Sun 31 Aug to Sat 20 Sept 2025
Just a quick note for the record today to note our lastest “business” trip to Deutschland.
The three week period was spent with noses, once again, firmly to the grind stone. The photos reflect trips to Gernsheim and into the Odenwald. Frankenstein’s Castle is always worth a trip for the views north to Darmstadt and Frankfurt beyond.
We’ll see what the next few weeks bring but there are currently no plans to go back until we need to – and others have to decide that!
Sun 24 Aug 2025
It was a typically quiet overcast Sunday morning as we prepared to leave the site with very few people about to say “adios” to!
The trip south via Swaffham and Thetford took the expected two plus hours and we were back at Hunter Towers just after midday.
All in all, a very pleasant few days away with a lot achieved. Memories of the Seal Trip and the Steam Train ride will be around for a while. The only negative was the locking fault that appeared in the main door. Still, it’s booked in for repair and at least it can still be secured with care. Onwards and upwards.
Sat 23 Aug 2025
Still no wall to wall sunshine again today but good conditions for a Coastal Path walk from Blakeney to Cley along the Dyke.
The walkers (and their dogs) were out in force today as we made it to Cley in under two hours from the site here on the Langham Road.
It took almost as long to navigate a passage through the village trying not to be run over but we made it to the Norfolk Wildlife Centre without being scathed.
What a great facility for the village to have and one that attracts a lot of visitors. The hides were busy but we didn‘t realise a ticket was necessary to gain entry so we ended up giving up and returning to the centre.
The bus took the strain in getting us back to Blakeney where we spent the rest of the afternoon sitting at the harbour watching the paddle boarders and those adults and children trying to catch the elusive Blakeney crabs!
It‘s travel day tomorrow as we head back to Hunter Towers.
Fri 22 Aug 2025
What started as a leisurely day turned out to be quite hectic, such that yours truly is on the keyboard on Saturday morning to record the happenings from our Friday adventures!
It was definitely a case of keeping an eye on the time for most of the day as we walked into Blakeney to catch the Coastal Hopper to Wells at around midday. Needless to say, the place was heaving and after a bakery lunch we headed out to the lifeboat station and beach.
It became apparent why the campsite here was fully booked as we strolled along the river towards the sea. Every dog and their owner was out and about and from our vantage point on the sea wall it looked like the site was full to bursting.
The tide was well and truly out which meant we could walk along the sandy stretches of beach even spotting two seals on an adjacent sandbank. They obviously liked their vantage point to watch the humans!
The return bus to Morston Quay was duly waiting at the designated stop in Wells and it wasn‘t long before we were marching into the National Trust car park looking for the Bishops Boat Tours landing jetty.
The boat trip to see the seals was scheduled at 5pm but with half an hour to go there was less than a drip of water in Morston Creek!
Oh ye of little faith! We could not believe how quickly the water level rose as the tide came in. No wonder why it is quite dangerous for the unsuspecting bather (not that one would bathe in the Creek). You get the drift though.
Loading of the forty souls took a few minutes and we were off along the Creek heading for Blakeney Point. It was a good decision to take our „wet gear“ in the end as there was a fair amount of spray and wind.
The trip lasted an hour with a good fifteen minutes joining the massive colonies of Seals on the Point. It was a truly magnificent sight as we were privileged to see those majestic animals both on land and in the sea.
It was a nervous end to the trip as we made land at 18.01 with our connecting bus to Blakeney due to depart from Morston at 18.11 – ten minutes at old codgers pace!! The half a mile or so was achieved with two minutes to spare and we were quickly teleported to Blakeney and our supper in the King‘s Arms.
The trek to our site here on the Langham Road seemed to fly by and needless to say no bedtime reading was necessary to send us to sleep.
Thurs 21 Aug 2025
The ‚plan‘ today was to explore Sheringham and then take the heritage railway to Holt and back before returning to the site here in Blakeney.
