Walking to Lincoln - 16th March ‘20

A gorgeous sunny day today - starting soon after 10am and only going down at sunset.

We had a lovely morning. Breakfast, putting up Bella and then sitting in the sun reading and watching  the ducks!

Bella was a great success this time. Normally it takes me a couple of hours from start to finish - today was about an hour. The main reasons being 1) it wasn’t freezing cold, 2) there wasn’t a 70 mph wind gusting, 3) the hard standing was pebbles on top of soil not the normal hard standing. And, I even managed the record time on my own - Kim was cleaning the van ready for Thom and Rach.

After the chores were done we had a smashing hour reading (and snacking!) in the sunshine at the side of the lake. In the mad world of record rainfall, floods, storms and Coronavirus it was like a little oasis of paradise.

We took the car to somewhere called 5 Mile Bridge - about 1 mile down the road at Fiskerton - on the River Witham. From here there was a lovely 5 mile walk (hence the name of the bridge!) into Lincoln along an old railway track.

The scenery was a bit boring - very flat - but the council had put things up along the track to inform and interest! It was also nice to see the huge imposing Lincoln Cathedral getting closer and closer as we approached the City.

See the Cathedral at 10 o’clock from Kim’s head!

We left the car at about 3.15 and arrived at Lincoln City Centre approaching 6pm - as everything was shutting!! We had a couple of stops for intake of food and snacks along the way with the last one being g particularly glamorous- under a railway bridge in an industrial estate!

After arriving in the centre we then walked another 1.5 miles to Morrisons - to make it easier for Thom to find us! We had some chips and coffee before the restaurant shut at 7. Thom and Rach arrived and picked us up at about 7.40.

We went back to Brunnehilda, picking up our car on the way. Talked Thom and Rach through caravan stuff and then left them to it. We are going back on Thursday morning to pick up Brunnehilda.

The journey home was slightly depressing hearing about all the new Coronavirus measures - our Spanish trip is now cancelled and it looks like Brunnehilda will be grounded for a few weeks / months!!

Seven Acre Campsite, Fiskerton:
Pros:
1) Nice position by the lake - good view
2) Great facilities - for such a small site
3) Easy hard standing surface for Bella erection
4) Very laid back and pleasant owners
5) Friendly caravan neighbours
Cons:
1) No walks from the site
2) Busy road - and quite noisy
3) Expensive for a small CL site

Gunby Hall & Skegness - 15th March ‘20

Another lazy morning and busy afternoon. That’s the great thing about travelling and NOT being on holiday ... you don’t feel bad about lazing about all morning and wasting all that valuable time!

That said, we left the site a little earlier this morning - about 11am. We planned a visit to a local National Trust property. The one we choose was Gunby Hall - about 25 miles away on the road to Skegness.

It had only opened for the season the day before! We spent a pleasant couple of hours looking around the House and gardens. I realise I’m very biased but the house wasn’t a patch on Canons Ashby - not as old, not as pretty, not as characterful, not as charming and the Room Guides, not as good!!

The family were called the Massingberds and the house dated back to 1700. We had a very pleasant cup of tea and slice of cake at the NT cafe before making our way to the seaside. Like yesterday, the rain of the morning gave way to the dry / sunny spells in the afternoon.

We had been to Skeggy a couple of times when Thom was at Lincoln Uni. It is a typical English seaside resort, reminding me of a slightly smaller version of Great Yarmouth. We were surprised at how busy it was- must have been Coronavirus driving people out to get some bracing fresh sea air?!

We walked along the beach some way and then back along the front to the Town Centre. Apart from lots of penny arcades / fun fair rides / fish and chip shops, there wasn’t a lot to see.

We had a cup of coffee looking over the sea and rows and rows of offshore wind turbines, before heading off back to Lincoln for something to eat.

