29 September 2007

Miles from anywhere.
Or how to lose a barn in a landscape photo.

Just had a short break in the Dales. Last went there about 25 years ago.

We stayed in a National Trust converted barn on the top of Mallam Moor. Eight miles down a single track road with passing places. Remote does not begin to cover it.

The barn was very good, built yonks ago with walls two feet thick, made out of the local stone. It had views of not so gently rising moors and crags.

The silence was touchable, you could cut it with a knife, interspersed with the occasional bleat of the sheep. Fantastic. But no TV or Sky. So no cricket or sport. Oh God, just conversation.

If there was a tiny lane we went down it, up it, along it and over it. One in four gradeient with a sharp uphill bend was the norm. Fun in the mist and interesting at night. Loved it.

Lots to mention but some of the good things to say were "The Naked Man Cafe'" in Settle. They do the BEST cooked breakfast in the world. Ever.

The track out of Arncliff, the parking along the river in the sun with a coffee and a sandwich. The pub in the middle of nowhere with hot roast beef & mustard bagettes and a pint of their own beer. The trip to the highest pup in England (it was crap) but the drive was wonderful. The tea room next to the canel in Skipton watching the boats go by. See photo above.


Just some memories. More later.

And Of Motorways

M6 toll road is great, M25 is crap. M40 nice , M42 not cool.

GB

Good to keep in touch despite being away, seems to be a lot to catch up on. Will have long chat soon. Good to see the children have been looking after her. Much left unwritten.

Time to go,

Bye Folks

Simple of Sussex.