Using a Jethroism, what really happened was the exact opposite. We took the return steam train journey and then explored Sheringham in the afternoon.
Well, what can you really say about a heritage steam train journey lasting half an hour each way? The smells, the sounds, the sights and the thoughts of childhood are once again reawakened and you are back to where you first encountered such things. Then, like the bursting of a bubble they are gone and you are walking down Sheringham High Street in 2025. Strange, but worth the money to time travel.
After an afternoon in Sheringham we are once again back in Blakeney. We have booked a boat trip tomorrow evening to see the seals around Blakeney Point and the plan is to spend part of the day in Wells Next Sea before taking the bus to our starting point of Morston.
Watch this space for further reports.
It‘s time for a bit of food so „Cheers“ for today. Take a look at today‘s photos by the way!
Weds 20 Aug 2025
We‘ve made it up to Blakeney on the North Norfolk coast today and will be staying hopefully until the weekend.
The site is on a working farm with space for five guest vehicles. It‘s around a twenty minute walk into the village so……..here goes…..we‘ll report back this evening!
It was indeed a twenty minute walk into the village this afternoon. Just as well we put high vis vests on as part of the way was on the carriageway. The remainder of the way was on paths.
We headed for the Quay and were amazed at the number of people and children crabbing along the Quay. Obviously a high summer past-time! We then had time to take a look at the Coastal Path to Cley, something we‘ll try later in the week.
One of the first jobs this afternoon was to book a boat trip on Friday to see the seals. Luckily we managed to get the last two places!
We‘re now back on site and looking to chill for the rest of the evening.
Sun 10 Aug 2025
What a beautiful morning to wake up to in the Fens.
With no need to rush to the lake, it was a relaxed breakfast before getting ready to depart the site. The trip back took a couple of hours with the advantage of no lorries to worry about.
Detlef has now been emptied but the fishing gear will have to wait a couple of days before being cleaned, and boy does it need cleaning!
Well that’s it for a while with no plans as to the next trip…..yet. Watch this space…
Sat 9 Aug 2025
The thought had crossed my mind today to make a later start and fish into the evening but that was before the biological clock once again took over with a 6.15 am wake up call!
The Pit was reached just after 7.00 am and as luck would have it the sought after “swim” was still available despite a couple of guys that had arrived a lot earlier than yours truly.
The morning was slowish but improved at lunchtime and into the afternoon thanks to using bread as a main bait and selecting a smaller hook size. The number of fish lost in the morning session was no doubt due to a too large hook.
It was good to have E as a guest during the afternoon session and not only did she witness several large Carp being landed but her services were called upon on several occasions to help to get the weighty specimens out of the water!
The top weight of the three days was a 10 lb Carp which quite fittingly was the last fish caught today.
All in all, a good few days away and a good bit of sport and walking for the Hunters. It’s back to Hunter Towers tomorrow.
Fri 8 Aug 2025
More of the same today with the difference that Pool Lake was the venue.
It may seem strange to say but there are too many fish in the lake with the effect that it is a tad too easy to catch, unlike its neighbour, the Pit yesterday.
Nevertheless today was good fun but it’s back to the Pit tomorrow for the last full day.
Thurs 7 Aug 2025
It was an early start this morning with a few chores to do before heading out to the “Pit”. Start time turned out to be 9am with the wheelbarrow taking the strain to get all the equipment to the swim.
It was a good choice to take an extra layer of clothing as the whole day proved quite blustery. The fishing too proved slow and was like it all day. The chosen fishing style of the “method feeder” was employed over medium to short distances without much success and it was only when casting long did matters improve with nudges and eventually bites.
The support team once again proved invaluable and thanks are due to Lady E for leading the crew in this respect.
The weather forecast for the next two days is looking good and it remains to be seen if the Pit will be tomorrow’s venue or whether the Pool might get the nod.
