Dave negotiates passage through a soggy cornfield on the way back from Baconsthorpe
Back from a weekend in Blakeney with the Evetts and the Towns, which left me shattered and cotton-wool-headed. Nevertheless it was a lovely weekend: it was just that for some reason I couldn’t sleep on the Sunday evening. On the plus side, the infection near the root of my tooth seems to be on its way out, which is as well, as I have just finished the antibiotics. Dot is already out taking a head teacher to lunch, and I’m catching up with various things before we both head out to another hotel – the King’s Head at Great Bircham. She is doing an inspection at the school there tomorrow.
The Manor Hotel at Blakeney was as good as ever, if you discount the handle of our room coming off when I tried to pull it shut. It turned out that the handyman had forgotten to put the screws back in after doing some repair work, but he quickly appeared and put it right. The food was good as usual, and the breakfasts exceptional: so much so that I have put back on the pounds I have been carefully losing. Unfairly, Dot has remained the same weight. How can that be right?
We arrived on Friday and had our usual afternoon tea at The Blakeney Hotel, though unfortunately not in the splendid upstairs lounge, which was full. On the Saturday, which was warm though a little breezy, we started with a rather prolonged visit to the village fete, during which all the women bought some jewellery. After a cup of tea we proceeded with the Evetts to the rather posh and lovely Bell at Wiveton, where we had starters only before hastening to Bodham for our walk to Baconsthorpe Castle. We did the full journey (about six miles), including a survey of the ruins and the loop through Baconsthorpe village.
On the way back to Bodham there was a brief shower, which had little effect on us till we reached a narrow path through a cornfield, when our trousers felt the full effect of water lingering on the wheat. Still, they had dried out by the time we got out to the car.
On the Sunday we started by driving to West Lodge, a house on the coast road at the bottom of Sheringham Park which was rented by the woman who sold us the jewellery at the fete (Liz Holman). Overnight she had been making a necklace for Julia and had asked us to pick it up there. Lovely job – and there was a bonus. We could leave the car at her house while we walked up into the park – which we did, and had a really enjoyable walk, taking in the Gazebo, which included a stunning view and four dogs (plus all of us and the owners).
No rain, but it was a bit cooler. Not too cool for a Twister (etc) from the rather cute Munch Buggy, manned by a woman very much like our friend Bridget. There is a beautiful new wildflower garden (The Bower) near the top, and we also called in at the visitors’ centre cafe for a drink. Some people had food, but I didn’t. Obviously that was a waste of care. We walked back to the car a different way and encountered the jewellery-maker’s husband in the garden. Had a chat and then drove to Holt station, where there was a display of classic cars and some very dark clouds, which however failed to deposit rain.
Spent some time looking at the cars and trying unsuccessfully to work out the categories. We also had a look at a steam train and took some photographs of that, plus a movie. Afterwards we went into Holt town centre and had tea and cake at Byfords. It was suspiciously quiet.
After another good meal at the hotel and a woeful failure to sleep on my part, we took leave of the Towns and strolled round Blakeney in spitting rain until we met the Evetts and had lunch with them at Wiveton Fruit Farm. This consisted for me of a rather chunky coronation chicken sandwich and ginger beer. After driving them back to the hotel to pick up their car, we set off for home.
Julia, Dave and Dot view the Hemlock Stone on Stapleford Hill
Just back from Eastwood, a few miles from Nottingham and the birthplace of D H Lawrence. It’s been a misty day, quite cool, and at 4.15pm the sun is only just breaking through. We visited the birthplace museum, where Janice gave us a thorough and interesting tour, and then the heritage centre, which was showing an exhibition of Lawrence’s first novel, The White Peacock. Interestingly at neither place was this novel on sale, which is not the greatest marketing achievement I have ever come across.
In passing, I should note that Eastwood is also quite close to Mansfield, early home of my paternal grandparents and birthplace of the eldest three of my uncles. Why they ended up there is a bit of a mystery.
This is the third day of our visit to Toton. Julia is seeming a lot better, although her ankle still looks rather forbidding, and she manages to get around very well. Yesterday she spent some time shopping in the Westfield Centre at Derby with Dot, while Dave and I walked across town to the Silk Mill – the first factory anywhere, apparently, and now hosting a photographic exhibition and a number of aero engines, about which Dave was able to enlighten me. We had sandwiches in a nearby pub and then met up with Dot and Julia again in M&S, to discover Dot had bought me a shirt and two trousers. That’s good, obviously. I was able to wear the shirt and one pair of trousers to a meal at Creme in Stapleford with Alan and Rosemary the same evening: amazingly we had run into them at Westfield (Thorntons cafe) earlier in the day. Just a coincidence – the (excellent) evening meal had already been arranged.
We got to Toton for lunch on Monday after a straightforward journey. In the afternoon we walked to the Hemlock Stone on Stapleford Hill, which I found quite haunting.
One or two other highlights from the past few days. On Friday Dot and I went up to Mousehold to play pitch and putt, only to find that the course was not yet open. The weather was very pleasant, so we went for a three-mile walk on the heath instead. Then I went to the doctor’s to have my blood pressure checked and found that it had improved markedly. Of course I still need to take the tablets, and will have it checked again in a couple of months.
