Why can't we ever have a plain sailing run up to a holiday?
Just 5 weeks ago a phone call in the middle of the night saw us rushing Grumbles to West Wales General suffering from severe abdominal pains, that required emergency high risk surgery to resolve. The risk being so acute that Herself had "The Talk" before hand from the surgeon.
It was 3 weeks until he was released discharged, and even then recovery has been slow involving several visits to the GP and a day in AMAU. It's been a bumpy ride and a week before departure we were still debating a cancellation and insurance claim.
Heading somewhere different this year for our main break, and we'll heading north east as opposed to south west, and having done the maths we'll not be towing the caravan either, instead we've booked a static on Haven's Blue Dolphin site in Yorkshire.
Saturday 14 June
I played my game of jumbo Tetris last night loading Trude, so this morning is was just shower and pick Grumbles up at 7am.
We're in Trude in time and I'm bumping down off the kerb into the road when Herself chirps up.
"I've forgotten my phone!"
Reverse is engaged and she goes in to find it, while I continually ring it to aid with the search process. She comes back out empty handed some time later and starts to search her handbag. I keep ringing, but it appears not to be in there either.
She gets in and says
"I'll just go without it."
"Don't be so stupid woman, you do all our banking on that, and we're likely to be spending a bit and a bit more in the next 2 weeks."
She goes back in while I press redial, but once more comes back out with much shrugging of shoulders.
Trude's info screen lights up and has paired with the devise now. Herself delves a little deeper and can feel it vibrating.
Oh how I laughed!!
7:10am and we're picking Grumbles up, who is now on edge cos we're 10 mins late, but we climb the slip road at J48 in biblical rain prodding the cruise and sitting back. Traffic was good, and the wheels didn't sop turning, bar for a brief stop for the dogs to have a stretch and grab breakfast from the Golden Arches somewhere near Derby.
1pm and were pulling in through the gates to be greeted by a shaven headed lady, who directs us to our caravan. We're not due to arrive until 3pm but if it's been cleaned we're told we can open it up. It hadn't so we retreat back down to The Brigghouse to waste some time. The tone was set immediately for our 2 week stay here at Blue Dolphin when I was mugged for £15.50 for a pint of Madri, a pint of Thatchers and half of shandy!
We go back to the van, but it still doesn't benefit from the magic green seal, so we take the dogs up to the dog walk that is perched on the cliffs between Scarborough and Filey. They've been good as gold cooped up in the boot for the 6 hr journey, and enjoy a bloody good run in the wind.
2pm and our caravan now has a magic green seal. We waste no time in unloading and settling in before Herself and I pop to Morrisons in Scarborough to get in supplies, while Grumbles dog sits at the van.
Early evening and I'm keen to get out. Herself and Grumbles less so, with Grumbles declaring
"If I come I'm not doing much!"
Trude's nose gets pointed in the direction of Filey, dropping down to the promenade it appears parking is at a premium, with the rest of north Yorkshire also here to see the dramatic cliffs lit up by the late evening sun.
Scarborough is next, and I'm a bit taken aback. I hadn't expected the town to be as big to be honest. We follow the brown signs to North Bay and it's attractions. Again many people are out admiring the sun lit cliffs. We cruise Royal Albert Drive onto Marine drive and round into South Bay.
Now this appears to be where it's at. It's bouncing. The noise and lights of Luna Park Fair dominate the harbour and you're over powered by the density of arcades and ice cream shops. All the pubs have goons on the doors, so it looks like they're expecting a busy Saturday night.
With nowhere convenient to park Herself suggests heading back and having a drink at Brigghouse. Grumbles declines so we dump him at the van before strolling over.
Now I made a bit of a tit of myself here. I'd read online that it was only open until 9pm, so with us taking our seats at 8.45pm time was of a premium. I'm ahead of the game though and order us 2 drinks each. I double check with the girl behind the bar and it appears they don't shut tap until 2am tonight. Doh!
Nos dda.
Sunday 15 June
Woken by bright sunshine streaming through the open window at 6am after a decent night's kip. By the time I've tidied up and made a brew at 7.30am the cloud cover has done its job.
Grumbles got up at 9am walked from his bedroom to the living room and declared he was shattered! A morning was spent around the caravan until my huffing and puffing started to work its magic. A picnic lunch is prepared and we pile into Trude for a spin up onto the moor.
