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YHA - Wastwater (Summer Holidays 1b)
Posted by Webby at July 29, 2010 09:17 PM | Comments (0)Almost literally as we walked through the door on our return from YHA Whitby at the end of April, Jim Harris (the Wassock-meister himself) was on the phone to us telling us about a fantastic money-saving dealee at YHA Wastwater. Reputedly one of the most beautiful of 'the lakes', Wastwater hosts a lovely Youth Hostel Association building on it's shores. Jim had received an e-mail about reduced rates for the hostel in July and thought that Jilly and I might like to go during our summer holidays; and he was correct to think that.
We made several stops on the drive to Wastwater, including one at Fell Foot Park, where we stopped for a little lunch and a run around the grounds. We also stopped at the Roman Bath House in Ravenglass. Jilly and I agreed that it would be a shame to miss seeing what's left of the building, as we were in the neighborhood, and it made a very pleasant detour away from the drive.
As we walked around the remains, it struck me as absolutely astonishing that they were still there after nearly 1900 years and, as they were, just at the side of a country lane. As we left the Bath House, we stopped in at the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway Station for well deserved cuppa and a cake...deeee-lish!
During our stay at the hostel, we didn't take on any of the Wainwrights around Wastwater as I might have liked ('tuts', and looks to the ceiling), but we did have a wander through Low Wood at the southern end of the water and enjoyed a game a Pooh Sticks off Lund Bridge. As I was never going to keep Jilly and Evelyn away from the seaside (as we were so close to the coast), we drove to St. Bees for a walk on the beach and a fly of the kite, before driving on to Whitehaven (an altogether more picturesque harbour town than it's name has ever suggested to me).
Evelyn made friends with a lovely girl - Molly - a few years older than her, and I made friends with many of the staff (most notably those responsible for preparing the lovely food we ate).
I will be recommending YHA Wastwater to the friends of Gingatopia, especially those likely to want to go Wainwright-bagging in the area.
Reighton Sands, Haven (Summer Holidays 1a)
Posted by Webby at July 25, 2010 09:44 PM | Comments (0)The first part of our luxurious three centre summer holiday was spent at Reighton Sands this weekend. As I've recorded - many times - in my Gingatopian Chronicles, Jilly and Evelyn love caravan holidays and (in the absence of a MASSIVE Lotto win) I'm beginning to see the benefits of them.
We drove to Reighton Sands after work on Friday afternoon, calling in at Flamborough Head on the way as the weather was lovely.
Jilly was thrilled - on our arrival at the Haven site - to discover that our accommodation had been upgraded (which was nice). The caravans are always well equipment and nice and clean, but this one seemed much bigger than the caravans we'd stayed in previously, had a view of the sea, and even had a king size bed and an en-suite toilet (if you don't mind!)
We made our way into Scarborough on Saturday, where Evelyn nagged me to take her on The Twister again. Fortunately, I left the ride with all my internal organs occupying the same space they were in when I got on the ride (this time). Astonishingly, while I spent most of my time on the ride absolutely petrified, Evelyn spent her time with both her hands above her head, screaming to go faster...I despair!
The weather was lovely most of the time we were in Reighton. Not exactly 'cracking the flags', the sun stayed out long enough for Evelyn to get in the sea (where she seems most content). Evie spent long enough in the sea to convince Jilly and I that we need to buy her a new wetsuit as she's grown out of the one that she had in May.
The Deer Shed Festival - Topcliffe
Posted by Webby at July 18, 2010 07:54 PM | Comments (0)What an EXCELLENT WEEKEND!
Absolutely physically knackered, Jilly, Evelyn and I returned from a brilliant weekend at the Deer Shed Festival (Topcliffe, near Thirsk) this afternoon.
Driving to Topcliffe in convoy with the Harrisesses, and with Kempy 'on-board', we arrived yesterday morning, just in time to erect the tents before one of very few the light shower began. We were able to chill for a little while before seeing out first band on the Obelisk Stage, 'Black Diamond Bay'; then, during 'Young Rebel Set', the Drurysharks and Pitchfords announced their arrival.
All of us who were drinking were all a little disappointed to hear an announcement (at around 7.30) that the festival had run out of bitter and I, for one, became a little 'hangry' (sic) when it became apparent that the festival's fast food stalls were running out of food!
And, I had a lovely surprise while at the Deershed Festival, bumping into an old colleague from NTL. Soon after arriving, Paul Staines tapped me on the shoulder and gave me a massive hug as he confirmed I was who he thought I was (Paul was my line manager at NTL until he was very rudely made redundant from his job). Paul and I did a load of catching up before seeing other bands, but we kept bumping into each other throughout the day and exchanged numbers...excellent!
Unfortunately, I forgot my digital camera, and only had the presence of mind to take a few photographs using my mobile phone when I was at the Deershed Stage watching Miles and Erica...d'oh!
Worry Angels
Posted by Webby at July 12, 2010 09:28 PM | Comments (0)Very recently, Nanna gave Evelyn is a small box of 'Worry Angels', and these worry angels have rapidly become indispensable in Evelyn's bedroom.
Each night, before she finally goes to sleep, Evelyn asks that Jilly or I pass her the box of 'angels'. We pass the lovely little box up to Evelyn and, after a little whispering, Evie passes the box back down us to be returned to the top of her drawers.
After reading to Evelyn tonight, I passed Evelyn her little box and, unlike other previous nights, I was able to hear what she was saying.
"Hello", she whispered, "please keep all the bad dreams away from me, and the dreams about spiders. Thank you." Then I watched as, ever so gently, she kissed each of the three angels goodnight and carefully closed the white box.
SHE IS SO BEAUTIFUL!
"Evelyn and Jonah, sitting in a tree...
Posted by Webby at July 11, 2010 11:51 AM | Comments (0)K...I...S...S...I...N...G...!" ...P...L...A...Y...I...N...G [nicely]!"
It's been on the cards for some time now; Evelyn has been talking about nothing else since Jilly agreed to having Jonah come over for dinner after school.
Jonah and Evelyn had a lively time, and played very nicely together in the back garden. Sadly, though, Evelyn became a little over excited; so much so that Jilly is reluctant to have Evelyn invite any more friends over for dinner. Oh dear!
Jilly and Julie in Glasgow
Posted by Webby at July 11, 2010 11:51 AM | Comments (0)
In celebration of Julie's 40th birthday, Jilly and Julie spent the weekend sightseeing in Glasgow, taking special care to take in as much Charles Rennie Mackintosh art and architecture as humanely possible.
Julie and Jilly had a fantastic time in Glasgow, and as I managed to keep Evie and I from harm over the weekend, we're all winners.