On Saturday evening we went to the annual celebration of Norwich Youth for Christ, which was unexpectedly enjoyable. It was at Eaton Church, and Heather and Paul Cracknell were there. Mark Tuma’s final event for NYFC, and one of Dot’s final appearances as a trustee.
On Sunday I preached (not terribly well, I suspect) on the Ten Commandments and then we took Joy and Phil for the latter’s birthday lunch at Joe’s. We supplied pavlova and wine, plus transport, and the fun lingered on until dark. Phil is 60, and we had a good look at his new bike as well as a tour of Joe and Birgit’s new house.
We left Norwich just after 11am on Friday, and despite a blockage on the A146 that we avoided by driving down country lanes, we arrived at the Ferini Gallery in Lowestoft in good time for the Arts and Eats session. Ian Fosten eventually put in an appearance, and Dot and I helped with some food-and-furniture-fetching from his house, taking the opportunity to say hello to his wife Bridget. Lovely weather: quite warm in a cold sort of way.
The session went well. I gave Lynn Mummery a bit of encouragement, and Ian didn’t need any, providing about as many poems as Lynn and myself put together. Good response generally. Unfortunately Dot and I had to rush away at the end to get on the road to Nottingham – a four-hour journey. That went reasonably well, largely because Dave E warned us of a huge delay on the M1. As a result we went up the A1 and into Nottingham from the east.
Evening meal with Evetts at an Italian restaurant in Stapleford. Julia coping with ankle injury very well. Left for Buxton after leisurely breakfast on Saturday, and after going wrong in Derby got on to the right road and went via the A38 to the A6. On Dave’s advice stopped at Monsal Head for a snack and a look at the stunning view (as advertised). As we approached Buxton we could see snow on the hills, and in town there was even snow on the streets. Went badly wrong on entering town (after getting petrol at Morrisons) and spent some time orienting ourselves before finding the hotel. Excellent meal after stroll into town to find station.
On Saturday we climbed through Buxton Country Park to Grin Low. Lots of snow at the top. Misty outlook: very atmospheric. On return had guided tour of Poole’s Cavern, which was impressive. Then back to the hotel to change (walk = just under five miles) and then drive to see Gareth near Belper. Drive not much fun – well over an hour, or more than an hour longer than Adrian’s estimate of 10 minutes. Lovely to see Gareth, Nicky, Grace and Max. House very impressive. Easier drive back. Another superb meal in hotel. Bad night, though.
Much nicer day on Monday: sunny and still. Through lack of adequate prep, drove to Whaley Bridge then back along Taxal Ridge, stopping at Windgather Rocks, which we climbed on to. Then down to Goyt Valley, from where we walked up past Errwood Hall ruins to Foxley Edge (diversion from main route). Afterwards drove along Goyt Valley – icy roads – and up to near Cat and Fiddle, then back to hotel, where we relaxed in room awaiting arrival of Barbara.
She arrived about 30 minutes late after missing her intended connection at Stockport. Another good meal at the hotel ensued, and I collapsed afterwards and went to sleep fully clothed, then again in pyjamas. Had quite a good night this time, and enjoyed another full English in the company of the waitress who recognised us from previous years. Left for Ilkley shortly before 11am: first part of journey was horrendous, along the A6 with numerous delays until we hit the M60 after a couple of attempts. Then much better, though even on the motorway the ubiquitous speed cameras made life difficult (long stretches where lights were being upgraded and a speed limit of 50 was enforced by average speed cameras).
Then another slow stretch round the outskirts of Bradford and along the A65 to Ilkley, which is a very pleasant town and a vast improvement on anything we had encountered on the journey. Arrived about 1pm and had lunch in a lovely little cafe run by an Italian. Then walked up to Information centre and dropped in at a clothes shop where I bought laces for my shoes and some thermal underwear. Eventually dropped Barbara and Dot off at school just after 3pm, which left me two and a half hours in which to amuse myself.
Ice on a pool at the summit of the Cow and Calf Rocks, near Ilkley
Started by going up to the cow and calf rocks and climbing up them (well, not the calf, obviously). Bitterly cold, so didn’t hang about, except to take a few photos. Then drove further up into the moor before returning to town. Called in at museum that I had looked up on the web, but it was half closed – the art gallery half – which was disappointing. Returned to original cafe and had a cup of tea and a muffin, then read a while before getting some fuel and returning to the school. I was on time, but Dot and Barbara did not emerge until 30 minutes later, by which time I was getting a mite chilly.
Set off for home about 6.30pm, and again the first part of the 230-mile journey was tiresome – very slow and visibility bad because of our faulty lights. After we hit the A1, however it was very straightforward: we drove all the way down to Huntingdon and then down the A14 as far as the Cambridge services, where we got a little food and Dot took over the driving. Home without further incidents. Weather conditions good, though cold.
Cold again today. I made a small attempt at catching up, then had to go out to North Walsham for a Paston session in the library, Discovered the librarian, Sue Lawrence, was the daughter of Mrs Hicks, mayor of Little London in my EDP column and a good friend of Mrs Cousens. She seemed pleased to see me. Jo and Rob also there for another researching local history session with Richard Hoggett. Refuelled the car in Norwich afterwards, refilled the screenwashers and watched a bit of TV. Now it’s started to snow, and more is forecast.
