Durham July 2012

Wed July 4th 2012

We set off at 09.50 and travelled through some awful weather, rain and spray on the roads, not pleasant, we stopped for a short while and arrived at Finchale Abbey site at 2.50, it was quite sunny by now.  We set up and just managed to get the awning half up before the rain belted down so were able to finish setting up under it's cover, this is an awning that Jan 7 Mike gave us and the first time we'd used it, and it was a godsend.  We walked the dog along the river bank.
Harry and Loraine came to fetch us at about 5.00 and took us to their house, on the way we drove around Durham to get a look at the town.  They had planned a Chinese take away but the shop was closed so we ended up with fish and chips which were very nice, it was good to chat and catch up and Crackers was very well behaved.  It rained on and off all evening.

Distance travelled 223 miles
Site fees   £80

July 5th



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Harry came for us at 10.00 and drove us up the north east coast, we saw a few castles, Alnwick and Bamburgh amongst them and we stopped at lots of small harbours, we managed to stay dry as the weather was not too bad.  We had had an incident with Crackers this morning, she really had a go at a dog on the site so we were very wary meeting people with dogs, we went into a pub for a snack and she was a bit naughty but settled down after a while.  We were very impressed with the beauty and grandeur of the coastline and various towns we saw.  We went to look at the docks and saw a huge forign tanker being tugged out of the harbour, we then called at the Angel of the North for a few pics. When we got back we went to a local pub, The Mousehole, for a meal.

July 6th

The forecast was bad today and started off very grey and mizzly, Loraine and I went to Newcastle round a shopping centre and also looking at the town, some lovely old buildings with a statue of Earl Grey presiding over, Harry And Rich walked the dog round a park and managed to stay dry.  We went back to theirs for a meal, pie and peas, and another good chat.

July 7th

A bit better day today, we took the park and ride into Durham, leaving the dog in the van.  We were very impressed with Durham,lots of really old buildings, the coffee shop we went in was three stories high and a warren of small rooms with lots of exposed brick and beams.  There was some sort of music festival going on and bands all over the place, made it quite lively.  We went round the cathedral, a bit bleak and stark looking at first sight but vast.  Harry then took us to see the Tyne Bridge.

We went back to the van and I did bacon butties, then had a wander round the priory, today was Harry & Loraine's golden wedding anniversary. 

July 8th

Up and away by 0955, went through lots of rain again, home by 2.30 to sunshine, got the awning dried and van unloaded.

It had been a nice few days and we had done lots of sightseeing and really enjoyed seeing Harry & Loraine again.

The site was very good, excellent facilities and lovely walks, right by the river Wear and Finchale Abbey ruins, these are quite impressive,if only the weather had been a bit better!

Port Sunlight June 2012

Shirley & Derek were staying with us and wanted to go to the Antiques Road Show so we booked a site, Grange Farm a CL, and they booked an hotel Bridge Inn Bebington.

Wed June 6th 2012

We set off at 10.30 and arrived at our site at about 12.00, we unhitched the car and drove S&D to their hotel about 6 miles away, it was very wet and rained most of the day so we didn't put any mats or awning out, it was the first time we travelled with Crackers and she travelled very well.  We took her for a walk and were a bit upset when she took at another dog quite viciously, she soon calmed down and I was able to walk her by the other dog quite calmly.
We went back to The Bridge for a meal which was quite nice.

Miles travelled 66
Site fees £40


Thurs June 7th

Up early and Rich took me to the hotel to meet S&D and walk to the Road Show which was near their hotel, he went back to van and stopped with the dog.

We queued for about 2 hours in the rain, luckily it was not cold and everyone was friendly and chatting.  We got assessed and told which expert to queue for, we only had some bits that were Dad's and the statue Rich found in brook and saw George Archdale and Mark Hill, they were very friendly and did not rush any one, none of our stuff was worth more than about £60 or of any real interest.  We went for a drink in their cafe and the service was awful, some people walked out but we really wanted a drink.  Back to hotel and Rich picked me up, waited nearly an hour as messages got mixed up! back to van then after a rest and a wash back to hotel for a meal again.

Fri June 8th

up early and Rich fetched S&D then we hitched up and set off, we called at Cheshire Oaks on the way home.

An interesting few days but very wet, it hardly stopped raining.