I heard the guy sat behind me on the phone, explaining that he was at the bus stop waiting for a bus and that it would probably be another hour before he got home, when I turned to look he still had a full pint.
We had a couple more beers before setting off back to the site and some food.
14th March
Set off for a walk along the north side river, towards the race course, It was bitterly cold but the sun was out and we were well wrapped up. We walked through Rowntree park to the Millennium Bridge, where we stopped for photos, before heading out of town.
We passed the marina (boats tied up), where the path disappeared and we were walking across fields, the path was marked though. We continued on until we though we were just getting too far from town and headed back for lunch.
Back at the Millennium Bridge we crossed over the river took some more photos, and walked back towards town on that side, we would then cross back over at the next bridge and go back to the site for food.
Well that didn't work, when we got to the bridge Dot said, as we were already in town we should get something to eat there and stay out, because if we did go back to the van we might be to too tired and not want to go back out again. So I agreed with her, took some more photos, this time of the Blue Bridge over the river Foss at its confluence with the Ouse, and headed into town passed Clifford's Tower of a sandwich.
After our sandwiches, Dot eventually got me to agree to go on the Yorkshire Eye (the big wheel), she had been asking for months and I have always put it off but I gave in this time. So we set off the long way through town to the railway museum and the Yorkshire Eye. It cost £6.00 each for the ride and you had to walk through the museum to get to the eye. There were no queues but we had to wait while the previous ride finished but that was only about ten mins. Just as the wheel started Dot noticed a mobile phone on the seat next to her and then it started to ring, it was the people who were on the ride before us, we agreed to bring it off for them. However when our gondola got back to the bottom, the wheel stopped and the attendant retrieved the phone.
After putting it off for so long, it was quite an enjoyable ride, with good views of the Minster and York train station, although there is not much else to see. In the distance you could make out the huge power stations of Drax and Ferrybridge but not very well as it was a hazy day.
When we got off the eye, we though It would be a good idea to look around the museum, even though it wasn't long ago we were last there and there is usually something new to see.
But about half way round the second part of the museum, we were beginning to lose interest, were too tired for all this and instead started on the trek back to the Kings Arms, for a rest and a beer.
After popping into a small but well stocked shop for ingredients for supper (I also got some bottled beers I hadn't had before), we walked slowly back along the river, where I took some bridge photos and some of the pub. We had several beers with some people from the site before we headed back to the van, thoroughly worn-out, we had done a bit too much walking for one day.
15th March
Even though we had done too much walking the day before we set off to walk along the top of the old city walls, done it before and will probably do it again.
The good thing about walking round the walls is that, if you get bored or tired or the weather changes, you can just come down and you are still fairly central to do something else.
We did only walk as far as Lendal Bridge but in my opinion, this is the best bit of the wall to walk anyway. We crossed over Lendal bridge and walked round the botanical gardens, out the other side and then back along the river to the campsite for lunch and to watch England v Ireland in the six nations rugby, we won for a change.
Later that afternoon we set off into town again but this time to watch the Boro play Arsenal, it was on Setanta Sport, so we could not get it on our satellite, we did see it was on in a pub not too far from the site. When we got to the pub, just in time for the kick off, it was very full and we could only see the Wales v France rugby mach on he big screen. So we gave in and went to the Kink Arms instead, I did look inside several other pubs but they all had the rugby on not the football. After a couple of beers we setoff back to the site but looked back in the other pub just in case. Well it was just coming up to half time and it was on and we were wining 0 - 1. The Football was on one large screen, the Rugby Union was on another and the Rugby League on a another, it was a madhouse in there. Arsenal managed to get one back with about three mins to go, but that's better than nothing.
16th March
Popped into the shopping outlet, just off the A16 and A64, Your Designer Outlet, used to be Mcarthur Glenn, spent too much then headed home. Had to make a detour at Thirsk for fuel from Tesco's, by now though it was raining so we just when home.
October 12th to 15th
October 12th
Second visit to York this year, got set up and headed into town, it was a nice warm day and there were crowds of people drinking outside the King's. The Red Boats were also out in force and doing very well by the look.
As we approached the end of the wall, we heard a car horn sounding and some shouting from the road below, being inquisitive (nosy), we looked over to find Josh had just had a near miss with a car on a pedestrian crossing. Josh had right of way (the green man was lit), the car mustn't have seen the lights or was on the phone or something. Anyway we shouted down to josh and he crossed back over to meet us, after ribbing him for a while about looking before you cross the road, we directed him in the right direction for the city centre.
