All For a Few Photos -The End

I wasn’t up quite as early as planned but it didn’t take too long to get packed up and leave site; Greggs at Scotch Corner provided breakfast on my way to visiting relatives near Leeds. 

It’s been a bad few days on the roads and I got caught out on the A1M, ending up detouring for a few miles. Apart from that though it was a smooth run home with a couple of brief stops. 

Conclusions from the trip? Not too many really. Not having too much planned worked out ok this time but I’ll probably revert to normal practice next year! In the end I took the bike and never used it, that was partly due to how things worked out with meeting a friend on Thursday, when I might otherwise have gone cycling, and a lot to do with the hot weather at the back end of the week. I’m committed that in the future I’ll take one or other bike on most holidays. Having the bike rack on doesn’t cause too many problems and with the rat bike I don’t feel uncomfortable leaving it parked up for a few hours. 

Not camping related but my vague plan of retiring to Barnard Castle will need a rethink. It’s still a lovely place but the transport issues need considering - although most things are available in the town if you want to go further afield you have to drive or it’s a long bus ride, something that was mentioned by a couple of people. On the other hand it’s a very friendly place, other than on the main street you get a lot of good mornings or hellos from passing strangers and shop people are often ready for a bit of a chat. I’ve got ten years to make a decision but I might start looking for somewhere nearer a railway station. 😊

All For a Few Photos - Day 9

Another lazy day!

This has been an unusual holiday by my standards in that, partly thanks to Covid, I haven’t had things planned for each day. Today I sat reading and pottering for most of the morning before heading out, as much as anything to get some fresh air, but still with no real plan. 

First stop was Eggleston Abbey for a few photos, there were a few people there but with care I avoided getting them in shot; hopefully one or two pics will be suitable for the TOGs Calendar competition. From there I managed to drive past, and then turned back to, the farm shop/café that I had in mind for lunch (I think I did the same last time I visited it). It was ok, not great, which I think is how I felt a few years ago. 

Still with no real plan I headed up the dale towards Brough then back over to Middleton and on to Grassholme Reservoir. It’s largely drained at the moment for dam works but the small dinghies still managed to get out. It does have a small visitor centre which provided a welcome ice cream. 

The final stop was the Mickleton Station car park on the Tees Railway Trail. I’d hoped to cycle there but the hot weather put me off and, as I’d suspected, it would need mountain bike tyres as it’s more mud/earth than laid surface. As sometimes happens I got chatting to a local lady who was waiting for her son and his partner to find a geocache (they did get it in the end, with some difficulty). She expressed the opinion that it was a shame the line was closed and effectively destroyed (most of the bridges were removed) as it would be useful for freight traffic. There is some truth in that, I can see there being a need for more local freight interchange terminals as we transition away from IC engines, but I think that line would always have been too small. 

Tomorrow it’s off home. ☹️

All For a Few Photos - Day 8

I take the few photos!

I finally got to carry out the main exercise of the trip and take the photos of the coal depot site in Sunderland that I’m currently modelling. It wasn’t a wasted trip by any means, I’ve now got things more firmly settled in my mind, but I doubt any of the photos will themselves work for the backscenes. I’d have needed the chainsaw and my canal restoration friends to remove a lot of vegetation to get anything very useful. 

As I didn’t have any need to spend much time in the town, and as it was a hot day, I did the sensible thing and went to the seaside. Good job I didn’t have that chainsaw though:

I can only assume they’ve had people cutting up firewood in the past. As I was at Roker, and within a few yards of one of the best Fish and Chip shops in the country, lunch was easily sorted! 

The A1M had been closed since the previous day, and the SatNav was showing lots of red around Durham, so I decided to cut across North of the city via Penshaw Monument (the sign you’re nearly “home” to many) and Stanley. I debated stopping at the latter to visit Durham Trains of that ilk but frankly couldn’t be bothered as it wasn’t a great model shop last time I visited. 

From there I headed up Weardale to Frosterley before turning off to cross the watershed into Teesdale. Many of the places I passed are referenced in the Lost Railways of Durham book I was reading yesterday and the evidence of the activity that really started the railways is all around. Here are a couple of pics I snapped on the way:

These are just small operations but they are signs of the mineral wealth that built the North East into an industrial powerhouse, sadly now much declined (but at least Nissan are expanding). 

Tomorrow is a “free day” in that I’ve absolutely nothing planned. I really should get the rat bike out but with a forecast of solid sunshine and high temperatures I’m not sure I will. What I really need is a nice cool shady spot next to an old railway where I can do a bit of cycling for the sake of it then relax, preferably without having to drive very far, but I think that’s a rather tall order. 

