6th July 08. We went to a pub at Wincle about 5 miles away for Sunday lunch. We've been there before and knew that they let dogs in. Timmy was extremely well behaved, he just sat under the table despite there being dogs right next to him. It rained all day, Rich had to pack the tent wet.
5th July 08. We played the game of dodging showers today. Firstly in Buxton with Rich who wanted to see the town and then we took a big chance on having a BBQ in the evening. Fortunately we managed to stay dry. Di bought a new mobile phone in Buxton, this one with bigger keys which will be easier for her to use. Emma joined us for the evening BBQ.
4th July 08. Preparing for visitors, Rich coming later today then Emma joining us tomorrow so went to supermarket in Buxton. I tried the wireless modem while sitting in the car and to my surprise it worked very well.
Late afternoon Rich arrived with a strapped up knee as he had damaged a ligament. We erected his 3 man tent next to the MH and then settled down to a meal together.
3rd July 08. Not a lot happening today, went to Buxton for Di to do shop wandering. I invested in an USB modem to get wireless Internet but don't have much faith in this Linux system accepting it. Tried to set it up back at the MH but signal strength too low, after all we are in a quarry!
Took Tim for a walk in the afternoon to Soloman's Temple see http://www.buxtononline.net/Buxton-Online98/Buxton-Online-Derbyshire-Peak-District-Community98/solomon.htm
2nd July 08. Our first trip was to Sheffield again 25 miles away to change the
Cadac and as you would expect they didn't have the correct model so we had a refund. There are a few other caravan dealers close to Crewe, our destination, so we stopped off to chase the elusive Cadac but no luck. It will have to be an internet job when we return home next week.
We carried onto Crewe where Rich did a checkup and de-scale on our teeth then back to his home in Wilmslow for a meal with Emma. It was a late night with us arriving back at the MH about 11.30pm, but Timmy insisted on looking for RABBITS!
5th July 08. We played the game of dodging showers today. Firstly in Buxton with Rich who wanted to see the town and then we took a big chance on having a BBQ in the evening. Fortunately we managed to stay dry. Di bought a new mobile phone in Buxton, this one with bigger keys which will be easier for her to use. Emma joined us for the evening BBQ.
4th July 08. Preparing for visitors, Rich coming later today then Emma joining us tomorrow so went to supermarket in Buxton. I tried the wireless modem while sitting in the car and to my surprise it worked very well.
Late afternoon Rich arrived with a strapped up knee as he had damaged a ligament. We erected his 3 man tent next to the MH and then settled down to a meal together.
3rd July 08. Not a lot happening today, went to Buxton for Di to do shop wandering. I invested in an USB modem to get wireless Internet but don't have much faith in this Linux system accepting it. Tried to set it up back at the MH but signal strength too low, after all we are in a quarry!
Took Tim for a walk in the afternoon to Soloman's Temple see http://www.buxtononline.net/Buxton-Online98/Buxton-Online-Derbyshire-Peak-District-Community98/solomon.htm
2nd July 08. Our first trip was to Sheffield again 25 miles away to change the
Cadac and as you would expect they didn't have the correct model so we had a refund. There are a few other caravan dealers close to Crewe, our destination, so we stopped off to chase the elusive Cadac but no luck. It will have to be an internet job when we return home next week.We carried onto Crewe where Rich did a checkup and de-scale on our teeth then back to his home in Wilmslow for a meal with Emma. It was a late night with us arriving back at the MH about 11.30pm, but Timmy insisted on looking for RABBITS!
1st July 08. This was the hottest day of the year. We went to Sheffield to Towsure, a caravan accessory supermarket with the idea of looking at a Cadac Safari Chef- a gas fired cooking system, not a BBQ but a hotplate system for grilling or stir frying outdoors. We bought one needless to say!
On the return journey we stopped off in Castleton,
had our lunch in the car park then a wander around the town. I bought Di a silver pendant with a Blue John stone for her birthday in September. This is the local semi-precious stone mined in the caves.
Back at the MH we unpacked the Cadac only to discover it would only work on small gas canisters, we bought the wrong model. Guess where we will be going tomorrow!
The evening brought very heavy rain.
30th June 08.
