Hebden Bridge CAMC Site ( N53.72025 W1.99074), continued

Monday, 12th July 2021

 It has poured with rain overnight. This morning, it is a mild 16C, but, still persisting down. One consolation, it is rain at home too!

With rain, rain, and more rain, we had a lazy day of reading. 

I am now about a third of the way through (there are 800+ pages!), Barack Obama's Memoir book "A Promised Land", he has become President, and, the great sub-prime mortgage financial crisis is in full swing. Still cannot quite make my mind up about the guy, he "seems" OK, but, I constantly remind myself, he is a Politician.

This the first book I have read, using an eReader (a Kobo Libra H20). It is working out better than I thought it would, still not quite a "book experience". Big advantage is that books can be bought/exchanged online, and, there is an appreciable space and weight saving. Pleased I went for the 7" screen model, rather than the 6" screen, indeed, the 8" screen may well be even better. Like, Barack, the jury is still out, on if I think it is "a good thing" or not. Time will tell.

Tuesday, 13th July 2021

Even more rain, overnight, but, morning dawns, mild 16C (with 19C promised), overcast, but, dry.

After being cooped up all day, yesterday, we go overboard, and walk just under 8 miles.  

We followed the cycle path/walking route (NCN 66), to Hebden Bridge, and, return by a slightly different route along the Rochdale Canal towpath.

Hebden Bridge is approximately 3 miles away, so, we must have walked about a mile, along the Rochdale Canal, towards Manchester (24 miles away, according to the milestones).

Hebden Bridge is a pleasant little place, presumably, once a thriving industrial place (in the days of weaving, clog making etc), but, now, a "heritage centre", just about every shop is a coffee shop/craft shop/antique shop/cafe, I didn't notice a single "real" shop, ie, one selling meat, groceries, etc.

A picnic lunch, in the park, followed by coffee and cake, in one of the many coffee shops.

We then walked back via the Rochdale Canal towpath.

To Hebden Bridge CAMC Site (N53.72025 W1.99074)

 

A "quickie" break. It is the new style requirement, during these Covid times, foreign travel is either not allowed, not advisable, or, carries a risk of being stranded or quarantined. 

For traditions sake, the usual garden photographs, although, given that we will only be away for a week, Claire should not need to cut the lawns or, otherwise act as head gardener.

I usually do just a single photograph, but, this year we have some major changes in the garden.

Neighbour on our right (Steve) has elected to remove the overgrown conifers (thank goodness), and, erect a fence. Lots of hard work, but, a big improvement.

Yesterday, we returned home after a cycling outing, to find that neighbour on the left (David), had a chap "trimming" his conifers. Actually, trimming is a mild description, they have had at least a metre chopped off. 

Because of the direction of sunshine, etc, they were never really an issue to us, but, reducing 

their height has made our garden feel much more "light" and "open". 

In addition, because, by agreement, I used to trim David's conifers every couple of years, from our side, this will mean I barely have to climb a ladder to do so, and, as Kathleen never tires of reminding me, I am getting too old to climb ladders etc.

 

11th July 2021.

Hebden Bridge CAMC Site (

N53.72025 W1.99074).

Cloudy with sun, as we leave home, but, it soon becomes, just cloudy. Mild at 19C, however.

Totally uneventful  journey of just 127 miles to Hebden Bridge CAMC Site, other than the usual complaint that I am driving too fast. We are on motorway for most of the way, and, I have cruise control set to 55mph, which is "truck speed". 

But, we arrive at about 12:30, one of the first new arrivals. The site is pretty full, and, there are not many pitches left, which meet Kathleen's exacting standards, of space, light, and quietness. So, now, my "fast" driving and prompt arrival is a bonus.

The site is small, with only 42 pitches, and no "facilities" (an unusual option, for us), but, it is the usual high standard of CAMC tidiness and good order. The site is actually at a village, called Mytholmroyd, (who thought that name up?), which is about 1 mile away, Hebden Bridge itself is approximately 3 miles walk/cycle ride away, along the canal.

There are, supposedly, three pubs: The Robin Hood, which appears to be some distance out of the village, The Shoulder of Mutton Closed, according to Google, and The Hinchcliffe Arms. So, plenty to explore.

After our evening meal, went for a 2.5 mile exploratory walk. First discovery, Google lied, The Shoulder of Mutton is most definitely open.

Then, we came across this road sign.

I think it has somewhat dented Kathleen's enthusiasm for cycling. I did point out, it says LONGEST gradient, not STEEPEST gradient. Not sure I have convinced her.