Dave, Julia and Dot exit the Bridge Inn at Acle to continue the last part of our walk.
The Paston week at Dragon Hall came to a very misty end on Sunday. I had to preach at St Luke’s in the morning, and that went very well: I don’t think I’ve ever had so many appreciative comments. I spoke on the parable of the talents and gave a very different view from the normal one – that it was really about the behaviour of very rich people, a talent being worth probably well over £100,000. The final servant came out as being the hero.
I got to Dragon Hall just in time to lead the 1pm walk, which had the biggest number of the four in attendance: we started with seven, but dropped three (mother and two children) at the top of Mountergate while the father continued with us. In contrast to Saturday, I then had a woman who was very knowledgeable about the history of Norwich, but thankfully I avoided any drastic mistakes. We weren’t able to get into St Andrew’s Hall again – and sadly not St Peter Hungate either, because my phone for some reason decided to drop O2 and I couldn’t ring the woman who was supposed to let us in. However, that was the only glitsch, and David helped me restore the phone in the evening.
The next day we had our hair cut early, and I popped over to Dragon Hall to see if I could help with the get-out, but the Berrys and Diana were almost finished by the time I got there.
Julia and Dave arrived at lunchtime, and after some food we went for a riverside walk to look at the new bridge – which sadly wasn’t yet open. However, we walked up to Fye Bridge and then back down the other bank. In the evening we saw How the Other Half Loves by Alan Ayckbourn at the Maddermarket, and it was brilliantly done. The actors were superb and the direction spot-on. Since there were two different things happening on stage constantly, it all had to be timed to perfection, and it was. It’s no exaggeration to say the expertise was dazzling.
Tuesday was Dot’s birthday, and so we spent most of it shopping – at least she and Julia did, after an initial joint swathe through M&S. Then we had a light lunch (scone), and Dave and I departed for the Castle Museum, where we saw (among other things) an excellent exhibition on the family as portrayed in art. Anne joined us for an evening celebration meal at the Last Wine Bar, which was pretty good.
The weather brightened up yesterday for our walk. We started at Acle and walked across the fields to Upton, then back through the marshes and along the river bank to the Bridge Inn, which is apparently owned by Marco Pierre White. We had a very light bar lunch, but the service was impressive. We then walked a bit further along the river and then cut back into Acle and to the car – the car in this case being Dave’s because at the outset my car had failed to start. As I write, I am awaiting the Mazda Europe Assistance man to diagnose and hopefully fix the fault.
In the evening we went to Prezzos, then watched Frozen Planet, during which Julia and I took it in turns to fall asleep. Dave and Julia left after breakfast this morning.
We’ve been back from Scotland for a couple of days now – almost all of that time spent in catching up with paperwork, taking phone calls and dealing with money matters. Fortunately the work from Howard which I anticipated early yesterday did not arrive until the evening, but I shall have to tackle it some time today. The weather has been warm, and Dot and I took time out to walk to the shops yesterday afternoon: a welcome break. Speaking of welcome breaks, one unexpected hassle was two demands for parking payment from the Welcome Break service area at Abington, where we’d stayed overnight on the way north. I’ve written them a sharp rebuttal, but I had to get the proof of overnight stay sorted, scanned and sent, which all takes time.
Andrew’s fees also had to be dealt with because, despite months of notice and repeated reminders from me to them, Coventry City Council have managed not to get their takeover of payments organised. So I had phone calls from the care home owner and from Andrew’s social worker (as we drove past Coventry on the way home!), and two letters from the council waiting. At least I think I now know what he has to pay each week. Reassuringly, the Pensions people have sent back my power of attorney (I had feared they’d lose it), but they still haven’t started paying Andrew’s Pension Credit. No doubt they’ll get round to it.
Anyway, while staying in Scotland I have kept a diary. The reception up there was too poor to be able to write it on my iPhone as it happened, so here it is.
Saturday, May 14
Rather trying circumstances for the journey north. I had a bad night on Thursday, with a stomach upset that kept me awake for much of the time. Not sure what caused it, but its effects linger on as I write, in the rather chilly lounge of the Ballater cottage. We travelled down to Caddington on the morning of Friday, with Dot driving, and reached David’s house at 11.30. Shortly afterwards the three of us left for St Albans, where I’d booked lunch at Loch Fyne. Very good meal, and I felt better enough to really enjoy it. But after we’d given David his early birthday presents and started to head north, I felt very groggy. When we reached the M6 toll I actually dozed off for a split second before being roused by the noise of the road as I slipped right towards the central reservation. As a result, Dot drove from there and we progressed very slowly up the M6, with continual hold-ups as traffic ground to a halt for no discernible reason. We eventually emerged from the horror that is Greater Manchester and reached the Lake District, where we stopped briefly and I felt well enough to take over again, though my stomach was still bad. After a brief diversion north of Gretna, progress was smooth through the Borders, where the M74 is a beautiful road. If only all driving were like that.
