Friday, 19th May 2023
A showery day for our return home, the weather improves as we go North.
The road works at Darrington are still a problem, enormous tail-back, well over 3 miles at just a little over a walking pace. Unfortunately, there is no viable diversion, so, no choice but to "put up with it".
Home by 15:30.
Wednesday 17th May 2023
Slightly cloudy day, but, dry and 16c.
I am still suffering with foot/heel pain. It is no worse, but, equally, no better.
I don't think the cycling had any adverse effects, but, Kathleen is reluctant to go cycling two days in a row. A rest day is in order.
Thursday 18th 2023
Warm and humid, feels like it might end in thunder. 17c and calm.
I have worked out a route to include two Churches, dedicated to Saints I have not collected yet, in my ABC of the Saints Names, Cyclechat Challenge.
We cycle first to Bainton, to collect St Mary,
That is "L" and "M" ticked off, "N" next.
Neither of these churches had clear name boards, rather disappointing when we had cycled there especially to photograph the bike, and name of the Church.
After Tallington, we take the small roads, via Langtoft.
We have no success finding a pub serving food, so, we stop off at Market Deeping, The Stage, for lunch.
18.72 miles, and, only mild grumbling from the back for Deeping St James - Bainton - Tallington - Barholm - Langtoft - Market Deeping - Deeping St James.
Thursday 11th May 2023
Sunny and 12c, with a promise of 16c. The forecast suggests a similar day to yesterday, but, a degree or two cooler.
Today it is necessary to do some chores.
A shopping trip for essentials, including bread, milk, wine, to the nearest supermarket, which turns out to be a small and expensive Coop, It is just under 3 miles, there and back, and, as I said, expensive, I think I will cycle to the Tesco if we need anything else!
Kathleen dons her "washer woman" gear and washes some clothes.
We decide to stay here longer, and, after checking with the lady who runs the place, all is arranged, we can stay up to Friday 19th May, if we wish.
Ominously, having decided to stay longer, we have a thunder storm, and, heavy rain!
Friday, 12th May 2023
Dull, windy, and 11c, by lunch time, it has started to rain. I do hope we have not screwed up the weather by deciding to stay!
This site has no toilet block/shower block, so, we have to use the van shower etc. This is not really a problem, particularly if you are "plugged in" to fresh water and waste water systems, (which we are here), so, no lugging fresh water and disposing of waste water.
However, Kathleen's "hair washing events" usually pose a problem in these circumstances, since a volume of water just short of a small reservoir appears to be required, plus, the hot water boiler only has a capacity of approximately 10 litres, so, none stop hot water can pose a problem.
I bought a little gadget off Amazon (where else) which allows you to stop/start the flow of water at the shower head, without touching the on/off control, and potentially, unintentionally, altering the temperature setting.
I am pleased to report, it worked superbly, grumbling level reduced by 75%, a win!
Saturday 13th May 2023
Dull and cool, 10c.
The forecast says 17c and sunshine by shortly after lunch time, well, that does not materialise.
We have actually cycled to Glinton a couple of days ago, but, the walk takes follows footpaths, rather than roads.
The instructions we were given are reasonably easy to follow, and, 3.91 miles later, we arrive at "The Blue Bell", just shortly after 12:00 noon.
We try to make a circular walk of it, by returned via a slightly different route, not much of a circle, but it is further at 4.25 miles.
8.16 miles for the day.
Tuesday 9th May 2023
Light cloud, 14c. The forecast says a high of 18c, and, rain from lunch time on.
No real destination in mind, the idea is to. explore the immediate area, and, have our lunch out.
Kathleen even volunteered to pay for lunch.
Finding somewhere serving food turns out to be more difficult than we thought, the nearest pub, The Waterton Arms, doesn't do food, although, the very pleasant bar maid, directs us to Market Deeping, where she assures us we will find a choice of eateries.
The first pub we come to, in Market Deeping, The Bull, does food, but, not on Mondays and Tuesdays, at this rate I will be drunk before we find our lunch!
The barman in The Bull, directs us to The Stage Hotel, just across the road, where we have a very enjoyable lunch in very pleasant surroundings.
The weather forecast has turned out to be totally wrong, and we walk back to Keal Lodge in full sunshine.
It does eventually end, a thunderstorm at 17:00, but, by that time, we are back at Keal Lodge, with over 12 miles walked!
Wednesday 10th May 2023
Sunny, 14c, rising to 17c.
Back to the cycling.
Sunday 7th May 2023
Dry but cloudy start. Not cold at 14c, rising to 20c later in the day (if the forecast is right!).