The newly installed lakeside bar received a visit this evening and it is clear to see why it is proving popular with the guests here on site. We’re now back with Detlef after an evening stroll. The wind continues to do its thing!
Weds 6 Aug 2025
On the road again today heading west towards Doddington in Cambridgeshire – Fenland.
Unlike our journey last Sunday from Great Yarmouth today’s was much better. The A14 was quite quiet and free flowing with the A142 across country to Ely OK. There were a few farm vehicles around but we weren’t held up.
There have been a few changes to the site here at Fields End View since we were last here with a new bar area close to the main lake. The area of the site where we are is full and a quick walk around the lakes after lunch confirmed that a lot of people were fishing which hasn’t always been the case in the past.
It was then off to the “Pool” for the first fishing session of the trip which lasted until 6pm. A total of 30 Carp were amassed with the largest at just under 5lb.
Needless to say it’s an early bedtime this evening with tomorrow’s day ticket for the larger “Pit” lake already in the bag! It’s not going to be a thirty carp day tomorrow, however and we’ll have to wait and see how we get on.
Watch this space!
Sun 3 August 2025
The good news is that we are now back at Hunter Towers after four nights at the Racecourse in Great Yarmouth.
The bad news is that we took four and a half hours to complete a journey that should have taken half that time! Let me explain.
The first decision not to return via the A12 to Lowestoft proved to be a costly mistake as we decided to try the A140 south of Norwich. The Sat Nav gave no warning that the road was closed but indeed it was. No problem. Keep going west on the A47 and take the A11 instead…..but…
The A11 was closed due to an accident. Keep going.
To cut a long story short, we ended up circumnavigating Norfolk and eventually made it to Bury St Edmunds via Thetford!! 😡😡🤮🤮👹👹. Oh yes, and today was the day that the Sat Nav decided it didn‘t like it‘s position on the windscreen and kept falling off….aargh….!
Time for a spot of fishing……..
Sat 2 August 2025
It was another disappointing start to the day as far as the weather was concerned and in truth the sun only made an appearance in the late afternoon.
We made it into Great Yarmouth around lunchtime to catch the connecting bus to Potter Heigham arriving just after 1 pm. A bite to eat and a visit to the shops later it was people watching time doing their thing both on the river and off it. Luckily no one fell in.
The „wanna be“ Elvis one man band in a local beer garden was fine to start off with but did grind after what seemed to be the 100th country song. Unfortunately there was no way to turn him off!
The return of the bus at 15.40 allowed us to make a timely exit just before rigor mortis set in and we are now back on site (bathed in sunshine)!
The site looks to have filled up considerably, no doubt due to the horse racing here tomorrow. We will be heading back early to Hunter Towers and hopefully missing the crowds.
Fri 1 August 2025
On paper today was supposed to be the wettest of our days here in Great Yarmouth and we certainly started the day overcast and windy. However, the weather gods have been kinder than expected and despite the continuing windy conditions the sun has been with us nearly all day.
The Coastal Clipper took us into Great Yarmouth and from there we took a local service westward to Burgh Castle, a Roman Shore Fort, on the River Yare. In Roman Britain, the Yare went straight into the North Sea where Great Yarmouth is today but over the intervening 1500 years the river has drastically changed its course as you‘ll see from the photos we took today.
We spent the late afternoon in the Marina Centre and are now back on site enjoying a bit of chill time before our evening meal. The site here looks to be filling up for the weekend and we‘ll see what the weather is up to before deciding our moves tomorrow.
Thurs 31 July 2025
It was a wet morning here in Great Yarmouth with time enough to do a few chores before finally launching on the Coastal clipper bus route to Hemsby!
The coastline here north of Great Yarmouth is an eroding area and the pictures taken today bear witness to the cliffs taking the brunt of the wave action.
The weather tomorrow is looking suspect once again. Watch this space!
