The Inbetween bits

Little miss has been back at school over a week now, and the rhythm of Autumn, the return to routine, cooler evenings and rain showers (who would ever think we'd be glad to see the return of the rain?) are well and truly setting in. The last blog post brought us up to around mid-August though, and there were still a few weeks between then and now to fill with adventures. Let me give you a whistlestop tour. 

I'd booked train tickets to Leeds waaaaay back in June, adamant that if I didn't book them then we wouldn't get there. Typically, I'd managed to book the only day of the summer holidays where it rained pretty much continuously. All wasn't lost, we didn't make it to the Cathedral as we'd originally planned, but we were able to stay mostly dry in the large shopping centres. 

I didn't get to see that much if I'm honest, Leeds is quite big and once you get into a shop it seems to steal all of your time. I did manage to pick up the chap's present for his forthcoming birthday in his favourite place, the Lego shop, though. We perused a few shops and then had pizza in Cafe Concerto before heading for the train home. 

Keeping with the theme of trains, a few days later we took a trip from Pickering to Whitby on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway. We have been on it before, once many years ago just between Whitby and Grosmont and then a couple of years back on the Santa Express. This time though we decided to do the full journey and it really is amazing. 

The Moors is such a stunning and wild landscape and the train goes through parts that seem untouched by human hands. Some of the stations had signs up to beware the Adders (the UK's only native venomous snake) if you were leaving the station since the uncharacteristic heat meant there'd been a boom in the Adder population. 

It was relaxing, and harked back to a time of steam trains when a journey was a joyful experience. We had a few hours to spend in Whitby. I had thought the weather was going to be cooler, and was thrilled to take my new All About Audrey green velvet dress out for a trip, unfortunately I misjudged the weather and was boiling in my skin soon after we got off the train. 

Nonetheless, we enjoyed a wander around a very bustling Whitby, and bought fish and chips from the Magpie to eat near the harbour. We didn't have too long there though before it was time for our slow journey back through the moors. That didn't matter too much. We spend a lot of time in Whitby in this day was more about the journey than the destination. 

Next up on the adventure list was date night with the chap. We'd spotted that one of the Indian restaurants in York had won an award in the national curry awards, and thought it well worth a try. Well, the Bombay spice was delicious, I'm pleased to report. 

It was also bustling, so I can understand why it has won awards, but honestly the food was delectable. I can't remember what I had, but I do remember thoroughly enjoying it. Needless to say, as always, we overindulged. We're both very foody people in case you haven't noticed. 

Afterwards we walked across town to the Dubliner, which was also bustling. There was live music, and we had an absolute blast of a time. It was one of those nights that was so good that we barely took any photographs. I always feel regretful when I don't take enough photos, but it is also a sign of an excellent night out, so what can you do other than to vow to take more photos next time.

Sunset from Lendal bridge

Of course, we ended the summer holidays in our traditional way with a day on the seafront. In the arcades, at the fair, eating ice cream and burgers and being tourists in our own town. After all of that excitement, it's little wonder that I was tired by the end of it all. 

Tea and Cake

 Last weekend it was my Mum’s birthday. Unlike me, she’s not keen on planning things in advance and so it was a fairly late in the week decision to go to Goathland for birthday tea and cake.

Sheep roam free

Goathland is an idyllic moorland village filled with large green open spaces and roaming sheep. It was also the location for the 1960s set TV programme, Heartbeat. Goathland is Aidensfield. 

The last time I’d visited was over a year ago, and was more of a hiking adventure than the peaceful trip we enjoyed this time around.

Coats not required

The weather has been so changeable of late, and Sunday morning had been quite grey. We really didn’t know what to expect. By the time we pulled up in the grassy, sheep inhabited car park I was peeling off layers. The sun had put in an appearance and I no longer needed them. 

It wasn’t long before the chap pulled up beside me, which was fortuitous since there’s also no telephone signal at Goathland. It’s like stepping out of the 21st century which is probably why we love it. 

First stop was the Goathland tea rooms. It’s dog friendly, and we got a lovely table in their conservatory area, overlooking the pretty gardens. Here we enjoyed a simple lunch of toasties or sandwiches with soup, followed by cakes or ice-cream sundaes. It was all very delicious.