We parked by the Cathedral and walked down Steep Hill to the High Street. We ended up at the all you can eat Chinese buffet called The Taste (aka The Laughing Buddha). We used to go there with Thom so it brought back lots of memories - there you go again, more food based recollections!

On the way to the restaurant we saw another famous face. This one was seen by both of us - not just Kim this time - so we were both confident who we saw ... Alan Johnson, ex Labour MP and Home Secretary.

We didn’t think we had overeaten at the buffet but the walk back up Steep Hill seemed to confirm that we had! It was a bit of a slog but very atmospheric- the Cathedral looked magnificent lit up.

When we got back to the site we got talking to our next door neighbours. Alan and Cindy from Newcastle were a lovely couple and kindly invited us into their van for a coffee. They were very Geordie and good fun to chat with. He was an ex lorry driver and gave me some caravan reversing advise. Luckily Kim had told them how inexperienced we were and how rubbish I was at reversing - I think I’m going to get a badge made up to save the current Mrs Pitts having to tell everyone we meet??!

By the time we got back to the van it was gone 10. Time for another episode of The Waltons then off to bed to blog, read and listen to more Coronavirus chat on the radio. Spain is shut down so we’ll be ringing the caravan club and insurance company tomorrow to see what is happening with our trip!

Our years travelling seems to be jinxed- first the wettest autumn / winter on record and then Corona-bloody-virus! What’s next??

A Lincoln Afternoon - 14th March ‘20

The weather man predicted rain first thing and then dry after 11 - he was right. We spent a leisurely morning on site leaving just after noon with a belly full of cheese and mushroom omelette (well I did anyway!)

After struggling around Lincoln’s one way system, we found our way to the car park we always used to use when visiting Thom (oldest son) at Uni. It was down by Brayford Harbour giving us easy access to the city centre by walking along by the canal.

We walked around for a bit before tackling the infamous Steep Hill up to the Cathedral / Castle. To build up our energy levels we shared a new veggie Rebel Burger at a Burger King - very good!

We wandered around both ancient monuments. It was nice to see everything again after 12 years. We were regular visitors when Thom was up here but hadn’t been back since his graduation in 2008 (?). Most things hadn’t changed - surprise surprise, we seemed to remember a lot of the eating and drinking establishments!  That said, after we had walked ourselves silly we ended up at an old favourite - Wagamama! Ironically it wasn’t there when Thom was?!

Interesting historical fact ... Lincoln Castle houses one of only 4 remaining copies of the Magna Carta - where are the other 3 (bragging rights for naming 2 of the 3).

Back to Brunnehilda via Boots to try and buy a thermometer. But along with pasta, paracetamol and toilet rolls that seems to be something that is in short supply in the post apocalyptic world we now inhabit. BTW, the thermometer was not for us but we thought it would be good to have one handy for all the family - although I don’t know who would want to use after it had been shoved up my bum?!

We settled down to watch a DVD we bought last night - Book Club. Not one that is going to get in my top 10 films watched this year - or even this month and it’s only the 14th! Kim’s legendary one word film review was “girly”. We agreed that the soundtrack was darn good though.

Canasta night tonight ... bloody close game but I’m pleased to say the right result was recorded in the end.

Interesting Fact Answer: Salisbury Cathedral, The British Library & Temple Church.

Trip to Lincoln - 13th March ‘20

Today was our first post-Coronavirus trip.

The amazing announcements from around the world yesterday has made our trip this weekend a little  surreal! It’s looking like our trip to Spain in 2 weeks may well be off so we need to make the most of our long weekend in Lincoln.

And, as if to confirm the old adage that every cloud has a silver lining ... we may be looking at a catastrophic pandemic but at least it meant that our Lincoln site had had 2 last minute cancellations (folks self isolating apparently?) and left us the only campers - result!

We didn’t leave Whilton until 3pm. Kim had worked in the morning and I had walked the dogs with Laura and tried on Brunnehilda’s new jacket ...