I do a little shopping, for something we forgot, in what must be the smallest 'supermarket" I have ever visited. Run by a (very pleasant) Asian family, the aisles are so narrow you have to walk sideways, and, the products are stacked on racks almost up to the ceiling, but, they do appear to stock everything!
Whilst Kathleen is occupied in church, I walk to what Google tells me is another supermarket,
By lunch time, we have full "summer style" sun, and 20c. We spend the afternoon lazying in the sun, drinking wine and reading.
We are also visited by the lady site owner, who is doing her rounds ensuring everyone is happy with the place.
She is very pleasant, but, boy can she talk. If only I could remember all of the "useful" information she told me. I am sure she must be the mother of the young lady who was here yesterday, to book us in.
Monday 8th May 2023
Rain early in the morning, before it was time to get up, then 13c, rising to 16c supposedly, and cloudy. To be expected I suppose, since today is a Bank Holiday (for the Coronation of Charles III.
While browsing the internet, I noticed there was a church called St Kyneburga, at a place called Castor, approximately 10 miles away. A quick check of my local Sustrans Map showed that it was quite possible to cycle there on cycle routes (mostly NCN21).
To be honest, it is not a very pleasant day, a stiff breeze, from the South West, so, almost a head-wind most of the way there, plus, solid cloud cover, with showers forecast.
Shortly after Eaton, there is a novel situation where we must cross the main East Coast railway line (Edinburgh - London). There is a bell to ring, after a short
Then, to Marholm, where we pause for a rest, and, I break the news there are "only" about 4 miles to go, to Castor.
We do get slightly wet in a couple of showers.
Church of St Kyneburgha located, photograph taken. It is rather disappointing, having come all this way, that there is no Church Name
Lunch in the nearby Royal Oak, Castor, to placate Kathleen, to be fair, she has been a little gem, hardly a word of complaint, even when it rained.
Then, back the way we had come. just over 20 miles in total.
Friday, 5th May 2023
I make a special effort to take some garden shots. We have our first Clematis flower of the spring, late I think, presumably because of the cold and dull weather we have had of late.
Accordingly, I have booked Keal Lodge Caravan Site N52.670112 W0.279909, chosen because it had vacancies.
I am not sure that having vacancies on such a busy weekend is actually recommendation, but we will see.
Approximately 195 miles.
Unsurprisingly, the journey is typical of the beginning of a UK Bank Holiday weekend.
A massive traffic hold up at Darrlington, A1 Southbound, thanks to road works, road is reduced to
Just to add to the fun, torrential rain, for much of the journey.
What joy.
Unusually for us, we take care to follow the owned supplied instructions to approach the site. Not sure if it was strictly necessary on the basis of road width, but, no doubt was in the interests of not annoying the locals.
But, the good news is, we arrive to blue skies, 18C, and, Keal Lodge appears to be a very
We are soon all settled in, a glass of wine, whilst sitting in the sunshine, the journey is forgotten.
Saturday, 6th May 2023
A pleasant morning, 14C, and, sunny with cloud.
Yesterday, when we arrived, we were greeted by the young lady who looks after the place (the daughter of the owner, I think).
One item of information was details of a pleasant walk, along the River Welland, to Deeping St James.
Google has already allowed me to determine
The order of the day today is to explore and check out where the important things are, ie pub, shop, Catholic Church (not necessarily in that order).
Aided initially by Google Maps, we find the Catholic Church, and, find the Riverside walk, during our 3.4 mile ramble.
Unfortunately, we do not find anywhere open, and serving food/drinks.
The current Catholic Church is a modern affair, Our Lady of Lincoln and St Guthlac
Some seriously attractive properties, along the River Welland, and, some wild life.
The weather is kind, it has warmed to a pleasant 16C, a slight shower, but, very brief.
Saturday, 1st April 2023
Another day of amusing ourselves, reading for Kathleen, reading and computer for me.
A substantial walk in the evening, so that Kathleen can attend church.
Sunday, 2nd April 2023
Yet another grey and wet day.
Annoyingly, the forces for tomorrow is sunshine (both here, and, at home).
It seems sensible to travel on the "bad" day (ie today), and, enjoy the "good" day (ie tomorrow), accordingly, we pack up and go.
Thursday, 30th March 2023
13c, and, not raining!, at least, not until 15:00, when it poured down, for the. rest of the afternoon, and into the night.
Given the apparent shortage of priests, I wonder, is this the next development, just one priest, sitting in the Vatican, doing Mass for the whole world? I suppose, allowing for time differences, it would be necessary to have a small team, broadcasting a Mass, say, every hour.
