March 12th to March 15th
After our trip to York for my birthday and having Dot's birthday back at home, we set off for a few days on the CL at Durham City rowing club. It's only a few miles to Durham from our house but it is so different there, that it never botters us to just stay there for a couple of days.
Monday the 12th March
We arrived and booked in, the ground was very muddy but we managed to get on a pitch. It was like York, the river was running very high and fast. The pitches had changed since our last visit and one or two trees had come down but it was still very muddy, we did however get a key to get in to use the toilets, as long as the club was open.
As we were in Durham I didn't take many photos at all and we didn't do anything much different to any other time we have been there.
So we just wandered into town and had a drink, and even had food in the Head of Steam. To drink in there, I had Camerons, Brown Dog, a nice local beer and a Leeds, Midnight Bell, one I had had before.
Later back at the site, I did however rig up a new aerial for the TV that we had bought back at home and it worked fine.
Tuesday the 13th March
It was still damp today but the river level had dropped slightly. On the afternoon we again wandered into the center, spent some time looking around the shops but eventually ended up back in a pub.
The pub was the CoHo, more of a wine bar really but it was new to us, so we had to have a look in. It was down by the river next to the watermill from the old Ice Rink, the mill or electrical generator, has been rebuilt but still works. On the opposite side of the river was totally different, many of the buildings had been knocked down and removed and new was being built. Anyway in there I had an ordinary beer (it was a wine bar).
Back at the Head of Steam, we had our tea again and more new beers, a Bone Machine, Skeleton Party and a Wild Beer, Millionaire, both very drinkable.
On the way back to the van we popped into The Half Moon Inn, and had a Durham, White Gold, not a favorite but it was refreshing.
Wednesday the 14th March
Another trip into the center but this time it was a proper walk and today the weather was much better. We set off and went over Kingsgate Bridge up to the Cathedral, over Prebends Bridge and along the river to the next footbridge near the Radisson. Then it was up into the Spoons, The Bishops' Mill, we had not been in before, we had always use the other Spoons.
We had food in there and luckily it was an offer we got, I also got a couple of new beers. I had a J W Lees, Game On and then a Salopian, Bertza, both nice beers.
On the way back we popped into the Smiths pub on the river the Swan & Three Cygnets, and had a very good pint of Old Brewery Bitter, same as usual.
Thursday the 15th March
It was difficult getting off the site but we made it without too much mud flying about. We then drove home for a rest.
Friday, 27 July 2018
Thursday, 26 July 2018
York March 2018
Sunday the 4th March to Friday the 9th March
For my 65th birthday we had booked to go to York (as usual), we were going for five days and we were going on a train ride to Leeds as part of the holiday. The week before it started to snow and it snowed right up until we set of, Dot was worried we would not get there but we set off anyway.
Sunday 4th March
My 65th birthday
It was snowing as we left, we called into a pub car park near Ingleby Barwick on the way, to meet up with Nicole and the Girls for my birthday pressies.
Once on the way the snow eventually stopped and the closer we got to York the less snow there was, by the time wee arrived in York the snow was gone.
Got set up then watched the TV for a bit but it suddenly went off, no signal at all, I asked the warden what was wrong. He messed about for a while but he could not get it to work, so we moved on to a new pitch and all was ok there. Dot wanted it setup to watch the second to last Dancing on Ice when we got back tonight.
Went out into town and did a quick shop, Dot got some clothes but eventually we went to The Botanist for tea, both of us got Sunday lunch. We both ordered Lamb but they had none left so we settled for the beef, it was ok but not as good as the lamb would have been.
Then we moved on to Pivní York, got a new beer in there a Hawkshead Red. From there we moved on on to Pavement Vaults for another new beer, although it was by the same brewer as the last pint, a Hawkshead Bitter.
Then back to watch TV but on the plus one hour for the rest of the night, so it was late when we got to bed.
Monday 5th Marck
After our lunch, a lasagne I had mad and frozen before we set off, it was time to set off into town. We walked into town via the train station, we had to pick up tickets for our trip into Leeds tomorrow. We did this to check the timing even though we had done it for the last three years.
Once in the centre we had a sit near the cathedral before moving on to the shops, although nether of us was in the mood for shopping and so we went to the pub. The Duke of York is a nice modern but very old pub, in there I had a nice stout, a Black Forest Gateaux, very nice and Dot had a good wheat beer.
After that we moved on to a new pub, The Hop and got another new beer, a Adnam's Old Ale and eventually got a nice pizza in there, from the big oven at the back of the bar. I got another new beer in there a Rat Brewery, White Rat, not as good as the first one though.
After that, the road back to the site from there passed the Spoons pub so we had to pop in, the thing I did not get was that Dot got two bottles of cider (its cheaper that way). So that meant that I had to have two beers, that is more than usual for me (well it is since my stroke) but I was ok in the end. I had a new Rudgate, Brew No1 and an older one, a Doombar.
Tuseday 6th March
Up early, showered and set off for the station, all went well and we were soon on our way to Leeds. It was not long after eleven when we got there and we just wandered of into town. As it was before twelve we decided that we would have a breakfast in Spoons, not the one in the train station or the next one along the road Beckett's Bank but the third one in the centre The Cuthbert Brodrick.
We got the breakfast with about quarter of an hour to spear, the cost for two traditional breakfasts was £6.70 and the coffee Dot got was £1.05 with unlimited free refills, bargain.
From there we wandered around the shops for what seemed like ages but we did buy several birthday things for both of us. We eventually had a sit near Harvey Nichols and used the free phone charging points on the seats we rested in.
From there we had a look around the Market and then on to another indoor shopping precinct but realised that we were too worn out to do any more. So we wandered away from the shops and into Beckett's Bank for a beer or two. I had Even Evans, Grand Cru, and has Dot had got two ciders, I had to have another a Ossett, Treacle Stout.
After that we walked backup to The Cuthbert Brodrick for our tea, Dot had the steak pie and mash, I had the Tandoori Wraps and chips. Again Dot had two ciders in there and me, I had a beer that was over 7% (didn't realise until I bought it though), an Oakham, Attila, at 7.5%, and then an ordinary Abbots.
Time passed very quick and soon it was time to head back to the station and York. Today we did our longest walk of the year, so far.