Rolling into Goathland Aidensfield we look down to our right and see that Claud Greengrass' farm is now a campsite, but note they've not bothered to tidy up the farmhouse bit.
There's a small vintage show taking place on the village green outside Aidensfield Stores, just a few steam engines and some tractors, and one vintage car.
Popping inside Aidensfield Stores it's still full of Tat, just like it was when we came here last many years ago .... the same tat, including the alcove dedicated to selling Golly Wogs that the Gammon owner appears to be so proud of.
I am disappointed though that the Copper's Ford Anglia is no longer parked up outside. We make our way down the hill to Scripps Garage, now a shop selling more tat at inflated prices cos ...... well it's Scripps Garage.
Over the road is the Goathland Hotel Aidensfield Arms where we take a roadside table so Grumbles can rest his legs (He's doing really well today considering where he was just a few short weeks ago) and I go in to procure some refreshments.
Now I know this place makes the most of the Heartbeat connection, but at £16.50 for 2 1/2 pints I was fully expecting Gina herself to be pulling them!
It's decided that the walk down to the railway station would be too much for Grumbles so we return to Trude to let her take the strain.
Pulling into Whitby the place is crawling and car parks are full. We weave our way through the throngs spilling onto the road and head up the hill towards Whitby Abbey, parking up for our very late picnic lunch with a view of the abbey itself.
Chill time when we get back to Blue Dolphin, so chilled in fact I may have closed my eyes briefly. Herself informs me I was snoring for nearly 3 hrs, but I only have her word for that.
Late on Herself and I walk down to Brigghouse so I can throw a few pints down my neck, leaving Grumbles in the van watching 70s TV.
Monday 16 June
Lovely morning today and I treat myself to a nice long shower before taking the dogs for a walk along the cliff top.
A lazy morning was had with our camping chairs set up outside to soak up some rays. Herself likes to pretend it's me that doesn't like sitting around doing nothing and by 11.45am she's hinting at going out somewhere.
We park up on Scarborough's West Pier in South Bay and head off for a mooch. It's a different resort today than Saturday night. No goons on the doors and no edgy atmosphere, Scarborough's a very brash resort though, no getting away from that and it assaults all your senses at once.
We round the corner and there's a Pirate bloke selling tickets for boat trips on a pirate ship. He's giving it some beans fair play to him, but having later watched the "Galleon" return to the harbour, just a fishing boat with a couple of masts nailed to the roof, I was happy to sit that one out.
We walk up Foreshaw Rd as far as the fair, ignoring the myriad of donut, sea food and ice cream kiosks before turning around and taking a table outside The Ivy for a spell of people watching ...... and lunch of course.
We did start walking back down Foreshaw Rd toward the Spa, but it was getting far too hot for the dogs on the paved areas devoid of any greenery. A decision was made to forgo the extortionate price we'd paid for a full afternoon's parking and we'd take a spin round to the North Bay.
Paying for parking once more we park up on Royal Albert Drive. Grumbles isn't moving from Trude, so Herself and I clip on the dogs and head down to the beach below.
Exactly how far below we hadn't anticipated, they must have some big tides up here. I can hear Herself's knackered knees clicking and grinding with every step, but once at the bottom a vast expanse of dog friendly beach opens up.
It's lovely down here, very hot under the sun mind, but the dogs enjoy having a free run chasing the ball in and out of the crystal clear North Sea. I even dipped my own neuropathy ridden trotters in the cool water.
On returning to the car it's clear Grumbles isn't up to doing anything more today so we head back to site, where he takes himself off to bed for a bit, while Herself and I get the chairs down from the roof and settle down to soak up some rays.
Early evening we head down to Brigghouse, Grumbles joining us this evening, for a drink. Herself could have done with staying in this evening but knows I can't stand canned beer, and won't have a drink unless we go out and I can have draft.
Gwen ensures she gets as much attention as possible by lying directly across the throughfare, making customers and staff stopping to pet her as they step over. It's no accident because each time we move her she shuffles back when we're not paying attention.
Nos Dda
Tuesday 17 June
Herself slept up front last night, I can only assume because of my snoring. And is still asleep at 8.30am as I make myself a brew to slurp while tapping some keys.
Grumbles gets up at 8.45am. He wants a coffee, but for some reason he thinks he's stopping in a 5 star hotel and Herself and I are here to wait on him. He's not lifted a finger since we got here, but I'm not playing ball this morning. See how long he can sit it out?