October 14th
Much cooler and damp today but we decided we would have a walk upstream along the river anyway, it was something we hadn't done before.
For the full story of the walk click on the link below.
York (Ouse North), October 2008. Approximately 4.0 mile or 6.5 kilometres
We sat in the castle grounds, overlooking the river and viaduct for the picnic, you do not get views like this for a picnic every day. I say castle grounds as there is not much remaining of what must have been a magnificent building but it was dismantled in 1648 because of an order from Parliament. It had been on the wrong side during the civil war, now many town centre buildings are built with stone from the castle. Two ladies having their lunch next to us were jealous of me tacking photos, as they had forgot to bring their camera with them.
Not quite a cold today, so decided we would leave the Christmas shopping for a day and see where the river Foss flows through the city. We made a picnic and set off for the Foss, we actually took the long way to get there vie the millennium bridge.
For the full story of the walk click on the link below.
York, Ouse and Foss, Approximately 3 mile or 4.7 kilometres
With our exploitation of the Foss over we looked in the new Morrison's supermarket mainly for a warm and to use the toilets. But we actually ended up doing some sopping, getting Christmas cards and some beers.
By now it was very cold indeed and all we could do was retire to the pub but not the usual one, close by was the Brigadier Gerrard, another Sam Smith's outlet. We had used this pub many years ago and found it to be quite nice but now it was slightly rundown and had an odd clientele, that can be a problem with these cut price pubs.
So we had one beer and walked back to the Kings but we had to pass trough the centre, so did a bit more shopping on the way. In the kings we had a chat with some of the locals, people who are usually in there whenever we visit. The girl behind the bar also knows our order but as I had said I might try the stout she was waiting for me to order before pouring them, so I had one for a change.
November 25th
Cold but sunny today, we had to finish some Christmas shopping but as it was fine, we walked the long way into the centre around the base of the wall, in the same direction as we had walk along the top last month. We walked as far as far as Micklegate Bar before heading into the sops, we passed another Sam Smith's pub and I had a quick look in to see what it was like but it looked like we had too many teeth to drink there. We could also got to see the some of the city gates (Bars) we had passed over on out wall walk in October.
Anyway you know the rest of this story, we got the shopping we needed and went to the Kings for beer, tomorrow the van will be parked up until the new year, see you all then, probably back here in York.
March 13th to 16th
When we got back from Keswick, as Dot was still off work for another week, I checked out the CC website for late availability and was astounded to find the there was room on the York site, so booked in immediately.
York
Rowntree Park, Caravan Club Site
Terry Avenue, York, Yorkshire, YO23 1JQ
March 13th
Got settled in and then walked into the centre, along the river and it was very high but not high enough to close the pub. We had a good look round (we do come to York all the time but there is always so much to see, epically if you remember to look up).
Looking for photo opportunities I came across the stonemasons yard for the Minster. The Minster must be like my Dad's old hammer, it was fifty years old and had only had four new handles and two new heads.
We sat near a young couple from the Dewsbury area, who were here for the day, they had come on the train and would get the last one home tonight, for those that live near the main line, this is a very good idea.
I heard the guy sat behind me on the phone, explaining that he was at the bus stop waiting for a bus and that it would probably be another hour before he got home, when I turned to look he still had a full pint.
We had a couple more beers before setting off back to the site and some food.
14th March
Set off for a walk along the north side river, towards the race course, It was bitterly cold but the sun was out and we were well wrapped up. We walked through Rowntree park to the Millennium Bridge, where we stopped for photos, before heading out of town.
We passed the marina (boats tied up), where the path disappeared and we were walking across fields, the path was marked though. We continued on until we though we were just getting too far from town and headed back for lunch.
Back at the Millennium Bridge we crossed over the river took some more photos, and walked back towards town on that side, we would then cross back over at the next bridge and go back to the site for food.
Well that didn't work, when we got to the bridge Dot said, as we were already in town we should get something to eat there and stay out, because if we did go back to the van we might be to too tired and not want to go back out again. So I agreed with her, took some more photos, this time of the Blue Bridge over the river Foss at its confluence with the Ouse, and headed into town passed Clifford's Tower of a sandwich.
After our sandwiches, Dot eventually got me to agree to go on the Yorkshire Eye (the big wheel), she had been asking for months and I have always put it off but I gave in this time. So we set off the long way through town to the railway museum and the Yorkshire Eye. It cost £6.00 each for the ride and you had to walk through the museum to get to the eye. There were no queues but we had to wait while the previous ride finished but that was only about ten mins. Just as the wheel started Dot noticed a mobile phone on the seat next to her and then it started to ring, it was the people who were on the ride before us, we agreed to bring it off for them. However when our gondola got back to the bottom, the wheel stopped and the attendant retrieved the phone.