Wednesday 7th March
Spent most of the day relaxing until late in the afternoon when we went for a walk around the Park. The river was much higher than we thought it was going to be, it was nearly at the top of the banks. From there we went to the the local shops and then into The Swan and had a beer. The beer, Abbeydale, Daily Dread, was not bad at all but we moved on as it was still early.
So we set of back towards the campsite but had to pass, The Angel On The Green and had to look in, it was fairly new and quite nice. Had a Brass Castle, Emergency Bitter, not too bad, then a Turning Point, Lucid Dream, also nice and I also had to have another, an Ainsty Ales, Angel On The Green, again not bad. It started to hale as we sat in there, so I was glad I got another pint.
By now it was getting late for us, and we wandered back via the chip shop and got chips to go with the beef I had slow cooked for our tea/supper.
Thursday 8th March
Snow on the ground when we got up this morning, but it didn't last long and by the afternoon it was quite sunny.
The river was back down to the level it was when we arrived by the time we went out for the day today. We walked along the river to Lendle Bridge and then had a look into The Maltings, a pub we have passed many times but never been in. Well it was pretty basic in there but it had plenty of good beers.
I had a Sonnet 43, This Time to Me, wich was very nice and then I had a Brew York, Ragnar's Revenge, wich was also very nice.
I was then off to find something for tea.
Friday 9th March
It was up early and straight home.
For my 65th birthday we had booked to go to York (as usual), we were going for five days and we were going on a train ride to Leeds as part of the holiday. The week before it started to snow and it snowed right up until we set of, Dot was worried we would not get there but we set off anyway.
Sunday 4th March
My 65th birthday
It was snowing as we left, we called into a pub car park near Ingleby Barwick on the way, to meet up with Nicole and the Girls for my birthday pressies.
Once on the way the snow eventually stopped and the closer we got to York the less snow there was, by the time wee arrived in York the snow was gone.
Got set up then watched the TV for a bit but it suddenly went off, no signal at all, I asked the warden what was wrong. He messed about for a while but he could not get it to work, so we moved on to a new pitch and all was ok there. Dot wanted it setup to watch the second to last Dancing on Ice when we got back tonight.
Went out into town and did a quick shop, Dot got some clothes but eventually we went to The Botanist for tea, both of us got Sunday lunch. We both ordered Lamb but they had none left so we settled for the beef, it was ok but not as good as the lamb would have been.
Then we moved on to Pivní York, got a new beer in there a Hawkshead Red. From there we moved on on to Pavement Vaults for another new beer, although it was by the same brewer as the last pint, a Hawkshead Bitter.
Then back to watch TV but on the plus one hour for the rest of the night, so it was late when we got to bed.
Monday 5th Marck
After our lunch, a lasagne I had mad and frozen before we set off, it was time to set off into town. We walked into town via the train station, we had to pick up tickets for our trip into Leeds tomorrow. We did this to check the timing even though we had done it for the last three years.
Once in the centre we had a sit near the cathedral before moving on to the shops, although nether of us was in the mood for shopping and so we went to the pub. The Duke of York is a nice modern but very old pub, in there I had a nice stout, a Black Forest Gateaux, very nice and Dot had a good wheat beer.
After that we moved on to a new pub, The Hop and got another new beer, a Adnam's Old Ale and eventually got a nice pizza in there, from the big oven at the back of the bar. I got another new beer in there a Rat Brewery, White Rat, not as good as the first one though.
After that, the road back to the site from there passed the Spoons pub so we had to pop in, the thing I did not get was that Dot got two bottles of cider (its cheaper that way). So that meant that I had to have two beers, that is more than usual for me (well it is since my stroke) but I was ok in the end. I had a new Rudgate, Brew No1 and an older one, a Doombar.
Tuseday 6th March
Up early, showered and set off for the station, all went well and we were soon on our way to Leeds. It was not long after eleven when we got there and we just wandered of into town. As it was before twelve we decided that we would have a breakfast in Spoons, not the one in the train station or the next one along the road Beckett's Bank but the third one in the centre The Cuthbert Brodrick.
We got the breakfast with about quarter of an hour to spear, the cost for two traditional breakfasts was £6.70 and the coffee Dot got was £1.05 with unlimited free refills, bargain.
From there we wandered around the shops for what seemed like ages but we did buy several birthday things for both of us. We eventually had a sit near Harvey Nichols and used the free phone charging points on the seats we rested in.
From there we had a look around the Market and then on to another indoor shopping precinct but realised that we were too worn out to do any more. So we wandered away from the shops and into Beckett's Bank for a beer or two. I had Even Evans, Grand Cru, and has Dot had got two ciders, I had to have another a Ossett, Treacle Stout.
After that we walked backup to The Cuthbert Brodrick for our tea, Dot had the steak pie and mash, I had the Tandoori Wraps and chips. Again Dot had two ciders in there and me, I had a beer that was over 7% (didn't realise until I bought it though), an Oakham, Attila, at 7.5%, and then an ordinary Abbots.
Time passed very quick and soon it was time to head back to the station and York. Today we did our longest walk of the year, so far.
Wednesday 7th March
Spent most of the day relaxing until late in the afternoon when we went for a walk around the Park. The river was much higher than we thought it was going to be, it was nearly at the top of the banks. From there we went to the the local shops and then into The Swan and had a beer. The beer, Abbeydale, Daily Dread, was not bad at all but we moved on as it was still early.
So we set of back towards the campsite but had to pass, The Angel On The Green and had to look in, it was fairly new and quite nice. Had a Brass Castle, Emergency Bitter, not too bad, then a Turning Point, Lucid Dream, also nice and I also had to have another, an Ainsty Ales, Angel On The Green, again not bad. It started to hale as we sat in there, so I was glad I got another pint.
By now it was getting late for us, and we wandered back via the chip shop and got chips to go with the beef I had slow cooked for our tea/supper.
Thursday 8th March
Snow on the ground when we got up this morning, but it didn't last long and by the afternoon it was quite sunny.
The river was back down to the level it was when we arrived by the time we went out for the day today. We walked along the river to Lendle Bridge and then had a look into The Maltings, a pub we have passed many times but never been in. Well it was pretty basic in there but it had plenty of good beers.
I had a Sonnet 43, This Time to Me, wich was very nice and then I had a Brew York, Ragnar's Revenge, wich was also very nice.
I was then off to find something for tea.
Friday 9th March
It was up early and straight home.
