We had a wonderful weekend at the Rose & Crown with all family and friends, amazing, food, hospitality and comfort, in great company. Thanks to Cheryl and her team for their donation.
We waved them all off at Middleton, and spent the morning climbing up the hill on narrow, unused roads, walking into 'Raby Country'. This is the area of the country owned by Raby Estates, where all the properties are painted white. Rumour has it that in times gone by, Lord Barnard returned home in a blizzard and was unable to identify his own properties. The following morning he gave the order for all houses, farms and barns to be painted white. Can't help feeling they might still be hard to find in the snow. Ah well, makes a good story, and it does look attractive in its way.
We know we're in the north - the snow poles on the side of the road are twice as high as dad.
Having reached the top of the hill, it was time to make our way down across the fields, only we didn't allow for Durham County Council's Footpath Regime (or lack of). We came to a wall where there should have been a stile - it wasn't there - we climbed it. Then a sheep fence - we rolled under it. A river - we paddled through it. Another wall, and another, and another. If I hadn't been with the best navigator in the world I would have wonderd if we were in the right place, but we were, as was borne out when we reached a stile and a sign post exactly where it should have been. What fun!
So on to Cowshill, and the Calf house and yet more wonderful northern hospitality from Sue who provided us with the most amazing high tea. 'They' grazed on it all night long and then Sue insisted we take the rest with us for lunch. Thanks to Sue for her contribution to funds.
This morning, once more we were uphill on the road for quite a way, crossing into Northumberland fairly early on, and on to Allenheads where we stopped for coffee.
From there we crossed fields and countryside for the rest of the day. Once more we were severely reprimanded by lapwings who were trying to keep us away from their nests,and we have seen many chicks.
A picture of a JCB 360 has suddenly appeared on the blog, which we haven't asked for. Funny thing is, this is exactly the same type of machine that dad bumped Into on the moors the other day. How spooky is that?
One of today's pictures is one mum has been after for a very long time. Guess which one!!
Keep spreading the word
M
xx
Can't wait to meet Madge later ...
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