After putting it off for so long, it was quite an enjoyable ride, with good views of the Minster and York train station, although there is not much else to see. In the distance you could make out the huge power stations of Drax and Ferrybridge but not very well as it was a hazy day.
When we got off the eye, we though It would be a good idea to look around the museum, even though it wasn't long ago we were last there and there is usually something new to see.
But about half way round the second part of the museum, we were beginning to lose interest, were too tired for all this and instead started on the trek back to the Kings Arms, for a rest and a beer.
After popping into a small but well stocked shop for ingredients for supper (I also got some bottled beers I hadn't had before), we walked slowly back along the river, where I took some bridge photos and some of the pub. We had several beers with some people from the site before we headed back to the van, thoroughly worn-out, we had done a bit too much walking for one day.
15th March
Even though we had done too much walking the day before we set off to walk along the top of the old city walls, done it before and will probably do it again.
Later that afternoon we set off into town again but this time to watch the Boro play Arsenal, it was on Setanta Sport, so we could not get it on our satellite, we did see it was on in a pub not too far from the site. When we got to the pub, just in time for the kick off, it was very full and we could only see the Wales v France rugby mach on he big screen. So we gave in and went to the Kink Arms instead, I did look inside several other pubs but they all had the rugby on not the football. After a couple of beers we setoff back to the site but looked back in the other pub just in case. Well it was just coming up to half time and it was on and we were wining 0 - 1. The Football was on one large screen, the Rugby Union was on another and the Rugby League on a another, it was a madhouse in there. Arsenal managed to get one back with about three mins to go, but that's better than nothing.
16th March
Popped into the shopping outlet, just off the A16 and A64, Your Designer Outlet, used to be Mcarthur Glenn, spent too much then headed home. Had to make a detour at Thirsk for fuel from Tesco's, by now though it was raining so we just when home.
October 12th to 15th
October 12th
Second visit to York this year, got set up and headed into town, it was a nice warm day and there were crowds of people drinking outside the King's. The Red Boats were also out in force and doing very well by the look.
Josh our nephew was starting university today and Mick and Bren
where down to get him settled in, we phoned them to see where they where and
they were just around the corner from us. We met up and Jen was with them,
they were shopping round for a power lead for Josh's computer, he had left his
at home. We soon had to say goodbye as they only had parking for a short
while but we walked back to the car park with them.
After our walk we did what we usually do, we went to the King's for a beer, it was still very full but we got a seat inside as it was cooling down. When we left there were still people sat outside drinking.
Don't know how many times I have mentioned this but every time we are walking back to the van, I try to take a night photos from Skeldergate Bridge. Most do not work out, these are not too bad.
October 13th
After our walk we did what we usually do, we went to the King's for a beer, it was still very full but we got a seat inside as it was cooling down. When we left there were still people sat outside drinking.
Don't know how many times I have mentioned this but every time we are walking back to the van, I try to take a night photos from Skeldergate Bridge. Most do not work out, these are not too bad.
October 13th
Something we hadn't done for a while was to walk the city walls, all the way round and as it was nice and sunny again, that's what we decided to do. It took
about two and a half hours to get all the way round but we did venture into the centre at
one point to have a quick look in the shops and I got a new tripod for the camera.
For the full story of the walk click on the link below.
York City Walls, Approximately 2.8 mile or 4.5 kilometers.
For the full story of the walk click on the link below.
York City Walls, Approximately 2.8 mile or 4.5 kilometers.
As we approached the end of the wall, we heard a car horn sounding and some shouting from the road below, being inquisitive (nosy), we looked over to find Josh had just had a near miss with a car on a pedestrian crossing. Josh had right of way (the green man was lit), the car mustn't have seen the lights or was on the phone or something. Anyway we shouted down to josh and he crossed back over to meet us, after ribbing him for a while about looking before you cross the road, we directed him in the right direction for the city centre.
So we had finished the walk, what could we do next, I know, beer,
and where, where else, the Kinks Arms and a nice pint (or two) of Sam Smith's
bitter.
It was even a nice walk back to the van, the sun was still
shining, the trees were glowing in their autumn colours and it was all reflected
in the mirror smooth river Ouse, life doesn't get much better.
Much cooler and damp today but we decided we would have a walk upstream along the river anyway, it was something we hadn't done before.