She looked very smart (Brunnehilda not Laura) and this will hopefully stop the worst of the mud and grime when travelling. I also changed Brunnehilda’s number plate - we got a new car earlier in the week - to make her legal.

The journey was good apart from the last 10 miles. There was a huge queue crawling around the road worked Lincoln by pass and then we drove right by the site! This necessitated an additional 10 mile round trip to find somewhere to turn around!

Then more trauma when we got back to the site. There was a security gate stopping us getting in. This meant Brunnehilda was left blocking the road while we waited a good 5 mins before we could raise the owners and open the gate. The Tesco delivery driver, who couldn’t get by, was not a happy chap - unless he was using his horn to wish us all the best?

The owners are very nice and totally relaxed. The facilities, for a small 5 van site, seem excellent. We had the pick of where to pitch so I motor moved her front-in to allow a view of the pond (and the ducks) from Brunnehilda’s kitchen.

By the time we got set up it was pitch black! We headed off to a Tesco Extra in Lincoln to stock up. We are both very tired so, after an episode of The Waltons while eating our Tesco ready meal, we were both ready for bed - #rockandrolllifestyle

I drifted off thinking what a very splendid place Brunnehilda would be to self isolate for a couple of weeks. Also ... FYI.. 4G is rubbish here!

A Day in Harrogate - 4th March ‘20

We woke up this morning to the sun streaming in underneath the window blind. It pretty much continued like that throughout the day and was quite pleasant as the wind had totally stopped.

We all had a bit of a lie in - finally getting up at about 9.45am. We needed to get to Fodder by 11am to get breakfasted and out. We just about made it! This picture tells the story:

Kim and I waiting for Gog to finish her ablutions - turns out she takes longer than expected! Please also notice her “small overnight case” that was so big it wouldn’t fit in Brunnehilda and pretty much took up the majority of Bella! Turns out Gog’s take on “travelling light” is leaving a change of clothes at home and bringing the rest of her wardrobe with her!

No worries though we all got sorted and straightened up relatively effortlessly. Considering Brunnehilda contained 3 grown adults (including an octogenarian), 2 sexes and a suitcase the size of a small planet, we did pretty well! We had a splendid breakfast at Fodder - the eggs are amazing and the creamy mushrooms with paprika are worth the visit on their own!

We were heading out by noon. We parted as soon as we got parked up in the centre of Harrogate. I had arranged to meet my old Volvo “mucker”, Graham Scott at Cafe Nero while Kim and her mum hit the posh shops.

Graham and I had a very pleasant hour or two  catching up and reminiscing- crickey, there is definitely a book there somewhere - “40 years of Volvo in the UK - the Good, the Bad and the downright ......”.

I then had an hour wandering around the town “playing” with my new camera. I was experimenting with depth of field so I took a lot of pictures of out of focus stuff! You gotta do it to get better, eh??

We all met up at Bettys Tea Shop at about 3.30. Tea and scones (the Fat Rascals are particularly good) were very welcome- and it wasn’t too busy.

Back home to Brunnehilda after having a quick tour around the north side of the town where the Hasties (Kim’s Family) used to live back in the late 60s. Kim recollected lots of stories of childhood cruelty and neglect - walking to school on her own over wasteland, being left in the house to fend for herself as soon as she was out of nappies and many more too horrific to publish!!

Another trip to Sainos and another short walk around the block for Kim and I. Just like last night, by the time we had got ourselves settled in Brunnehilda, all thoughts of going out again seemed like too much trouble! So more toast, crisps and Waltons for tea.

Cards again tonight. Sevens and Hearts this time. Sevens is such a game of chance it is of no interest who won or lost, whereas Hearts is a real game of skill and strategy. I’ll leave you to draw your own conclusions of tonight’s winners and losers!

Ok, so up early in the morning for the 3 hour (ish) trip home. It’s been a great week. Whitby was fab, despite Storm Jorge, and it’s been nice sharing Brunnehilda with Gog over the last 2 days.

