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York, Skelton, Thursday 31/01/2019
A planned short trip on our wedding anniversary. It so happens, we have chosen a spell of bitterly cold weather, as I type, it is -4C outside, cosy in here of course, with the heating on.
Our "usual" York stop over of choice (CAMC Rowntree Park), is fully booked, indicating we are not the only people "out and about" in caravans/motorhomes, in this freezing weather.
Instead, we select Grantchester Caravan Site, Skelton, N53 59'53" W1 8'14", a Camping and Caravan Club Certified Site. It is just off the A19, in the village of Skelton, about three miles from the centre of York. The site is small, but has all of the necessary amenities (ie EHU, Showers, Toilets etc). Our first time here but, it appears to be perfectly fine.
We have the place to ourselves, until about 18:00, when another Motorhome arrives.
There is a fairly frequent bus service into York, and, a choice of cycle routes, not that I expect to coax Kathleen onto a bicycle in these temperatures!
It would appear that extreme weather on our wedding anniversary is not uncommon, just 2 or 3 years ago, en-route to Spain on our wedding anniversary, we spent the night in a carpark, when we found our planned Aire stop-over was flooded. At least Kathleen appears to see the funny side (so far).
York, Skelton Friday 01/02/2019
We wake to a light covering of snow, and, a balmy 0C.
Our late arriving neighbour has left.
Fortunately, the diesel powered heating in our Chausson is efficient, so, we are nice and comfortable, as we eat our breakfast, watching the snow fall steadily, and planning what we are going to do today.
I rather suspect a day cycling is not going to fly, Marks and Spencer's beckons I think, or should that be, I fear?
So, it transpires, No 30 bus into York, and, a fruitless trawl of M&S, Next etc.
The highlight of the day is lunch in Pret-a-Manger.
When we get off the bus, after our return journey, a pint in the Blacksmiths Arms, what a friendly and welcoming pub it is.
They have a roaring coal fire going. Central heating of course has the advantage that the whole house is warm, instead of one warm room and the rest of the house arctic, as was the case in my childhood.
But, it has to be said, there is little that can compete with toasting yourself infant of the fire, on a cold winters day!
Another three vans arrive between 17:00 - 18:00, so, now we are four.
York, Skelton, Saturday, 2nd February 2019
A bright and sunny morning, although it is only 3C. Snow still on the ground, but, no more appears to have fallen. According the the news, the rest of the country is cut off and in a state of paralysis, as is usual if more than three snowflakes fall.
We eventually venture out of our toasty warm van, to explore the Cycle Route to York (on foot, too cold and icy to risk our elderly bones on a bicycle).
Very pleasant route, away from busy road (A19), well surfaced, and reasonably flat. We will be back, in more clement weather!
During our little "explore" we discover a more flexible route to/from York, on the bus. Rawcliffe Bar Park and Ride is about 20 minutes walk away, bus into York every 10 minutes. Even those with Age Concession Pass have to pay, but, it is only £1.10 return.
York, Skelton, Sunday, 3rd February 2019
A bright and sunny morning, although it is a crisp 2C.
Very pleasant walk to Rawcliffe Bar, then a bus into York.
Kathleen "does her church thing", whilst I have a hot chocolate and read the newspaper in Costa Coffee.
Back to Rawcliffe Bar, then a walk to the Blacksmiths for Sunday lunch.
In fact, we spend most of the afternoon there, what a friendly pub it is.
The locals keep Kathleen entertained with their wrangling about who won the charity raffle, and we have a FaceTime call with Salma after her Party for her Third Birthday.
We return to the Campsite to find the other vans have gone, we are alone again.
York, Skelton, 4th February 2019
Heavy overnight rain, we wake up to a tropical 5C, and, all of the snow has gone.
Off home, where, the snow is still on the ground.
Friday, 11th January 2019
A mild but grey morning, with a noticeable dampness in the air, as we leave Coniston Coppice Park CAMC Site and make our way to Keswick Camping and Caravan Club Site (N54 36'19" W3 8'47").