As predicted we moved pitch to one which gets the evening sun, actually the one next to where we were last year. The only snag is that we aren't level despite using the leveling blocks- it looks level but is way off front to back.
We then went to Bakewell to the open air street market- a favourite of Di's. As usual I spend a lot of time waiting with Timmy. This time it was useful as a person who has 3 border terriers commented that Tim looked thin but it was ok providing he was regularly wormed. We also have had the same thoughts and bearing in mind how he eats everything he can find, we decided to find a vet to buy a worming tablet. At the vets he was weighed which proved he hasn't lost any weight- a relief after our previous experience with Freddy.
Lunch was provided by a mobile snack bar- a massive Cumberland sausage in a bun with fried onions! It was huge and Tim's tablet in some sausage went down in one swallow, he didn't even notice it.
On our return to the MH it was actually warm enough to sit out in the sun. The site is quite sheltered being in a disused quarry.
29th June 08. Time to move again, this time to our last location near Buxton in the Peak District. We set off in good time but met with a road block on the A1, apparently they were removing a bridge and closed the A1. We queued for 2 hours before getting going again, even had lunch on the A1! Then on the M1 heading south we ran into the heaviest rain we have ever seen. Drop speed to 45mph and shout over the noise of the rain on the MH. It took us 7 hours to do 190 miles without a break, arriving at the site at 4.30pm. We parked up but the pitch doesn't get the evening sun- a quick switch of site seems on the cards tomorrow.
28th June 08. Di's sister and husband John from Sunderland joined us for a meal at the MH. We met them in Rothbury and directed them back to our site. Lunch was a little late and seemed to go on for most of the afternoon!
27th June 08. It was a very wet morning so we did grocery shopping and after luch it cleared up so we went to Cragside, a National Trust Property near Rothbury. Tim wasn't allowed in the house or formal gardens but we could roam over the 'marked' footpaths. During the following 2 hours we roamed ok but the footpaths were very badly marked and even with a sketch map they provided we spent much of the time trying to find where we were. We never did find the South Lake. Evenually we found our way back to the house and rock garden by which time it was raining. We arrived back at the car worn out and very wet.
25th June 08. The Northumberland coast was our destination
today. We stopped off at Craster, a small fishing village famous for kippers. Look closely and you can see the smoke rising from the smokery. It started as a fine day but we carried our folded up cagoules as we intended to walk to Dunstanburgh castle, about 1½ miles away.
As we approached the castle the weather changed to light rain from behind us. I managed some photos of the castle.
On the return journey we stopped off in Castleton,
had our lunch in the car park then a wander around the town. I bought Di a silver pendant with a Blue John stone for her birthday in September. This is the local semi-precious stone mined in the caves.Back at the MH we unpacked the Cadac only to discover it would only work on small gas canisters, we bought the wrong model. Guess where we will be going tomorrow!
The evening brought very heavy rain.
30th June 08.
As predicted we moved pitch to one which gets the evening sun, actually the one next to where we were last year. The only snag is that we aren't level despite using the leveling blocks- it looks level but is way off front to back.We then went to Bakewell to the open air street market- a favourite of Di's. As usual I spend a lot of time waiting with Timmy. This time it was useful as a person who has 3 border terriers commented that Tim looked thin but it was ok providing he was regularly wormed. We also have had the same thoughts and bearing in mind how he eats everything he can find, we decided to find a vet to buy a worming tablet. At the vets he was weighed which proved he hasn't lost any weight- a relief after our previous experience with Freddy.
Lunch was provided by a mobile snack bar- a massive Cumberland sausage in a bun with fried onions! It was huge and Tim's tablet in some sausage went down in one swallow, he didn't even notice it.
On our return to the MH it was actually warm enough to sit out in the sun. The site is quite sheltered being in a disused quarry.
29th June 08. Time to move again, this time to our last location near Buxton in the Peak District. We set off in good time but met with a road block on the A1, apparently they were removing a bridge and closed the A1. We queued for 2 hours before getting going again, even had lunch on the A1! Then on the M1 heading south we ran into the heaviest rain we have ever seen. Drop speed to 45mph and shout over the noise of the rain on the MH. It took us 7 hours to do 190 miles without a break, arriving at the site at 4.30pm. We parked up but the pitch doesn't get the evening sun- a quick switch of site seems on the cards tomorrow.
