Family Fun on The Moors

 Another good nights sleep was had by all, and at the usual time of 9.30, Kathy and I went on our usual round the Rape Seed field walk. We (I) had decided that I do not like having to get out of accommodation by 10am and prefer the more relaxed, evening before, departure. We (all of us) had also decided that another National Trust property was a good idea. Ormesby Hall, in nearby Middlesbrough, was deemed a good fit. We arrived to a stunning display of tulips, which Misty and Sam very much enjoyed. Tulips There were also lots of kids activities, including egg flipping. Flipping eggs We had a nice walk around the gardens before heading for the cafe for a spot of lunch.  Back at the ranch, Kathy put Sam to bed and we all set too packing and cleaning,  before loading up our cars, saying sad goodbyes, and departing for home. I had messaged Tom in the morning telling him we would be departing that evening, as requested on the house rules, with no response. I tried phoning, the...

 Sadly, Vicky and Alex were heading back South today. Vicky was celebrating her birthday by going to see The Phantom of the Opera, and they needed to be in London tomorrow (Friday) afternoon. We decided to all go to Mount Grace Priory together, then wave them on their way. We took both dogs too.  An English Heritage property that accepts National Trust members, it’s only a 20min drive from Kirklevington so ideal for our purposes. We had a good look around, and Misty and Sam had a good sniff. Misty was once again very excited,  trying to run and gambol. Lots of fun at Mount Grace Priory We had a nice cup of coffee in the shop before saying our goodbyes. Vicky we would see next weekend. Alex, who knows, as they both have a very busy summer. The rest of us hopped back in the car and returned the short way to the house. We discussed what to do for tea, with Kathy’s idea of finishing up all the leftovers coming out the winner. I have to say, Ian makes a mean omelette!  On...

 After another lovely nights sleep due to Misty being in with us, we awoke to another lovely day. I went out as usual with Kathy and Sam for the walk around the rape seed field, and came back to breakfast pizza. Very nice. Alex had decided he wanted to go for a run, and I had been planning a walk up Roseberry topping ever since we knew we were coming on this holiday. We were able to combine the two and headed off for the car park at the base of the topping. Alex set off to run up and then carry on for another 23 km. We set off to walk up the easy route that we had discovered on the Internet. This involved a steady climb up through some gorgeous bluebell woods before we came out of the trees with not much further to go to the summit. The  Bluebell Woods The last section was a bit steep but well paved and then we were at the top. On a clear day, you can see forever. But today we couldn’t even see the sea due to some cloud and fret.  Never mind, we took some photos at the tr...

 It was Kathy’s 34th birthday today. How can I be so old?! I got up and went on the Sam walk with her. As we approached the Abracadabra gate I whipped out my phone and dialled the open seseme number. The gate would not open, Kathy had to do it. I must have been deleted in favour of one of the young whipersnappers. The walk was very pleasant though. Round a field of rapeseed in the sun. Field walk Back at the house, Ian had prepared a delicious full English which we tucked into with gusto. Then it was time to open presents, and don party hats Birthday high jinks The outing for the day was to Saltburn by the sea, and all six of us and two dogs managed to squeeze into Ian’s car. It’s very close to the house and we soon arrived and managed to find a free parking spot right at the top of the funicular railway.(Dogs allowed). Because of Mistys legs, Vicky, Alex and I rode it down, meeting the rest at the bottom.  Saltburn funicular  Misty was beside herself with glee when we go...

 We awoke to find that the pope had died, on Easter Monday too! We all had a good nights sleep, thanks to Misty being in our room, and all had a nice lie-in. Kathy went off to walk Sam, armed with her newly won gate opening power and the knowledge of a field just over the road. She returned after a good walk and we all breakfasted and prepared for the day. Alex wanted to do a very hilly run, and Ian wanted to go with him for some reason, so they decided to start from Lord Stones. They knew the parking was OK there, and a little bit about the route. They set off in high spirits in Kathy’s car, armed with newly won gate opening power. The rest of us decided to take a look around the nearest town, Yarm. We wanted an easy stroll for Misty. It was a bit chillier than it had been as we departed, Kathy doing the open seseme act. We had chosen a car park to head for, but after negotiating a very busy Yarm High Street, and a gap between shops, we found the narrow entrance was not something ...