Meanwhile, in the real world, Google provides the name of a Catholic Church, St Catherine of Alexandria,, and, directions on how to find it. I am sure Kathleen has been there before, on a previous visit to Littlehampton.
The Church is located near the coast, in a rather smart part of Littlehampton, think, Tynemouth, or Cullercoats.
Whilst checking the location, a rather pleasant elderly lady engages us in conversation. Apparently, as a child, she was evacuated to Littlehampton, during the blitz, and spent the war living with nuns in a Convent. She is visiting Littlehampton on a coach trip, and is trying to find the Convent, to rekindle childhood memories. Her husband does not appear terribly enthusiastic at the prospect. Amazing how you can amuse yourself, in an out of season UK seaside town, on a dull day.
On the way back to the site, we throw caution to the winds, and, deviate from the "google route', it turns out to be a good decision, we manage to find. a route which is quieter, away from the traffic of the A284, so, we have had a good walk today, just under 5 miles.
Friday, 31st. March 2023
It is still raining, none stop from about 15:00 yesterday, it does eventually stop, at about 10:00, but, only because the wind increases to a gentle gale.
Alternating rain and gale force wind for the rest of the day, definitely the worst days weather so far.
Saturday, 25th March 2023.
Sunny with cloud, and breezy, but, 13c, and, most importantly, not raining (yet).
Today is Michaela and Gordon's wedding day, at The Swan Hotel, Bibury,. The weather was reasonable, enough gaps in the showers to that no-one got soaked, and, photographs taken.
The Swan as a venue was well organised, everything appeared to go smoothly, if there were any hiccups, they were well covered up!
All in all, a good day, although, as expected we did eat and drink too much.
Sunday, 26th March 2023.
After torrential over night rain, we have 8c and showers, not good for the start of British Summer Time!
Everyone is no doubt making their way home today. We are resting up, and, hoping for a break in the rain that will allow us to venture out for a walk.
Monday, 27th March 2023
An uneventful 125 mile drive to Littlehampton CAMC Site (N50.826833 W0.541944), including a coffee stop at what has to be the cleanest UK Services, (a Starbucks concession) we have ever visited (Newbury, on A34).
The weather on arrival is pleasant, and we manage a short stroll to explore our immediate surroundings.
We have been here before, but, it was approximately 14 years ago. The surroundings appear to have changed significantly in that time, lots of new housing built, the adjacent road much much busier 9and noisier). A possible positive, a new supermarket has been build, approximately ten minutes walk from the site.
Tuesday, 28th March 2023
Not too cold, at 10c, but, raining again!
Rain stopped shortly after lunch, allowing a short walk to the nearby supermarket, a few essentials, plus chocolate to make up for the rubbish weather.
Wednesday, 29th March 2023
A big surprise, this morning, it is not raining! A bit grey, but, dry and 13c.
There is a pub, the Six Bells, just outside the site, but, it appears to have succumbed to the economic situation, and has closed down.
According to Trip Advisor, The Arun View Hotel is the best eating place in Littlehampton.
We set off to walk into Littlehampton, with the intention of eating at the Arun View Hotel (2.2 miles).
The food is good, the waitress pleasant, so, on balance, OK, although the artist's impression of the view is most definitely using a big dollop of artistic licence.
To round off the day, I suggest walking back, via a different route, to 'make a circle of it. Surprisingly, Kathleen agrees, and we cross the river Arun, then, walk back to Littlehampton CAMC site (3.25 miles).
Not a bad day, we didn't get wet, we had a reasonable meal, and, we had some exercise.
Thursday, 23rd March 2023
Approximately 256 miles. I wouldn't call it a particularly pleasant journey, several traffic hold-ups, and, alternating periods of bright sunshine, followed by periods of torrential rain.
Orchard House CL (N51.758456 W1.855755), one of a pair of CLs with the same owner. The other is Orchard Meadow CL.
The two CLs are adjacent to each other, Orchard House CL has hard standing, whereas Orchard Meadow CL is all grass.
Given the torrential rain when we arrive, hard standing is a good idea.
We arrive at about 15:00, so, not time to do any exploring, plus, there is torrential rain. The, very pleasant, owner (Peter) braves the rain to greet us, and, give us some information about the local area.
Friday, 24th March 2023.
The site owner gave us a couple of maps of local walks. The shortest is 3 miles, and takes in Ablington and Bibury.
We are told that Ablington is a pretty Cotswold village, without the tourists. Well, it is, but, it is without anything else too, we discover.
So, walking shoes on, and, off we go, on a 3 mile walk.
This footpath apparently is a part of the original Hay Lane, a Roman route from Cirencester.