11am and were all piled into Trude heading north for the day. Pulling into Whitby it appears parking is at a premium with the rest of north Yorkshire also prowling for spaces. We're parked a fair way from the centre itself, which doesn't bode well for Herself's knackered knees and Grumbles' stamina.
Passing the Pirates selling trips on a Pirate themed boat and The Whitby Endeavor looks inviting; a full scale replica of Captain Cook's HM Bark Endeavor permanently moored here and converted to a restaurant.
On boarding we make tracks for the upper deck and immediately make a spectacle of ourselves as we try to climb the very steep steps. As if Grumbles' mobility and Herself's knackered knees weren't enough of an issue, Gwawr is refusing to climb the flight as it has open treads and she can see through to the floor below.
Herself is too soft on her and the matter was rectified as soon as I took control of her lead!
Now actually up on the top deck we take a table up at the bow end (look at me getting all boaty) and place our order for drinks and food.
That's as good as it gets, and my review below speaks volumes.
Still at least we can now say we've "lunched" on a galleon! We head off for a mooch, and on the pavement near Whitby Bridge a bloke has set up a blanket and made a sand model of a pair of dogs, only small scale but quite impressive none the less. Loads are stopping to admire and take pictures, but none throwing a coin into his tub. I was also one of those, but Herself was soon dipping into the depths of her purse to retrieve our reserve parking fee stash. She may live to regret this life decision.
Making progress down Pier Rd is slow going. It's quite busy, and those that aren't inside or queuing outside fish and chip joints are walking around eating fish and chips! Loads of Goths around, and I would imagine it's quite a spectacle during The Gothic Gathering.
Whitby also has a strong Dracula connection. I always thought it was Pennsylvania, but apparently Bram Stoker visited Whitby in 1890 and the town was a key inspiration for his Novel. There's a museum here but we saw no one darkening its door.
We get as far as Kyber Pass and turn around to run the gauntlet once more. Grumbles slept all the way back and takes himself off to bed for a while when we get back. I may also have had a spell catching flies myself, but was woken to the aroma of a chicken madras that Herself had been busy knocking up for our evening meal.
Despite her knees screaming at her, Herself starts to get cabin fever later on and suggests an evening stroll down to Brigghouse. Who am I to argue?
*Rant button on*
Our dogs go everywhere with us on holiday, and we're extremely grateful where places are dog friendly. Brigghouse here at Blue Dolphin is the only venue on site that allows dogs inside, with the obvious rules in place.
We were therefore fuming when a group came in with a pair of King Charles Spaniels and immediately had the dogs up on the bench seats with their paws on the table.
The minority always spoil it for the rest.
*Rant button off*
Nos dda
Wednesday 18 June
We have a mission today, you see Herself has mislaid her very expensive Ray-ban sunglasses at home, so has been restricted to wearing a pair of el-cheapo (£75) Karen Millen ones. They are apparently leaving the wrong kind of tan lines and Herself isn't happy. My suggesting the solution may be to take them off once in while earned me the silent treatment for a few hours - though I didn't really notice!
Grumbles came to the rescue while we were out last night and offered to buy Herself a new pair for her upcoming birthday. Some Googling suggested there was a Sunglasses Hut store back in York, so that is today's destination.
A scenic spin sees us pulling into McArthur Glen York Designer Outlet, and I must say it appears to be somewhat posher than the one in Bridgend at home. We've been here once before when we were on the "Nissan Blogger" holiday, but that was in Mid December and it was pitch black.
Dogs aren't allowed inside, so while Herself and Grumbles disappear through the grand south entrance I clip on the dogs and have a wander around the manicured grounds.
I'm not on my own though as numerous middle aged men appear to have been abandoned by their female family members to go inside and spend a fortune unhindered. They even provide a dog water fountain for us.
I did think briefly about treating myself to a crepe from the kiosk, but when I saw they wanted £7.95 for a plain one with no toppings I stopped thinking rather quickly and moved on.
I find what is the equivalent of a "Primark Bench" in dappled shade and send Herself a message of my location, before going down on my chinstraps.
When they return we have our picnic lunch at one of the many tables dotted around the place before pointing Trude back in the direction of home, with a vague plan to stop off somewhere on the way.
Dropping down South Cliff Drive and passed the harbour onto South Marine Dr, the splendor of Bridlington's beach opens up.
