Further and further North . . .

Sunday, June 01, 2014
Berwick upon Tweed, England, United Kingdom
First a reflection on motorhome living . . . you meet the nicest people. Much like marinas but even more so. Maybe it's a reflection of the nature of UK caravanning. They have to pack a lot of travel into a short season so they really get on with it. Also we haven't yet come across a van or caravan that has aircon but they all have excellent blown air heating. 
So, for the last few days we've had excellent weather . Dry, mostly clear skies, mild breezes. In short, it's been marvellous. The prada wellies have been packed away (but not too far away) and shorts and sandals are the order of the day. 
What have we been doing since our last post? We can tell you that it takes quite a bit of effort to remember everything! So much to see and we're still only seeing a small portion. Still that's the point of the blog, not only does it tell our close ones where we are and what we're doing but it becomes our memory backup. 
We don't have too much to say about the campsite at Market Rasen. It was a bit 'homesy'. The fact that it only had grass pitches and had had a lot of rain meant that it was very wet and did not make for a comfortable stay. Still, we'd rather be doing this than anything else! 
Enough . . . 
Leaving Market Rasen we travelled to a Park & Ride stop just outside York. Most towns in England seem to be motorhome friendly and this one was no exception. Large MH parking bays and cheap tickets into the centre of York. Best way to do it . We had a full day ahead of us but what do you know? We got to York Minster and got stuck there! It was terrific. We climbed the 275 steps which doesn't sound like a lot except that it's a circular stairwell, steep and very narrow and the steps are well, well worn. Great experience. Grand views from the top and a photo opportunity from every angle. 
The Undercroft and Treasury were particularly interesting, taking the building from its pre-Roman days to the present. And, the engineering that went into supporting the old Tower foundations must be seen to be believed - we're talking about the modern answer to the fact that the tower was close to collapse a few decades ago. Of course the Cathedral was wonderful and very "cathedrally" . . . . in a Romanesque way. While there, a troupe called Destiny Africa gave a performance in the Chapter House. They're a largish group of orphans from Kampala. Drums, guitar and oh what singing, what harmony! Just another gem of a moment. Look, if you haven't seen this, put it on your bucket list
After the Minster we had a little time left so we walked the ancient walls and then the streets of the old Town, drinking in the sights and reflecting on the people who'd done so before us, centuries and centuries ago. Then it was back to The Wagtail Campsite where we managed to get in after messing up our original booking at one of the Club sites. Basic but clean - and friendly. It's set on a small lake with very good fishing, leastways it must have had something because a number of men mainly, but a few women as well, spent the entire day sitting alongside it with rods and lines in the water - never saw anything actually being caught.
Leaving the Wagtail next morning, we headed for the Old Hartley Campsite on Whitley Bay, just north of Newcastle. Missed out lots of interesting things to see as we hurtled along the A/whatever at around 90km/h (the most comfortable speed in Le Van) because several people had urged us to "see Durham". So we did. And they were right - another place for your bucket list. 
What's in the centre of Durham? An historic town, centred around . . . wait for it . . . a Cathedral! And a castle which is now part of the University. Now, please don't get us wrong - we're not religious types but the fact is that churches and cathedrals were central to the history of the British Isles. So, here was another one, also very beautiful, but no photos to show because unlike everywhere else - no photography of any sort! It did not matter. Not fussing with a camera and lenses gave us more time to absorb its beauty. The final resting place of St. Cuthbert (more on Cuthbert at a later date when, hopefully, we get to Holy Island). 
At midday, the staff band of the Salvation Army - Amsterdam gave a concert in the nave. Wonderful to listen to in that setting but the best part was when they played "Shenandoah". A real tear jerker.
Following that we joined an organised tour of the Castle/University. Interesting fact is that most Bishops of those days put their coat of arms on any great works that they did, but Bishop Cousins (16th century) had a good thing going . He would go along to some great work that another bishop had done then add a little bit, then plaster his own coat of arms in grand style all over the place! Nothing changes. 
That left us with just enough time for some shopping and then onto the Old Hartley campsite. Only booked in for one night but when we reached the site we wished we'd booked a few days. Fantastic. Overlooks the sea and St Mary's Island. Every pitch has a view. 
Next day we drove up to Berwick Upon Tweed. Visited the historic town (aren't they all), walked the huge town walls and had an early night. Today we're off to Holy Island of Lindisfarne . . .
Ok, well, we're back from Holy Island but only after a few hiccups! Walked 2.5 km into town to catch the bus at 10.30. Never came. Phoned up and 'they' informed us that we'd read the timetable incorrectly. The bus service is only available on Saturdays and Wednesdays, and kind sir, today is Monday. Actually she was very apologetic. So, 2.5 km walk back to the campsite. "Do you know if MHs can park near Holy Island?" . "Yes, you can park there and walk into the village". We drove a half hour south and arrived at the causeway which we thought would be sand. No. Full tarred road which gets covered at high tide to about 20/30cm. Drove across. Got to the car park and discovered at least 20 other MHs already there!! Should have done our homework! Anyway, not disappointing, but won't recommend it for a bucket list. Nice old priory, ruined of course, and a spectacular (in terms of siting) castle but that was closed for a wedding. If the couple getting married had known how many people were muttering dark imprecations about their future they may have thought twice about using that venue. 
Good lunch at the Pilgrim Tearoom, conversing with another two couples about our trip, and theirs. The differences between Oz and the Isles - one is pretty hot and the other pretty cool. But the whole place was just a bit commercialised. In hindsight maybe we should have spent our time at the Harry Potter Castle. Sorry, that should be Alnwick Castle and Gardens. 
Now we're back at the campsite with a splendid view of Berwick and the sea, about to have drinks because it's beer o'clock. And wine o'clock in Kathy's case. Planning our trip to Edinburgh tomorrow and starting to look at the days after that. 
The show keeps rolling on . . .
 
Other Entries

Comments

Charl
2014-06-02

Amazing pictures. You are packing in so much every day ! Glad that UK summer has arrived. We enjoy reading about all your activities and the odd mishap - makes it all more interesting !! Love Charl & Cheryl

Chris
2014-06-02

Thanks for great updates Peter and Kathy.
Awesome photos and stories.
Keep up the good work
Chris

usan Bennett
2014-06-03

You guys have endless energy. I am tired just reading about all your excursions. Hope you are having a trip of a lifetime. You seem to be enjoying every moment....the good and the not so good.

Thinking about you often. Love, Sue

Joan McMurray
2014-06-03

Hi Peter and Kathy

Your writing is so interesting and I feel as if I'm there. Just trying hard not to be jealous and envious. All that peaceful stuff sounds sooooo nice. The pics are so picturesque and green and lush.

Enjoy yourself (useless comment guess you are) keep writing and sending pics. Am most interested as there is little chance I'll ever be there unless the Lotto manager does his thing (lol). Love to everybody Joan

Michael Russell
2014-06-03

Have a wonderful holiday....are you going to Ireland?

Warm Regards

2025-02-10

Comment code: Ask author if the code is blank