For the full story of the walk click on the link below.
York (Ouse North), October 2008. Approximately 4.0 mile or 6.5 kilometres
As usual after a long walk in York we ended up in the Kings, before heading back for supper.
October 15th
Off home today but we were up early so we could make a stop at
Knaresborough, for a look around and lunch (and maybe some exotic beer from the
great beer shop there).
The first thing we had to do was find somewhere to park the van,
we usually park on the street but we usually go there in the car. We found
a space in the car park down by the river and set off along the river towards
the railway viaduct.
After a short walk we headed up into town and got some more food
to go with our picnic lunch, we also bought a wigwam for a present for Will, we
had seen it when we were there a couple of weeks before.
No luck on the beer front though and it was very busy, it was market day.
No luck on the beer front though and it was very busy, it was market day.
We sat in the castle grounds, overlooking the river and viaduct for the picnic, you do not get views like this for a picnic every day. I say castle grounds as there is not much remaining of what must have been a magnificent building but it was dismantled in 1648 because of an order from Parliament. It had been on the wrong side during the civil war, now many town centre buildings are built with stone from the castle. Two ladies having their lunch next to us were jealous of me tacking photos, as they had forgot to bring their camera with them.
We walked back to the car park via the railway station, you have to walk across the rails and you can look over the viaduct, not something you get to do every day.
November 23rd to 26th
November 23rd
There was a light covering of snow on the van and roads when we got up but we decided we would go to York anyway and the forecast was for it all to melt away before lunch time.
The forecast was right and the roads were all clear, so there was no problems getting there. Got settled in had lunch and set off for the shops, it was still very cold though. I suppose the first thing we noticed was that the Yorkshire Eye had gone, now the Minster had its place back as the main attraction on the skyline.
The festive trappings were all very nice, the Christmas lights were very pretty, we had a good wander round soaking it all in.
There was also an temporary ice rink over by the museum. So we went to have a look, youg Ralph builds these rinks as a job.
But it was cold, even so we still didn't get to the pub until later than we usually do and it was heaving (full), amazingly we got a good seat near the roaring fire, perfect.
November 24th
November 23rd to 26th
November 23rd
There was a light covering of snow on the van and roads when we got up but we decided we would go to York anyway and the forecast was for it all to melt away before lunch time.
The forecast was right and the roads were all clear, so there was no problems getting there. Got settled in had lunch and set off for the shops, it was still very cold though. I suppose the first thing we noticed was that the Yorkshire Eye had gone, now the Minster had its place back as the main attraction on the skyline.
The festive trappings were all very nice, the Christmas lights were very pretty, we had a good wander round soaking it all in.
There was also an temporary ice rink over by the museum. So we went to have a look, youg Ralph builds these rinks as a job.
But it was cold, even so we still didn't get to the pub until later than we usually do and it was heaving (full), amazingly we got a good seat near the roaring fire, perfect.
November 24th
Not quite a cold today, so decided we would leave the Christmas shopping for a day and see where the river Foss flows through the city. We made a picnic and set off for the Foss, we actually took the long way to get there vie the millennium bridge.
For the full story of the walk click on the link below.
York, Ouse and Foss, Approximately 3 mile or 4.7 kilometres
With our exploitation of the Foss over we looked in the new Morrison's supermarket mainly for a warm and to use the toilets. But we actually ended up doing some sopping, getting Christmas cards and some beers.
By now it was very cold indeed and all we could do was retire to the pub but not the usual one, close by was the Brigadier Gerrard, another Sam Smith's outlet. We had used this pub many years ago and found it to be quite nice but now it was slightly rundown and had an odd clientele, that can be a problem with these cut price pubs.
So we had one beer and walked back to the Kings but we had to pass trough the centre, so did a bit more shopping on the way. In the kings we had a chat with some of the locals, people who are usually in there whenever we visit. The girl behind the bar also knows our order but as I had said I might try the stout she was waiting for me to order before pouring them, so I had one for a change.
November 25th
Cold but sunny today, we had to finish some Christmas shopping but as it was fine, we walked the long way into the centre around the base of the wall, in the same direction as we had walk along the top last month. We walked as far as far as Micklegate Bar before heading into the sops, we passed another Sam Smith's pub and I had a quick look in to see what it was like but it looked like we had too many teeth to drink there. We could also got to see the some of the city gates (Bars) we had passed over on out wall walk in October.
Anyway you know the rest of this story, we got the shopping we needed and went to the Kings for beer, tomorrow the van will be parked up until the new year, see you all then, probably back here in York.
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