And So To Yorkshire

This morning we said goodbye to The Hunting Tower. The overnight fog had crept right up around us and so our leaving was on the mysterious side.

Soon out into the sunshine, our trip north was straightforward.

We arrived at Harrogate right on lunchtime. There was really only one thing to do! ...and ...as it's Friday today, and tomorrow is Arthur's birthday (!!!), it really DID seem like a good idea to celebrate! SO...

...we headed to Harlow Carr, and to BETTY'S for lunch!! As usual it was delicious. "Happy Birthday Arthur" ...*kiss, kiss, hug and more hugs*!

I hope you'll be pleased with me Colleen, for even though I was running out of room, I had a cup of Cafe Blend coffee just for you. And you enjoyed every sip!! 

After that it was business.  Supermarket ...collect the keys ...and unpack at Abbey Cottage.
There's a new manager here at 'Fountain's Abbey Studley Royal' since we were here last. And he's re-instated the old habit of giving holiday cottage people keys to the estate. This is great, and means we can go in through the back gate right near us after hours.

We did that this evening as the sun was creeping lower towards the horizon.

Only the two of us in that glorious place ...we passed Fountains Hall, and the abbey ruins ...wandered through the herb garden and the orchard .... and strolled in far enough to see the crescent pond.  Pheasants everywhere *click,clacking* ...rabbits ....squirrels ...and hundreds of noisy birds circling around Huby's Tower vying for the choicest roosting spots.

A lovely end to the day ...and what a blessing!