Friday, 9 March 2018
Seafield Caravan Park, Seahouses 2017
October 27th to 3rd November
Mam was getting better and we had had this booked for a while mow, it was to the big site in Seahouses with Nicole, Tim and the girls for a week. We were on the campsite the others were in an apartment on the front right next to us. The one odd thing was, that we had to move to the next pitch on site for the last night of our stay.
Friday 27th October
Bit of a long drive up to Seahouses in Northumberland, A19 up through the Tyne tunnel, on to the A1 to the B6347 then B1340 the rest of the way. We arrived before the others and went for a walk into the centre just for a look around.
Eventually the others arrived and we met up at the site bar/restaurant and had a drink and our tea in there.
We then wandered round to see their apartment, very nice, with great views out to sea and along the cost to Bamburgh Castle.
Saturday 28th October
Today we decided to walk along the beach to Bamburgh Castle, it was very windy though but you can not let thing like that get in the way. With the strong wind though, it was difficult walking and it took us quite some time to get there.
Once in Bambough we walked up to one of the pubs and sat outside to have a pint. I was a lot warmer out of the wind, I think dogs are allowed into the pub but we sat outside anyway.
Nicole and Tim decided to walk back to the site with Syd but the rest of us planed to get a taxi or the bus back. Me, Georgia and Emily walked over the road to see the bus times and then moved inside as it was warmer in there.
I asked at the bar for taxi numbers but was informed that it would be quicker to wait for the next bus about forty minuets, so I got another pint and we waited.
We got the bus back and joined up with the other back at the site, although we did get of at the wrong stop and had to walk into town. There we met up with the others and had a walk around the shops.
Sunday 29th October
Later in the afternoon we all had a walk into Seahouses and even walked along the pier, Syd seemed to be enjoying it all.
In the shops there I managed to get a load of new beers to try out latter that night back in the apartment.
Monday 30th October
Another quiet day, on the afternoon Me, Tim and the girls took Syd out for a walk on the beach but we didn't stay out for too long.
We stayed in watched films on TV and had more of the beers I had bought in Seahouses
Tuesday 31st October
Today me and Dot went out for a walk on our own to the far side of Seahouses and down to the southern pier and rocks.
I also managed to get some more beers for the night.
I think it was the day that the others went off to Blythe and then on to Edinburgh, we got food ready for then when they came back.
Wednesday 1st November
Out with Tim, Nicole and Syd for a walk (the girls didn't want to go), so the rest of us all went for a pint in one of the local pubs, The Olde Ship Inn, only we sat outside though in a small hut, with a great view of the sea.
Thursday 2nd November
Me, Tim and the girls took Syd out on the beach again, he had a new big ball to play with but he bit through it strait away. Although that didn't stop him playing with it for the rest of the walk.
Georgia and Emily even had a good day playing with Syd.
Friday 3rd November
We just got packed up and made the long trip home.
Mam was getting better and we had had this booked for a while mow, it was to the big site in Seahouses with Nicole, Tim and the girls for a week. We were on the campsite the others were in an apartment on the front right next to us. The one odd thing was, that we had to move to the next pitch on site for the last night of our stay.
Friday 27th October
Bit of a long drive up to Seahouses in Northumberland, A19 up through the Tyne tunnel, on to the A1 to the B6347 then B1340 the rest of the way. We arrived before the others and went for a walk into the centre just for a look around.
Seafield Caravan Park
Seafield Rd, Seahouses NE68 7SP
Phone: 01665 720628
Eventually the others arrived and we met up at the site bar/restaurant and had a drink and our tea in there.
We then wandered round to see their apartment, very nice, with great views out to sea and along the cost to Bamburgh Castle.
Saturday 28th October
Today we decided to walk along the beach to Bamburgh Castle, it was very windy though but you can not let thing like that get in the way. With the strong wind though, it was difficult walking and it took us quite some time to get there.
Once in Bambough we walked up to one of the pubs and sat outside to have a pint. I was a lot warmer out of the wind, I think dogs are allowed into the pub but we sat outside anyway.
Nicole and Tim decided to walk back to the site with Syd but the rest of us planed to get a taxi or the bus back. Me, Georgia and Emily walked over the road to see the bus times and then moved inside as it was warmer in there.
I asked at the bar for taxi numbers but was informed that it would be quicker to wait for the next bus about forty minuets, so I got another pint and we waited.
We got the bus back and joined up with the other back at the site, although we did get of at the wrong stop and had to walk into town. There we met up with the others and had a walk around the shops.
Sunday 29th October
Later in the afternoon we all had a walk into Seahouses and even walked along the pier, Syd seemed to be enjoying it all.
In the shops there I managed to get a load of new beers to try out latter that night back in the apartment.
Monday 30th October
Another quiet day, on the afternoon Me, Tim and the girls took Syd out for a walk on the beach but we didn't stay out for too long.
We stayed in watched films on TV and had more of the beers I had bought in Seahouses
Tuesday 31st October
Today me and Dot went out for a walk on our own to the far side of Seahouses and down to the southern pier and rocks.
I also managed to get some more beers for the night.
I think it was the day that the others went off to Blythe and then on to Edinburgh, we got food ready for then when they came back.
Wednesday 1st November
Out with Tim, Nicole and Syd for a walk (the girls didn't want to go), so the rest of us all went for a pint in one of the local pubs, The Olde Ship Inn, only we sat outside though in a small hut, with a great view of the sea.
Thursday 2nd November
Me, Tim and the girls took Syd out on the beach again, he had a new big ball to play with but he bit through it strait away. Although that didn't stop him playing with it for the rest of the walk.
Georgia and Emily even had a good day playing with Syd.
Friday 3rd November
We just got packed up and made the long trip home.
Wednesday, 28 February 2018
Few Days in Barnard Castle then Whitby (September 2017)
20th September to the 24th September and 27th September to the 1st October
My mother has been unwell since early September and we didn't want to be too far away, so have not been using the Van. But as Dot had a fortnight holiday booked (that's a couple of weeks for my American Friends), and my mother was feeling a lot better in a nursing home, we did eventually get away for a few nights.
First we went to the Caravan and Motorhome site in Barnard Castle, earlier it the year it was over £38/night but now it was much cheaper although we didn't have the girls with us. After a few days back home and a visit to see my mam, we had the second short brake at an independent site in Whitby, Sandfield House Farm Caravan Park.
