What are you all up to

I’m tempted to take the blue route TBH, it looks more ‘out there’. Yes, we’ve been to Skipton a couple of times now. Last time we took the train to Carlisle, which was nice. We stayed at the club site nearby, Wharfedale. What we like to do is take a flask and sandwiches, find a likely spot, get the chairs out and soak up the surroundings - nature at its finest. Unfortunately, the other half is beginning to really struggle with her hip, so for now, walking any distance is off the cards. A bit limiting.

Having trouble with the signal as CL slightly off beaten track. Lovely spot though. Stopped at Plas Brondanw, a HHA house. Made a pleasant stop for a cuppa and lunch. Having trouble downloading some photos so they'll have to come later. Francis, there's one of a 100 year old Bentley so stay tuned.

Harlech and Barmouth were absolutely bouncing. We didn't stop long in either unfortunately. Able to walk out from site and join up with the old. now converted, railway line that runs from Dolgellau to Barmouth. Walked up to the George III pub for a glass of cold cider. Here for 2 nights. Cycling tomorrow although some rain due early morning.

Depending where you are staying in Harrogate you could head north initially towards Ripon but turn off just after Ripley  towards Pateley Bridge, then past Stump Cross Cavern to Grassington and onto Long Preston that way. Coming back to through Clitheroe and up over the Nick of Pendle to Sabden and then head for Skipton and back to Harrogate over Blubberhouses.

The climb out of Pateley Bridge make for an "interesting" tow !!😊

Indeed, Francis.  It's more than 600 miles for us....  I once worked it out, that we could almost get from Home to Lyon, in France for a similar mileage... 😀😀

David

Probably best not to ask Kj.

 Nellie - Plas Brondanw is quite small and typical of Clough-Ellis the garden is more architecturally set out. House a bit more interesting if you like contemporary art. If you do find yourself there then the nearby and accessible Glaslyn Osprey watch area is only 2.5 miles away.

Nice cool morning with some rain occasionally so a slow start to the day but it brightened up this afternoon into a pleasant day, not too hot here on the coast of West Wales. Bike riding today. Home tomorrow. Enjoyed the CL and the brief sojourn.

Glad you didn't get wet, WN, and were able to fit in a good home ride. Thanks for the information on the property and that about the Ospreys too. They are still there at the moment but it won't be long before they depart.

After early morning rain the day slowly brightened up and we had a fine warm afternoon. Yet another visit to the dentist this morning, and perhaps a call in tomorrow as I am having a problem with my new plate! I did get the car washed before lunch a d some more weeding done before the guy turned up to service the gas boiler. It could do with a new pump, but all being well that will be replaced under our boiler insurance policy. We will just have to keep our fingers crossed and wait and to hear what the outcome is.

Here in Bristol it only got to about 23c, but quite humid, even with quite a strong breeze. I’m minded of the time 2 years ago we stayed on the Norfolk Broads site when it got up to 40c. We were stuck on site sat in the shade with our feet in bowls of water, it was just too hot to do anything. Still, it’s looking like normal service (rain) is set to return, just in time for our next trip away 🙁

It's scorching here on the east coast.  Just been out in the car and that's saying 29 degrees - and the same in the van on the drive - with all the roof lights open. 

Had a pond cleaning company come and clean the pond today - not been done since I re-lined it about 10 years ago and it was in a bit of a state.  The water was full of algae and looked like pea soup! No doubt the massive build up of silt in the bottom had something to do with it. Was fascinating watching them work - all the fish transferred to a massive tank with some of the original water from the pond - pond pumped out and cleaned and then fish back in the pond and filled it up. Dread to think what the water bill is going to be this quarter since about 20,000 litres have gone in. Good news is that the official verdict was that, despite the apparent state of the water, the fish looked really healthy.  Just needs the pond-clear and chlorine remover to do their stuff in the next 24 hours and we should see a total transformation.

Supposed to be raining early this morning but we set off just gone 9.30 and it was still dry. Stayed that way all the way home. We stopped for coffee at Rhug Organic Farm Shop near Corwen on the A5 for a break.

Really enjoyed the 2 night break. Some photos that have finally emerged. The car was at Plas Brondanw and being driven by an elderly German accompanied by his wife. They were touring in style. It's a 100 year old Bentley. You could tell that they came from a wealthy background. Good luck  to them. They were enjoying their tour of Wales.

The bridge is still a toll bridge. There is one of the lovely CL.

Everything fine at home. Some developments taking place at the wreck that is next door. Might be seeing the last of the problem, fingers crossed.

Raining here and cool. Sorry for those caught up in the heat and humidity.

Quite warm here in Bridlington today, but a noticeable cool breeze in the shade.  Off home tomorow, so spend a little time packing things away.  Decided to go out for a hot drink and cake this afternoon - that failed!!

First stop Burton Agnes Manor House (English Heritage).  Heard that there was a cafe there....  turned up and found that the cafe was owned by Burton Agnes Hall (private - not EH).  Got free accsss to the Manor House, as EH members), but they wanted to charge us £10 each (garden fee) in order to have a drink at the cafe, which we had to walk through to get to the EH property!  We declined!!

Thought we would go to the farm shop & cafe almost next to the site.  Arrived just before 3pm only to find it closed at 3pm..... so off we go to the little cafe counter at Danes Dyke.  Here the large signs 'Cash Only' was no good for us - we were intending to pay by debit card!!  So we gave up!!

In the end, a visit to the local Co-Op for a packet of jam doghnuts and back to the caravan to 'put the kettle on' had to make do and, (apart from the money we spent in fuel,)  worked out cheaper!! 😀

David