We also came upon this sign, or monument, to "The Coiners". Had no idea what it meant, but, Google/Wikipedia to the rescue. They were effectively 18th Century counterfeiters, they filed the edges of gold coins, melted down the filings, and made new coins. Sort of Quantitive Easing, 18th Century style, naughty, naughty, only Governments are allowed to do that.

Norfolk Broads CAMC Site (N52.70036 E1.51371), continued...

 Friday, 11th June 2021

Sunny with cloud, 24C, but, with a stiff breeze. Despite the cloud and the breeze, it is very warm.

A combination of having cycled a lot this week, plus the breeze, means we opt to walk.

Five and a half miles.

we manage to make a more or less circular walk, to Ludham Bridge, then, follow the river and footpath to How Hill.

Brief stop for picnic lunch and ice cream.

Then follow a small lane to Johnson Street (Ludham), then back to Ludham Bridge.

How Hill is an interesting place, a mooring place (free) for people cruising the broads,

very attractive grounds and forest walks (free). 

Donations accepted of course, and, there are items for sale, (ice cream, guide books, "novelties"). But, unusual, in my experience, to find something so attractive, in a tourist area, which is not "cashing in". Am I growing cynical in my old age?

This being Norfolk, obligatory photograph of windmill, and swan. Swan would not pose correctly, so, I didn't give it any bread. 

Saturday, 12th June 2021

An odd day today. Forecast is only for 19C, and, according to my phone, it is 19C, with a stiff breeze, but, it still feels very warm.

A short cycle ride in the morning (10.8 miles). Ludham Bridge - Ludham - Womak - Potter Heigham - Ludham - Ludham Bridge. 

The rest of the day a combination of lazing in the sun, and packing away in preparation for leaving tomorrow.

Sunday, 13th June 2021

A bright and sunny morning, 24C plus is the forecast.

Kathleen's traffic jam beating plan has us up at 7:00am.

Ablutions completed, final packing done, and ready to go at 07:45 (minus breakfast).

Breakfast is taken just north of Kings Lynn.

Approximately 270 miles to home, and, Kathleen's plan more-or-less works out, there are no holdups in the road works (I use that term loosely, no work is evident), on the A47, but, we do encounter a few stop-start stretches on the A1M, sheer volume of traffic it would appear.

Norfolk Broads CAMC Site (N52.70036 E1.51371), continued...

 Wednesday, 9th June 2021

Clear blue sky, not a cloud to be seen, and 26C.

I have a route to "bag" my "N" for the CycleChat ABC Towns and Villages Challenge. A place called Neatishead,  just over 5 miles away.

After a short distance on the A1062 from the site, we are on small lanes, through Horning, and on to Neatishead. 

We don't know it yet, but, the small lanes will be our (or my) undoing. 

The village sign is a bit neglected, almost missed it, with all of the growth on the verge obscuring it.

There is a much more imposing "traditional" sign, in the village centre, we discover.

There is a pub, The White Horse Inn, but, it appears to be closed, so, we take our selves off to the "village community shop", which has tables arranged outside, and, serves coffee etc.

A couple of locals (women or a certain age), who appear to be just sitting having a chat, but, have the prime shady seats, kindly move, to give us visitors the prime seats.

Surprise, surprise, one of them has connections to Newcastle (son went to university there). She is a fund of (local) knowledge, explaining to us how the shop was bought, and is run, by the community, mostly volunteers. While we are there, a large wagon arrives (how did he get along the small lane we rode along?), and delivered two large pallets, full of various stock. The driver drops the pallets off, and leaves. The two elderly ladies set to to move the stock into the shop, when I offer to help, I am told "re-enforcements" are en-route, and, sure enough, a few minutes later, a small group of villagers arrive to help move the stock into the shop.

I have only plotted a route here, no return. This is going to prove to be a mistake.

We set off, to retrace our steps, or, should I say peddles?

At some point in the labyrinth of small lanes, without signposts, my memory would appear to have failed me, because we emerge onto a main road, which I was expecting), but, I am not sure it is the correct main road (Nrwich Road), or, if it is, we are at the correct junction.

My (faulty) memory says turn right, then left

into School Road, which we do. It does not look right, so, we back track to Norwich Road, and ride further, the theory being, we have turned off too early.

We come to this rather magnificent church (Parish Church of Beeston St Lawrence), by the roadside, at the brow of a hill.

All very interesting, but, it proves we are going the wrong way, we definitely did not pass this, on our outward journey. That, I would have noticed, and remembered!

So, back to School Road, on the assumption it MUST be the correct turn (wrong, again, it turns out.

To make matters worse, I have come out, without my phone, so, cannot consult the all knowing Google. 

We eventually emerge from School Road, at another junction, three choices (four, if you include the one we came from), and, no idea which one to choose.