We had been to both sites many times before but they were nice and close, so easy to get back home if required. It was not very nice for Dot's holiday but it was the best we could do under the circumstances.
Barnard Castle, 20th September to the 24th September
Wednesday 20th September
Arrived at the Caravan and Motorhome site in Barnard Castle, got set up in a very nice spot and watched other setting up as we ate out lunch, thought I saw someone I knew but it wouldn't be.
It was fairly late before we wondered into town and walked the quick way in, across the footbridge and up the bank strait on to the high street. There we spotted a couple we knew sat in a cafe, I had seen someone back at the site and I was right. We popped in to say hello and arranged to meet up a bit later for a beer or two.
Well we had a quick look in the shops and then made for the pubs, actually we just went into the Three Horseshoes. As it was sunny, so we just sat outside and within twenty minutes we were joined by Paul and Lynn. We sat drinking outside until it started to get cold, when we moved inside and had a few more.
Dot and I where going to have our tea in the pub but it got dark before Paul and Lynn moved on to the Indian for tea, so we just walked back to the van and had out tea back there.
Thursday 21st September
There was no real rush to go out into town so we had our dinner first before we got ready and set off for our walk.
We took the longer walk into town, we stayed on the same side of the river as the campsite, passed the old road bridge along to the newer footbridge, before crossing over to the town side of the Tees. Up the hill we wandered about the shops and even got a little penguin for my mam. Even popped into the Coop and got some new beers.
Although it was still early we went into the same pub as yesterday, it wasn't long after four and the teas didn't start until five, so we had a couple of beers. As soon as it was five, we were given a table and the place started to fill up. New since last time we were in there was a Parmo on the menu so I got that, Dot had a lamb dish (I think) anyway, what we had was very nice.
We walked back to the van before it got dark but the nights are definitely drawing in.
Friday 22nd September
We walked in a bit latter today and after a bit of a shop we made for Bowes Museum and had a cup of tea and a hot chocolate in the caff there. After that Dot wanted to go to the Italian for tea but it was still a bit early, so we went for a drink first.
We popped into The Old Well Inn, just around the corner from the Italian and got a couple of drinks in there. Dot had the usual lager and lime and I got a Sonnet 43, Aurora, from Durham and while we were having these we noticed that on Friday and Saturday, they served Indian food in here. We also noticed that the owners were Indian so thought, that will be good. We had another beer, a Consett White Hot, we got free onion bhajis with it and it was good. It convinced us to stay there and have a go at the Indian.
You know how on holiday you always make at least one mistake, well this was ours, the food was terrible and far too salty. We should have known better, we should have gone to the Italian that night, or even gone to the Indian takeaway, which was only about six doors away.
Saturday 23rd September
After we walked in late again today we made for the Italian that Dot had picked out for tea yesterday. It was still a bit early so we popped into The Black Horse just over the road form the Italian for one or two beers, and to catch up on the football. Well the Boro managed a draw, so it wasn't too bad.
Latter, well just after five, we moved over to the Italian restaurant, Vivo and even though it had just opened there were a few people already in. The food we got in there was much better than yesterday, by a very long way. The beer was also good, I had a Heineken Italia, Ichnusa from Italy well Sardinia actually, unfortunately I had had it before.
On the way back to the van we popped into The Three Horseshoes for a last pint, we had not been in there last night but wish we had. Anything would have been better then that Indian we had.
Sunday 24th September
We just got up early and drove back home, then went to see how my Mam was. I didn't take many photos when we were away but the beer photos are covered here.
Whitby 27th September to the 1st October
Wednesday 27th September
Well, after a few days at home we set off again, this time to the site we have used the most in Whitby, Sandfield House Farm Caravan Park.
We got parked up had some lunch and then set off for a walk into town.
We went into Spoons for tea, I went to the bar for a couple of drinks first but was ignored for that long, even when there were only two of us there, the staff served people that just walked up, so we left. We crossed over the river and had a meal and drinks in the The Dolphin, a pub I have moaned about in the past but is now ok. It cost a load more than Spoons would have been but it wasn't worth the bother.
We got the bus back, I had forgotten that I can travel for free but I can so I used my bus pass for the trip back to the site.
Thursday 28th September
As usual we had a walk down into town, we did consider getting the bus but as we walked none came alon, so we just walked.
In town we walked along the north side of the river and had a sit near what I think is the yacht club. After a long sit in the sun we wandered to the other side of the river over the swing bridge but not before we dropped into the The Star Inn just opposite the railway station for a couple.
Over the bridge we went into the Abbey Wharf for another couple and bumped into a man we see in York nearly every time we go. It was nice and warm as we sat outside on the veranda in the sun.
We got the bus back again that night.
Friday 29th September
On the afternoon for a change we wandered off in the other direction towards Sandsend. It was a little bit cold today but we were well wraped up. Down there we had a good walk, an ice cream and a pint in the The Hart Inn.
After the pint we decided to head back and the bus went from outside the pub, the only decision was, back to the site or head into Whitby. I decided we would head into Whitby but Dot wanted to go back to the site, so that is what we did.
Saturday 30th September
A much finer day and we walked into Whitby along the low level prom. It looks like just about the only photos I took were as we walked in.
Once in the centre we got fish and chips from Trenchers and walked round to the life boat station to eat them. From there we walked along to the south pier and from there back to the Abbey Wharf for some beers before heading back to the van.
Sunday 1st October
Today it was back home to see how Mam was.
My mother has been unwell since early September and we didn't want to be too far away, so have not been using the Van. But as Dot had a fortnight holiday booked (that's a couple of weeks for my American Friends), and my mother was feeling a lot better in a nursing home, we did eventually get away for a few nights.
First we went to the Caravan and Motorhome site in Barnard Castle, earlier it the year it was over £38/night but now it was much cheaper although we didn't have the girls with us. After a few days back home and a visit to see my mam, we had the second short brake at an independent site in Whitby, Sandfield House Farm Caravan Park.
We had been to both sites many times before but they were nice and close, so easy to get back home if required. It was not very nice for Dot's holiday but it was the best we could do under the circumstances.
Barnard Castle, 20th September to the 24th September
Wednesday 20th September
Arrived at the Caravan and Motorhome site in Barnard Castle, got set up in a very nice spot and watched other setting up as we ate out lunch, thought I saw someone I knew but it wouldn't be.
