Happy 2008 to all our readers!
The pictures and posts have got away from us/me a little as the tour continues.
We left Lumb the day after Boxing Day to spend 2 nights in Lancaster. It had proved difficult to find a campsite anywhere near the city that was able to take us, and we couldnt think of anyone who had a drive big enough to fit the van, so we ended up at Hollgates in Silverdale. It was pricey at nearly #40 a night, but the site was well placed in the limestone woodlands witha view down to Morecambe bay. Even better for the boys was the reception complex which held a large indoor swimming pool, along with a spa pool, steam and sauna room. That made up for the extra cost as we swam every day we were there. The weather was truly awful with howling gales and driving rain. The van rocked so much that it was hard to sleep.
Stuart went to stay with his old school friend Matty. We were all treated to a little party in the Cathedral library by Fran, Barbara and Sheila. Thanks ladies, it was a really nice gesture.
We spent a bit of time in Lancaster city centre on Friday - not pleasant- very busy and shops full of useless tat! The boys needed a dose of cheap crap though. Then onto the Greggy to meet up with Alastair and Roger. Didn't get a pic of you Roger! Good to catch up on all the news of lancaster and Scotland.
We returned to Lumb on saturday for a family party. I met up with all my siblings for the first time in maybe 4 years. There was not enough time to really catch up. It felt a bit like we had all met up at the same bus station before our paths whipped us all apart again. Not that I am comparing Mum and Dads house to a bus station - he adds hurriedly. Still even a brief meeting was better than nothing. The boys got to meet their cousins again. There was a bit of hierarchy settling as Patrick discovered that he is the youngest cousin and could not throw his weight around in the manner he is used to with his older brothers. Stuart seemed impressed by the musical abilities of his cousins. I certainly was impressed by Tom's songs. Check out his webpage: http://www.myspace.com/theshybairns
It was good too see all my sibs and nephews and neices and in-laws.
On Sunday I went for an excellent walk at dawn (8am!) up to wheathead again and over the tops along paths that I used to tread when i was living there 20 years ago. The woods were taller, some farmers are looking after their walls and some have fallen down any more. The grass was bitten pretty short with lots of sheep grazing.
We took off back to Cambs after taking our leave of Mum and Dad.
Now it is New Years Day and we are in Stretham. We had a plaesant party last night at Nick and Karlas. I took the boys into Cambridge for the day. Eric had been very desperate to go on a train. I had hoped to go to the Botanic Gardens but it was closed as was the Fitzwilliam Museum and the public Library. We had to make do by eating danish Pastries at the Copper Kettle. Went bowling in Ely and then back for the party. Tres fun ... 2007 all over ......