28th June 08. Di's sister and husband John from Sunderland joined us for a meal at the MH. We met them in Rothbury and directed them back to our site. Lunch was a little late and seemed to go on for most of the afternoon!
27th June 08. It was a very wet morning so we did grocery shopping and after luch it cleared up so we went to Cragside, a National Trust Property near Rothbury. Tim wasn't allowed in the house or formal gardens but we could roam over the 'marked' footpaths. During the following 2 hours we roamed ok but the footpaths were very badly marked and even with a sketch map they provided we spent much of the time trying to find where we were. We never did find the South Lake. Evenually we found our way back to the house and rock garden by which time it was raining. We arrived back at the car worn out and very wet.25th June 08. The Northumberland coast was our destination
today. We stopped off at Craster, a small fishing village famous for kippers. Look closely and you can see the smoke rising from the smokery. It started as a fine day but we carried our folded up cagoules as we intended to walk to Dunstanburgh castle, about 1½ miles away.
As we approached the castle the weather changed to light rain from behind us. I managed some photos of the castle.
and the inevitable photo of Timmy looking over walls. Our return walk was most unpleasant straight into the driving rain. Back at the village we searched for a place to have lunch but the local pub didn't admit dogs and the sandwich shop wanted silly prices so we stripped off our wet clothes and journeyed onto Seahouses, a much larger fishing town. 
On route we managed to get sandwiches and then get a cup of tea on the Harbour at Seahouses. After a walk around the town we went onto Bamburgh Castle but I couldn't find a really suitable place to stop for a photo despite going onto the beach 
which of course Timmy absolutely loved as he could run off lead. This time he did return to the whistle. This is the best photo I could get of the Farne 
Islands, hopefully the flashing light can be seen from the lighthouse.
24th June 08. Made an early start to go to Hexham which was about 30 miles away towards Newcastle. It was quite a large town, even had a department store where I bought some jeans! After a stroll around we pressed on to find Hadrian's wall and the fortifications at Housesteads.
We had our picnic lunch at the Roman Temple IP 2580. The roads were obviously Roman as they were straight for miles, following the undulations of the land.
23rd June 08. After lunch today we went to Rothbury, just 10 miles away as we were having a local day today to give Timmy a break from being in the car.
which of course Timmy absolutely loved as he could run off lead. This time he did return to the whistle. This is the best photo I could get of the Farne 
Islands, hopefully the flashing light can be seen from the lighthouse.
24th June 08. Made an early start to go to Hexham which was about 30 miles away towards Newcastle. It was quite a large town, even had a department store where I bought some jeans! After a stroll around we pressed on to find Hadrian's wall and the fortifications at Housesteads.
We had our picnic lunch at the Roman Temple IP 2580. The roads were obviously Roman as they were straight for miles, following the undulations of the land.
23rd June 08. After lunch today we went to Rothbury, just 10 miles away as we were having a local day today to give Timmy a break from being in the car. It was a very picturesque small town and had a computer shop where we were able to log 
onto the internet to collect our emails with the usual load of spam.
On the return journey we found a road to the Simonside Hills and stopped for a walk. Tim was more than interested in the sheep! On the top of the hill was an ancient monument, the cup and ring stone and good views over . Fortunately the rain held off until we got back to the car.
22nd June 08. The weather forecast was poor today so rather than just sit in the MH we decided to go to the Kielder Forest via Elsdon, Otterburn and Bellingham. On route we saw fox running across a field, it's been years since seeing one but I suppose they will be more common with the ban on hunting with dogs. Di also saw a red kite.
Kielder forest and water was a lot more mature since our visit some 25 years ago but the rain and mist prevented me taking any photos.
21st June 08. The longest day- that's ironic as the rains set in after lunch, persisting through the evening with nightfall happening around 10pm! A far cry from 11pm which was the norm at Garlieston. During the morning we went to Morpeth, quite a large town, had a brief walk around then did grocery shopping- well Di did that and I sat in the car dog sitting. We were looking for a dog friendly pub to have a meal when Di's sister visits us but had no luck, dogs banned everywhere.