Weds 30 July 2025
Our German trips have been put to bed for a couple of weeks and it’s off to Great Yarmouth today for a few days by the seaside!
The weather, however, is looking changeable and we’ll see what appears. We are back at Hunter Towers at the end of the week with a fishing trip ready to launch thereafter.
Watch this space as we try and keep on top of the blog!
Well, it‘s now Wednesday evening and we find ourselves at the site here in Yarmouth after quite a hectic day.
The trip up the A12 via Lowestoft was uneventful apart from the amount of traffic, particularly around the Sizewell C development. We were caught with traffic light controlled single lanes on a couple of occasions but managed to get here in just over two hours.
The afternoon and early evening has been spent walking into the town and surprisingly we‘ve clocked up around 10 kilometres. The crowds were out in force along the so-called „Golden Mile“ as were the hungry seagulls looking to pinch a chip or two!!
We braved the dive-bombing for a while but retreated to a safer area for our fish and chip supper. I‘m pleased to say there were no further incidents. We‘re now on site once again and ready for a good nights sleep.
Tues 17 June to Tues 8 July 2025
Once again apologies for the lack of a blog during this period but it has been full-on with work in Germany. No time!
Back in the UK now for a time before heading out again but we are making progress. We’ll maybe have a few days away in Detlef before long!
Weds 11 June 2025
A fun-packed five days in Austria with the Ziller Valley as the focus with additional trips to Innsbruck and the Achen Lake.
Once again, it was too hectic for the Blog. Take a look at some of the photos for a flavour.
It‘s back to Germany next week!
Tues 3 June 2025
The lull before the storm as we prepare to head off to Gatwick for our trip to Innsbruck this week.
It’s a packing day today for what it‘s worth. Everything squeezed into a cabin bag and rucksack! Still, looking forward to the hotel life!
Sat 24 May 2025
We left the Berghof at 6.20am for Calais taking some six hours to reach the tunnel. All in all a very good run with good weather up until Gent. The rain then stayed with us to Calais.
We did manage to catch an earlier train and were back at Hunter Towers late in the afternoon. It‘s now time to chill!
Thurs 15 to Fri 23 May 2025
Where has the time gone?
Yet again our feet haven‘t touched the ground during the past week and we‘re almost ready to head back to the UK with Phase 1 progressing well.
The old phrase of „you can‘t see the wood for the trees“ is certainly true here. It‘s hard to see progress when you are so close but stepping back today, it‘s very clear that a lot has been achieved.
The biggest „disappointment“ so far has to be the level of bureaucracy both at government and company levels! The wait times on the telephone have been excruciating at times. Then there are larger organisation that give no email address and the only option is to write a letter.
So, we head back to the UK for ten days or so before boarding a flight to Austria for what should be a welcome „holiday“.
We already have Phase 2 in mind here in Germany from the middle of June.
Mon 5 to Weds 14 May 2025
Big apologies to all you loyal readers out there for the lack of a blog over the past few days but the truth is we‘ve been snowed under here in Deutschland to the extent that we only got to have a part-day off yesterday!
We managed to get a drive into the Odenwald to look at the very pretty villages dotted amongst the hills.
We headed to Gernsheim on the River Rhine for lunch and then on to Biebesheim to look at the Stork Bird Reserve. We‘ve included a few pictures today.
Fri 2 May to Sun 4 May 2025
You‘ll gather from the „Latest News“ page that our feet haven‘t touched the ground since arriving here on Thursday last.
Two nights in a City hotel was a good decision as we were close to the action and weren‘t forced to travel to complete our tasks, especially in daytime temperatures of around 30 degrees Celsius.
All in all we were pleased with what we found and despite one or two teething problems have made good progress, essentially with getting ourselves settled in. There has been a lot of cleaning going on but the staff have done well. The gardener, however, is in for a shock when he arrives for work tomorrow. Hopefully he‘s got his machete with him!
So, as the new week starts, our „to do list“ is full. There is definitely no peace for the wicked!! Watch this space!!