We swipe a card at the parking meter and head down the steps towards the promenade below. Didn't get that far though, as Herself's knackered knees crunched down each step we clocked some tables to our left where people were supping. That'll do us. Grumbles and Herself grab a table while I descend the rest of the steps onto Princess Mary Promenade and into Bridlington Richie's Cafe to procure some glasses of ice cold fluids.
They didn't last long and I'm soon sent packing down the steps again to procure more. My calves are now protesting a little and I'm trying not to show how heavy I'm breathing, just about to take a gulp and Herself pipes up that the dogs need water.
She's right of course, and I get back up to climb the steps back up to S Marine Dr and back to the car. Back at the table I'm given funny looks because I didn't immediately retrieve the dog water from my day sack, but after having done the additional exertion in the heat I wanted a gulp of my pint before it got too warm to drink!
It really was a pleasant couple of hours. People watching, watching pleasure flight planes over head, the Walley Trolley plying its trade on the promenade, families playing on the beach and a couple of young ladies frolicking on the beach below wearing nothing more than pieces of string. I hadn't noticed them at all until Herself pointed them out, and neither had the half dozen men sat outside Richie's on the level below us with their chairs turned to face that part of the beach!
Back at the van Herself cooks up some salmon for tea before we settle down for a relaxing evening. No Brigghouse this tonight.
Thursday 19 June
No plans to do much today. Grumbles is feeling the pace a bit too much, so a day is planned sitting around the van recharging.
With breakfast cleared and the chairs down from the roofbox Herself starts to worry it'll be too hot for the dogs, and wishes we had their paddling pool with us. Some finger swiping locates a cheap one in Argos just 6 miles for us, so before settling down I hop into Trude on a mercey dash.
It was worth it though just to see the delight on Gwawr's face when I got back and opened the boot lid.
It took some filling mind utilising the mop bucket, but they're happy, and we're able to spend the rest of the day getting sunburnt, before heading down to Brigghouse for an evening meal and drinkies.
Friday 20 June
Herself and I are on the way to Morrisons by 8am for a click and collect.
The plan this morning was to head down to Filey to meet up briefly with my cousin who is up here for the day dragging 60 yellow vested kids on a school trip.
Parking down on the flat is impossible so we are forced to abandon Trude half way up Ravine Rd. The dogs are hot, so first stop is on Coble Landing where the dogs get a refreshing dip.
Back up the ramp, and Herself fails to procure a sun hat from the tat shops, before spotting a balcony 2 floors above us. I was Ok with it but Grumbles had a silent protest that Herself ignored.
Having climbed the flights to the Coble Bar and Bistro, we were rewarded with a balcony sporting uninterrupted sea views, Filey Brigg to our left and Bempton Cliffs to our right.
My phone pings and my cousin has dropped a pin on Google Maps. They're a mile away on the other side of Filey Bay, and on the part where dogs are banned. It's simply too hot for the dogs to be walking that distance so apologies are sent.
We procure some cockles and crab for lunch later from a seafood stall before getting Grumbles an ice-cream, abandoning him on a seat, and settling off on a little explore part way along the front.
Herself managed to get a sun hat, which will save her having to wear my drab grey one and we turn around to retrieve Grumbles who has now run out of ice-cream and is bored.
The walk back up top Trude was arduous in the clammy heat, and by the time we get there Grumbles isn't looking too great, so we head back to Base Camp to sit out the rest f the day.
Saturday 21 June
We have visitors, 325 miles from home but we have visitors! Nelson had loaded his lot into the car straight after work and drove up here to join us for the weekend, arriving late last night both Beastie and Bwmps we too tired to be interested in anything, but were keen to put that right this morning.
Straight after breakfast they drag me down to the play park to burn off some energy.
Time to head out. The plan was to visit Bridlington. It's busy though with drivers hunting spaces in the Harbour car parks, and ready to fight for one. A few trips up and down S Marine Dr is also a waste of time. It appears the heatwave have brought the rest of the north of England to Bridlington this Saturday. We abandon the effort and head off back out of town.
Herself's phone rings. Teacher has been Googling and wants to know if we fancy Filey's Zoo, which is dog friendly. We agree as don't really want to waste the day driving around.
After flashing the plastic at the entrance and rounding the first corner we're wondering what we've done. It doesn't look like much at all to be be frank, but all of a sudden it opened up with Herself declaring
"It goes on for miles!"