Kathleen's phone is brought into action, we (I)

admit defeat, and fire up Google Maps, to guide us back to Ludham Bridge, which of course, it does without fault.

We stop off en-route, in Horning, for ice cream, and, to sit in the shade, watching the boats go by.

Eventually, we return to the campsite (Ludham Bridge).

A grand total of just over 16 miles, 5.5 miles there, so, by a deduction, 11.5 miles back. 

A bit of a roundabout route, but, I suppose I can claim it was meant to be a circular route? 

Kathleen is gracious enough to say she enjoyed it.

Thursday, 10th June 2021

The forecast says sunny and 25C, but, what we actually have is sunny with cloud, and only 23C.

There is a partial eclipse of the sun today, hopefully, the cloud cover will not be so much that we don't see it!

It does cloud over, and we don't see the eclipse.

Basically, a lazy day.

We peddle along to Horning (6 miles, there and back), for lunch.

Our first choice, The Swan, is full.

Second choice, The New Inn, we get a table. Another indifferent meal. It would appear Norfolk is not the place to come if you want a decent meal and a bit of service.

`Sun returns by 16:00, so, lazing in the sun follows.

A bit of wildlife action, on my Trail Camera.

 

Norfolk Broads CAMC Site (N52.70036 E1.51371)

 Monday, 7th June 2021

Norfolk Broads CAMC Site (N52.70036 E1.51371)

Cloudy start, although, 17C, soon sunny and 21C.

An exploratory cycle ride to Ludham (about 2 miles away, but, just under 6, with our exploring). 

As we left the site, were behind two much younger cyclists (middle 50's at most, I would guess), both on electric bikes. After about half a mile, they stopped to let us pass, because, and I quote, we were going too fast for them. Not bad for two pensioners 73/74 years old ;)

We discover two pubs, which will require further investigation, The Dog Inn is nearest and walkable. The Kings Arms is in Ludham village, a bit further, but, cyclable or walkable.

Things must come in twos here, because, there are two shops. Shops have basic, but, not fresh fruit/vegetable. We do note a sign for someone selling fruit and vegetable, but, I suspect, it is from a garden or allotment, something else to investigate.

A bonus is, I get the "L" (Ludham) for my Cyclechat ABC of Towns and Villages Challenge, that is an easy one, at only two miles, compared to some.

We also discover a place called Womak Staithes. There is a shop, jokingly (I assume), called the Big Shop, a rather scenic area for boats to tie up, and a couple of small campsites, one a CAMC CL, Womak Water, the other a Camping and Caravan Club CS, Manor Lodge. 

After lunch, and, an hour or two lazing in the sun, the exploration continues.

We follow the sign post to the fruit and vegetable sales.

Not. exactly a supermarket, but, rather, someone's garden. 

There are a few cabbages, cauliflower and tomatoes. Perhaps, you have to be here earlier in the day?

We press-on along the lane, which is an alternative route to Ludham, a little longer I suspect, but, quieter and probably a good bet when cycling.

There are also signposts to St Benet's Abbey, which may be worth a visit, on another day.

Tuesday, 8th June 2021

Norfolk Broads CAMC Site (N52.70036 E1.51371)

A sunny and warm start to the day, 17C at 09:00 and 25C+ promised for later today.

We need a small amount of shopping (fresh fruit etc), and I have plotted a route to Martham, which has a small COOP, and, just happens to begin with an "M".

I don't mention this coincidence to Kathleen.

The plan is to eat out today, and, there are two pubs in Martham, which may be possibles.

A brief stop for a drink of water, at this rather grand Gateway, after about 7 miles in 23C+ sunshine.

We find the COOP and buy our fruit and vegetables.

The two pubs do not look as attractive in real life, as the do on the internet, so, a short rest, beside the village pond, watching the ducks, then, back toward Ludham, watching out for possible lunch stops.

Coming here, I think we missed a turn, and, ended up riding much farther along a major road (A149), than planned.

I am trusted to use my initiative and sense of direction, to get back to Ludham via Potter Heigham (an usual development), thus avoiding much, but, not all of the A149 section.

We stop at Ludham for lunch (Kings Arms, food good, service somewhat lacking), and, then detour to St Benet's Abbey, before returning to the camp site.

St Benet's Abbey is unusual in that, although closed by Henry VIII, during the dissolution of the monasteries, he did not grab it for himself,

and, instead, gave it to The Bishop of Norwich (perhaps, the Bishop had some good negatives?).

This generosity did nothing for St Benets, which was plundered for its stone (by successive Bishops), and, became a ruin.

A total of 16.67 Miles. Norfolk Broads CAMC Site - Ludham - Martham - Potter Heigham - Ludham - St Benet's Abbey - Norfolk Broads CAMC Site. 