20th June 08. The coast beckoned us today so we set off on a tortuous route (by sat nav) east to Druridge Bay, a magnificent stretch of sand as far as the eye can see IP2560. On the way a red squirrel dashed across he road in front of the car. This was one of the few places where we considered Timmy would be safe without his lead but we were so wrong as he saw a dog about ¼ mile away and took off despite my attempts to call him back with the whistle. Finally I shouted at the top of my voice and he returned.
onto the internet to collect our emails with the usual load of spam.
On the return journey we found a road to the Simonside Hills and stopped for a walk. Tim was more than interested in the sheep! On the top of the hill was an ancient monument, the cup and ring stone and good views over . Fortunately the rain held off until we got back to the car.22nd June 08. The weather forecast was poor today so rather than just sit in the MH we decided to go to the Kielder Forest via Elsdon, Otterburn and Bellingham. On route we saw fox running across a field, it's been years since seeing one but I suppose they will be more common with the ban on hunting with dogs. Di also saw a red kite.
Kielder forest and water was a lot more mature since our visit some 25 years ago but the rain and mist prevented me taking any photos.
21st June 08. The longest day- that's ironic as the rains set in after lunch, persisting through the evening with nightfall happening around 10pm! A far cry from 11pm which was the norm at Garlieston. During the morning we went to Morpeth, quite a large town, had a brief walk around then did grocery shopping- well Di did that and I sat in the car dog sitting. We were looking for a dog friendly pub to have a meal when Di's sister visits us but had no luck, dogs banned everywhere.
20th June 08. The coast beckoned us today so we set off on a tortuous route (by sat nav) east to Druridge Bay, a magnificent stretch of sand as far as the eye can see IP2560. On the way a red squirrel dashed across he road in front of the car. This was one of the few places where we considered Timmy would be safe without his lead but we were so wrong as he saw a dog about ¼ mile away and took off despite my attempts to call him back with the whistle. Finally I shouted at the top of my voice and he returned. 
We then made our way northwards up the coast to Warkworth, a small town with the river meandering through it. The river was crammed with swans, probably more than we had ever seen in one place. The ancient single carriageway cobbled bridge was used as the sole means of crossing the river up to 1963 when a new bridge was constructed. The town has a castle but this was the best photo I could get, then again I do have a passion for poppies!
Our route back to the site was 'guided' by the sat-nav but it tried to lead us up a driveway to a school! Yes the road existed and lead to the site but was private and definitely not suitable for cars so we had to do 3 sides of a square to return to the site! We really are located in the middle of nowhere and it would be difficult to find without the assistance of the sat-nav.
19th June 08. Time to move on again, our 3rd move to a site near Nunnykirk, Morpeth, Northumberland some 150 miles west. The nearest large town is Newcastle about 20 miles away. It took us 4 hours as the roads were either crammed with lorries, too narrow or too bumpy to keep up a decent speed. We put £50 of diesel into the MH (at £1.32 per litre!) to ensure we made it to our destination with a good margin, hoping for some cheaper on the next move. The site is quiet and well away from habitation, set in 14 acres with 84 pitches. There isn't a toilet block and none of the mobile phone networks operate. The TV is digital via a booster cable- this works well.
Timmy is in his element as his site has a great attraction RABBITS!
The spot we chose doesn't get the last of the evening sun. For the first time to our delight we managed to get the MH absolutely level! We must be getting better at it.
17th June 08. True to the forecast the weather changed today, our first rain in 18 days. I spent the morning doing odd jobs, while Di did the laundry. After lunch we ventured into Wigtown some 10 miles north. Wigtown is the book selling town with Kirkcubright being the artist's town and Castle Douglas being the food town for the area. Wigtown (pronounced Wigtun) by our site warden- I suspect the locals would say Wigtoon! Either way, Wigtown has wide streets with a curious mix of small shops which seem to stock a variety of goods, ie the newsagent sells dog food! We drove to the old harbour but didn't stop as it was just a disused wharf.
For our return journey we went via Newton Stewart to stock up on some provisions and top up the Smart with petrol. We were quite worried about the availability of diesel for the MH with our journey on Thursday as many of the filling stations were out of fuel due to the tanker driver's strike. Fortunately we heard on the news in the evening that it had been resolved and they were commencing deliveries again tomorrow. In the evening we went to the pub for a meal.