We had a great time and before you knew it 3 1/2 hours had gone and we're pulling back up outside the van to chill for a bit.
Bwmps is over tired and needs a nap, so Herself, Grumbles and I take Beastie down to Brigghouse and the adjacent arcade. Nelson joins us a little later saying that Bwmps won't wake up and is down for the night, and Teacher is staying in with him.
Herself isn't all that fussed about being out, so her and Grumbles head back, armed with a bottle of Rose for Teacher. Nelson and Beastie lose themselves in the slots for a while and I have a refreshing slurp at the outside table.
By the time we get back, Herself seems to have recovered from being tired but Grumbles has gone to bed. We sit up for a while talking crap and emptying the fridge before turning in just before midnight.
Sunday 22 June
We'd promised Beastie time at the seaside today, but knew we'd need to be up, breakfasted and out before 10am to beat the crowds.
Rolling into Scarborough South Bay it's already busy, and even this early we take 2 of the only 5 remaining car park spaces. We slowly make our way along Sandside as Beastie and Bwmps explore the tat shops until they can carry no more.
We take seats outside the New Lancaster for refreshments, and note that the time of the morning is not deterring the clientele from indulging in alcoholic beverages! So we joined them, Teacher even having a Malibu and Coke!
Herself has been fancying some Donuts since we got here last week. I look over the road and see one of the harbourside stalls are selling them, and I can smell the hot fat from where we're sat. I twist some arms, and they all fancy partaking, except Grumbles who gave his default no answer, and head over to negotiate.
"Hi, could I have some donuts please?"
"Of course, would you like just one or a bag of four?"
"Oh, sixteen please."
Her face lit up as she put the machine to work.
They went down well. Even Grumbles, who was insistent that he didn't want any, devoured two!
Time now to head round to North Bay to spend some time on the beach. My heart sinks as we round the corner and the tide is too far in, meaning the dog friendly section of the beach has no beach yet. We have a conflab and agree the Nelson and his lot would spend some time over at the north end on the beach and we would head back. We leave them to it, detouring to have a nose at South Cliff on the way.
We get back at the same time. Parking was bedlam up that end and they abandoned their efforts, promising Beastie and Bwmps time in Soft Play and in the sandpit back on site!
All too soon the kids are showered and in their PJs. We have a Papa Johns for tea before they're bundled into their car seats and leaving us for the long journey home at around 6.30. They have an inset day tomorrow so don't need to be in school, but both Nelson and Teacher have work.
The static seems a very empty and quiet place this evening. Already missing their energy.
Monday 23 June
We're heading towards the longest day, and one thing we've noticed being this far north is how long the days are. It's not getting dark until gone 11pm on fine days and light again by 4am.
Had a bit of rain yesterday evening, nothing heavy but persistent light rain. Can't really complain though as it's the first drop of falling wet stuff we've had since arriving on 14th.
Road trip planned for today to minimise the walking that both Herself and Grumbles have to to. After breakfast, with notes scribbled on one if yesterdays donut bags we set off.
First off we I wanted to do the scenic drive through the Dalby Forest Drive, a scenic toll road that winds through the forestry near Pickering. I wanted to enter from the north side, also avoiding Scarborough, so it took some finding. Trude's satnav wouldn't recognise Bickley, but after some tense map navigating from Herself we managed it despite of some road closures and significant diversions. The scenery is spectacular though, so Herself and I don't mind that much. Grumbles slept.
As above, it's a toll road and they allow you a maximum of 30 mins to drive through for free, after which there are incremental jumps depending on how long you spend, up to £15 for over 4 hours. They're cute though as Google suggests it takes at least 27 mins to drive straight through at the speed limit without stopping!
We wind our way through the forestry and stop at Adderstone Field to let the dogs out for a run in the open chasing a ball. Grumbles stayed in the car.
With them exhausted we carry on soaking up the fantastic scenery, something new around every corner. Exiting the toll gate a screen tells us we owe them £3 for the pleasure.
Next stop planned was Thornton Dale, but Herself didn't fancy the look of it. Pickering looked good, but we reserve that for another day maybe and we pass through heading back up into the National Park.
We cruise through Stape and onto the Wheeldale Roman Road. We find a lovely spot for lunch where the road crosses Rutmoor Beck.