Reached Abington at about 9.30, where I managed a sandwich before retiring. Much better night’s sleep, though I had to get up twice. Managed breakfast too, and Dot drove north at breakneck speed, until we reached the A80, which has been in the process of transformation for many years and has now reached the stage of having a 40mph limit for nearly ten miles. One distant day, perhaps, the work will be complete – by which time the ludicrous road safety industry will have achieved such domination that the limit for the entire country will be about 50mph and I will have departed screaming with frustration to my grave.
After this the roads were beautiful again, and we headed for our favourite cafe at Ballathie, only to find it shut. So we motored on, with me driving now, and eventually reached Braemar, where it was wet and much colder. We stopped at the Fife Arms for our customary sandwich, served by the customary delightful East European waitress.
Then on to Ballater, where we found the house in good order. Apparently Ella is preparing it for sale later this year. We had several attempts to unload, being interrupted by rain each time it looked set in sunny, and then enjoyed a couple of car excursions before booking in at the Glen Lui for tomorrow and the Green Inn for next Thursday. Took a few photos in late evening sunlight. Stomach seems on the mend, but my head is not what it should be. No surprise there.
Sunday, May 15
Weather middling. Dot checked out a few shops to see if they were still there, and then waited until Dave and Julia arrived at about 1.30. We’d already had something to eat because their earlier text implied they might have been having something to eat on the way. So we improvised lunch for them and then did a walking tour of town, including the station museum, which had improved once again. Drove down to Loch Muick to take the customary look.
Dot on the Loch Muick walk near Glas Allt Shiel
Monday, May 16
Persistently showery. Down to Glen Muick: set out at about 11.30 in brief sun for eight-mile walk round the loch, starting with bridge and beach at its head. The footbridge seemed a bit the worse for wear, sagging in the middle. I empathised. Firm soggy wind against us. Picnic by beach at Allt Glas Shiel, then ever onward. Wind behind us as we turned for home, but as we did so the rain stopped and it turned quite pleasant. Feeling pretty tired towards end. Herd of deer in the valley busy feeding. Couple of lapwings. Workmen refurbishing toilets. About ten French caravettes en route intermittently for Spittal of Glenmuick: some kind of convention? Drove to Crannach for tea and scones, then to Cambus O’May (means bend in the river on the plain) for look at suspension bridge. Then home. Pause at the moment while we contemplate buying fish and chips.
Tuesday, May 17
Miraculously dry, and even occasionally warm out of the wind. Drove to Log Cabin, where I bought a shirt, Dot bought a top and we had tea/coffee and toasted teacake. Toasted teacake not so wonderful. Quick look round cemetery opposite. On to Knock Gallery, where I bought a picture out of the blue: superb pastel of Linn of Quoich. Reckless, I know. Dot bought ring and earrings, which were discounted. Thence to Braemar, where we lunched at the Fife Arms and were shown the rooms at Dot’s instigation. Very nice. (We’re looking at other options for when Ella really does sell the wee house.) Then to Linn of Quoich, which was as magical as ever. Bridge blocked to cars because it’s falling apart, though not so you’d notice. Julia very interested in restoring abandoned cottages. Back to Braemar just after 4.30pm for visit to Tourist Information and a couple of other shops. Feeling pretty shattered at this point. Back in car, drove up back road beside Clunie Water, then returned on main road to Crathie – quick look at Distillery (closed), then by back road to Knock Castle, which we accessed by driving up very rough road (probably a mistake), then home. Booked in at La Mangiatoia (formerly the Hayloft) for 8pm. Excellent steak.
Wednesday, May 18
Some sun, but very cold wind and occasional rain; even some snow falling briefly on Cairn Gorm. David’s birthday, so rang and wished him a happy one. After posting cards drove to Cairn Gorm. Bridge of Brown cafe not open, so postponed coffee till we not only arrived at the mountain railway but reached the top. Wind on viewing platform immense – guided walks to top abandoned (not that we were going). Did the usual round of exhibition and shop, plus fish and chips for me and baked potato for Dot. After we took a pretty packed train down, I repaired to the car while the other three crazily walked up to the camera obscura in icy rain and pretended they enjoyed it. Drove through Aviemore, then on the way home stopped at the Whisky Castle at Tomintoul, where after much tasting Julia bought a single cask malt. Over the road at the Old Fire Station cafe we had tea and meringue, then drove to the Well of Lecht, where we recklessly walked up to the manganese mine and back, still in a fierce and very cold wind. Chinese takeaway in the evening, followed by several games of Take Two.
Julia and Dave on Craigendarroch, with Lochnagar in the background
Thursday, May 19
Wind still cool, but not so strong. Mainly dry. Started at Larks Gallery, where Dave and Julia bought a photograph, which they arranged to have framed by a woman at Dinnet, in the short time remaining to them. So we drove up there and met her: she was lovely – very friendly and oozing goodwill. From there we drove to the Lochnagar Distillery, but just missed a scheduled tour so returned to Ballater for lunch. I had a new watch battery fitted while the others went to the delicatessen. After lunch returned to the Distillery, where we enjoyed an excellent guided tour from Leanne, despite both Dot and Julia having coughing problems – probably (in Dot’s case, anyway) from tasting barley husks. The tour ended with a bit of tasting, and Julia bought two bottles. Back in Ballater we climbed Craigendarroch at my insistence and rounded off the day at the Green Inn, which as always fulfilled expectations.