Harrogate Caravan Park:
Pros:
1) Great position for walking and Sainos
2) Fantastic Fodder right next door
3) Clean and nice toilet facilities
4) Friendly and laid back staff
5) Beautifully kept site
6) The easiest access for the van
7) The details - ie hand cleanser by the chemical toilet
8) The air show from the red kites
9) Very quiet considering on the outskirts of a busy town
Cons:
1) They shut (although not lock) the gates at night
2) Pitches - Great when not busy but you would be a bit on top of each other at busy times
3) No real views from anywhere on the site

Another one of our faves - although I’m not sure I would like it busy!!?

Picking up Gog from Leeds & Wetherby- 3rd March ‘20

Back to cheese and mushroom omelette for breakfast this morning- nice! And a shower - I’m ashamed to say that’s the first one for 5 days!!! It’s a competition to decide who makes Brunnehilda smellier - me or the kippers?

A nice leisurely morning on the site before we headed out at 11.15 to meet Gog (Kim’s mum) from Leeds train station. All went to plan and we picked her up and headed for a few hours in Wetherby - sort of on the way back to Harrogate.

Of course by this time it was lunchtime and if you’re in Wetherby it’s the law that you have to go to the Wetherby Whaler - although not ideal for veggie Kim!! We had our fill and wandered around Wetherby for a wee while before setting off back to Brunnehilda.

Once back on site we walked over to Fodder farm shop for a few provisions before slobbing out with a cup of tea. Whilst drinking and looking out the window we were treated to a wonderful aerial show by about 5 or 6 pairs of Red Kites. Amazing to watch - I have never seen so many all together. The video doesn’t do it justice!

Had a call from Laura and she’s been rear ended by a stupid women, who then drove off without stopping! Thankfully Laura and boys are all OK.

After the tea and the air show, we left Gog reading the paper while Kim and I went on a long walk towards town and then back through the show ground. It was grand to see all the lambs - a definite sign of Spring!

It was pretty much pitch back when we got back to the van - 1/4 to 7.

We were all too full from Wetherby Whales to go out for tea so we stayed in Brunnehilda and had soup and toast.

Gog joined in the fun and games tonight - an episode of The Waltons, a couple of Modern Family episodes and 2 games of “up and down” whist - Rock and roll!! Modesty prevents me from saying who won (yes, both games!!) but I have to say, Gog came a very close 2nd in both. Bad night for Kim!!

Stop press: We did find some Whitby Jet! I had picked a couple of bits up expecting them to dry grey and be boring pebbles/ stones. After a couple of days drying in my pocket they are still black and they are definitely not coal so ... as far as I’m concerned, they’re Jet! The current Mrs Pitts is not so sure, but until I’m proved wrong ... I’m right!

Whitby to Harrogate - 2nd March ‘20

A gorgeous sunny day to move sites.

We got up relatively early, had a light breakfast and were rolling out the camp by 11.01am. For the first time for a long time we didn’t need to motor move our way out of a pitch - so we backed the car up to Brunnehilda not manoeuvred Brunnehilda to the car.

We arrived at the Harrogate Show-ground site just before 1pm. A stress free journey taking us up to the outskirts of Middlesbrough then down the A19 and A1. We have been to this site before - in early October - this was its reopening day for the 2020 season so there are only about half a dozen vans here.

The staff were particularly friendly and helpful / including being very relaxed about our German van and swapping our pitch for one nearer the toilet block.

We went to the splendid Fodder Farm Shop and Restaurant for our lunch. It was OK but not as good as their breakfasts.

Then we started the Bella erection! We might have known it would not go easily as there was a very annoying wind gusting just in the wrong place! We really struggled to get her lined up - the wind wasn’t helping so we had to do things in a slightly different order to normal. I think it took about 2 hours to get her up but there was a lot of cussing (from me!) and I’m not at all pleased with the way she looks!