It was fairly late before we wondered into town and walked the quick way in, across the footbridge and up the bank strait on to the high street. There we spotted a couple we knew sat in a cafe, I had seen someone back at the site and I was right. We popped in to say hello and arranged to meet up a bit later for a beer or two.
Well we had a quick look in the shops and then made for the pubs, actually we just went into the Three Horseshoes. As it was sunny, so we just sat outside and within twenty minutes we were joined by Paul and Lynn. We sat drinking outside until it started to get cold, when we moved inside and had a few more.
Dot and I where going to have our tea in the pub but it got dark before Paul and Lynn moved on to the Indian for tea, so we just walked back to the van and had out tea back there.
Thursday 21st September
There was no real rush to go out into town so we had our dinner first before we got ready and set off for our walk.
We took the longer walk into town, we stayed on the same side of the river as the campsite, passed the old road bridge along to the newer footbridge, before crossing over to the town side of the Tees. Up the hill we wandered about the shops and even got a little penguin for my mam. Even popped into the Coop and got some new beers.
Although it was still early we went into the same pub as yesterday, it wasn't long after four and the teas didn't start until five, so we had a couple of beers. As soon as it was five, we were given a table and the place started to fill up. New since last time we were in there was a Parmo on the menu so I got that, Dot had a lamb dish (I think) anyway, what we had was very nice.
We walked back to the van before it got dark but the nights are definitely drawing in.
Friday 22nd September
We walked in a bit latter today and after a bit of a shop we made for Bowes Museum and had a cup of tea and a hot chocolate in the caff there. After that Dot wanted to go to the Italian for tea but it was still a bit early, so we went for a drink first.
We popped into The Old Well Inn, just around the corner from the Italian and got a couple of drinks in there. Dot had the usual lager and lime and I got a Sonnet 43, Aurora, from Durham and while we were having these we noticed that on Friday and Saturday, they served Indian food in here. We also noticed that the owners were Indian so thought, that will be good. We had another beer, a Consett White Hot, we got free onion bhajis with it and it was good. It convinced us to stay there and have a go at the Indian.
You know how on holiday you always make at least one mistake, well this was ours, the food was terrible and far too salty. We should have known better, we should have gone to the Italian that night, or even gone to the Indian takeaway, which was only about six doors away.
Saturday 23rd September
After we walked in late again today we made for the Italian that Dot had picked out for tea yesterday. It was still a bit early so we popped into The Black Horse just over the road form the Italian for one or two beers, and to catch up on the football. Well the Boro managed a draw, so it wasn't too bad.
Latter, well just after five, we moved over to the Italian restaurant, Vivo and even though it had just opened there were a few people already in. The food we got in there was much better than yesterday, by a very long way. The beer was also good, I had a Heineken Italia, Ichnusa from Italy well Sardinia actually, unfortunately I had had it before.
On the way back to the van we popped into The Three Horseshoes for a last pint, we had not been in there last night but wish we had. Anything would have been better then that Indian we had.
Sunday 24th September
We just got up early and drove back home, then went to see how my Mam was. I didn't take many photos when we were away but the beer photos are covered here.
Whitby 27th September to the 1st October
Wednesday 27th September
Well, after a few days at home we set off again, this time to the site we have used the most in Whitby, Sandfield House Farm Caravan Park.
We got parked up had some lunch and then set off for a walk into town.
We went into Spoons for tea, I went to the bar for a couple of drinks first but was ignored for that long, even when there were only two of us there, the staff served people that just walked up, so we left. We crossed over the river and had a meal and drinks in the The Dolphin, a pub I have moaned about in the past but is now ok. It cost a load more than Spoons would have been but it wasn't worth the bother.
We got the bus back, I had forgotten that I can travel for free but I can so I used my bus pass for the trip back to the site.
Thursday 28th September
As usual we had a walk down into town, we did consider getting the bus but as we walked none came alon, so we just walked.
In town we walked along the north side of the river and had a sit near what I think is the yacht club. After a long sit in the sun we wandered to the other side of the river over the swing bridge but not before we dropped into the The Star Inn just opposite the railway station for a couple.
Over the bridge we went into the Abbey Wharf for another couple and bumped into a man we see in York nearly every time we go. It was nice and warm as we sat outside on the veranda in the sun.
We got the bus back again that night.
Friday 29th September
On the afternoon for a change we wandered off in the other direction towards Sandsend. It was a little bit cold today but we were well wraped up. Down there we had a good walk, an ice cream and a pint in the The Hart Inn.
After the pint we decided to head back and the bus went from outside the pub, the only decision was, back to the site or head into Whitby. I decided we would head into Whitby but Dot wanted to go back to the site, so that is what we did.
Saturday 30th September
A much finer day and we walked into Whitby along the low level prom. It looks like just about the only photos I took were as we walked in.
Once in the centre we got fish and chips from Trenchers and walked round to the life boat station to eat them. From there we walked along to the south pier and from there back to the Abbey Wharf for some beers before heading back to the van.
Sunday 1st October
Today it was back home to see how Mam was.
Saturday, 2 September 2017
Devon Trip (July 2017)
July 21st to 2nd Aug
We had agreed to meet up with Nicole, Tim and the Girls on their weeks holiday in Torcross Devon and then after that, have the girls for a few days on the way back home.
Friday 21st July
We stated by heading of of Friday afternoon so that we could cut the journey in two and have a bit more rest for me. The weather was fine when we set off but it started to rain as we got to the campsite. The drive down to the Caravan and Motorhome Club site at Tewkesbury was fairly uneventful, there was a traffic jam on the A1 just after the M62 but it didn't last too long. We arrived earlier than we thought and were given the last none awning pitch, only when we drove round to it, it was occupied. Went back to reception and were shown to the pitch were the other van should have been.
It was raining on and off by now but we wandered off into town for a drink and food anyway. We went into Spoons but it was packed and we could only get a seat outside in the smoking area, it was undercover though. As we could not get a table for food we just had a couple of beers (they are mentioned here) and went of for a takeaway to take back to the van.
Saturday 22nd July
Next morning we set off for Devon, the M5 was very congested, coming to a stand still every few miles and there didn't seem to be any reason for it at all. We did have all day to get there though. The next problem was the last six or seven miles to the site, were the roads would go to single track about every mile. Anyway we arrived ok and got the last hard standing pitch.