All For a Few Photos - Day 7

Another lazy day! 

Before coming away I’d made tentative arrangements with one of the TOGs (Terry’s Old Geezers and Gals) to meet up for coffee, which we’d firmed up for today. We’d never actually met before (this isn’t unusual in this modern virtual world) but ended up chatting for well over two hours! It was a pleasant way to spend some time and good that we could meet up, albeit in an outdoor socially distanced way. 

The other aim today was to try and get some better photos of the castle to enter in a calendar competition. I think the ones I took in the afternoon are an improvement as the haze had burnt off and the sun was in a better direction. We’ll have to see when I get home and view them on a computer but I’m sure something will work. The only disappointment was the sky was a bit flat as I tried some B&W shots as well but I don’t think they’ll amount to anything. 

Something I have decided is that if I ever do realise the dream of moving to BC it’ll have to be a property at the top of the hill - the riverside flats are all very well but you’d need to be fit! 😀

I needed a bit of shopping so popped in to Morrisons and one butchers then noticed another butchers advertising hot pork rolls. One of those went down very well, sat on the castle green, and it came with loads of proper cackling, delicious. The shopping didn’t help the walk back to site though as I had two medium sized bottles of Coke in the rucksack. 😕

A different view of the castle:

And BC at play!

All For a Few Photos - Day 6

Where I go on a road trip!

I followed a pattern set the last time I stopped here at Barnard Castle (which, coincidentally, was on the pitch opposite the one I’m on this trip) and had a drive round some old holiday haunts. Middleton in Teesdale was the site of two of my earliest holidays in, I think, probably 1967 and 1968. We stopped in a caravan permanently parked behind Bob Raine’s TV shop, the shop is now the Tourist Information and the yard behind seems given over to parking but they’re still there. I’ve been back a fair number of times since and could spend all night reminiscing. I did buy a book while I was there, actually more a booklet, on Industrial Steam Locomotives. It was only £2.99 from the community bookshop and won’t take up much room on the bookcase. 

From Middleton I headed over to Brough then stopped in Kirkby Stephen for a disappointing coffee in the bistro at the back of the outdoors shop. The next stop from there was the Wensleydale Creamery, I like a bit of cheese, Grommit! Good job too as there was loads of it in the Macaroni Cheese I had for lunch! The car park was nearly full so I was quite surprised to actually get into the cafe without a huge queue, I think that’s the first time I’ve eaten there. Of course I then visited the Cheese Shop and came away with some White and Blue Wensleydale cheeses as well as a book on Lost Railways of Durham and Teeside - do you know what an anorak is? Glen does! 

It’s only a short hop from there down to the Hawes car park. We first holidayed near Hawes in the hot summer of ‘76, fortunately the river ran just below the campsite; since then I’ve been back on a DoE practice weekend then took the folding camper there a few years ago. It’s always very busy but I was able to get parked, do a bit of shopping (fresh baked baguette to go with the cheese) and generally mooch around. 

In the past I’ve stopped in Leyburn as well but this time I just drove through and, with the SatNav set on Shortest Route headed back to BC. The army were clearly running around going bang-bang, I’d seen the red flags out early on near Middleton and this time I had to divert as two roads across one of the ranges were closed - it wasn’t a problem, and going round was better than getting shot! 

The last part of the route took me past Eggleston Abbey, last time I was there I witnessed clandestine goings on in the Rover Owners Club! Two pristine pre-classic Rovers were in the car park and a lady and gentleman were sharing a picnic, complete with genuine tartan flasks. The fact they’d driven out to a fairly obscure spot in separate cars certainly looked a bit suspicious. 

After that alll that remained was to fill the ‘van with petrol to save having to do so later in the week before getting back to site. There’s no photos of the day, although I had the camera, of course, I’ve photographed it all before and the day was more about reinforcing memories than anything else. 

All For a Few Photos - Day 5

Should have gone to…Barnard Castle!

After another slowish start to the day I walked into BC. The first stretch from the site is down a busy road but there is a path then you can cross the river via a footbridge, where you probably get the best view of the castle itself. 

The shops haven’t changed much in the few years since I last visited, fortunately; something I didn’t mention yesterday was a malfunction in the walking shoe department, the lining on the heel of one having come away leaving quite a sharp edge. A couple of sticking plasters fixed it temporarily but my favourite outdoor shop came to the rescue again, as I commented to them, last time I was in it was for emergency boot laces, this time it was emergency boots! As a bonus the ones I got were discounted from £70 to £45. 