Thurs 1 May 2025
May Day but no dancing round the Maypole at Hunter Towers this morning as we made our way to Folkestone just after 3 am. Surprisingly, there was some mist around, particularly in Kent but otherwise there were no issues as we made LeShuttle by 5.45 am.
We were added to the 6.16 am crossing only to find out after a rushed check in that the train was cancelled! This meant a wait for an hour but it didn‘t really matter as we were ahead of schedule at this point.
We arrived in Calais at 9.00 am and were quickly on the Auto route through France and into Belgium. The traffic into Belgium was minimal due to it being a public holiday. The lack of lorries on the road throughout the day was ever apparent with the rest areas crammed full them, waiting for the day to end.
The Brussels Ring was a nightmare with massive queues for miles but once through we made good time. Lunch was taken just outside Aachen in Germany with the final drive bypassing Köln and then south, arriving in Darmstadt at 3.45pm.
The hotel here is interesting with only a total of about 15 guests. Part of the Acore group, I reserve judgement as we‘re here fore two nights.
We‘ve had a bite to eat this evening after our larger lunch and I suspect we‘ll eat in Darmstadt city centre tomorrow morning after the day‘s business.
The temperatures tomorrow are expected to be similar to today, around 30 degrees Celcius.
Weds 30 April 2025
It’s been all go at Hunter Towers today as we prepare to head to Germany in the Huntermobile tomorrow and not Detlef on this occasion.
It’s an early start tomorrow as we head to Folkestone. Watch this space………..
Weds 16 April 2025
An early 06.15 am alarm call was a shock to the system but sufficient in ensuring an 08.00 am departure from our Site in Grassington.
Other Crew members were obviously too exhausted to make our departure, no doubt having drunk too much bubbly after their „Ludo“ victory celebrations overran into the early hours! Never mind, everyone lives to fight another day!
It was quite damp as we headed off with the narrow roads busy with „rush hour“ motorists. With a handful of possible routes to the A1 we decided to take the A59 heading east to Harrogate and Wetherby. The former was quite busy but the Sat Nav took the strain very well.
The A1 south of Leeds is currently slow due to bridge repairs and we were duly caught and delayed by about fifteen minutes but at least we were moving all the time (albeit very slowly).
We duly arrived back at Hunter Towers at 13.30 pm, a trip which took five and a half hours but which included a fuel stop. Detlef has been cleared but the rain and mud have left their mark on the outside and a good clean is required but that will have to wait ˋtil another day.
Speaking of a clean up, me thinks that some Crew members (i.e. me) need to jump into the Golden Bath in the Attic.
Thanks once again to all Crew members for a fantastic few days together.
Es hat Spaß gemacht……. „ Bis zum nächsten Mal…..“
PS…..the Bill for the new set of knees is in the post…..!
Tues. 15 April 2025
We certainly „got away with one“ today as far as the weather was concerned and whilst the sun decided to stay away, we remained dry thank goodness.
The trip to Fountains Abbey took about forty minutes from our site here in Grassington and with no prior research, anything could have awaited us. In fact, we didn‘t need to worry as we were treated to a wonderful day at a fantastic National Trust site.
The Easter Trail once again dominated the pre-lunch agenda as we headed to explore Fountains Hall, Fountains Mill and the Abbey Ruins.
Crew members enjoyed a „Cream Tea“ (albeit for Lunch), followed by a walk around Studley Royal and the Deer Park. Unfortunately, no deer were keen to make an appearance for us.
We’ve now returned to site with a few chores to do before heading back to Hunter Towers tomorrow. The other Crew members have an extra day here and are heading off to Malham Cove.
Mon. 14 April 2025
Another full day here in North Yorkshire with a 13km walk around the Bolton Abbey Estate.