After we got set up, and had our dinner, we walked the mile down to Torcross to meet up with the others. Their accommodation was very nice with the living area up on the top floor, lover ground was the main bedroom with bathroom, the kitchen a bathroom and girls bedroom was in the middle.
The small shop just around the corner had a good supply of beers that I hadn't had before and I bought quite a few of them.
Latter we walked along to the pub, The Start Bay Inn and after a drink or two, we got a fish and chips from their takeaway to eat back at the aparment. We had to drink outside as we had Sid the dog with us though.
The walk back to the van was quite exhausting, probably not for someone fit but it definitely was for me and it was getting dark.
Sunday 23rd July
After the walk downhill to Torcross, we went down onto the beach, not the best beach in the word in fact it was pretty poor but when you come from somewhere with fantastic sandy beaches, most are poor. The others all went into the sea but me and Dot didn't, we just sat and enjoyed the sun.
I went for a walk around the cliffs and took some photos round there. The others joined me for a look later on.
Much later when they had all changed and been washed, we went out for another beer, and our tea, this time to the place next door to The Start Bay Inn, The Torcross Boat House. It was quite nice in there and we could take the dog in with us.
Monday 24th July
Today was much the same as yesterday, Me and Dot were however picked up by Nicole in the car so it saved some walking. Down there we went onto the seaside but instead of just sitting on the beach, I left the others and went for a walk.
I stopped for a look at the WW2 Tank, recovered from the sea bed in 1984, it had been there since and just before D DAY.
Exercise Tiger Memorial, is dedicated to the memory of the 639 American soldiers and sailors who perished on April 28, 1944. They also maintain the Sherman Tank Memorial Site established by the late Ken Small in 1984.
From there I walked towards Slapton with the sea on my right and the lake, Slapton Ley, on my left. I walked for about one and half miles before finding a toilet and turning back. On the walk there I walked and talked to a man from Liverpool who was out on a much longer walk. Walking back I crossed over the road and kept to the side of the lake and took some photos of plants and bugs along the way.
I got a call from the others to ask were I was and to say that they were having some lunch, I was about half way back at the time. Anyway they saved me some food for when I got back.
Tuesday 25th July
Today the others came and picked us up and we set off for a drive out to Salcombe, saved us walking down to meet them. In Salcombe we drove around for a bit before getting the last spot in a car park, handy for the town centre.
We had a walk around the centre of Salcombe, the girls had a look in the shops, before we set off for a walk down to Salcombe North Sands. We went there as it had been recommended by Dot's sister Jane and the restaurant there was also recommended.
Thursday 27th July
A much better day and we got picked up from the campsite for another drive out. This time we headed to Totnes first and got parked fairly easily just off the town centre. First thing we did was set off to see the Castle, it was just off the main street, we didn't bother to pay to go in though.
We split up for a short while and me and dot wandered down to the river, The Dart, where we took some photos of the bridge there.
We got a phone call to say they were heading back so we set off to find them, it didn't take long and we stopped to get pasties for lunch. We then sat in the centre to eat them, before heading back to the car.
Next we drove to Paignton but luckily there was nowhere to park, it looked to be really crowded and also really full of chavs. So we drove on to Brixham a much more civilised place, although still very full of visitors.
One of the first thing we did was go and find a nice place to get some cream teas. We found a place called The West Country Deli and got a seat outside. We ordered the cream teas, Scones with Jam and Cream, together with drinks, they were very good.
After our tea, we wandered around the harbour, to the Breakwater, before setting off back to the car.
After out visit to Brixham, we drove on to Kingswear and got the ferry across the River Dart to Dartmouth, we had done this many years before but no one remembered it. It was the Kingswear Lower Ferry that we took, there is a Higher Ferry but that is not the one we used.
We parked up for and hour and went for a walk around, Dartmouth is a lovely place but we didn't have long here. The girls went shopping and later I bought more beers, this place is well worth another visit.
Friday 28th July
Our last day in Devon and another overcast day. We just got ready to go tomorrow and then wandered down to meet up with the others. Later we all wandered along the beach to the pub and got something for tea.
Saturday 29th July
Nicole and Tim (and Sid) dropped the girls off and set of home, we followed soon afterwards but headed for Bath for a couple of nights.
Only it all went wrong, crossing a small bridge with traffic lights just before the A38, I hit a bollard sticking out into the road a burst the back tire. We got parked up about a hundred yards from the bridge and phoned the AA.
We have had bother with these recovery services before but nothing at all like today (although last year when my car was written off, was pretty close). It took over five hours to get us moving again. I phoned the AA the first time to be given two numbers to call tire companies, both said that they could do nothing on Saturday. Phoned the AA for the second time and was told that they would have to take us home then but it would be two hours. So that was the end of our holiday. After two hours, I phoned the AA again to be told that I would be another hour to get a recovery truck big enough to take the van. Sometime later though I got a call from the AA to ask that if a driver came and took me to a tire Garage to get a new tire, would that be ok.
After about half an hour the AA man turned up, got the wheel of and took me and the wheel to a Garage. It was only about ten miles to the garage but it took about twenty five minuets to get there. The garage was very fast with the new tire but it was still another twenty five minuets to get back. By the time it was all done and we were ready to go it was around half five.
It was also raining and had been for most of the time we had been waiting for the AA to sort us out. I had also phoned the site in Bath a told them we would not make it and we made for a site in Ashburton just a few miles away. But when we got there I didn't like the look of it and moved on, the next site I headed for was on a closed road, so I just drove on and headed for Bath.
We realised that we were not going to get to Bath and the sat/nav was playing up, so after a long drive we eventually stopped at a site miles from anywhere and checked in (it was a lot more complicated than that though).
We got set up and had something to eat (first of the day for me but I had had crisps) then watched a film before bed. Tomorrow we would just head for Stratford and have an extra day there, it was all better than it could have been anyway.
Sunday 30th July
Back on the road and back to the M5 we headed off for Stratford-on-Avon, I had phoned and booked the extra night but we still had about one hundred and thirty miles to go.
On arrival we were sent down the road to wait for the man to show us were to pitch up. When he arrived he didn't have us on his list (we were not due til tomorrow), so he just put us on the first pitch, right next to where we were. It was getting late by now so we didn't go into Stratford, we just wandered over to the bar and had a meal.
After the food, the girls wandered back over to the van but me and Dot had another beer sat outside, before going back to watch the TV with the girls.