I’d had coffee and orange cake mid morning at The Hayloft Bistro and then went back to the same place for lunch. I didn’t want a huge amount so went for the Ploughman’s, suffice to say I won’t need much tea tonight! Pork pie, scotch egg, three different cheeses, fresh bread, pickles etc. all good quality and only £5. 

That was about it for the day, I wandered around, looked in a couple of bookshops but didn’t buy anything; I also browsed the estate agents window in passing as I have a long term plan to possibly move here when I retire. Suffice to say that the difference in property prices from where I live makes it feasible.  The visit ended with the walk down to the river via Thorngate Mill (which in the time I’ve known it has been a bookshop and an antiques centre but which is now apartments, yes I’d like one and yes I could probably afford one). 

The only problem with the place really is the fact the castle is at the top of a cliff so it’s a steep walk whichever way you go. This is looking back up the aptly named Bank towards the Market Cross. 

From there it was back over the river and up the hill to the site. I probably overdid it a bit but a sit down and a read, with the new sun canopy being used in anger for the first time, and I’m fine. Overall a much better day. 

All For a Few Photos -Day 4

Today has probably been one of my least satisfying holiday days in some time. The weather has been wet and miserable throughout and has left me feeling unfulfilled. I knew it wasn’t going to be great when I decided to wash up from breakfast in the ‘van rather than get rained on walking to the facilities only for the water to run out! It’s a bit of a faff refilling as I have to unlock the bike so I can carefully tilt the rack at the same time as opening the tailgate, still it’s done now for another few days. Looking for positives, the tea plate that had slipped over the back of the kitchen storage a while back had finally migrated to the water locker so, having been washed up this evening, is now back where it should be. 😊 I can’t help feeling that the wardens at this site may have gone slightly overboard on the Covid precautions compared to where I was there other week. At Carsington they closed she middle of the three waking up sinks with the outer two being available as they’re well spaced, the same could have applied here but they’ve actually only left one sink to be used. 

The Durham Mining Museum is just a couple of rooms in Spennymoor Town Hall looked after by a couple of ex miners, it wasn’t really worth the drive up there but if one was in the town anyway it’s interesting enough -there’s a fair collection of mining memorabilia and pit photos, and we had a bit of a chat. 

They’ve built a small mock-up section of underground,  complete with a pit pony, primarily for the kids. As it happened a couple of local girls were there (it’s a frequent treat for them) so I got to see what they’ve done. It’s actually very good! Apparently the tunnel walls, which are quite realistic were acquired from an episode of the George Gently TV series. The museum had lent them a number of safety lamps for the filming and when they collected them the producers asked if they could do anything in return. The wall sections from the set were just lying there waiting to be skipped so a deal was done; instead of the previous flat painted ply wood they now have professionally built scenic walls. 

There was a butcher’s shop handy as well so I stocked up on some fresh meat, pies, etc. to keep me going for the next few days, and I’d picked up a couple of essentials already, so I’m set for a while. What I do tomorrow is still weather dependent. The rain is supposed to clear by the morning but it’s not going to be a great day so Sunderland is out. After a bit of driving today I’ll probably either walk into the town or get the bike out. 

A little aside that I forgot to include yesterday, at Locomotion was a youngish man with little boy in pushchair. Youngster is going, “ Choo-choos, Choo-choos!” Dad’s* comment to me in passing, “It’s a good job we live very close!” I guess it’s a regular trip for them on a Sunday, and no bad thing. I got another brief comment in passing from a local today, however I’m afraid I can’t tell you what it was as I didn’t understand! I just smiled and said, “Aye” which covers most things. 😊

I was musing that having a small camper makes you lazy. Fancy a beer? Just lean over to the fridge and get one. Bag of crisps? Lean the other way and they’re in the cupboard. I don’t even have to get up** to cook as the stove is right by the seat. 

*One probably shouldn’t presume that’s the relationship but we’ll take it that they are father and son. 

**Can’t get up would be more accurate, there’s little head room! 

All For a Few Photos - Day 3

I promised you trains…

Having stirred reasonably early I had a leisurely sort out of the van, deciding I’d pick up some breakfast on the way (which I did). The visit for the day was Locomotion - The National Railway Museum at Shildon; I’d been before but there was a model railway show going on last time, and there’s been a change in exhibits, so I felt it was worth another look. 

