Saturday 9th July
Journey up from home. Long haul which took around 6 hours with a short break mid-way. Setting up was quick set including putting up the porch awning. We were debating whether the awning was a new one even though we had had it for a while. Covid had put the kibosh to a few things caravanning wise. We decided that it was new as the velcro around the doors were stuck fast and the very ‘feel’ of it seemed new. Having said that, it went up really well and I will go on to say, the best set up we have ever achieved! If only we can replicate that next time. We’ll see.
A quick drink then to the local Morrisons for provisions. It was at that time of day where everyone seemed to be out, including the school kids. It was such a hot day! Everyone and everything were melting.
Whilst we were there, Mike found me some gravy mayo. I always want some 'gravy' with my food whether it's tomato ketchup or proper gravy, I just can't stand dry food.
Mike said that Hellman's released it as a bit of a go between for the North / South divide - chips 'n' gravy up t'north and chips 'n' mayo down south so they combined the two. I didn't like it and certainly wouldn't have it with salad or fish. Mike thinks that it may be ok on chips or a pork pie but personally, I wouldn't waste space in the fridge for it.
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| My forced face of approval! |
We went down to the pub, The Causeway Foot, for dinner. We were slightly early so a couple had to move from our table – but only to the next table – we could easily have had that – in fact I wish we had as there was a decidedly nasty smell emanating from the corner where we sat. I really don’t want to sit there again (if we ever go there again). We did stay put for our dinners – Mike had a very large battered haddock with chips and I have seafood lasagne. Mike’s fish was so large he didn’t manage to eat many chips at all. My lasagne was very runny and not very tasty but there were some really large prawns (or crayfish tails) in it which were nice. We didn’t linger at the pub and returned to chill (or not as it was still quite warm) in the caravan.
Sunday
We set off for a walk around Ogden Water and on the way called at the house to enquire about the grey waste. We couldn’t see where to put it so were asking about putting it in the hedge (although it was on a slight slope) or watering the flower beds. Mrs Robinson did say there is a place to tip it at the drain where the water tap is, however, we worked out we would put the shower water into the hedge and all other waste would either water the flower bed or be tipped where it should go.
While we were talking to her, she told us a story of the couple who let their dog mess in the field but when approached about not picking it up, they said that they hadn’t seen their dog do it so it couldn’t be theirs. Mrs R was adamant she had seen the dog do it's business and was getting fed up with telling the owners about it. One evening when they were out, having previously seen the dog doing what dogs do best, she collected it up and put it on their step. By the time they returned, it was dark – you can probably guess the rest. Apparently, there was a little taken into the motor home – oops. Justice I reckon.
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| All on our own 😃 |
The walk around Ogden Water was lovely. We kept to the right-hand side first which took up through the trees giving us a lovely cool reprieve from the scorchio sun. There were also benches around too so we were able to take a few rests and take in the scenery and peace and quiet.
We got an ice cream from the inevitable van when we’d completed the circuit. Mike asked for a medium one but that was rather large; just as well as it was £10 for the two of them!
The rest of the day we went for a bit of a drive around, went to Hebden Bridge and came back via the moor road to Oakworth. We then stopped at the local farm shop where Mike bought some freshly squeezed orange juice. We couldn’t see anything else we wanted at the time apart from a bar of chocolate so only bought those two things. Seemed like a bit of overkill going to the farm shop just for them. Mind you, Mike enjoyed the orange juice so maybe it was worth it.
Salad for dinner with a really cold Moretti lager and cold cider. We ate outside in the shade as the sun had gone over by then. The field is actually south facing (or there abouts) so gets the sun all day. It was difficult keeping the caravan cool, well we couldn’t actually without the tower fan we brought with us – such a brilliant last minute add to our packing. After dinner, we played Backgammon with our new wooden set and the correct rules. At last, we can learn it properly, although we may not get to grips with the doubling as we don’t play for matchsticks.
Monday
We set off for Kildwick but via Haworth and the road to Colne in Lancashire. Mike wanted to trace the road that one of his ancestor’s took to get married. We went around the graveyard at Kildwick where Mike has several ancestors buried there. It was a shame it wasn’t completely accessible due to the sharp tufts of grass between the graves. We were both wearing sandals and the grass (and weeds) had been strimmed but sharp stems were poking through and made a bee-line for the gaps in your sandals.