A short drive this morning, road not wide enough for Kathleen's taste.
A rather confusing destination this, two sites, right next door to each other, one called Keswick Club Site, one called Derwent Water Site, both run by the Camping and Caravan Club. At this time of year the Derwent Water Site is closed. The Keswick Site is the one next to the Rugby Club, and, on the Lake Shore.
We arrive at 12:40, admission is not until 13:00, already, there is a queue!
A short stroll around Keswick, Church times checked out for Kathleen, and coffee and cake. Easy day.
Saturday, 12th January 2019
We have had quite a reasonable run of weather, considering it is mid-winter, but, it appears to have ended. Very windy last night, grey and wet this morning, the surrounding hills are not even visible under blanket of low cloud.
Kathleen has started the hair washing routine, so, that should be her amused for half a day. Looks as if I will be reading my book, or, "playing" on the internet.
Kathleen completes the Church run, getting rather wet in the process. She really is going to be rather annoyed if I "get in" on her membership ;)
Sunday, 13th January 2019
High winds and rain, not exactly pleasant, but, by 10:30, there was a patch of blue sky and a hint of sunshine.
A very good Sunday Lunch at Pack Horse Inn, followed by the obligatory stroll to Friars Cragg.
Monday, 14th January 2019
Predictably, since we are leaving, a bright and sunny day!
Uneventful drive home.
Wednesday, 9th January 2019
Minus 1C overnight, so, a heavy frost and a clear crisp morning, only plus 1C by 10:00am, but, a beautiful winter morning.
A walk along the lakeshore, eight miles in total, with a picnic lunch, followed later by coffee and scones with strawberry jam.
A very quiet and calm day, although we are out walking for something like four hours, we encounter only four other walkers, and, a lone cyclist.
We have now "checked out" both routes to the village (including the pubs and, if we are here until Saturday/Sunday, the church). Both the lakeside and former railway path are unlit. Could be interesting walking along there in the pitch dark!
The temperate never rises above 4C, but, it is a beautiful winters day nevertheless.
Thursday, 10th January 2019
A balmy 3C this morning, with a bit of cloud cover.
A less active day today, only 4 miles walked, and that was to the pub for lunch.
The Ship Inn is extensively advertised, and, looked promising, but, when we got there it was closed today! Of the other three pubs in Coniston, only the Black Bull was serving food, or, indeed open, so, the Black Bull it was. Enjoyable lunch.
Monday 7th January 2019
Coniston, Park Coppice CAMC Site (N54 21'14" W3 5'4").
Typically, Sunday (yesterday) is a pleasant winters day, bright, calm and not too cold.
Today, is grey, raining and windy, so, not the most pleasant day for a 130 mile journey across the Pennines.
The weather woes are made worse by an accident on the M6, which has closed the motorway.
Much to my surprise, my £35 Ebay sourced Sat-Nav, detects the congestion ahead, and plans an alternative route to avoid it. I say much to my surprise because I did not know it had that feature, nor do I understand how it detected the congestion ahead? But, just like my much more expensive in-car unit, it gave a message saying there was a hold up ahead, displayed an alternative route suggestion and gave the option to continue on, or, follow the alternative route. One small problem of course, we were not the only vehicle to take the alternative route, and, going was slow, but, not as slow as standing stationary on a wet windswept M6!
At this time of year, only part of the Coniston site is open, but, we are not alone, there are quite a number of hardy souls parked up, among the trees.
Coniston does not appear to be a "typical" CAMC Site. True the facilities block and EHU points are typical CAMC, but the site layout is with trees (as it's name suggests I suppose), and is not the usual regular CAMC layout, but rather pitches arranged in small clearings, within the trees.
No problem with this, except in the gale force wind, we did get showered with falling twigs.
There are more "open" areas, not open at present, reserved for tent campers, I believe.