As with a lot of places you have to book timed tickets to avoid having lots of people queueing although in truth it wasn’t so busy it would ever have been a problem*. I’d gone for the first slot at 10:30-11:00 and just had to wait a few moments while they unlocked the doors. There’s a lot of variety in the displays from the very earliest locos (Shildon’s slogan is “The Cradle of the Railways) to some modern ones with a number of wagons and coaches thrown in. There’s also a bit of fantasy:

This is, of course, a Rowland Emett creation, I’ll post the video of it running once I’ve edited out the people walking through the shot! 

Contrary to what the web site had suggested the cafe were doing a limited range of hot meals so I settled on pie, chips and beans for dinner** before having a final wander. One loco has a connection to my current model railway build, the Lyon (or Lyons, there seems to be some doubt which) was built in 1852 for the Hetton Colliery Railway which is featured adjacent to the coal depot I’m modelling. Unusually for such an early loco it wasn’t withdrawn until 1912 although it was rebuilt in 1882. 

The museum isn’t huge and everything is quite close together which makes photography difficult however I understand they have plans for a second building which, when it finally happens, will be a good excuse for another visit! 

The drive to site was uneventful and not all that far so I got checked in early afternoon. When I was last here the site emptied out quite a bit when the Teesside weekenders went home but this year it seems to be pretty much full for the week. My plans for the next few days are fluid, there’s rain forecast for tomorrow and the sun doesn’t really make an appearance until Wednesday; I want decent weather for taking photos in Sunderland so that’s going to be later in the week, probably Thursday as it’s market day in BC on Wednesday (I’ll keep checking the forecast though). I need a shopping stock up so I’ll see what it’s like in the morning. If the forecast is right it’ll be raining through to about 1pm so I may have a lazy morning then walk over to the town in the afternoon, alternatively I fancy a visit to the Durham Mining Museum in Spennymoor which would fill some time. 

*It would be different at the main site in York. 

**I’m oop North, the midday meal is dinner and the evening one is tea, live with it!

All For a Few Photos - Day 2

Where nothing much happens! 

After yesterday’s report I spent the evening sitting round the fire pit with fellow campers supping a few beers, it was an enjoyable time but unfortunately I also found a problem - when I returned to collect another pint I found the fridge had stopped working due to a low battery. Given the combined efforts of the solar panel and drive up it’s fairly clear the battery isn’t holding charge very well. I’m not entirely surprised, in hindsight I really should have removed it during the last 18 months and charged it regularly. 

From tomorrow I’ll be on hookup anyway so it was only today that was the problem. Fortunately once the solar panel kicked in this morning the battery had enough life for the fridge to run during daylight (which means I  have cold beer). There’s only the milk that’s likely to spoil, and that’s easily replaced, so I decided against a panic run to Halfords for a new battery; I’ll replace it when I’m back home. 

That’s really about as exciting as it’s been all day! In the end I decided just to stay on site but with poor weather, including some rain that wasn’t forecast, I’ve just been sitting around reading with occasional chats when I have ventured away from the ‘van. 

I’m posting this sat sitting back by the fire pit with a can or two of Tanglefoot, it’s dry but a little chilly however there are few better ways to spend an evening. 

All For a Few Photos - Day 1

My latest trip is back to the North East, primarily to get some photos for the latest model railway build which is based in Sunderland. I’d planned, moved and finally cancelled the visit last year so I’m relieved Covid has settled down sufficiently to actually get there. 

The first couple of days are with a Facebook Berlingo Camper group at a site near Northallerton. There’s supposed to be about 35 ‘vans, which proves how popular they are. On the way I broke the journey at Newark Air Museum - it’s an interesting place, provided you like planes and helicopters! It was good for a couple of hours wander with coffee and cake in the middle. Unfortunately from there the A1 was a bit of a nightmare, nothing specific just the usual Friday busy, with a couple of delays. I also made the mistake of a pit stop at Wetherby services, heaving but necessary. 

Since arriving on site I’ve broached the beer stocks and chatted to a few people, that’s probably going to be the theme until Sunday. I’d like to pop down to the town tomorrow morning but it’s just a bit further there and back than I can easily walk, they’re digging up the place so the ‘van is out and the road is fairly busy and narrow which makes me reluctant to cycle. We’ll decide in the morning, or I might just stop on site and not bother. 

There’s only really one photo I can include today, although far from being the rarest plane in the collection (I could go and look at another Vulcan when I’m in Sunderland, apparently it’s in better condition than last time I was there).