One Day Specials

In a week where we seem to be dashing about everywhere getting organised for our return overseas and socialising, we make visits to some of our Chums on what can best be described as 'One Day Specials'

A trip on the scooter to Bingham has us instantly on a "Treasure Hunt" style escapade with Pat & Jane where Pat wants some crash test dummies to test out his forthcoming event he's organised

Oh dear…

The three of us were keen at first but began to loose heart and concentration as, after an hour or so, it becomes apparent that we are not going to stop at any of the tea rooms or quaint pubs that he's driving us slowly past..

Although not a clue, this phone box distracted the girls long enough for Pat to grind his teeth with frustration at the Numpties he had on board

Some of the clues were actually quite good like this internet related one (which had to be pointed out to us)

The farmer must have thought Nina mad when she ran out the car in to the field to check the storage capacity of this tank

Oh well all good fun...

True to his word Pat delivers us (much to his relief I suspect) at The Nag's Head in Harby, Leicestershire where we tuck in to several real ales and fine tucker

Next morning, nursing thick heads, we head off to their lovely market square in Bingham and plant ourselves in Wetherspoons for a traditional fry up breakfast

This was our 'warm up' for the main event in Yorkshire the following week where we took the vans off on a four day jolly

Next up, Chris & Keith in Edwinstowe and a great chance to catch up since last seeing them at the CL in Dethick

A fine summer's day sees us rambling around Sherwood Forest and taking in the Major Oak 

Back at their soon to be rented out Des Res Keith has provided some excellent beers to enjoy in their lovely garden

Begonias in full flow

You need to pause a while here and take in this beauty….

This was by far and wide the best meat pie I've ever had, and you can bet I've had a few

Chris, the proud creator

These Guys have both just about finished work and took well deserved early retirement. They are about to set out on a different lifestyle touring as we do and maxing out on life hopefully

We both wish you well on your forthcoming adventures and look forward to your obligatory upcoming blog

Fine day, fine fayre and superb company….

Walking with Simon

Simon, a fellow full timer and friend comes to stay the night in our humble field

The plan is to go walking next day if the weather permits and catch up on all the Goss as we've tried to RV several times in the past year or so but been separated by at least one country each time

A few beers later and we are tucking in to Nina's fayre amid frantic conversation

This is mainly due to Simon's tales of travel to Oz and Morocco recently and we are thoroughly absorbed…

We don the boots next day and set off but don't get far…

These guys at Maycock Butchers in Holloway have become a regular haunt of ours recently. The produce is more than first class and I challenge anyone to walk by without going in for sausage rolls!

The weather is good and we are off down that canal again

Simon has a thing called an Ordnance Survey map which bemuses me, surely everyone can navigate like me with 'in built sense of direction'..

(Two near death experiences lost up Kinder soon spring to my mind)

We leave the canal and head up in to the hills behind Cromford

Another 'Des Res'

Its not for sale friend...

We touch on the last stretch of the High Peak Trail back down to the canal and Simon treats us all to coffee & ice creams at the tea rooms, good man...

Just as well as 'Sherpa Jarrett' takes us uphill again on a jungle adventure following his trusted map.

The path is there, but just not used very often

By the time we three had thrashed through it beating it with sticks and relieving the nettles of their sting it was fit for further use by other walkers

Back at the vans, and after 16km of pure enjoyment, we settle in the sun and quench our thirsts…

Bon Voyage Simon

Till we meet again...

Weekend with the Elliotts

Just as Hank and I return to the van we are greeted by the sight of Chris & Keith positioning their van next to ours.

Its not long before everyones bored with my blister story so we break out the BBQ and our new 'burner ring' and the five of us have a jolly old time downing sausages and booze.

After Hank's departure home we have a good old catch up and plan the next day's walking activities. 

How I intend to make the course I'm not sure and bitterly regret my choice of socks today

Today is flower shoot day as there's so many to choose from on our route

Our route broadly follows what we did yesterday although not as long and we pass through some well tended allotments

How tempting to leap the fence and steal some of these beauties…

The Troops inspecting what remains of a very old quarry

We are soon on the Cromford Canal and passing that stunning house, this time minus the Westie

A few refreshers at the Jug & Glass after a nice walk sees me examining my feet yet again. Aching and sore but a different sock strategy and some sympathy sees me through to live another day…

Next morning Chris serves up the perfect walkers' breakfast which is quite apt as we are about to set off again on another scenic route

"Keith, I don't see a 'Golden Eagle'"

"Yes its there Pete, see, it opens at 11.30am"

A horse…of course

'Ray' explaining all things stile related

Nice puffers

The 'Dirty Dogs' rest up at the Tavern at Tansley

After this weekend we feel like sleeping for a week or so, so good to catch up and the weather was kind to us too

Thanks Chums for your excellent company