Places We've Been...

YORK.

Awoke to a new day ...and felt as good as I had the day before.
Surprising ...as I had  become a year older.
That's the trouble with numbers (and maths generally, I find...) they often say things that can be misleading.

We decided to go into York.
An ancient city, with a drop-dead spectacular Gothic Cathedral. Full of interesting lane-ways, and often winding cobbled 'snickleways', it  also has a wonderful medieval market place set in an interesting jumble of architecture.

The day was sunny. We wandered around contentedly ...fossicked in antique shops ... popped in and out of shops ...enjoyed the Minster ...and meandered through The Dean's Garden in the sunshine.
Visited the English National Trust Shop on Goodramgate, and was welcomed by a lady who works there, who recognized us from previous years. (Said she saw us walk past earlier, and thought - "there's the red coat lady"!!!)

Made our way to St. Helen's Square, where we lunched to celebrate my birthday. Looking out Betty's windows onto the square - simply wonderful! The food .....Yumm!!

Then more Yummmmm....
As if going to York wasn't enough (and it was wonderful), we were due to arrive at Jan and Dave's in the evening - to be looked after! And - we were!!!

'Monksway" and it's lovely inhabitants welcomed us with open arms. The dining room table set ...the lights turned down low ...
...first in by the fire, a drink, lots of chat, warm and comfortable. They had invited another couple we had met once before and a truly happy time was had by all.

We even got to see Mary who arrived from Scarborough in time for dessert and coffee. 

Another eating, talking, and getting home way-too-late late, perfectly enjoyable evening.


INTO NIDDERALE ...and over The Moors into WENSLEYDALE.

First out through the beautiful countryside and the road to Pateley Bridge. Had to stop several times as the scenery is simple stunning. And got completely side-tracked at one point - found ourselves grazing on a particularly delicious patch of bramble berries (blackberries). A succulent morning snack!!!

Winding steeply down into the village, we parked and strolled around the shops and along by the River Nidd.

Then up, up, ..and onto the Moors. Arthur just loves this!!

You need to know, that the roads are made over the natural terrain - which is naturally  ....what's the word I want? ...um - boundy!! He speeds up, and 'bounds' over the little hills having a truly fabulous time! You can see for miles as there are no trees up here ...just gorse, so it's not dangerous. I'm seen him give the odd grouse a bit of a fright though!  (Strange, do you think??!!)

Ended up back down, down, and down ...into the head of Wensleydale. Visited the cheese factory again. Wallace and Gromit fans will recognise the name  'Wensleydale Cheese'.

Visited the Pantry, and enjoyed another Chicken Kiev there.

And we Walked along the edge of SUTTON BANK. On a clear day you can see for absolutely miles and miles. It WAS a clear day!! The whole of The Vale of York spread out below us like a great patchwork. Quite, quite spectacular.

And we rested up there and looked out over England. How many others have done the same over the thousands of years. I know the famous veterinary surgeon Alf  White has (better known as James Herriot).
Speaking of him, we visited his home village 'THIRSK'.

Also explored HELMSLEY.

Saturday night Fountains Abbey was lit up again.

In we walked, along with lots of other friendly folk ...many of them with dogs on leads. It is an amazing experience to be milling about with all these people in such an historic place.

There was a  female choir singing in the Cellarium. ...Listened for a bit, but they didn't appeal to us like the music last week so after a pleasant walk we pottered back to the Western Entrance and our cottage just outside the gates.