Shopping, Watching, Walking

 Here we are, Bank Holiday Monday here in the UK, and the final day of my week off work. A week that I have absolutely crammed with activities, so I’m grateful today to just potter and do some laundry. 

Wednesday we took a trip down to York. The weather was grim, to say the least. Next week is little Miss’ birthday, and since she’ll be back at school I thought it would be easier to take her shopping for some birthday presents this week.

She had some birthday money from grandma and the chap, so a mini spree in Smyths toys was the order of the day.

After that was drove around to the outlet for a wander.

Thursday, we had plans to meet a couple of her classmates to go and see the Minecraft movie. What a bonkers film!! The kids enjoyed it, and to be fair I think us grown ups did to, but I’m still not sure what it was all about.

Friday was Good Friday. Other than going to church and walking Thelma, we just had a quiet day. As a Christian, Good Friday has always been something of a reflective day rather than one for actually doing things. We did rent Wicked Friday evening though. I had intended to see it at the cinema when it was out, but never got to it. It’s a long film, but it was good!

Fabulous tea shed at the family fun day

Saturday morning we were off to meet more of Little Miss’ friends, including one of her friends who has moved away, but was back up to visit. I swear, this girl has a better social life than most grown ups.

We went to a nearby bistro which was having an Easter fun day in their grounds. Complete with bouncy castle, craft stalls and BBQ, it was fun and lively.

The kids had a great time, and I always enjoy catching up with the parents too.

Pretty inside Le Jardin

Afterwards we popped to town as we had a few things to pick up. Then, for lunch we thought we’d try somewhere different, Le Jardin.

Tasty lunch

It was lovely and great value for money, I think we’ll be back. I remember we used to go before, but it went downhill so nice to see it’s good again.

We wandered past some of the scooters that have been in Scarborough for the scooter rally over the weekend, and down to the arcades for some more time on those 2p drop machines. Always a fun way to end the day.

Saturday night I didn’t sleep so well, so I woke up feeling groggy Sunday. Not great since I was off to meet the chap and go on a hike. I didn’t let it stop me, but I did need some Lucozade to get me going.

We drove up to Goathland, and started the trail to Mallyan Spout waterfall. We do love a waterfall walk.

Heading down wasn’t too bad. As often is the case there was a fair bit of scrambling over rocks to get close to the falls, but since we’ve had quite a run of dry weather, there wasn’t too massive a volume of water falling.

It was quite magical. Once we’d explored the area we retraced our steps and the  followed the other path to Beck Hole.

I’ve heard of this place many times, even the coffee I buy from a local roastery is called Beck Hole, but I’ve never visited. Once we got to the end of the path we found a beautiful village and, more importantly, a lovely pub! 

We were so glad to get those Beck Hole Ales and stand outside in the sunshine to watch the world go by. 

The walk back was uphill, and harsh. I was so hot and my legs were hurting. We’d spent 3 hours walking and it was showing. I was so grateful when we got back to the top. No more hills.

The pub at Goathland had stopped serving food, so we drove back to Pickering for fish and chips. Well earned Fish and chips I might add, and they did taste good.

It was a perfect end to an amazing day. Me and the chap love our little adventures, especially when they involve a waterfall, beer and fish and chips. I’m definitely in recovery mode today, and looking forward to a week of sitting down at my desk.