The estate is hugh and very well maintained. We were surprised at the number of people already parked up with the visitor centre really full. The main attraction of the morning was the Easter Trail for the younger family members that took us up to the dangerous Strid, a deep section of the River Wharfe.
It was then on to Barden before returning on the opposite river bank.
The afternoon was spent taking a look at the old Bolton Priory with the stepping stones being the centre of attraction for certain Crew members.
It was then off to Appletreewick, site of a famous camp in the 1980’s, for a quick look round. How things have changed!
We returned to our site here for a quick „chill“ before enjoying a family meal at The Gamekeeper‘s Inn.
It’s our final full day tomorrow with a change in weather expected. It‘s just started to rain here, so fingers crossed.
Thanks to M, E and Family for a great few days!
Sun. 13 April 2025
It was travel day today as we headed out of the Lakes to the Yorkshire Dales, some two and a half hours away.
S was the first to leave, making her way into Nottinghamshire before heading further south later in the week.
M, E and the Crew departed next with The Hunters not far behind. A fuel stop in Penrith meant the H‘s arrived at the new site well behind M and E who had already set up.
Such are the fitness levels of the S‘s, it was hardly surprising that a 7km walk followed to Grassington Village in the afternoon. It was a pity that it was overcast but we managed some reasonable photos and look forward to our Bolton Abbey expedition tomorrow and a return visit after many years to Appletreewick, site of a famous camp around 1990.
It‘s back on site now with another round of Ludo planned for this evening. Who can dethrone the Ludo King (yours truly)?
Sat. 12 April 2025
The final day of our brilliant trip to the Lakes and it was off to Rydal Water and the Caves at 10.00am.
Being a Saturday, it seemed everyone else had the same idea and we were lucky to get one of the remaining parking spots.
The walk into Rydal started quite steeply but once height had been gained the path followed the contours of the hillside into Rydal Hall, our first stop of the day. A welcome bacon bap and coffee at the cafe ensured loads of energy for the remainder of the walk as we skirted the lake, climbing to the Caves.
The Cave area was particularly busy with walkers and it wasn‘t long before we left the maddening crowd behind making our way back to the car.
The river next to the car park proved a real challenge for two of the Crew members who decided to use the stepping stones to reach the other side. What they hadn‘t realised, however, was that two crazy ducks and a dog were trying to distract them from completing their mission. After a meltdown from the older stepper, the younger stepper decided to take a quick unintentional dip into the beautiful clear mountain stream. The screams indicated both fear and complete stress from the cold water.
Luckily the whole episode was documented and proof can be seen in today‘s gallery.
It‘s off to Yorkshire tomorrow.
Fri. 11 April 2025
An adventure to be had in Borrowdale today, or so the locals said.
A twenty minute drive to Rosthwaite and the Team were off on the tour to Grange via Seatoller and Castle Crag.
The start following the River Derwent to Seatoller was straight forward and relatively flat but quickly turned into a steep climb to the contouring paths back to Grange. The scenery was once again stunning all the way. We managed to find a hill stream to have lunch by and made Grange by 2.00 pm. Disappointingly, the cafe at the end of the walk was closed and we had to go into Keswick for a top up in Hope Park.
It looks like a short walk might be on the cards for tomorrow, our last full day before decamping to the Yorkshire Dales on Sunday.
Thurs. 10 April 2025
Another great day spent out and about with the Crew.
It was off to Grasmere this morning for a wander through the village. First stop was inevitably the Gingerbread shop followed by a leisurely riverside stroll including a visit to the grave of William Wordsworth in St Oswald‘s church grounds.
The overhead jets were a source of entertainment during our lunchbreak and what a noise they made!
The afternoon was spent at the Brockhole Leisure complex where younger members of the Crew enjoyed an Easter Egg Hunt and a round of Crazy Golf.
We are booked in for a team meal at the local pub this evening. Hic!!
Weds. 9 April 2025
Talk about being spoilt by the weather!