Monday 31st July
Today we would get the boat into town, they had moved the departure point from when we were last here, to just under the bar. I think the girls enjoyed the boat ride but you can never tell, it was already about dinner time when we got into Stratford.
As we started our walk around Stratford it started to rain so we headed off to find food and would leave the walk until later. Spoons was fairly close so we went straight in there and with the rain outside we were lucky to get a table. It was only dinner time but I still had a pint with my food a Byatt's, Crystal Cookie, it wasn't very good but ok with the food.
After lunch the weather was a lot better so we had a wander around the shops and the girls did some shopping, although I do not think that they bought anything.
After the shopping we walked over to the were there was a big wheel and beyond all reason we all went on it. It was pretty high but I did manage to get some good photos from up top.
I was glad to be off though and after that, we just went back over the river into town.
Then it was back to the boat, for the ride along the river back to the site.
Tuesday 1st August
Our last day in Stratford and as usual we wandered down to get the boat into town but as there were big queues. So we wandered up to the site entrance and got a taxi into town, it was cheaper than the river taxi.
First thing we did was to get some sandwiches and drinks for lunch and ate them sat outside the Shakespeare theater. From there we went for a walk along the river. We crossed over at the footbridge and came back along the opposite side, passed the lock gates.
We sat and watched the small hand pulled ferry crossing the river, before making our way back to the bridge.
We crossed back over and got the boat back to the site, bit more expensive but a nicer ride.
When we got back to the site the girls went straight back to the van but Dot and I went for a beer at the bar. After the beer we decided to have tea in there, so I massaged the girls to ask if they wanted food here and they both came running back (well practically).
Wednesday 2nd August
It was time to head back home but it was still a long drive.
We had agreed to meet up with Nicole, Tim and the Girls on their weeks holiday in Torcross Devon and then after that, have the girls for a few days on the way back home.
Friday 21st July
We stated by heading of of Friday afternoon so that we could cut the journey in two and have a bit more rest for me. The weather was fine when we set off but it started to rain as we got to the campsite. The drive down to the Caravan and Motorhome Club site at Tewkesbury was fairly uneventful, there was a traffic jam on the A1 just after the M62 but it didn't last too long. We arrived earlier than we thought and were given the last none awning pitch, only when we drove round to it, it was occupied. Went back to reception and were shown to the pitch were the other van should have been.
Caravan and Motorhome Club site, Tewkesbury
Tewkesbury
Web Site https://www.caravanclub.co.uk/about-us/
It was raining on and off by now but we wandered off into town for a drink and food anyway. We went into Spoons but it was packed and we could only get a seat outside in the smoking area, it was undercover though. As we could not get a table for food we just had a couple of beers (they are mentioned here) and went of for a takeaway to take back to the van.
Saturday 22nd July
Next morning we set off for Devon, the M5 was very congested, coming to a stand still every few miles and there didn't seem to be any reason for it at all. We did have all day to get there though. The next problem was the last six or seven miles to the site, were the roads would go to single track about every mile. Anyway we arrived ok and got the last hard standing pitch.
Start Bay Caravan Club Site
Caravan and Motorhome Club, Start Bay Club Site,
Stokenham, Kingsbridge, Devon TQ7 2SE
After we got set up, and had our dinner, we walked the mile down to Torcross to meet up with the others. Their accommodation was very nice with the living area up on the top floor, lover ground was the main bedroom with bathroom, the kitchen a bathroom and girls bedroom was in the middle.
The small shop just around the corner had a good supply of beers that I hadn't had before and I bought quite a few of them.
Latter we walked along to the pub, The Start Bay Inn and after a drink or two, we got a fish and chips from their takeaway to eat back at the aparment. We had to drink outside as we had Sid the dog with us though.
The walk back to the van was quite exhausting, probably not for someone fit but it definitely was for me and it was getting dark.
Sunday 23rd July
After the walk downhill to Torcross, we went down onto the beach, not the best beach in the word in fact it was pretty poor but when you come from somewhere with fantastic sandy beaches, most are poor. The others all went into the sea but me and Dot didn't, we just sat and enjoyed the sun.
I went for a walk around the cliffs and took some photos round there. The others joined me for a look later on.
Much later when they had all changed and been washed, we went out for another beer, and our tea, this time to the place next door to The Start Bay Inn, The Torcross Boat House. It was quite nice in there and we could take the dog in with us.
Monday 24th July
Today was much the same as yesterday, Me and Dot were however picked up by Nicole in the car so it saved some walking. Down there we went onto the seaside but instead of just sitting on the beach, I left the others and went for a walk.
I stopped for a look at the WW2 Tank, recovered from the sea bed in 1984, it had been there since and just before D DAY.
Exercise Tiger Memorial, is dedicated to the memory of the 639 American soldiers and sailors who perished on April 28, 1944. They also maintain the Sherman Tank Memorial Site established by the late Ken Small in 1984.
From there I walked towards Slapton with the sea on my right and the lake, Slapton Ley, on my left. I walked for about one and half miles before finding a toilet and turning back. On the walk there I walked and talked to a man from Liverpool who was out on a much longer walk. Walking back I crossed over the road and kept to the side of the lake and took some photos of plants and bugs along the way.
I got a call from the others to ask were I was and to say that they were having some lunch, I was about half way back at the time. Anyway they saved me some food for when I got back.
Tuesday 25th July
Today the others came and picked us up and we set off for a drive out to Salcombe, saved us walking down to meet them. In Salcombe we drove around for a bit before getting the last spot in a car park, handy for the town centre.
We had a walk around the centre of Salcombe, the girls had a look in the shops, before we set off for a walk down to Salcombe North Sands. We went there as it had been recommended by Dot's sister Jane and the restaurant there was also recommended.
The Winking Prawn was very nice and also very full, we all had food and beers or Ciders in there, not bad at all. It was really hot but that is what we wanted.
After we ate, the others all went for a wander down to the sea, while Me and Dot just sat and enjoyed the view and the sun.
Latter we all walked back along to Salcombe and back into the shops, I just sat and waited for the others but later, I did buy some new beers along the way. In fact I bought quite a few of them but it wasn't too far back to the car.
Wednesday 26th July
Well the weather wasn't too good today, so we hung about in the van until after three, before walking down to see the others.
For tea we walked along to The Torcross Boat House again, for a coupe of beers and probably fish and chips (I can not remember what we had).
