Saturday 14 August 2010

The final visit on the Newcastle trip

25 April 2010
In the museum previously known as The Hancock, I thought my time had come. This beast thought I might be a tasty morsel - but fortunately - I reminded him just in time that he had died quite a few years ago and was not now in need of refreshment.

The trip had been quite eventful - so much so that I forgot to record the mileage.

Newcastle - almost

25 April 2010
The tour continues to Gateshead and Newcastle --here I am considering the Sage and the Tyne from the ledge.
25 April 2010
I may be a little overwhelmed by this eagle - but it is as nothing to what was to come. This is at Washington Old Hall, a NT property - with links to the first US President.
This was en route to Newcastle on the same day.
22 April 2010
Harrogate Flower Show
I was supposed to be in Majorca - but the volcanic dust cloud put paid to that - and I ended up on day trips around the North. This is me sat in front of a bonsai tree with a label over my head. These trees are too small to swing from - even for me. Can't see the point of them really. How far is it from Northallerton to Harrogate - sorry - don't know.

Wednesday 4 August 2010

Tuesday, 3rd August, Hadrian's Wall


Walked along Hadrian's Wall from Once Brewed to Housestead's Fort and then got the bus back to the car.
Then visited Durham - another castle plus the Cathedral.

Monday 2nd August, Holy Island







Had a bit of a trip around the Northumberland coast. Started at Holy Island, then moved down to Bamburgh, Seahouses and Craster (Dunstanburgh Castle).

Sunday 1st August, Alnwick


A day out in Alnwick. Visited the gardens and the castle. Didn't see Harry Potter anywhere.


Got a bit damp - typical summer weather.

Friday 30th July, Malton


A brief trip to Malton.

Thursday 22 July 2010

Saturday 17th July, London




Had another day rip to London. Early start, up at 5:20am in order to catch the 7:00am train from York.

First stop was Marble Arch so we could look around M&S before it got busy. Then had a walk through Selfridges before getting the tube done to Knightsbridge for a visit to Harrods. Stopped for a cup of tea and then had a wonder round the gift shop and food hall. Had my photo taken with a giant bear - you really don't want to know how much it cost! No time to stop for lunch so we bought something from Harrods bakery and ate it outside in the street (how uncouth!).


Then it was off to the theatre to see Legally Blonde the musical. Good fun but a bit girly for my liking! Went for a Pizza, then it was time to get the train back up north.




Sunday 13th June, Ripley


Went to the Summer Grand Sale at Ripley Castle. Had a good look around but didn't buy much. Bought a ball made out of felt for a young friend but that was about it.
Stopped for a cup of tea and a chat. Also had a baileys cookie which was lovely.

Thursday 10 June 2010

Yosemite Valley - 30th May 2010

I travelled 5000 miles, and it still looks as though I was just standing in front of a photograph.

Yosemite Valley - 29th May 2010

Thankfully it was an automatic. I'd never have reached the clutch pedal.

Monterey - 26th May 2010

I had to take my life in my hands when we went kayaking. There were no Extra Small life jackets left.

Cambria - 25th May 2010

Just posing with the Mustang.

Cambria - 24th May 2010









Just seconds before I was mugged.

Alcatraz - 21st May 2010

Not quite what I had in mind when I heard I'd be spending the night in the bars of San Francisco.

Golden Gate Bridge - 20th May 2010

San Francisco, twinned with Hartlepool. Who knew?

San Francisco - 19th May 2010

First stop on the Californian tour, the view that graced a million postcards, here I am at the foot of Lombard Street




Tuesday 11 May 2010

Marrakech - 3rd May to 12th May







Had a lovely holiday in Marrakech.
A week of real contrasts. One day lazying by the pool doing nothing and then the next wondering through the hussle and bussle of the city.
Did a bit of bartering but wasn't too good at it. Still came away from the souks with a few nice bits'n'pieces.

Sunday 14 March 2010

London - Saturday 13th March




An early start for a none work day - the 7am train from York to get into London first thing.
Spent the morning shopping. Started off at M&S, then Selfridges, John Lewis and finally onto Libertys. Lots of beautiful flowers on sale as its Mothers Day tomorrow but the prices seemed a bit steep to me.
Then we headed off to the theatre to see Billy Elliott. The show was fab, I do love a good musical. Good bit of political history as well as exceptional dancing.

Wet day in Tudhoe - Friday 12th March


My friend went to visit her relatives in Tudhoe near Durham. I went for the ride out.
Didn't manage to get my picture taken out side as the weather was awful so I just had this one taken from inside the car.

Busy times in Sheffield - Thursday 11th March







Another day, another Northern town - this time Sheffield.
Had a really busy day. My friend went ice skating - unfortunately I'm a bit small and I think ice skating is really dangerous so I stayed in the locker. Much safer. Although my friend said she didn't fall over I just didn't trust her.
After skating I wanted to go and see what was on a the Sheffield Arena. Unfortunately it was the X factor tour and as a Strictly fan I really could do that so I got the tram to Meadowhall and went shopping instead.

Lunch in York - Wednesday 10th March


Went into York for a birthday lunch at Cafe Concerto - right by York Minster. As it was a really cold day had soup and then a lovely chocolate cake!

Spa Day - Tuesday 9th March










Went to Middlethorpe Hall Spa for the afternoon.
Made sure I got the most from my money so went swimming, tired out the sauna, steam room and spa bath. Then just lazed by the pool.
Had a lovely big pot of tea and biscuits and then finished the day with a relaxing facial. Felt wonderfully relaxed by the end of the day.

Getting Crafty - Saturday 6th March





Went to the Inspirations festival at the Merchant Adventurers' Hall in York. My friend was signed up for the Embellished Clutch Bag workshop. This involved her making felt from work, which involved lots of water and energy to roller the felt.


Here I am sat on the finished product. Very funky or what. It is very pink but so is everything else my friend has.


I bumped into a friend of Cheeks Baboon at the festival. She was at a cup cakes workshop but unfortunately Cheeks was not with her so we couldn't have a chat.
























Leeds Again - Tuesday 2nd March


Another trip to Leeds. This time for work and not for pleasure. Got to go by train for a change.