There‘s no doubt that opening the blinds first thing in the morning can be a hit and miss affair given the changeable nature of the weather in the UK; one never quite knows what one is going to encounter. Not so here in the Lakes where once again we were met with pure sunshine!
There was a slightly later start for the Crew this morning with a five minute drive into Keswick to find the Keswick FC car park. It was then up hill all the way to the top of Latrigg, just above Keswick.
The good company and frequent pauses ensured a pleasant walk to the summit where we enjoyed a picnic- style lunch with great views over Keswick and Derwent Water. The low-flying jets also provided splendid entertainment as did the rather slower Spitfire and Hurricane that suddenly appeared!
The walk down took us to a point along the old Threlkeld Railway line from which we made our way into Keswick for a well-earned coffee and later a fish and chip supper.
It‘s a „feet up“ evening here on site with an easier day planned for tomorrow!
Tues. 8 April 2025
The Crew slipped into their seats in the Team Volvo XC90 at 10.15am for the ten minute drive to the Whinlatter Forest site for a prompt 11.00 am „Go Ape“ start.
Regrettably, there were only three members of the Team physically capable of the ninety minute session and the rest were forced to sit comfortably in the brilliant sunshine and watch!
It soon became apparent that our Team members had done this before and were quickly round despite getting stuck behind slower „Apes“ from other families.
The photos of the event weren‘t bad but the back light proved a challenge, hence the need for image processing afterwards.
The facilities at Whinlatter are excellent and the Crew thoroughly enjoyed their romp in the tree canopy. The lunch in the restaurant was good and this was followed by a circular walk to Seat How and back. The views were fantastic on such a great day and the climb was worth it.
It‘s more of the same tomorrow as we head to Latrigg.
Mon. 7 April 2025
Another perfect day here in the North West with wall to wall sunshine.
The trip to Buttermere Village took twenty minutes from our site here in Braithwate over some stunning countryside, arriving at around 11 am. We were lucky to find one of the last parking spaces and it was then off around the lake, a trip lasting until mid afternoon.
It is well worth a look at the photos today to get an appreciation of our surroundings today and one can see why this area of the UK is so popular.
The sites seen today are too numerous to do justice to in words but a perfect day was spent firstly in one of the Buttermere coffee shops and laterly in the Royal Oak here in Braithwaite.
It looks like another fine day tomorrow with a trip to Go Ape for the younger members of the Crew.
Sun. 6 April 2025
What perfect weather for our scheduled six hour trip up north today.
The planned leaving time was 07.30 am heading west along the A14 before heading north via the A1. In fact, the leave time was slightly earlier and with two brief stops managed to get to the site here in Braithwaite by 13.30 pm.
The reported closure of the A1 near Leeds proved to be false and we were duly treated to superb views of the western Lakes area as we headed in that direction along the A66.
It was great to meet S waiting on site for us and we were quickly tucking into coffee and biscuits. M and E and the crew turned up mid afternoon to set up their caravan and the team was complete when T and the dog joined us just before the evening meal, superbly cooked by S.
After some traditional games in Detlef, all are now safely tucked in bed ready for our trip to tomorrow.
Mon. 31 March 2025
It was off to the Dealership this morning for the annual „habitation“ check and luckily no problems were found.
One or two cosmetic issues were addressed; filters were changed and it was then back to Hunter Towers by lunchtime!
It‘s preparation week for our next trip.
Fri. 28 March 2025
It was an early rise today as we were treated to some East Yorkshire morning sunshine.
The trip back to Hunter Towers took five hours (exactly the same time we took getting to Bridlington). The school run saw minor delays through “Brid” but once out of town all went smoothly.
All in all – a good first trip. The internet connection on site once again disappointed and is so frustrating to work with, especially for this blog. It’s about time to look for an alternative. We’ll see.
We are now unpacked and ready for the inspection on Monday.