Tuesday, 8th January 2019.
A clear morning, gale force wind has gone completely, watery winter sunshine shining through the trees. A day outdoors, hopefully.
A walk to Coniston Village. Only a mile away, with a footpath which is largely off road, and, level (it appears to have been a former railway line). There is also a lakeshore path, which we explore a little, for some future outing.
It would appear the former railway ran from Coniston to Broughton-in-Furness. Construction began in 1858, and the line was opened a year later in 1859. Quite remarkable, today it would take that long to do the risk assessment!
Almost eight miles walked today, and a stop for a picnic lunch, by the lake.
Tuesday 11th September 2018
The start of a short break. We should, normally, be having two months in Europe at this time, but, Kathleen's persistent health problems mean we cannot make it.
So, three days in the English Lake District will have to do. Nice place, but, a bit of a poor substitute for two months in France and/or Germany!
Approximately 90 uneventful miles, to Camping and Caravan Club, Windermere Site. (N54 21.656 W2 48.138).
The site is as you would expect, from one of the two major UK Clubs, clean, tidy, friendly and helpful staff.
No adverse reflection on the site, but, it is not "our kind of site", a bit too big, and, rather remote (particularly if you are in a Motorhome).
We begin our visit with a walk to the nearest village, Staveley, a little under two miles of pleasant walking, along a well defined path or lane, through the fields.
Coffee and an excellent fruit scone with jam, as a reward.
Wednesday 12th September 2018
Sunny with showers, mild
A substantial walk, almost two miles, to the nearest bus stop, or, to be precise, a place where the bus will, at the discretion of the driver, stop for you.
Since it is not an "official" bus stop, we have to guess at the arrival time, but, sure enough, a bus to Kendal does arrive and picks us up. It is not the service we were waiting for, but, who cares?
I recall visiting Kendal as a child, but, far too long ago to remember, either the place, or, quite why we went there!
Kendal is a rather interesting place to wander, lots of little courtyards etc, and, not too many shops, my kind of place.
Unfortunately, it is rather busy, and upsets Kathleen's equilibrium, so, it is a short visit.
Thursday 13th September 2018
Torrential overnight rain, followed by a cool and showery day
The original plan was to take the bus to Windermere. The windy, wet and cool day dampens Kathleen's enthusiasm somewhat.
After consulting Google Maps, I suggest a walk to the Sun Inn, Crook, for lunch (2 miles away along tarmac surface).
Failure, Sun Inn not open for lunch, despite what the website says.
We walk from the Sun Inn to Staveley, (2.5 miles) much grumbling. I Phone ahead to Eagle and Child, Staveley, to ensure they are open for lunch!
Moderately good lunch then walk back to the van, across the fields, get caught in rain shower.
Friday 14th September 2018
More rain overnight, and, still raining this morning.
An uneventful drive, to arrive home shortly after lunch time.
Monday, 9th July 2018
The day begins cloudy, and, for once, in many days, indeed weeks, does not turn out to be sunny. Warm, humid and looking as if it is going to thunder, but, nothing happens!
Time to leave Sandringham.
We drive the 56 miles (not a dual carriageway in site) to Woodhall Spa Camping and Caravan Club Site (N53 9'11" W0 10'9").
Once a wartime RAF and Army Camp, now a campsite.
Once settled in, we cycle into Woodhall Spa village.
It is like stepping back into the 1940's ! Indeed, there was a "1940's re-enactment" over the weekend we are told. They would not have to do much "re-enacting"! Very quaint.
Woodhall Spa is famous for it's association with RAF 617 Squadron (the Dam Busters) of WW2 fame. We knew nothing of this of course, all credit to Google and Wikipedia!
Tuesday, 10th July 2018
The day starts cloudy, but, but lunch time, it is sunny, and a rather hot 24C.
We cycle to Horncastle and back, just over 11 miles.
Horncastle is another place which is like stepping back 50 years.