Herself and Grumbles are far less enthusiastic than me about getting out of the car, but grin and bear the "Arctic" weather for long enough to eat lunch.
We move on over the high moors heading towards Danby Lodge National Park Centre, passing several pubs where I suggest calling for a drink, but surprisingly Herself refuses! We pulled in at rather inopportune time. A bus is sat with hazards flashing having just disgorged a school trip. There's about 50 or 60 of them running around in yellow vests. We have a rethink and dig out the Atlas.
Staithes is close by and boasts its connections with Captain James Cook, they make the most of it too with roads on the approach being named Endevour Close, and Captain Cook Close. There's even a pub named after him on the hill above.
Our enthusiasm wanes once more as we approach. "NO TOURIST PARKING IN THE VILLAGE" as we look down the rather steep and long hill down to sea level from the car park at the top of the hill. I just know it'll be too much for Herself and could possibly kill Grumbles. I ignore the "no vehicles except for access" sign, as well as Herself's protestations and slowly wind my way through the narrow streets down to the harbour area.
We don't stop long, just long enough to take some pictures and to have a pee and avoid getting ticketed. Herself was too frightened to get out. She's one for not breaking any rules. The way back out was "interesting" and if you listen carefully you'll hear both Grumbles and Herself cursing me.
At the top of the hill we park up at the Captain Cook Inn, and head round front to have a nerve soothing drink. I almost sprain my wrist trying to open the locked door before noticing a sign that they don't open until 4pm on a Monday!
I knew the captain had a connection with Swaithes, but didn't really know the extent. Turns out not much at all, and they're really making the most of it. Turns out Cook developed his love of the sea here when he moved to live here at the age of 16 to work as an apprentice for a grocer. Living here he was exposed to the maritime world and the sea faring culture of the village. He then moved to Whitby just a year or two later where he began his career as a seaman in the Merchant Navy.
The Queen drove through Llangennech once, on her way to Llanelli. Maybe we should make more of that connection too.
We head south towards Scarborough, swinging a hard left into the car park at the Three Jolly Sailors in Burniston. Lovely it was too in their courtyard out of the wind.
Herself's phone pings to let her know that our click and collect is ready in Morrisons to be picked up on way back to site.
Grumbles is done in and is going nowhere else again this evening. Herself and I pop down to Brigghouse for me to throw a quick 4 pints down my neck before heading back.
Tuesday 24 June
Summer Solstice today, and ironically the weather's not great this morning, but there's no point driving 325 miles just to sit in a static moaning about it, so a loose plan is hatched that doesn't involve too much driving.
We head through Scarborough's North Bay and park up in Northstead Lower Car Park. Just over the road is the Scarbourough North Bay Railway. The railway has been here since 1931 and had been carrying passengers along the 20 inch gauge track that runs between Peaseholm and Scalby Mills. Once passed the arse end of Scarborough's open air theatre the short journey offers spectacular views of the North Bay.
Having done my homework we alight at Scalby Mills near the Sea Life Centre, we walk straight passed that and take an outside table in the sun at The Old Scalby Mill, a delightful little pub sat adjacent to the Sea Cut (Scalby Beck) and soak up the, by now, hot sunshine enjoying views over the bay.
Time to return, and this is where the day hit a bit of a speed bump. We came down onto promenade level from the station via the steps, Herself groaned on every riser promising we would return via the ramp. Little did we know that to access the ramp you had to circumnavigate the Sea Life building as well as the Adventure Golf course. Herself is now wincing with every step and firing barbs in my direction.
Shall we say by the time we've walked the snaking ramp that climbs the cliff we're all relieved to be hopping onto the train ..... in different carriages for the return journey.
Getting off we head down to the seafront and take a table outside Salt Water, a new establishment on the ground floor of the rather swish looking Lockton 5* Holiday Apartments ( just Googled them and this time of year will set you back £450 pn).
We spot that there's a small section of the dog friendly part of the beach not yet enveloped by the North Sea, so I walk into a rather posh and expensive surfwear shop to procure a cheap ball and chucker before taking the dogs for a cooling dip.
The time was spoiled a little by and old bint who was sitting up against the sea wall with her brow beaten husband. One of the dogs decided to do what dogs do, and proceeded curl one down. Gwen hadn't finished and I'd already got the roll of green bags out of my pocket. The bint started shouting at me.
"Oi, Oi, your dog's making a mess on the beach."