Waltons, a cuppa and a rather delicious brownie from Fodder - not as a reward more of a distraction from the less than successful erection! One good point though - I did manage to back Brunnehilda onto this pitch! It was an easy one but nevertheless... quite an achievement for yours truly!

We walked up to the Sainos at the end of the drive to buy tea. It’s a clear night tonight so it’s blimin cold! I had the second smoked Whitby kipper as well as a nice jack fruit biryani.

The Whitby kippers have been amazing - so good! One problem though ... they have stunk out the caravan. Brunnehilda smells more like a fish market than a caravan at the moment!?

Binged on Amazon Prime Modern Family and then another game of backgammon ... believe it or not, I won this one! God bless dice based games!

Gog (Kim’s mum) joins us in Brunnehilda tomorrow.

Swan Farm CL Site:
Pros:
1) Perfect position for walking to Whitby / Robin Hoods Bay
2) Very friendly and accommodating owner
3) Friendly fellow guests
4) Sea view
5) Easy access to site from main road
6) Nice pub 200 yds away
7) Good value - £14 a night
8) Flat pitch
Cons:
1) No toilet
2) Very exposed to the high winds

As you can see, this was one of our faves. I really am liking CLs much more than Club-sites at the moment - more friendly fellow guests, less rules, better value and more room!

Walking to Robin Hoods Bay - 1st March ‘20

In the immortal words of Frankie Valli... “Oh, what a night?!”
Storm Jorge blew all night- the gusts being particularly scary as the caravan rocked and shook violently. We didn’t get to sleep until gone 2am. Not sure if the wind dropped a little after that or we were just so tired.

We woke at 7.30 - the wind was still strong but not gusting as much. It remained windy all day but it did get better as the day progressed. No rain today, in fact the sun was out most of the time.

Kim cooked me one of the Whitby smoked kippers for breakfast - I have to say it was darn good - a lovely smokey flavour and not too fishy.

The plan was always to walk the other way along the Cinder Track (the old Scarborough to Whitby railway line) towards Robin Hoods Bay. We weren’t going to let Storm Jorge changes our plans so we got ready and were out of Brunnehilda’s door at noon.

We arrived at Robin Hoods Bay at about 1.15pm. It really was a lovely walk - for most of the time we walked about 100 yds above / back from the coastal path - the views were stunning.

When we went through the old cuttings we lost the views but gained some welcome rest-bite from the wind. It’s a funny thing about walking on old railway tracks, whichever way you are going it seems to look like you're going up hill??

Robin Hoods Bay is a lovely wee place. Just one street really with lots of old cottages rising up either side - clinging to the cliffs and interspersed with wee alley ways.

We had coffee / lunch at The Cove which was housed in a converted old chapel - with magnificent views out to sea. This time Kim choose well (Hummus sandwich and a very snazzy cappuccino) and mine was not so good (a very dry cheese scone).

We walked back through the Main Street onto the beach. The tide was fully out and all the big stones made it look more like the surface of the moon than a beach. It turns out that Robin Hoods Bay is the finishing (or starting?!) point of the Coast to Coast long distance walk.

The walk back up the road to the top was a long / hard one. We grabbed a takeaway cup of coffee and headed for the coastal path (called The Clevedon Way) where we found a lovely spot overlooking the sea where we watched the tide come in as the afternoon sun started to get lower in the sky.

We walked along the coastal path for a bit and then climbed up onto the Cinder Track for the rest of the walk home. It took us a lot longer to get home - over 2 hours! As always, Brunnehilda was a very welcome site - The Waltons, a cup of tea and pigging out on snacks was our reward for all that exercise!

By the time we’d finished eating rubbish we were too full for tea! More DVDs and then Kim thrashed me again - this time at Canasta. I’m beginning to wonder if this is more than just luck? She seems to know what she’s doing?!

It’s sooo quiet - no storm Jorge and no shaking caravan. Gunna sleep well tonight!