Then we perused the gift shops. Goathland is a small village, so there are only a handful of gift shops and tea rooms. A pub and a couple of hotels, a play park that little miss loves and lots of wide open grassy spaces and old brick built cottages.

Little miss did get some time at the play park, while Mum got sheep bothered by a very naughty boy lamb whilst she was sitting on a bench waiting for us. Obviously both me and the chap found that highly amusing. 

Once Little Miss had finished playing with some kids in the park, we took a slow walk back up the village to get a drink in the pub. Alas the pub closes at 4pm (reopening later) so we went to the Inn on the Moor instead. Another dog friendly place with comfortable sofa’s to sit and sip a drink on.

It was so relaxed. We all enjoyed it, and Mum said she’d had a lovely birthday. 

Birthday Bonanza - Part One

 I know, how many parts can there be to a birthday bonanza? Well given that mine and the chap’s birthdays are a fortnight apart, and I have a tendency to drag my birthday out for as long as possible, this could end up being a long series!

Where did last week go? From Wednesday onwards it just seemed to fly. Wednesday afternoon I took delivery of the new couch that my Mum kindly bought me for my upcoming birthday. I’ve been looking for a second couch for my living room for months now, so I was elated to stumble on this gorgeous herringbone tweed one the previous week. I don’t buy brand new sofas. Anyone with a young child and a dog will understand why, and I had in my head what I was looking for. Not too pale (for reasons given above) the right size for the space, comfy and inviting and robust. The new sofa ticks all of the boxes, although I thought having an extra sofa would give everyone space, it seems that wherever I sit, little Miss and Thelma need to sit too, but at least this sofa is a bit bigger so we can all pile on comfortably.

Wednesday evening we were back to swimming lessons for little miss. Given my tastecard is about to expire, I thought we’d have one last 25% off meal at the pub near the pool, afterwards. Everywhere seems to have some manner of ‘Oktoberfest’ on at the moment, so I had a delicious German style hotdog for dinner. Having been to Oktoberfest in Munich many years ago, I can say that this wasn’t quite the same, but I enjoyed it nonetheless.

Thursday I was off to York for a day in the office. It was also the chap’s birthday. We met after work, and walked up to Miller and Carter, a posh steak house that I’d booked a table at for the occasion.

The chap is a steak monster, so I’m always safe booking us a steak restaurant. We had been eyeing this one up for a while so it was nice to finally try it out. It was almost empty when we arrived, but soon started filling up as the evening progressed. 

We’ve agreed this year not to go too crazy with gifts and instead to spend the money on an experience. Maybe a show or a gig, we haven’t found one yet but we’ll keep looking. Nonetheless I’d brought him a small gift, which he opened before our three course feast was served.

The food was amazing! We both started with Calimari, followed by steak with various sides, whilst I enjoyed a Pavlova for dessert and the chap had a chocolate brownie, as well as a complimentary birthday brownie. All washed down with a glass of red wine. 

It was a lovely experience, and the waiters were absolutely splendid too. Admittedly we were so full by the time we left that I think we waddled along the river to the train station. Neither of us are particularly good at recognising when we’re full. 

In the blink of an eye it was the weekend. Saturday was a wash out and we ventured only as far as town. I had to pop into one of our local galleries, Woodend, to pick up the drawing that little Miss had exhibited earlier in the year.

This particular gallery was once home to the Sitwell family. The delightfully eccentric Edith Sitwell, her parents and brothers. It always makes me quite happy to visit here, not to mention the fabulous view from the back of the gallery on a clear day. Saturday was definitely not a clear day! 

Sunday was a completely different weather story. Whilst the nip definitely stayed in the air it was dry and bright. We decided to take a trip to Helmsley. I know I’ve mentioned Helmsley on the blog before, it’s a gorgeous town on the Moors and a favourite haunt of mine.

A lovely view from the cafe

A very inviting space

Lined with original stone cottages and a beautiful church. It’s idyllic.

Sometimes I think it’s even better on a Sunday. With less people around we were able to wander peacefully, stopping off in cafes and pubs along the way and perusing the beautiful shops. 

Everyone loves an old fashioned sweet shop

It was a perfect end to the week! 

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.