16th June 08. Made an early start and headed towards Loch Ken on the other side. On route we deviated to a RSPB viewing point for red Kites but (as is often the case) dogs were not admitted. It was a quiet car park so we had lunch. After lunch we went onto..... I've forgotten!!!!!
15th June 08. We went to the RSPB Wood of Cree reserve 15 miles north of our site and took a short walk. The information boards reported sightings of deer but we didn't see any. We saw some wood warblers high in the trees (impossible to photograph) and some unusual fungus growing on a tree. We had lunch on the picnic table provided near the car park.
Back in the car again to Loch Trool with good views of the loch and yet another Bruce's stone commemorating Robert the Bruce who led the battle of Bannockburn in 1307.
Our route back to the site was 'guided' by the sat-nav but it tried to lead us up a driveway to a school! Yes the road existed and lead to the site but was private and definitely not suitable for cars so we had to do 3 sides of a square to return to the site! We really are located in the middle of nowhere and it would be difficult to find without the assistance of the sat-nav.
19th June 08. Time to move on again, our 3rd move to a site near Nunnykirk, Morpeth, Northumberland some 150 miles west. The nearest large town is Newcastle about 20 miles away. It took us 4 hours as the roads were either crammed with lorries, too narrow or too bumpy to keep up a decent speed. We put £50 of diesel into the MH (at £1.32 per litre!) to ensure we made it to our destination with a good margin, hoping for some cheaper on the next move. The site is quiet and well away from habitation, set in 14 acres with 84 pitches. There isn't a toilet block and none of the mobile phone networks operate. The TV is digital via a booster cable- this works well.
Timmy is in his element as his site has a great attraction RABBITS!
The spot we chose doesn't get the last of the evening sun. For the first time to our delight we managed to get the MH absolutely level! We must be getting better at it.
17th June 08. True to the forecast the weather changed today, our first rain in 18 days. I spent the morning doing odd jobs, while Di did the laundry. After lunch we ventured into Wigtown some 10 miles north. Wigtown is the book selling town with Kirkcubright being the artist's town and Castle Douglas being the food town for the area. Wigtown (pronounced Wigtun) by our site warden- I suspect the locals would say Wigtoon! Either way, Wigtown has wide streets with a curious mix of small shops which seem to stock a variety of goods, ie the newsagent sells dog food! We drove to the old harbour but didn't stop as it was just a disused wharf.
For our return journey we went via Newton Stewart to stock up on some provisions and top up the Smart with petrol. We were quite worried about the availability of diesel for the MH with our journey on Thursday as many of the filling stations were out of fuel due to the tanker driver's strike. Fortunately we heard on the news in the evening that it had been resolved and they were commencing deliveries again tomorrow. In the evening we went to the pub for a meal.
16th June 08. Made an early start and headed towards Loch Ken on the other side. On route we deviated to a RSPB viewing point for red Kites but (as is often the case) dogs were not admitted. It was a quiet car park so we had lunch. After lunch we went onto..... I've forgotten!!!!!
15th June 08. We went to the RSPB Wood of Cree reserve 15 miles north of our site and took a short walk. The information boards reported sightings of deer but we didn't see any. We saw some wood warblers high in the trees (impossible to photograph) and some unusual fungus growing on a tree. We had lunch on the picnic table provided near the car park.Back in the car again to Loch Trool with good views of the loch and yet another Bruce's stone commemorating Robert the Bruce who led the battle of Bannockburn in 1307.
14th June 08. Not much to report today as we went to Stranraer about 30 miles away to the nearest large supermarket. We had a walk around the town, such as it is! The town is noted for the ferry port to Ireland. Had late lunch then went for a walk from the site past the harbour.
13th June 08. Had a lazy day today, just sitting around when not doing jobs in the MH. Met John & Val who are buying the same MH, told them about the modifications I've made. Magnificent sunset in the evening.
13th June 08. Had a lazy day today, just sitting around when not doing jobs in the MH. Met John & Val who are buying the same MH, told them about the modifications I've made. Magnificent sunset in the evening.12th June 08. Today we went sight seeing north east of Newton Steward taking a forest trail, 'the Raiders Road'. This was a very rough road, not tarmac, just compacted stones. I had to drive at 10mph to avoid shaking the car (and us) to bits! The trail was only about 5 miles long but it took 3 hours which included stopping for lunch and taking photos.
