WED 15TH JUNE
We set off from home at 0925, had an uneventful journey, we had to change route as M6 was gridlocked, a nice, sunny day.
We arrived at Andrew’s place in Fishtoft at about 1.15, a big old house in flat, farming land, he bought it because it has land with it and he has 5 sheep and 2 small cows (Dexters), beautiful glossy black animals.
Andrew and Rich worked together about 25years ago and we
haven’t seen much of him over the years. We sat around and caught up then after tea Andrew came and we introduced him to Triominoes.
138 miles
THURS 16TH
Andrew had a job today so was off early, delivering hanging baskets. We went to have a look at Skegness, it was warm and sunny.
We found a car park and walked along the front, pier and main street, I have never seen so many old people in my life, there were walking sticks, wheelchairs, walking frames and mobility scooters of all shapes and sizes, it was like the dodgems to avoid them all, either that or pushchairs, the overwhelming smell was of chips and do-nuts and the noise of amusement arcades. It would be a great place for families with wide sandy beaches and even a life guard; we had fish and chips, seniors special £5.95 with a cup of tea/coffee, bread and butter and an ice cream, then escaped.
We drove to Freiston Shore, an RSPB bird reserve on the mudflats of the wash, had a stroll to a hide and had a look, lots of very noisy black headed gulls, some swans, oystercatchers, terns, moorhen. We then walked on a bit to the top of a dyke, it was very bleak and looked like it was about to rain so we turned back.
In the evening we went to a local pub with Andrew and had a meal, it was a nice place but I didn’t think the steak was very good. A few more games of Triominoes before bed.
FRI 17th
This morning it was a bit cooler with a chilly breeze. Andrew joined us and we went to RAF Coningsby to see the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, it was very interesting and we saw all of the aircraft. We went to see Tattershall castle but it was closed we were told that Gunby Hall was open so went on to there, it was closed but we had a cuppa and piece of cake then went round the gardens and church, lovely gardens and very interesting old church.
After tea we had a few games with Andrew before bed.
Sat 18th
After breakfast Rich went to help Andrew to have a look at one of the cows who was limping, they couldn’t find anything wrong with it though.
Andrew left to go to a show and we packed up and left by 0920. We got to Beacon House site, Flamborough at 12.40 and set up. Had a drive to the lighthouse but didn’t stay as it was quite cool and breezy and paid parking. After tea a few games and bed.
141 miles
Sun 19th
A grey morning but warmer than yesterday. We drove to Filey and walked down to the harbour, there was a cool breeze but quite bright. We had a drink in a café then some potted shrimps sitting on a bench watching the donkeys on the beach; it was quite warm in the sun.
We carried on to Bempton Cliffs bird reserve but were amazed to see it heaving with people, car park chocker and even some coaches. We decided to come back tomorrow when it may be a bit quieter so drove on to Bridlington and got a few things in Morrisons, while we were in there there was a very heavy downpour. Called at a farm shop and picked a few strawberries and back to van for a quiet afternoon, it was cloudy with a few light showers all afternoon.
Mon 20th
Blue skies this morning, after breakfast we went to Bempton Cliffs, it is an RSPB reserve and had to pay £3.50 to park. We walked to the cliffs and stopped at viewing points to watch the birds, there were thousands, and you could hear and smell them before you reached them. The cliff face was full of birds clinging onto the smallest ledges many with chicks, there were kittiwakes, gannets, razorbills, guillemots but very few puffins, as well as those on the cliff faces there were birds flying in and out all the time swooping round the cliffs and thousands more on the water, it was a spectacular sight and continuously noisy. It was lovely and sunny and as we walked along we saw skylarks, jackdaws, a curlew and a wren.
We left Bempton and drove to Bridlington to get fish and chips but after driving round town a couple of times couldn’t find a parking place so we went back to a pub we’d seen offering fish and chips and with a car park. We had a nice meal and then were able to leave the car there to go for a stroll round town. Another busy, noisy seaside town with funfair and amusement arcades but it was pleasant strolling round in the sunshine. On the way back we came upon a model village so had a look round, it was very tired looking and in need of some paint but it was well done. Back to van for lazy afternoon. still sunny but clouding over.
Site fees £48.50 £10 per night plus electric.
Tue 21st
Set off at 0920 and got to Derby at 11.30. Parked on Doug's drive.
Doug took us round in the afternoon to a cafe on a lake where there was water skiing, then on to Ikea, where we had a coffe and a good mooch round, bought a few things! It had been a dry but chilly dayBren and I pooled what food we'd got and Bren cooked it.
Wed 22nd
Today Doug took us to another bargain shop, where we again bought a few things, then Bren got us lunch and we set off for home, as we entered Shropshire the sun came out.