Friday, May 20
Heavy rain early (before I got up) but then surprisingly dry and sunny, though with a chill wind. Did the seven bridges walk, and Julia checked the number. Included the secret lochan, so it worked out at just over six miles, and we were all feeling pretty tired at the end. This didn’t prevent the Evetts continuing into town to buy some extra food for lunch, wile Dot and I flaked out for a few minutes before setting the table. After lunch Dot and Julia went shopping while Dave and I first picked up his picture from the framer, Jay Hart, then continued to the Burn O’ Vat, where the visitor centre had been vastly improved. Dave impressed by the Vat itself, and we walked up to a precarious point on top before walking on the other side of the road in a vain attempt to reach the loch (we were getting pretty tired in view of our morning exertions). Returned home to find Julia had bought quite a few things, and I had to go back to Byzantium tomorrow to see Dot try on a skirt. We ended the day with fish and chips and a battered Mars bar (oh yes we did), followed by a bit of bridge and Take Two.
Saturday, May 21: Grey and cold, with some rain later. Evetts left at 9.45, and we went into town to view and buy the skirt, plus a top suggested by the extrovert owner. Then bought food, Dot did some washing and we proceeded to the Log Cabin, where we had bacon and syrup pancakes followed by ice cream. Also bought some postcards and a book on Ballater intended as a Christmas present for the Evetts. Back at the house had a long rest and watched part of a Cohen DVD. Already our all-action holiday has ground to a halt. Listened to Bob Dylan prog (he is 70 on Tuesday) on Radio 4, then three episodes of Dollhouse on DVD. Bed rather late, and had a disturbed night, for some reason.
Sunday, May 22
Mainly dry. Very windy. Went to church (stepping back 40 years) and admired new stained glass window. Then to Station Restaurant for shared expensive Ploughman’s. Headed for Burn o’Vat, but it looked crowded, so we continued to Tomnaverie stone circle – a first for us. Short walk to top of low hill, where we were nearly blown over. Good view of Lochnagar framed by stones. Drove on to Glen Tanar, where we made a brief foray into the visitor centre, which was being refurbished, then walked to the chapel, where we found a sheltered spot and sat in the sun for quite a while watching the birds. Lovely peaceful time. After returning to the car we drove to a spot near the Dee where there is a classic view of Morven. Got a nice picture of a heron in flight and saw a huge fish jumping. Went to Glen Lui restaurant again: good food and service but had stomach upset afterwards, possibly related to something I ate earlier. Watched another episode of Dollhouse. Compelling stuff.
Monday, May 23
Better night. Weather appalling as I write at noon. Very high winds and torrential rain. Apparently a lot of disruption in the west. Finished Leonard Cohen biography: some interesting stuff about the most recent tour, but patchy otherwise and some surprisingly bad editing. Dot is making some phone calls and we’re about to write some postcards… OK, now we’re in bed. We’ve finished and sent all our postcards. I went down to post them just before 10pm, then decided to take a look at the river, which was very high and very fast. Went and fetched Dot to have a look, then drove along to Dinnet for a view from our favourite riverside spot. Certainly impressive, both from Ballater bridge and the one at Dinnet. Some minor flooding along banks. Continuing to rain heavily on and off, and reports of damage caused by high winds further north and west. As a result much of day has been spent indoors, apart from an earlier trip into town for food (plus tea and coffee in Station Restaurant) and a trip to the Burn o’Vat visitor centre, where we chatted to a ranger who had relatives in Gt Yarmouth. Finished Series One of Dollhouse (including unaired pilot). Impressive.
Dot in the Burn o'Vat
Tuesday, May 24
Turned out unexpectedly nice in a relative sort of way, taking into account the customary high winds. Slow start; listened to Radio 4 programme on Bob Dyan’s spiritual journey which was pretty well done, though no-one seems to grasp that you can be Jewish and Christian at the same time (cf Jesus and all the disciples, St Paul etc). Caught a bit of a preceeding green-tinged programme which featured some of the worst poetry I’ve ever heard, full of cliches and without a single bright idea, basically apologising to children for what the previous generation did. (Great coincidental email from Brian Caldecott debunking this whole idea.) After this we walked around the river path – about three miles. River is still high and fast, covering areas of stones we normally walk on. After buying and eating lunch we made for the Burn o’Vat again and after walking the circular path tackled another one which was alleged to be 2.7 miles but was well over three and a-half. Included a nice bit by the loch with a good view of a crannog. We also saw a huge bird that was probably an osprey but looked more like an eagle, which was pretty exciting. It was very big. Also a large number of other birds. Found warm spot to sit as the wind dropped but couldn’t wait long as we were running late for La Mangiatoia, where the steak wasn’t as good as last time. Exhausted after we got home with about nine miles under our belts; tried to watch Cuckoo, but it didn’t make any sense; so watched the first episode of Dollhouse series two, which did.