Thurs. 27 March 2025
Don‘t you just like to get on a bus to be met by a driver who really doesn’t want to be there. Yes, that was the scenario today as we headed in the wrong direction to Flamborough instead of waiting for the same bus to return heading towards Bridlington. Luckily it wasn‘t our fault that the driver was so manky but nevertheless, not a good start!
The journey to Filey took around forty five minutes and we ended up staying three and a half hours before heading back. What to say about Filey?
Filey is a compact seaside town but without any over the top seaside attractions. There is a promenade but once again our visit was pre-season and a lot of the amenities were still closed in preparation for an Easter opening.
The cliff top gardens were well manicured and colourful and well supplied with benches. In fact, we have been impressed with the number of benches provided, for example, both today and at the Sewerby Cricket Club where benches surround the outfield.
It‘s our last evening here before heading back south tomorrow. Just enough time to have a couple of beers.
Detlef has it‘s annual habitation check on Monday, so we‘re off to the Dealership and then we have the Lake District to look forward to.
Weds. 26 March 2025
A misty early morning gave way to a sunny day as we headed to Bempton Cliffs by bike to visit the RSPB Centre.
This was a first for the Hunters and what a day we had.
The bike ride took twenty minutes from our site right to the front door of the Centre. The bikes even had their own storage area!
The RSPB area at Bempton Cliffs stretches for about two miles and contains five large open viewing platforms giving good views of the thousands of birds nesting on the cliff face.
On arrival we were informed that some Puffins had been spotted and it was “game on” as we headed for the cliff edge and guess what? Our first stop – jackpot!! Take a look at the photos from today for the evidence!
Bempton is so different from the RSPB sites further south. The chaos in the skies and on the sea surface has to been seen to be believed. How birds manage not to fly into one another is a mystery.
The morning session was spent moving from platform to platform always having subjects to watch and photgraph never quite knowing what one would see next.
After lunch we moved south towards Flamborough. The cliffs appeared a lot bigger with hundreds of birds clinging to the narrowest of ledges. Apparently, the numbers will double in the next few weeks!
The day was a great success and needs to be repeated soon, ideally in good light. We returned to our site in the late afternoon to look at the fruits of our labours.
Tomorrow is our last full day. Let’s see what the weather has in store before making any plans.
Tues. 25 March 2025
An overcast start to the day as we made our way to the bus stop for the short journey into Bridlington.
Like a lot of seaside towns, the years have not been that kind to “Brid” with a lot of closed high street outlets and open urban decay. The obligatory fun of the fair activities filled the promenade and it looked like they were being prepared for the annual Easter opening but today without customers.
The working harbour area is always worth a visit and so it proved today with lobster pots galore on the quayside. What an ingenious design! Easy to get into but a lobster university degree to get out of!
Our fish and chips lunch was eaten alongside the harbour under the glare of gulls the size of flying pussy cats. We were lucky not to receive a visit although a passer-by with an ice cream wasn’t so fortunate!
We returned to our site in Sewerby mid afternoon just as the sunshine appeared.
Let’s hope the weather plays ball with our RSPB Bempton visit tomorrow.
Mon. 24 March 2025
The walking boots were called into action today as we walked to the coastal path across Bridlington golf course and on to Sewerby Hall.
The weather played ball too which was a bonus. We then headed east along the coastal path to Danes Dyke before heading to Flamborough Road to catch the bus to North Landing.
The cliffs were stunning in the afternoon sunshine and we look forward to visting Blempton later in the week. From all accounts there are a few Puffins to be seen.
The bus brought us back to our site in good time to enjoy a glass of wine before the evening meal.
It’s off to Bridlington tomorrow with Bempton on the cards for Wednesday.
Sun. 23 March 2025
The 2025 season kicked off today as we left Hunter Towers for Bridlington in Yorkshire. The trip to our site took five hours in wet driving conditions. The day was spent setting up and chilling with a bit of exploration around the site which has changed since we were last here.