A drenching

Up early to the sound of the alarm clock. A phone call from home for Diane before breakfast was a pleasant start to the day. A great breakfast downstairs at the Camberley with Cumberland sausage and lovely coffee. We packed the car and took off to the info centre. The rain was light so that was okay. The pump museum closed for the winter season so outside photos only and you could smell the sulphur from one of the springs. Harrogate has had a spa for nearly two centuries but the hot springs have been used for longer. We then tired to visit the Harrogate body lotion shop but they were closed for renovations so we wandered the remainder of the streets. Duttons for Buttons, an embroidery shop and a fabric shop later Diane had bought some goodies for home. Back to the Camberley and off we went to Whitby. 

The promised finer weather did not really eventuate and our trip across the top of the moors was rainy with blue sky at one stage. Arriving in Whitby to rain we parked the car and once again hit the info centre. What great souvenirs they had. We walked around the village and over the river to climb the 199 steps to St Mary's church. They had a display of Christmas trees put up by locals and organisations. Our favourite was the donkey trust one. Next stop at the top of the hill was the abbey and its ruins but they were closed–only open at weekends in January. Back down the steps and the heavens opened so refuge was sought in Whitby mall and a fabric shop later we continued on our way. Up the opposite hill to the captain cook monument for the obligatory selfie. Once done we took off back to the car while the heavens opened and we got drenched. The decision was made to have an early dinner at Trenchers. A regular size haddock meal as ordered and when arrived we felt that they had the wrong size on the plate. It was delicious and well worth the stop. Back on the road for the drive to York, it was dark and felt like 9pm but it was only 6pm. The weather did not improve but no flooded roads had to be bypassed. Google maps missed our hotel but a u turn later we were settled for the next couple of nights. 

Sunday Sunday !!

Up early and it was dark. We packed our bags, found Alfie in Diane's bed and got the car ready for the days adventures. Sunrise is after 8.40am so we were on the road about then with a wet trip in front of us. Fortunately the wind died down as we got off the border hills. Once onto the A1 we made reasonable time and decided to take Margaret and Ian's offer of a cup of coffee up. A reset of the google map (with synchronised talking) we arrived in the little village of Longhoughton, with a bit of u-turns we found a kindly gentleman who waved us into their driveway. Margaret offered shortbread and Christmas cake, which Stephanie repaid by fixing their iPad which had a malicious message.

On the road again and the weather was better. 

We had a photo opportunity stop at the Angel of the North with a few more attempts at the selfie. 

Next stop was at Scotch Corner, where we had our cuppa and biscuit in the car. This rest stop is the most famous in England as it is where the M1 divides for either Glasgow or Edinburgh. On the road again and weather being still wet we travelled further down the M1 to Knaresborough turnoff, arriving at the Camberley about 2.45pm. Unpacked and met the manager, who gave us simple directions into town, down the road three blocks. We looked at the interesting shops (window shopping only) and decided that Betty's for an early tea would be fine. Shown into the garden room it was lovely with waiters and waitresses dressed for Downtown Abbey era tea. Salmon gratin and steak pie later we purchased a Yorkshire curd tart and Eccles cake for our supper and departed for our beds. A decision to see if there was a movie theatre handy and we found ourselves in the Star Wars movies, ten minutes after the starting time but previews were still going and £12 each lighter in the wallet. A great movie with lots of action and interest we then walked home, got into our pyjamas, had coffee and cake and watched the new Sherlock Holmes movie on iPlayer. A very busy day. 

Bags Packed

This is just a short note to keep you up to date with the excitement levels!!!

Well it is only six weeks to go and we will be on the road to the airport.

We could say that our bags are packed but really we are just looking at what clothes we need to take, washing them and folding them nicely, just like our mothers taught us. 

Diane has packed her winter pj’s and Stephanie has got trousers under control. The number of bags is sorted so we have space for shopping and a visit from Santa Claus as well.