The Lord Stones

 All was well until Misty got separation anxiety and started barking and howling outside the glass doors to the bedroom area. I had to take matters into my own hands and break the law by letting her sleep with us. After that all really was well and we mainly got a lie in, although Sam got up around 8.30. 

I very much enjoyed having all the power with the Abracadabra gate, but it was a bit impractical. Kathy wanted to walk Sam and had to make a request to get in and out. Alex fired off a text to the Lady Next Door (LND) to ask for him, Ian and Kathy to be allowed to open the gate. LND said she would ask Tom to do it. I have tried several times and never been able to contact the elusive Tom so we weren’t holding our breath.

It would be a mish mash day today. Alex had decided on a long run from the house. Ian, Kathy, Vicky and I, along with Sam, were going for a walk. And Einar was staying home with Misty. 

We set off around noon for Lordstones visitor centre for a short walk up a big hill. We chose it for nice views and the holy grail, a cafe and toilets. The car park was pretty busy but there was an extra field where we managed to get a space. It was here that a text came through from Alex. ‘Can you let me out please?!’ Sadly, no, I could not. I didn’t have enough phone signal. Alex would have to sort it out himself. 

We happily set off up the big hill, Cringle Moor, meeting a beagle pup on the way. Sam was placid compared! The climb was worth it as the view is spectacular. All the way to Roseberry Topping, and beyond that, the sea.


Setting off up


A slowcoach



 Views

 


On Cringle Moor


Once at the top, we carried on a bit before dropping steeply down to a path running back to the visitor centre. 


Dropping Down

As we strolled along a couple came along behind and Ian, making idle chitchat, mentioned the cafe. Thank god he did as the couple told us that it closed at 4pm. It was 3.30! ‘Go on, leave us.’ I told Ian and Kathy. They strode off ahead. Vicky and I weren’t walking all that way, up and down, with no reward at the end.
Thankfully the guys were in time and, despite the man in front getting the last pie (Ian was fuming) we had coffee and some lovely cakes. We thoroughly enjoyed them, as did the local chaffinchs.


Cake



Enjoyed by all

There was plenty of time to visit the actual LordStones themselves. We managed to scare off the family trying to take individual photos of all their party at each stone, and to dodge all the paragliders that were landing in that area.



Lord Stones, or Lordstones?

After a lovely day we headed back to Partridge Cottage.


The Journey Home


Back at base Alex was tucking into a post run snack. As I had failed him, he contacted the LND who released him. Apparently the elusive Tom is abroad, and probably drunk. That explains everything. But good news! When he returned the gate opened seseme for him. 

Ian and I took advantage of a lull in hot tub occupancy and hopped in, ordering G&Ts from Vicky, to be delivered.


Cheers

We made the two teas again, Burgers this time, then retired to the sitting room for a game of Tidy The Library. This is a card game where you have to place the publication dates of famous books in order. We had lots of fun. Ian won as he knows the publication date of every classic novel! 

We finished off with the Saturday and Sunday pub quizzes before retiring for the night, Misty skipping along to bed in our room. 

Observations

It’s stupid to try to leave  Misty alone in a strange place. 

Partridge cottage has a lot of rules. We try to follow most

Tom appears to be an alcoholic

Chaffinchs are brazen

Abracadabra gates can be problematic 


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