On route we saw wild goats and red deer.
On route we saw wild goats and red deer.
and some spectacular views across Stroan Loch. 
We stopped for lunch at a clearing known as 'Otter's Leap', needless to say we didn't see any but were plagued by the famous Scottish midges.In the evening Timmy went to the local pub for the first time! He was very well behaved while we had a meal. It was very good value basic pub grub and plenty of it, no frills.
11th June 08. We explored the coast from Garlieston to Glenluce then on to Newton Stewart. We were amazed at the lack of traffic, such a pleasant change to be able to drive at 30 mph and enjoy the scenery instead of having to keep up with traffic or having an idiot sitting on our tail. On route we stopped at the Isle of Whithorn, a quiet harbour.
The road hugs the coast towards Glenluce with spectacular views but not many beaches with sand. 
On to the largest town near to our site, Newton Stewart to collect provisions for the next few days .10th June 08. Lazy day today didn't take the car off site as Di needed to do the laundry using the on-site facilities. The tumble drier seemed pretty inefficient, even after 2 cycles leaving the clothes much too wet. As it was a very hot day we managed to set up some hanging space inside the MH and raised the temperature by keeping doors and windows closed to 'bake' the clothes dry! needless to say we weren't inside, we went for a walk across the beach and then sat outside the MH!
9th June 08. Back on the road again, north on the M6 and off at Carlisle into Dumfries and Galloway, down a very bumpy road to Garlieston. The caravan club site is situated right on the sea front harbour wall. We tried a number of pitches which looked reasonably level but the inevitable happened, we couldn't get the MH reasonably level. After 4 different pitches we found one on the front row which we got almost level, well good enough. I think we must be more fussy about levelling than the average MH'er! Having had a walk around Garlieston, I think it sports a pub, a small shop and a post office and that's about it other than a harbour and a beach. What more could you want!
9th June 08. Back on the road again, north on the M6 and off at Carlisle into Dumfries and Galloway, down a very bumpy road to Garlieston. The caravan club site is situated right on the sea front harbour wall. We tried a number of pitches which looked reasonably level but the inevitable happened, we couldn't get the MH reasonably level. After 4 different pitches we found one on the front row which we got almost level, well good enough. I think we must be more fussy about levelling than the average MH'er! Having had a walk around Garlieston, I think it sports a pub, a small shop and a post office and that's about it other than a harbour and a beach. What more could you want!
7th June 08. Went into Keswick in the morning with Rich and Emma looking around the camping equipment shops for bits. After lunch we went to Buttermere for a walk near the lake. Far too many sheep around to let Timmy off his lead as he would definitely chase them. Once again he had a brief swim in the lake chasing a stick.In the evening we had a BBQ, well to be precise 2 BBQ's going at he same time as we had so many things to cook! INSERT PHOTO 2497-8
6th June. Did shopping in Penrith ready for Rich and Emma arriving tonight. They arrived at 7.30pm as both had been working today. They were extremely lucky to be admitted to the site to camp as the site had full signs displayed but Di mentioned they were with us and they were allowed in. We watched as they erected the 3 man tent for the first time INSERT PHOTO EMM 007 with Rich reading the instructions as they went along! INSERT PHOTO EMM 0010 I suppose it took about an hour to get the tent and all their sleeping equipment installed. We all went back to our MH and had a meal together, finishing at 11.30pm. Rich found 2 ticks on Timmy which is surprising as he is regularly treated to prevent them. I managed to get them out with a pair of tweezers.
5th June 08. Decided to go for a longish tour of the lakes, starting from Keswick heading towards Penrith then taking a right towards Aira force (famous for the spectacular falls but not much water falling at the moment). On route we noticed the Caravan Club site at Troubeck Head so stopped off to have a look around. It's a very good site, seems quiet and most of the pitches are level, well as level as any look until you site the MH and put a spirit level on the floor to find out you still need levelling blocks! The warden admitted people objected to the noise from the nearby farm which has a quad bike and go cart track, everything is not what it seems.