An "M" was bagged for my Cyclechat ABC Villages Challenge, and, a couple of my bike in front of a gate (Cyclechat), and, my bike infront of something unusual (Cyclechat). 

A lunch stop at the Kings Head, Ludham.

Relaxing with a coffee, not in bad shape after approximately 17 miles, in the heat, two 73/74 year olds, on "real bikes" (ie no batteries).

Commons Wood CAMC Site, Welwyn Garden City (N51.780297, W0.189203) Continued

Friday, 4th June 2021

Mild, but, grey and cloudy, rains started at 10:00. Only showers, according to the forecast.

Looks as if the forecast is wrong (what a surprise), raining steadily all day.

Saturday, 5th June 2021

Bright sunny day, but, not too hot (21C).

Kathleen is game for a cycle ride, since we both sat about doing absolutely nothing, yesterday.

I have a little plan, Knebworth is within cycling distance, and, that will give me the "K" for my Cyclechat Towns and Villages Challenge.

We cycle to Knebworth, stop for lunch, then cycle back, just under 20 miles, mostly on Cycle Paths. 

I know the map says 17.96, that is due to User/Garmin malfunction, a small amount missed at beginning of ride, corrected from Kathleen Runkeeper recording.

There is slight dissent in the ranks, but, nothing major.

Sunday, 6th June 2021

The day starts dull and cloudy, then, it rains. Fortunately I had picked most stuff away yesterday, so, did not get too wet.

Unfortunately, the rain follows us to Norfolk, and, it starts raining en-route, then, again, more steadily mid-afternoon.

117 Miles to Norfolk Broads CAMC Site, Ludham, NR29 5NY (N52.70036 E1.51371), a mostly "cross country" route, very little motorway, A505 and A11 for most of the way.

 Our fancy new Sat-Nav (Garmin Camper 780), has a facility to tell you, miles in advance, of any traffic hold ups. Very clever. But, it doesn't actually achieve much, if there is no way to avoid the delay, it just makes you annoyed earlier.

There are massive hold ups on the A11, for little or no evidence of any actual work happening, similarly, the A47, except there, there is absolutely no sign of work, just a big hold up.

The site is almost full, first impressions favourable, clean, tidy and quiet.

  

Commons Wood CAMC Site, Welwyn Garden City (N51.780297, W0.189203).

Wednesday, 02/06/2021

Commons Wood CAMC Site, Welwyn Garden City.

Another sunny day, even warmer than yesterday at 27C.

Today is Gary's birth day, 49! where did those years go? 

Still doing my Cyclechat ABC Village and Towns Challenge, well, it gives a reason for a cycle ride (assuming, a reason to enjoy a ride on a bicycle is required?).

The next letter I require is "J", so, I plot a route to Jersey Farm.

A problem, or, user error?, with the Garmin, it fails to give instructions for the route, and, it would appear it cannot follow a route, and, record the activity distance, at the same time.

Not to worry, my homing-pigeon like navigation skills get us to the desired destination.

Some excellent cycling infrastructure in Welwyn and Hatfield, continuous, well maintained, no broken glass or other debris, South Tyneside Council take note.

It is so good, you could almost imagine you are in the Netherlands, except, the traffic does not give way to cyclists, here in UK.

I had actually plotted a circular route, back to the campsite, and, the Garmin had "come to life" by the time we reached Jersey Farm.

Kathleen was not up for taking any risks however, so, we took the "safe" option to navigate back the way we came, so 12.53 miles recorded.

There had been a problem at the site, apparently some clientele (presumably, the men) had not been obeying the Covid Rules, when using the facilities, so, the Wardens had closed the Male Facilities. 

A bit like being at school, I suppose, one person miss-behaves, and the who class get detention. There were mutterings of

discontent, threats to cancel Club membership etc. 

By the time we returned, after our cycle ride, facilities had re-opened.

A difficult choice, what are the wardens to do, if people will insist on ignoring the fairly simple rules?

Thursday, 03/06/2021

My phone says it is 18C, at 08:00, but, it feels slightly cooler than that, still very nice.

After yesterday's cycling, today is scheduled to be a walking day, but, first, a FaceTime call to wish grandson Gabriel a happy eleventh birthday. In the event, didn't get Gabriel, but, son, Gary, so, was able to wish him a belated happy birthday, for yesterday. Perhaps, I will get to speak to Gabriel tomorrow? ;)

Google maps comes good, to find the Morrisons supermarket, approximately two miles away, ingredients for this evenings salad duly purchased.

An otherwise lazy day, sitting in the sun. Weather forecast says we may get rain tomorrow.