Roman route or not, Kathleen decides that after yesterdays heavy rain, it is too muddy, so, we will vary the route (seldom a good idea, when you do not have a detailed map).
All goes well, we are walking on tarmac, a small road, with only very occasional motor traffic.
Now, we are relying completely on our sense of direction, because this public bridal way is not even on google maps, so, we are shown as heading off across a field. We emerge onto a tarmac route at the village of Winston, and, follow the lane to Ablington, from where Bibury is actually signposted. Other than the fact that we spent most of the time without a clue where we were, and, what a pleasant surprise to arrive at The Swan, Bibury, it was a very pleasant walk, scenic and quiet, although, lacking a pub, or, at the least a coffee shop.
After lunch, the weather returns to yesterdays weather. Frequent torrential showers.
A meal, at the Catherine Wheel, Bibury, with the Kent based Reay family this evening, well, not actually all of them, we are minus Victoria and her husband Graham, who could not make it, because, today is Victoria's graduation day, as a Radiologist, plus of course brother John and his wife Sharon, so, nine of us in total.
Tuesday, 31st January 2023
Dry, sunny, and 10c, but, the strong wind makes it feel colder.
Today is our 36th Wedding Anniversary.
A bus ride (No 3) into Lincoln.
This was something of a rural tour, via Reepham and Cherry Willingham. I think we were the youngest people on the bus, other than the driver. Definitely a surplus of zimmer frames and walking sticks.
The usual visit to shops we have at home (Marks & Spencer, Next, etc) to confirm that they do not have anything more appealing than their Newcastle or Metro Centre based outlets, followed by a very nice lunch at La Trattoria Da Vincenzo. I found this place on Google, it is novel, a restaurant, located in what is, or was, once a terraced house. A short walk from the shopping centre, but, I don't really see how you would ever find it, unless you knew it was there.
We did check out the area around Brayford Pool, which, I thought, given it's history, may have had some pleasant eateries, but, all we found was modern concrete and glass developments, occupied by semi fast food major names.
Sadly, Lincoln was bit of a disappointment, all rather shabby and run down, it makes Sunderland look affluent, and, that is an achievement.
Wednesday, 1st February 2023.
Dry, cloudy, and 10c, but, that strong wind is still spoiling things.
It is is granddaughter, Salma's birthday today, 7 years old. Hopefully, we will manage a FaceTime Call later today.
Morning of "chores', and reading.
The cloud turns to drizzle type rain, so, no outdoor activities today.
Thursday, 2nd February 2023
Rather similar to yesterday, dry, cloudy, and 10c, but, the wind has subsided somewhat.
Not bad considering we have not cycled for two months.
The date and time on camera is incorrect, must remember to check in future, if they have been dis-used for a while.
Friday, 3rd February 2023
Probably the nicest day of the week, today, 13c, typical!
Home
Sunday, 29th January 2023
Monday, 9th January 2023
Friday, 2nd September 2022
Despite the weather forecast, which predicted rain, we have a bright sunny day, 19c, a few clouds, but generally blue, and, a breeze from the East.
We first follow a signed trail, but, after we reach a farm, that becomes an unrideable (Mountain Bike territory).
So, plan B, return to Haydon Bridge and follow the 'old road' through Haydon Bridge, inevitably we come to the A69.
I have more success in convincing Kathleen to
Not really enjoyable, too noisy, and, or course, the constant thought 'is some clown playing with their phone, instead of watching where they are going!".
A very pleasant coffee and cake stop at Bardon Mill, at the village shop, which doubles up as everything, it would appear.
Then, a little further on NCN72.
Just over 14 miles, and, due to lack of concentration, when loading the video, we have both the front and rear view!
Saturday, 3rd September 2022
We wake up to rain, which eventually stops and we go walking.
Despite the overnight rain, the path is perfectly dry, which shows how parched the ground is I suppose.
Sadly, what appears to be the only coffee shop in Haydon Bridge (Oddfellows), is closed for some unknown reason.
Interesting development, this evening.
Saturday evenings are usually 'Marks and Spencer Ready meal or Pizza night', after Kathleen has returned from Church, 'cooked' by me of course.
Quite apart from it being very tasty, I have always thought it was a decent sized meal, particularly for a ready-meal, which are usually a bit skimpy.
Although, I did think them a bit pricey at about £7 each, excluding the rice and/or naan bread.
I have, in the past, read the cooking instructions of course, but, tonight, I took the trouble to read the rest of the packaging.
Much to my surprise, they are ready-meals for two!, so, we have been eating a meal for two, each, roughly once per month, for the last couple years.
No wonder I thought the portion sizes were generous!
Sunday, 4th September 2022
Home today.