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| Entrance to St. Andrews Church |
By the time we’d looked around what we could, we needed a cold drink so took advantage of the White Lion across the road. Mike told me one of his ancestors Anthony Holmes had run the Inn from 1740 to 1768. We asked the current manager is they had any records or history about the pub but they didn’t unfortunately.
Suitably refreshed, we drove into Skipton for a mooch around. Mike fancied a pork pie from one of the 2 award winning contenders. He knew where one of the was but not sure where the other was. In the end they were within doors of each other! Mike had one warm from Field Fare and was really happy with it. Next door, I saw a fabric shop that had some really good looking fabric inside, so I left Mike outside as it's not his cup o' tea. After buying some material for a dress, I saw that Mike didn't looked too bored. He later confessed that he'd gone in the other butchers, Stanforth's to have one of their pies, purely for 'market research purposes' and still preferred the first one. I should have known as he had a small dribble of juice down his shirt. I can't take him anywhere!
When we got back, I got my Pilates mat out and Mike thought I was going to do some Pilates. Well I suppose you would, wouldn’t you but all I managed was a lie down in the sun – well a girl’s got to do what a girl’s wants to do now and again 😊
After dinner, Mike caught me swatting flies away in the awning. He said that he didn't realise Wimbledon was still on! The sound of me even set off the dogs barking!
Tuesday
Exciting day as we got to see our friend, Jackie. We collected her from her home so had a coffee before setting off. She has a dog, Maisie, who is 8 years old. Mike was stroking her along her body which she was enjoying so much she was licking her lips constantly. Jackie had never seen her do this before, so was gobsmacked. Of course, by the time she got her camera out she’d had her fill and stopped doing it. Goes to show that you can teach an old dog new tricks.
We’d previously purchased a treasure trail so we went to and walked around Haworth finding new places we’d never been to before, which is the whole idea of these trails. Haworth is lovely but quite hilly – not for the faint hearted. And another grave yard and yes, looking for another ancestor.
The trail was only 1.5 miles but we took quite a while doing it and of course stopped for tea and cake!
After dropping Jackie off, we went back to the caravan for a short while before setting off for Brighouse to meet up with Mikes sister, Julie. We had a meal at Mezes which offered Greek food – our favourite. The food was OK but nothing to write home about but the atmosphere was buzzing – so much so that we couldn’t hear ourselves talk! It was so loud. I was glad to leave and go back to Wetherspoons where we'd initially met up. We had a really good time and also met up with Julie’s partner, Mark. Hopefully they will come and visit us at home sometime soon.
Wednesday
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| Lost in our surroundings |
Off to Barnsley today! Mainly to go to Kansa Glass for me to have a look around and get some glass, of course. Luckily Mike had brought a box and gloves as I had the opportunity to rummage through the offcuts outside £2.50 per kilo – I had 3 kilos and also some glass including red which is rather expensive. After that, we went to the Elsecar Heritage Centre which had been transformed into outlets. I got a dress and top from one and two records form another. Again, a really hot day but it was quite a successful day if you measure it by purchases 😊
Thursday
Trip out to Bolton Abbey today. Such lovely countryside around here, so much scenery. Hills and dales, different colours, dry stone walls, sheep, horses, cows, run down barns and farm houses which adds to the beauty. I really can’t describe the beauty of the Yorkshire countryside. You have to see it to believe it 😉
On getting close to the Abbey, we noticed a load of school children by the bridge and stepping stones. All of a sudden, they all broke up and some vehicles started leaving the area. One of which was Susan Calman's campervan 'Helen' so no doubt she'll be on the telly sometime giving her take on Bolton Abbey.
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| Susan Calman's 'Helen' |
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| The lovely River Wharfe |
David Attenborough voiceover:
and here, we've finally reached the source of that mythical beverage - 'Yorkshire Tea'
Friday
Saturday
Mike woke up feeling ok but decided to do a covid test which turned out to be positive. Well, we decided to head home a day early and isolate at home where we'd have more support if need be.