Wednesday, May 25
Very lazy day, but in justification the weather was overcast and chilly, continually threatening rain, which occasionally materialised. Our long lie-in was disturbed amazingly by men mending the gutters, apparently as part of a job commissioned by the council for the adjoining buildings. We slunk into our clothes while the workmen had lunch, and then drove to Braemar after picking up some info about accommodation from the Tourist office in Ballater. Not tremendously helpful. In Braemar had late, lingering lunch in the hotel, then drove back to Ballater, stopping to walk down to Monaltrie Street, a collection of ruined houses and a mill on the river bank. Last time we were there we saw salmon jumping: no such luck this time, perhaps because the river was so full. There was a chill in the air, so we went back to the car and drove home, where it had just begun to rain. Rang Phil and Joy: all well at home.Had a couple of burgers and watched more episodes of Dollhouse: now six into second series.
Black-headed gull on the Lecht road
Thursday, May 26
Overcast, cold and damp, with frequent rain. Got up a bit earlier and called at Larks Gallery, where we bought a number of items, including a small photograph, which we took to Jay Hart for framing. Then on to Log Cabin (via Dinnet and Strathdon) for bacon and maple syrup pancake. Drove on up Lecht road to take in the cloud views, and a personal appearance by a black-headed gull that seemed to be posing for us. Stopped a couple of times to read, then a short walk before back to house. Green Inn for evening meal – another excellent offering. Two more episodes of Dollhouse. Amazing shades of green in hills.
Friday, May 27
Starting a bit warmer and dry, with some sun, but steady fine rain by late afternoon. Drove to Balmoral, and after a muffin and tea did the long (blue) walk that I don’t think we’ve done before. Very pleasant: really quiet in the woods on the hill. No-one else around at all – almost mystical. As we got back down to the ballroom a fine, steady rain had started to fall, and this did not let up until evening. Had further refreshment and bought a few items both inside and outside the Castle grounds, including a DVD of Deeside. Dot called in at the Estate Office to ask about a few cottages on the estate for future use. Fish and chips in evening. Almost finished Dollhouse: only the epitaph to the second series to go. Did finish reading Anatomy of Ghosts, which became quite compelling: colourful 18C setting for a kind of mystery thriller – worked well.
Dot on the "Balmoral" path near Loch Muick
Saturday, May 28
Sunshine and showers; a bit warmer, except in the wind. Missed breakfast and had early lunch in the cafe on the main street, which was surprisingly good. Dot spoke very highly of her butternut squash, coconut and chilli soup, and my cheese and onion sandwiches came with hotel-like trimmings. Rock cake good too. Drove down Glen Muick in afternoon. Parking is free at the Spittal while the toilets are being refurbished (something to do with power being off). We walked part of the Lochnagar path, starting in bright sunshine, though rather buffeted by wind off the loch. Through woods and up on to sandy, easy part of the track up the mountain, where we took shelter from a shower. Could have gone further, but decided to turn back because of time restraints: we had to be at Banchory by just after 7pm for Ella’s party. Nice walk, though: had a good look at the house at the foot of the path with a view to renting it some time in the future! Got to Banchory by about 7.10 and realised we didn’t know where the hotel was. I had assumed it was the same place as the last time, but it wasn’t. So Dot called in at the police station, where they were very helpful. Banchory Lodge Hotel is in fantastic setting by the river. The Pimms reception was outside in the sun (but the wind was still chilly), and both Dot and I saw a salmon jump. Inside we had a sit-down meal, with a certain amount of swapping of tables, so we talked to a number of people, all of them very pleasant. Exchanged addresses etc with John and Kath Allison from Lumphanan, with whom we ended up. Both teachers – J retired, and K about to, though like Dot she didn’t appear to be anywhere near it. Later joined by Linda and her husband (John? – probably not). Really good time. Meal not huge but very tasty – just how we like it. Drove home carefully (I had moderated my drinking severely) and arrived safely at about 12.45am.
Sunday, Monday, Tuesday: Felt surprisingly well on Sunday and decided to walk the circular route round Craigendarroch. Got a bit lost and climbed a steep bit, then found ourselves on a new path. Got round the other side, but then found ourself on the path back down. Signposts not at all helpful, as the circular path also goes to the top. Anyway it was fun. Very windy. Dot then dropped me off at start of Glen Muick road, and I walked back to town while she had a look at the shops. Started raining, and Dot picked me up by chance in Bridge Street. Finished the packing and had evening meal at Glen Lui, which was excellent yet again. Rounded off the evening by watching the final Dollhouse episode and one or two extras.
Had another bad night. Left Ballater at 11am on Monday and stopped for early lunch at Fife Arms in Braemar. Left there by noon, and Dot drove up to a service station just south of Glasgow, having been held up slightly by an accident on the A9 near Stirling. I then took over the driving and we reached Tebay farm shop around 4.45pm and bought some food, together with a map to show us the way into Kendal. Took scenic route into town, brilliantly navigated by Dot, and reached the Premier Inn just before 6pm. Receptionist found us a parking spot and we had a drink and a short walk before repairing to our room for our makeshift but very tasty meal.
Good room, buy still didn’t sleep well. Left at 9.45am, and I drove as far as M6 Toll services. Last bit frustrating with lots of traffic and occasional standstills. Had muffin, and Dot drove as far as Cambridge Services. Comfort stop, then I drove home, arriving around 4pm. Spent a long time unpacking and looking at financial matters. Paul rang to say Kathleen had gone into a care home.