Back on the road again, we travel north along the edge of lake Ullswater 7.5 miles long, the
second longest of the lakes, to Pooley bridge and then to Haweswater lake (just a 4 mile lake). A very pretty run along a bumpy road . As with all of the lakes the water level is noticeably low. We had our picnic lunch before going onto Kendal and stopping to look around the shops. In my opinion all these town centres are similar, just “women's shops”! I stand outside with Timmy and we watch the world go by while Di darts in and out picking up “bargains”.Off again on the homeward run along the side of Lake Windermere, the longest of the lakes 10.5 miles, passing Rydal water and Thirlemere on the opposite side from where we walked yesterday.
4th June 08. Drove a few miles to Thirlemere lake, parked the car and walked along the water's edge. 
Timmy seemed interested in a stick so I threw it into the lake for him. He swims!!Thirlemere lake is 3.5 miles long, ½ mile wide and 158ft deep. The going was quite rough over many rocks so we didn't walk the whole of the 3.5 miles. Di suffered later with pains in her ankles.
2nd June 08. We pack up and journey to our next destination, Castlerigg Hall, 160 miles north at Keswick in the Lake District. The site is a commercial one not Caravan Club located near Keswick overlooking Derwent Water, a truly magnificent setting. We arrived about 12.30pm and set up on our allocated spot, unfortunately without a view but very sheltered. Timmy is disappointed as there are no rabbits on site! After lunch we had a wander around Keswick, I was looking for a free wifi spot to collect emails and update the blog. I need not have bothered as I subsequently discovered there's a free wifi spot in the lounge on site.31st May 08. Had a lazy day as it was very hot 26C, just went to supermarket in Telford for bread and then spent the afternoon sitting in the sun. We took Timmy to the dog walk adjacent to the site with his Frisbee- a toy new to him, he soon got the idea of bringing it back but getting him to drop it was just another game of tugging.
Feeling sad today as we found
out Jo's father in law has been diagnosed with inoperable cancer and given a maximum of 2 years to live. Such a good guy, it really makes me wonder if it is better to know one's fate or just carry on until overtaken by illness. I also wonder who will be next as we have had so much sad news in the family recently.Timmy now knows about rabbits, spending many happy hours watching them around the MH Not a quiet time as he cries to get at them.
30th May 08. Took a picnic lunch to the Wolsley Centre about 15 miles away from the site. On route we passed through Cannock Chase (a large heath land) which we returned to on our way back to the site. The Wolsley Centre is based around a man made pond with level walks and a sensory garden where we sat for our picnic. Timmy enjoyed seeing ducks at close range!
In the evening we had a BBQ which turned out to be a disaster, my first in 30 years. The BBQ was new but I can't blame it on that, I just think I didn't have enough briquettes to burn off the quantity of fat dropping from the meat and in consequence it just didn't burn hot enough. The only answer was to finish off the meat in the MH oven and accept defeat.
29th April. We journeyed to High Onn which is located near, well nothing much at all, it's in the middle of nowhere! I suppose the nearest known town would be Stafford in the Midlands. We chose this as a stopping off place on our way to Keswick in the Lake District and will stay for 4 days. The site is on a former WW2 airfield although there's little evidence of it's former use, just the tops of some air-raid shelters showing in the nearby fields and slabs of concrete which I assume are the foundations of buildings. Their present use now being hard standings for the caravans and motorhomes. None of the runways now exist as they were all demolished and the land returned to agriculture at the end of the war. The buildings however were subsequently used as accommodation for displaced Polish persons up to 1963.
It is quiet except for the birdsong and not frequented by many families with children as it doesn't have a toilet block- we have to use our own facilities.
There's an excellent dog walk in an adjacent
field which we used today with Timmy but I had a panic when I realized I didn't have the MH keys with me. I had previously found a new way to lock the doors by pressing the button and slamming the door- a good trick Glyn with the keys inside!!!!! Panic over and a good giggle when we thought the under bed locker probably wasn't locked, our Saviour. With a bit of contortion and limbo dancing I managed to squeeze through the locker hatch and push up the bed and wriggle into the van. Fortunately the alarm system wasn't set to draw attention to our antics! We then got the folding chairs out and sat in the sun with a cup of tea having a laugh at my stupidity. I don't think this will happen again but it did prove just how easy it is to gain access to the MH with the locker not secured. 
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