I waved the green back at her
"Yes, I know, I'm going to clean it up now."
"Your dog's making a mess, you shouldn't allow them to do that!"
"Sorry if it upset you, but I'm cleaning it up."
"But ...."
"Look, if it offends you I suggest you go ever there to the mile long stretch of beach that doesn't allow dogs."
We're hungry now, and Herself tells me she was thinking more of a meal than a sandwich. I liked the look of The Three Jolly Sailors that we called at yesterday. A quick phone call confirms they're serving and we head up that way for a feed. Bloody good it was too, and we all but had to roll Grumbles back out to Trude, he was that full.
Wednesday 25 June
We'd decided last night what we were doing today and booked the tickets in advance. We're breakfasted (even if Grumbles grumbled that it was somewhat less than a full English) and we're pulling out of the site by 9am.
Parking up at Pickering Station belonging to the North Yorkshire Moors Railway Pickering Station we're immediately robbed of £7 to park after already forking out £81 for tickets. The station is 1930s themed (except for the prices in the tea room) and has recently been restored to the same design of the 1847 original.
We make our way to the ticket hatch where a sheet of A4 paper sellotaped to the wall catches my eye. Now call me picky, but at no point through the booking process last night was I warned that steam was off the agenda!
We ask the old biddy the other side of the cage if steam is running today. She shrugged saying she didn't know, but we'll soon find out as the train was due to pull in. I would have thought this was a pretty important piece of information to communicate to both staff and paying customers.
We return to Grumbles to break the news, he's somewhat crestfallen, I mean where's the fun in being dragged by a diesel locomotive?
We hear a whistle and a chuff chuff and turn around to see this coming around the corner.
The line runs from Pickering to Whitby, some 24 miles, but at £55 each was somewhat outside our comfort zone, that and it wouldn't be fair on the dogs. We opted for the Philosopher's Express that takes you from Pickering to Goathland and back. An hour's ride each way. We take our seats in Cattle Class and settle in for the ride, through stunning scenery as drive gives it some serious beans as we climb up the inclines onto the moor.
Goathland Station is the celebrity station on the line, featuring as Hogsmeade Station in the first Harry Potter Film and as Aidensfield Station in the Heartbeat TV programme.
We alight and procure get robbed for some refreshments from the tea room before having a mooch around "Platform 9 3/4". The gift shop isn't full of the usual railway stuff here though, they're going full out on the Harry Potter theme!
We can hear the chuff chuff well before we can see it, and take our seats in the somewhat emptier carriage than when we came up. Grumbles was insistent on changing sides to get the different view, but slept most of the way back to Pickering.
We took the short walk into town turning left up into Market Place. We get as far as the Bay Horse Inn, where the lure of a sun trap beer garden was too much.
Well if it's good enough for Cromwell, it's good enough for me. Though I'm not too sure he would have been slurping Bira Moretti back in 1640. Grumbles left us to it to have a look in the charity shops. Herself said to him that we'd be out shortly to have a quick look around ourselves. We come out of the alleyway look up and down, no sign of him. We looked in a few gift shops and I dribbled in front of a bakery window at the assortment of pies, keeping an eye up and down Market Place all the while.
Still no sign so we head back down, checking each charity shop as we went. Herself starts to get concerned and tries ringing him, but as always he's only interested in his mobile phone when he wants something from it, so several calls go unanswered.
Still no sign of him, and I have a brainwave. He's wearing his Mind Me watch, firing up the app reveals his current location to be back at the car! He answers a call which confirms the fact. Herself is furious!
I look up his location history, he'd not been in any charity shops on Market Place, he'd decided, without telling us, to walk back at his own pace. No problem, but it would have been nice if he'd said!
Back at Blue Dolphin I drag them out for a drink in Brigghouse after tea, but neither of them are particularly interested, so we head back after just 2 pints.
Thursday 26 June
Last night Herself had suggested some down time sat around the van, so that's what we did, the chairs come down out of the roofbox but they both retreat to the van every time the sun goes behind a cloud.
We lunch on some pasties before heading out for the afternoon.
Rocking up in Scarborough we park up in Quay St car park for a change, amble round the corner as far as The Ivy and take a seat overlooking the harbour to people watch.
I pop next door to the gift shop and manage to find a bookmark for Herself and Grumbles has a good moan because a seaside gift shop didn't have and white peaked caps for him to wear to bowls!