Julia, Dot and Dave on a bridge over the Macclesfield Canal, coming towards the end of our walk. We are headed for the ridge top right.
The best kind of wintry day: cold, but with sunshine and a certain stillness in the air. The weekend was much the same, and our longish walk at Lyme Park on Saturday was superb. We covered just under five miles, with a fair bit of ascent, and happily Dot and I were relatively untroubled by our recent ailments. I felt pretty well throughout. She had a slight ache in her back, but had no problem completing the walk, which left the car park at Lyme Park (which is in Cheshire and was used by the BBC in the filming of Pride and Prejudice) before heading over a low ridge and down to the Macclesfield Canal. We walked along the canal for about a mile and half and spent some time watching geese skating on the ice and eventually plunging through it. Then we headed back up over the hill to our start point.
We were actually staying in Derbyshire – at the Lee Wood Hotel in Buxton – with Dave and Julia Evetts. Unfortunately the excellent food there negated the slimming work achieved by the walk, and at the end of the weekend I found my weight had worsened rather than improved. So this morning I did another couple of miles. I am really too heavy now and am determined to take off about half a stone. Dot is quite keen to assist me in this.
Didn’t feel 100 per cent in Derbyshire and had to go to bed earlyish both nights, but we still had a very good time. However an ambulance was called for someone else and I think it must have hit our car, because there is a dent in the back wing. Rather irritating.
On the way north on Friday we called in at Coventry with Andrew’s new TV/DVD combi, which I managed to set up in his room after walking to the shops with Andrew to purchase an aerial lead. Bitterly cold, and at that point quite windy. The set-up was very easy, and Andrew seemed to get the hang of it. The Langleys staff, who seem to be taking a closer interest in Andrew than the previous owners did, have said they’ll make sure he can operate it. They also took him into the city so that he could buy some clothes last week.
Before Coventry we had called in on A Ethel to give her her birthday present and stayed for a while. She seems very frail, but looked better than she had a couple of weeks ago. Rosemary is out of hospital and recovering from pancreatitis.
Clear drive back from Derbyshire via Chesterfield and the M1 on Sunday. Stopped at Cambridge Services for a snack, and both felt very tired. Nevertheless I took Rupert to Lowestoft in the evening for another poetry reading event at the Seagull Theatre, while Dot relaxed at home in readiness for an early school visit today. The reading went quite well, though it was a mixed bag as usual. Host Ian Fosten in good form, except when he omitted me from part two by mistake, and I had to point it out to get my second three poems in. Quite a good reception: did a couple of light-hearted ones (Directions and At the Chemist’s) which provoked some laughter. Also did Careless Rain, Mother of a Year Six Boy, Denver Sluice and In Love with the Second Cello.
Dave, Julia and Dot climbing back on to the ridge between the Dove and Manifold valleys, taking advantage of a rare track.
Calves aching after a fairly strenuous weekend in Derbyshire, staying at the excellent Lee Wood Hotel in Buxton, where the food is just as good as they say it is and the service was first-class. We were there with Julia and Dave Evetts, who are not ones to sit around. Hence within a short time of arriving (we had lunched in Nottingham and travelled with the Evetts in their new sparkling red Audi) we were down in the town for a look round. Main discovery was that it was absolutely freezing, in the most freezing of freezing ways, and it was a big relief when we reached a coffee shop. I was a bit worried about the planned walk for Saturday, but it turned out to be nowhere near as cold. Icy, yes; snow, quite a bit on the ground; but bright sunshine and very good for walking, especially after we realised we were going the wrong way and retraced our steps slightly. Walked from Longnor down into the Dove valley and across to Crowdecote. where we had a warm baguette break at the Packhorse Inn. Then across the river (again) and across grassy fields back up to the ridge. Happily the ice had made the mud walkable, and we were able to climb a fence avoid some rather large-looking cattle, which may or may not have been bullocks. From the top we walked down into the opposite valley of the River Manifold and then back up again to Longnor. At each end of the walk we stopped for tea/coffee at the former town hall, which is now a teashop and purveyor of art, craft and a few books. I bought a nicely produced book about Wainwright, the fellwalker. Bit out of his territory, but never mind. While we were unbooting at the car, we watched a local cat perform an amazing trick of jumping up at a front door, hanging on by its front paws and knocking lower down with his back paws. Obviously a special Derbyshire skill.
After another superb meal in the evening (steak for me) we checked out of the hotel the next morning but left car and luggage there while we did a shorter but quite strenuous walk (three miles instead of five) ending at the summit of Corbar Hill. Quite a bit of snow around, so Julia and Dave (who had climbed it before) decided on discretion while I – quickly followed by Dot – scrambled the final fifty feet or so. Wonderful view from the top, with a lot of snow patches on the high ground all around.
On the drive back to Nottingham we stopped at The Miners Arms near Carsington Reservoir, where we had a very good carvery meal. Then after pause for tea/coffee at Toton we headed home to Norwich. Part of the A14 was closed, but we diverted via St Neots and avoided the worst of the hold-ups. No snow on the way, but when we got to Norwich it had obviously been snowing, and our road was icy, though not difficult to negotiate.