Very nice to see, hardly a National chain present (Tesco and Coop being the only ones I spot). Many small independent retailers populate the high street, however, as is the way with just about every high street throughout the UK, there is a big Charity Shop presence, never a good sign!
We have a coffee, and, I have a piece of excellent fruit cake, paid for by Kathleen. Otherwise, an unremarkable place. Very pleasant cycle ride however.
Wednesday, 11th July 2018
Yet again, the day begins cloudy, but, no rain, and, by mid-afternoon, it is yet another sunny and hot day.
Home, via a cross country route, taking in the impressive Humber Bridge.
Friday, 6th July 2018
Nature does it's bit, for the most important day of the week, ie "hair care day", it is a cool start, so hair-dryer wielding is made more bearable. By the time we are walking to the bus-stop, to catch the bus to Kings Lynn, it is a very warm 24C.
The bus stop locations and timetable here appear to be a closely guarded secret.
Kathleen, as is her way, asked at reception for directions to the nearest bus-stop, on Thursday evening. We followed the instructions, so we would be prepared for today. We did find a bus-stop, but, it was a long way off, and, involved walking along the busy A149, not pleasant, although, we did find a quieter and more pleasant return route, through the woods, which brought us out at the Campsite entrance.
Not content with the instructions we had been given, I consulted the OS map, and decided there was a nearer bus-stop. Basically, at the site entrance, ie where the entrance drive meets the small road which is also Cycle Route 1, turn left, walk to the junction with the A149 (about 3/4 mile), turn left, and walk to the small group of cottages and Social Club, there is a bus stop there. It would appear there are a choice of two buses at this stop (34 and 36).
Kathleen rarely if ever accepts that I can actually read a map, but, amazingly, she agreed to follow my route, and, even agreed it was much shorter, and easier than the route we were given at Reception.
Kings Lynn, is a reasonably pleasant place, a rather quaint Medieval section, with the nicely preserved buildings.
There is the inevitable Church, or, Minster, in this instance, "stolen" by Henry VIII, or, re-assigned to stop the Pope interfering in International affairs, depending on your point of view, and which version of History you got
at school.
There is also a modern shopping centre, a very good range of shops, if you like that kind of thing, but, otherwise, an act of vandalism, in my humble opinion.
We have a very pleasant light lunch, paid for by Kathleen, followed by the inevitable trail around the shops, I meet several bored husbands, and, Kathleen acquires a new "top".
For our return journey, we return to the bus station. There is a bus (35) boarding. My reading of Google etc, tells me it will take us where we wish to go, but, not to exactly the same bus-stop.
I am trusted again, twice in one day, not sure I can handle this.
It turns out to be an even better choice than this morning. The bus turns off the A149 and heads for West Newton, passing the Caravan and Motorhome Club site. There is a bus-stop at the entrance to the site. Get off there, walk through the site, between pitches 75 and 77, there is a walkway, to a gate, go through the gate, follow the well defined path and, you are at the Camping and Caravan Club site in 5 minutes.
Saturday, 7th July 2018
Another sunny day
We have "done" Kings Lynn on the bus, so, today, we decide we will cycle there (and back of course).
The route follows Sustrans Cycle Network Route 1 from the entrance of Sandringham Camping and Caravan Club Site , via Castle Rising, to Kings Lynn.
The cycle route is mostly off road, and of good quality, definitely well signposted!
We pause for Lunch in Castle Rising, on our return journey.
To round off our day, England beat Sweden to go to Semi-Finals or the Work Cup (Football).
Sunday, 8th July 2018
Yet another hot and sunny day 27C
Sunday, means church for Kathleen.
We cycle to Dursingham, St Cecelia RC Church. Having got our bearings, we take the short route, three miles, not eight!
Kathleen treats me to coffee and cake after she emerges from Church. If this is the effect church has, perhaps I should encourage daily attendance?
A leisurely Sunday lunch, and reading our books in while sitting in the sun.