He's not too steady on his feet today, and after 2 stumbles we decide to call it a day in South Bay. We jump in the car round to North Bay and note that the wind has whipped up the North Sea a bit, with rollers splashing up over the promenade as they smash into the sea wall at high tide.
We park up on Royal Albert Dr close to Watermark Cafe and leave Grumbles in the car (he didn't want to get out) and take the dogs down on the beach for some fun in the waves.
I'll be honest, the waves were a bit strong for Gwen and she was reluctant today to go any more than ankle deep.
Back on site we decided to go down Brigghouse for our evening meal, mainly because coming to the end of our holiday we've got nothing in to cook!
It was going lovely, everyone was relaxed, chat was flowing, Herself had a bottle of Sauv and my Coronas were going down a treat. Our meals were great and we ordered desserts for myself and Grumbles.
This where it all turned a bit. Grumbles started getting agitated when his ice cream did not arrive within a few mins. Afterall it's only ice cream. The fact that it was being served at the same time as my Ultimate Chocolate Fudge Cake (which took a bit of time preparing) seemed irrelevant. He's twitching and craning his neck to keep a vigilant watch on the dessert prep area.
They came within 10 mins but that wasn't quite quick enough for Grumbles, and he'd almost inhaled the wafer before the young girl had time to put the dish on the table. When he's done he's on edge again, refusing another drink and shuffling in his seat.
I pop around to the Mini Market to pick up some things for Herself, but am surprised on coming back round the corner to see Herself holding onto the dogs leads having had to neck what was left of her wine before being dragged out by Grumbles.
"Oh, so I'm not having another pint then!"
The walk back to the van was frosty.
Friday 27 June
Last day of the holiday today, and we're still lucking out with the weather. After a breakfast of what's left in the fridge we head off out north bound.
With Grumbles' and Herself's mobility issues we can't really do a resort justice in one visit, and the place I want to see again is Whitby. Wanting to see the west side today I headed towards Chruch St car park but we failed miserably to bag a space. Back over the bridge we are luckier outside the station.
Walking back towards Whitby Bridge and Herself gets accosted by a hipster sitting under a gazebo trying to sell their extra special and very expensive dog food. A banner proudly boasts that they turned down an offer from Dragon's Den twice, well today we turned them down and maybe if they'd accepted the offer from genuine business people they may not be stuck in a gazebo trying to flog dog food to tourists!
Some blokes down below are getting their pirate themed boat ready to fleece tourists, not even a miniature pirate ship this, just a boat with some stuff stuck on it.
Carrying on we cross over Whitby Bridge and take a left up Church St, stopping at a few shops on the way. All was going well until we nearly lost Gwawr as we approached a beggar street entertainer. He was manipulating a puppet whilst playing an accordion. She was not impressed at all as he fired up and slipped her collar in an effort to get away.
Near the top end we have a choice. To our right are the 199 steps up to Whitby Abbey, or left down the ramp to the quay side terrace of The Duke of York.
The Duke won easily and we spend a while having a slurp and watching the comings and goings on the mud / sand below, and a slightly more authentic fake mini pirate ship moored across the river from us, no doubt waiting on the main tourist season.
Herself had let on that she'd fancied a Whitby Jet bangle in one of the many shops selling the stone, so we tracked that down and I bought it for her. I wasn't taking no for an answer ......... she'll pay the CC bill when we get home! Herself also got me some Captain Cook cannon balls (Rum n Raisin truffles) from a specialist chocolatier and some cockles that look like they've been on the roids from a proper fishmonger.
We make a right down to Market Place where Grumbles actually bought a white peaked cap! By the time we get back to Trude it's 3.30pm and our makeshift breakfast is now but a distant memory. We call in the Jolly Three Sailors once more for a very late lunch / early evening meal before returning to the van to pack in readiness for an early departure in the morning, before putting our feet up
Saturday 28 June
We're up, finished loading the car and on the road by 7.30am. We're a long way from home, but the 6 hr journey was at least smooth and unhindered
We've really enjoyed our two weeks oop north. I've not taken to fancying pigeons, smoking tabs or saying ey up either. A few things we noticed....
- They can't understand a bloody word I say up here, I got on better in Fuertaventura.
- They don't really do cider in pubs.
- The weather is a lot better than Cornwall
- Fish and Chips is a big thing, really big.
