Another brick in the wall

 Another day, another holiday. That’s what 2021 feels like. Despite Covid and the inability/unwillingness to venture abroad, we have had some amazing trips. This time Ian, Misty and I are venturing up North. In fact as far North as you can go in the UK.

Day one involves the shortish trip up to Hexham and Battlesteads, dog friendly, hotel. A place where we have previously stayed and enjoyed. But first we had lots of things to do.

1. A haircut. For me. Ian now cuts my hair, but this time he cut the fringe a tad short. Never mind, it will grow.

2. Collect my car from the garage where it has been having some bodywork done.

3. Loads of phone calls involving the new electric car, the old car, tyres, teeth, and of course a happy birthday to my big sister Irene. Xx

4. Finish packing, including all Misty’s paraphernalia.

5. Load the car (and what a big load it is!)

6. Put the bikes on the roof

7. Cup of tea

We then decided to have a sandwich and coffee.

By 1.30pm we were all ready to depart. Just a stop over at the petrol station in kimberworth to fill up with high quality diesel. Unfortunately the high quality diesel pump Ian  stopped at was out of use and he had to use low quality. ‘I remember now!’ He exclaimed. ‘Last time I came that pump was leaking all over the place and I complained about it. They must have blocked it off because of me’. How we laughed. Then it was merely time to check the tyre pressure, and we were off.

It was a fabulously warm Autumn day and, as luck would have it, there was a serious delay on the A1 northbound. Lucky because the sat nav took us cross country. After various stunning vistas we came across Derwent reservoir (not that one) and decided to take a break. Ian enjoyed it so much he became very stateley.

We couldn’t let Misty swim though. Who wants their dog disappearing up the pipe?

We arrived at Battlesteads around 5pm to find our chalet was enormous. It also came armed with Misty treats and was entered by a slope. Hurrah!

Battlesteads  is in Wark, for those who are interested, near to Hadrian’s wall. Ian has been doing a bit of running, spurred on by the fact that Vicky is also in training. It’s coming round to Santa Dash time. Looking at the map we found that a nice level run could be accessed across the weak bridge. Misty and I set off with him and went as far as the weak bridge.

The weak bridge is very picturesque. But weak. As we returned to the chalet, Misty rushed in ahead of me searching for Ian. When he couldn’t be found she was bereft. He soon returned though, and required the giant fan to cool him down.

A short rest and it was time for tea. Misty was allowed too so we trotted across to the main building.

‘You are through here’ said the waitress. ‘Careful, there’s a very yappy dog in.’ She was right. Misty took one look and laid down. My dog. 😍. Ian and I stared superiorally across the table. The meal was a bit disappointing. Stop reading now Vicky, Alex and Kathy. Ian had rabbit and duck. I had soup and venison. Wow! Looking at it in the cold light of day we went heavily  anti-vegetarian. Glad I didn’t go for the horse starter. 

Thankfully, the yappy dog left, yapping away, to be replaced by an old lab and two spaniels. All of them settled down no fuss. Everyone breathed a sigh of relief. 

After discussions about electric cars, motor homes, Jedburgh, and Ben Miller (who I met in Cheltenham) it was time for bed. As we exited the bar Misty met a new friend.

Tomorrow we head for Falkirk