Later after tea, we went for a walk up the side of the cliffs behind their apartment and down the other side. We had a really good view along the beach and had a look at the WW2 pill boxes ether side of the cliffs.
There was a seal swimming just off where we were and it kept surfacing and looking to see what we were doing.
Wednesday 26th July
Well the weather wasn't too good today, so we hung about in the van until after three, before walking down to see the others.
For tea we walked along to The Torcross Boat House again, for a coupe of beers and probably fish and chips (I can not remember what we had).
Later after tea, we went for a walk up the side of the cliffs behind their apartment and down the other side. We had a really good view along the beach and had a look at the WW2 pill boxes ether side of the cliffs.
There was a seal swimming just off where we were and it kept surfacing and looking to see what we were doing.
Thursday 27th July
A much better day and we got picked up from the campsite for another drive out. This time we headed to Totnes first and got parked fairly easily just off the town centre. First thing we did was set off to see the Castle, it was just off the main street, we didn't bother to pay to go in though.
We split up for a short while and me and dot wandered down to the river, The Dart, where we took some photos of the bridge there.
We got a phone call to say they were heading back so we set off to find them, it didn't take long and we stopped to get pasties for lunch. We then sat in the centre to eat them, before heading back to the car.
Next we drove to Paignton but luckily there was nowhere to park, it looked to be really crowded and also really full of chavs. So we drove on to Brixham a much more civilised place, although still very full of visitors.
One of the first thing we did was go and find a nice place to get some cream teas. We found a place called The West Country Deli and got a seat outside. We ordered the cream teas, Scones with Jam and Cream, together with drinks, they were very good.
After our tea, we wandered around the harbour, to the Breakwater, before setting off back to the car.
After out visit to Brixham, we drove on to Kingswear and got the ferry across the River Dart to Dartmouth, we had done this many years before but no one remembered it. It was the Kingswear Lower Ferry that we took, there is a Higher Ferry but that is not the one we used.
We parked up for and hour and went for a walk around, Dartmouth is a lovely place but we didn't have long here. The girls went shopping and later I bought more beers, this place is well worth another visit.
Friday 28th July
Our last day in Devon and another overcast day. We just got ready to go tomorrow and then wandered down to meet up with the others. Later we all wandered along the beach to the pub and got something for tea.
Saturday 29th July
Nicole and Tim (and Sid) dropped the girls off and set of home, we followed soon afterwards but headed for Bath for a couple of nights.
Only it all went wrong, crossing a small bridge with traffic lights just before the A38, I hit a bollard sticking out into the road a burst the back tire. We got parked up about a hundred yards from the bridge and phoned the AA.
We have had bother with these recovery services before but nothing at all like today (although last year when my car was written off, was pretty close). It took over five hours to get us moving again. I phoned the AA the first time to be given two numbers to call tire companies, both said that they could do nothing on Saturday. Phoned the AA for the second time and was told that they would have to take us home then but it would be two hours. So that was the end of our holiday. After two hours, I phoned the AA again to be told that I would be another hour to get a recovery truck big enough to take the van. Sometime later though I got a call from the AA to ask that if a driver came and took me to a tire Garage to get a new tire, would that be ok.
After about half an hour the AA man turned up, got the wheel of and took me and the wheel to a Garage. It was only about ten miles to the garage but it took about twenty five minuets to get there. The garage was very fast with the new tire but it was still another twenty five minuets to get back. By the time it was all done and we were ready to go it was around half five.
It was also raining and had been for most of the time we had been waiting for the AA to sort us out. I had also phoned the site in Bath a told them we would not make it and we made for a site in Ashburton just a few miles away. But when we got there I didn't like the look of it and moved on, the next site I headed for was on a closed road, so I just drove on and headed for Bath.
We realised that we were not going to get to Bath and the sat/nav was playing up, so after a long drive we eventually stopped at a site miles from anywhere and checked in (it was a lot more complicated than that though).
Southfork Caravan Park
Parrett Works, Martock, Somerset, TA12 6AE
Web Site www.southforkcaravans.co.uk/
We got set up and had something to eat (first of the day for me but I had had crisps) then watched a film before bed. Tomorrow we would just head for Stratford and have an extra day there, it was all better than it could have been anyway.
Sunday 30th July
Back on the road and back to the M5 we headed off for Stratford-on-Avon, I had phoned and booked the extra night but we still had about one hundred and thirty miles to go.
On arrival we were sent down the road to wait for the man to show us were to pitch up. When he arrived he didn't have us on his list (we were not due til tomorrow), so he just put us on the first pitch, right next to where we were. It was getting late by now so we didn't go into Stratford, we just wandered over to the bar and had a meal.
After the food, the girls wandered back over to the van but me and Dot had another beer sat outside, before going back to watch the TV with the girls.
Monday 31st July
Today we would get the boat into town, they had moved the departure point from when we were last here, to just under the bar. I think the girls enjoyed the boat ride but you can never tell, it was already about dinner time when we got into Stratford.
As we started our walk around Stratford it started to rain so we headed off to find food and would leave the walk until later. Spoons was fairly close so we went straight in there and with the rain outside we were lucky to get a table. It was only dinner time but I still had a pint with my food a Byatt's, Crystal Cookie, it wasn't very good but ok with the food.
After lunch the weather was a lot better so we had a wander around the shops and the girls did some shopping, although I do not think that they bought anything.
After the shopping we walked over to the were there was a big wheel and beyond all reason we all went on it. It was pretty high but I did manage to get some good photos from up top.
I was glad to be off though and after that, we just went back over the river into town.
Then it was back to the boat, for the ride along the river back to the site.
Tuesday 1st August
Our last day in Stratford and as usual we wandered down to get the boat into town but as there were big queues. So we wandered up to the site entrance and got a taxi into town, it was cheaper than the river taxi.
First thing we did was to get some sandwiches and drinks for lunch and ate them sat outside the Shakespeare theater. From there we went for a walk along the river. We crossed over at the footbridge and came back along the opposite side, passed the lock gates.
We sat and watched the small hand pulled ferry crossing the river, before making our way back to the bridge.
We crossed back over and got the boat back to the site, bit more expensive but a nicer ride.
When we got back to the site the girls went straight back to the van but Dot and I went for a beer at the bar. After the beer we decided to have tea in there, so I massaged the girls to ask if they wanted food here and they both came running back (well practically).
Wednesday 2nd August
It was time to head back home but it was still a long drive.
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