Dave, Julia and Dot on a fishing pier at Yarmouth. Low tide.
Clash between god-daughter’s wedding and Italian holiday appears to be resolved. I have made myself unpopular in Canada by pushing the holiday forward a week. Barbara has changed the villa dates, and I have e-mailed the hotel in Venice. Awaiting a reply, but should be OK. Have also just paid off the roof work, which is a relief. Glad that’s over.
Much has happened since I last posted. I had lunch with Lucy last Friday and conveyed Naomi to the station afterwards, for her onward journey back to Durham University. Lucy seems quite a bit better. Over the weekend I played in the Norfolk Chess Championship. I’d forgotten how tiring that is, and I’m still suffering from the after-effects. I played some good games, but only won one. As the people I lost to were all stronger than me, my grading wasn’t affected much. The tournament was in the Tithe Barn at Horstead – which would be a perfect venue if it had a couple more toilets. Handy for the chip shop, and tea and biscuits were free. Good atmosphere throughout: Norfolk chess players are pretty pleasant people – none more so than the winner, Mike Harris. He won on tie-break from Caius Turner, who I lost to in Round Two. I had lost to his father, Terry Turner, in Round One: used to play against him when I was at school. Took a bye in the fourth round so that I could go to church: happily it was also church lunch.
Dave and Julia have been with us since Monday, returning home after lunch today. The weather turned out to be much better than forecast,and we dodged what rain there was. Walked in the city on Monday afternoon and went to Caffe Uno for dinner. Yesterday we went to Yarmouth and the marvellous Time and Tide museum, followed by a snack in the Silver Darlings cafe, a walk on the seafront and a drive to Caister, where Julia apparently spent time in a caravan when she was a child. The seafront there now is bleak and unappealing, possibly the least appealing in Norfolk, though Happisburgh runs it close. Signs of dereliction everywhere, with walls and stone falling apart. People appeared to be living in the caravan park, but otherwise it was pretty empty. On the plus side, the car parking was free. Today we walked on Mousehold Heath, autumnal and soggy after overnight rain, and had lunch at Frankie and Benny’s after inspecting the new footbridge over the Wensum. Extensive research by Dot and Julia (they asked a workman) established that it was a swing bridge.
Had a great time in Scarborough from Monday to Thursday. This is Dot, Julia and Dave outside the cafe where we had just enjoyed a toasted teacake and hot drink, as well as much repartee featuring their friend Pam, who works there. The hot drink was especially welcome, because this was on the Tuesday, which was bitterly cold, with a strong wind. We spent the day around Scarborough. Dot and Julia went shopping in the afternoon, and Dave and I went for a walk in the Chinese gardens, where I managed to fall over, though without any ill effects. In the evening we ate at Tuscany 2, just down the road from the Evetts’ flat, and the food was excellent.
By the next day it was much milder, and we went further afield, calling at the Raven Hall Hotel in Ravenscar, which is on a cliff looking over to Robin Hood’s Bay. Walked round the gardens and then went in for a cup of tea. The whole place was wonderful. On to RHB itself, which was delightful. We parked at the top and walked down the steep road and along the narrow lanes, where we called in for lunch at a cafe where the tables were as tightly packed as the houses in the lanes. Then on to the sea, which was accessed by a steep slipway. There were dire warnings to keep away from it, so of course Dave wandered down to the water’s edge. No surprise there. The weather was benevolent and the crowds absent.
After this we drove on to Whitby and took a look at the Abbey beneath marvellous multicoloured skies, then into the town where I took it easy while the other three went off in unsuccessful search of kipper pate. Dot and I were impressed by Whitby: a very attractive town.
We had travelled to Scarborough on Monday by train from Norwich, which took four and a half hours, with changes at Peterborough and York. Dave met us at the station and took us to their flat, which is beautifully designed with a fantastic view of the headland and castle across South Bay. As the train approached the end of its journey we could see a lot of snow still on the moors, with part-rainbows against jet-black clouds: spectacular. In fact the scenery throughout our stay was inspiring, and I wrote four poems while we were there.
Somehow while we were there I managed to acquire a new pair of slippers, a jumper and a pair of trousers (the last because I had messed my others up when I fell over). Dave and Julia bought a painting at RHB. On the Thursday we had superb fish and chips before saying farewell at the station. The journey back, partly in the dark, was less interesting than the journey up, but equally efficient. Best of all, I felt much better, and my flu symptoms have almost entirely gone.
Taking the train did have its down side. When I left to go to the doctor’s this morning I found that the Mazda 3’s battery was flat, because the boot was not properly closed and the light had been on. It was blocking the MX5 in the garage, so I had to hurtle over to the station and get a taxi (£7 plus tip), and the bus back (free). The flat bettery was quickly fixed later by Mazda European Assistance, and I took the car for a drive to charge the battery up. Arrived back as Dot was leaving for her meeting at Diocesan House. Later took it to get the weekend shop at the supermarket. All seems well. This evening Dot has been to see the Vagina Monologues at the Playhouse with Annette V and one or two others.
