It's been a while!! We stopped in York for a few days. York was lively and sociable. We took advantage of the Comedy Fringe Festival; had a visit from George, Jay's 94 year old grandad - a legend in his own lifetime. Visited the National Railway Museum. Breakfasted at Bettys Tea Rooms, ate good food, drank some lovely vino, nipped up to Ripon for a couple of days and were altogether cosmopolitan!!
Setting off for Ripon there was a slight drizzle? I couldn't help but wonder what is this strange, cooling and refreshing thing dripping drops of water from the skies above?
We made a pit stop in Boroughbridge, a small town in the Harrogate district of North Yorkshire. It's about 16 miles north-west of York. It's a pretty town as you would expect from North Yorkshire!
This weeping willow is under the bridge in Boroughbridge and was really reminiscent of childhood picnics in the grounds of Newstead Abbey, Byron's UK home near Mansfield in Nottinghamshire where I grew up. We would hide under the weeping willow (presumably the branches came much closer to the ground!), strip off and run behind a waterfall in the grounds which was a great novelty and ensured we all got a good soaking!!
And this is the Bridge ...
We dropped in to a local pub, The Black Bull. It reminded us both of the Lord Nelson in Sneinton, an old haunt! It provided a good pint and a friendly, busy early doors.
Next day we carried on to Ripon. Apparently a city. It must be the smallest city in the UK. It has a beautiful Cathedral and an area of independent shops and galleries either side of a cobbled street leading up from the Cathedral to the town centre.
Where we saw this woman Setting the Watch
The Watch has been set in Ripon at 9.00 p.m., or thereabouts, every night since AD 886 with, allegedly, never a night missed. Something to do with Viking incursions and locals taking advantage of the disorder.
She is the first woman to hold the post of Hornblower and gave a brief talk on the history of the watch. After blowing the horn at each corner of the monument she then goes to the Mayor's house to assure Cllr Pauline McHardy, current lady mayor of Ripon that all is well. If Cllr McHardy is not at home she attends, where advised, to deliver her assurances!! She did a really good job with the drunken heckler too!
Minnie was walked and local hostelries explored while we moored for 48 hours at the top of the Ripon Canal.
Then our time was up. Mooring on the waterways is regulated by the Canal & River Trust. You can moor in any unmarked spot for up to 14 days. Otherwise mooring times vary and boats are expected to follow the signs.
We set off back down the canal to York. The Ripon Canal is not part of a ring of waters so it's an up and back journey.
.............
1 comment:
Hi Eva
You are both looking well chilled. Fantastic that you were able to meet up with Jay's grandad, what an inspiration at 94. You seem to be experiencing loads of variety on your travels and fab weather. Carry on enjoying.
Val xx
PS having lunch with Jacqui and Jean tomorrow so we will drink to you
Post a Comment