Robin Hood Bay

We rented a car for the weekend and drove nearly 4 hours north to the Yorkshire Moors and Wolds.
"Most of the area takes the form of an elevated, gently rolling plateau, cut by numerous deep, steep-sided, flat-bottomed valleys of glacial origin. The wolds are composed of chalk and provide exceptionally good drainage. The unusual topography results in an "upside-down" farming system - livestock (mostly sheep and cows) graze the valleys, with the hills above used for crops."
This was the tiny seaside village of Robin Hood Bay. It's where the Coast to Coast trail ends, a hiking trail that traverses 190 miles across England from sea to sea. One can hire a service to carry your things from village to village or carry a pack yourself. It is very popular in the 50-70 year old crowd. One thing we noticed about the English, is that they walk a lot. We saw many people of all ages wearing their Wellies (a good boot to have in the mud!) and carrying a walking stick, walking along the public footpaths, through fields, farms, folks backyards, drives and lanes. I wish we had a similar view of using private property for creating these paths. I think we would walk a lot more.

Seascape

This is the view from Robin Hood Bay, looking north.

Robin Hood Bay Street Scene

I really can't believe that they could build these houses on the steep cliffside hundreds of years ago. There are twisty turny tiny streets, each one cuter than the one before. Robin Hood Bay is filled with tea shops, pubs and artisan shops. A very splendid way to spend an afternoon.

Rescue

If you can't read this sign, the gist of it is that in 1881 a ship ran ashore. The lifeboat was brought over 6 miles through 7 feet of snow. The crew was rescued.

Samllest House Ever

This was taken down a little walkway. That white building at the end is the smallest house I've ever seen! It does have 2 stories though.

From the Sea

Luckily it was low tide when we were here so we walked down to the tidal pools. Of course, there's never a pub too far away.

Fancy Curtains

Loved this treatment to the valance.

Post Offices for Mo

Osmotherly

Stayed for the weekend in this charming farming village of Osmotherly in the Yorkshire Moors. Even though it is very tiny, maybe 200 residents, it has 4 pubs. We sampled 2 of them.

Yorkshire Moors

On the Moors

Beware of Sheep

Yorkshire Moors

This is a typical view of the walk we took through the moorland. It consists of mostly course grasses and bracken, but plenty of heather.

Heather all around

Part of the Coast to Coast Trail.

Yorkshire Moor Hike

Here I am, blending into the landscape as always. Hiked on the Coast to Coast trail. Left from Osmotherly and hiked up to a monument on a hill. Heather was all around, but not in bloom of course. It must be awesome when it's all in pink. http://www.mickledore.co.uk/holidays/coasttocoast.htm

Sheep on the moor

Hi girls! Saw plenty of sheep, but no lambs yet.

Dragon Tree

Trip to Whitby

Drove from Osmotherly to Whitby over the Yorkshire moors. Whitby is a popular destination, especially in the summer. It was quite crowded the day we were there, so wouldn't like to see what it's like in the summer.

Lobster Pots

We got to sample a lobster tail for just 1 pound note. What a deal!

Whitby

Whitby is a seaport town on the eastern coast and is known for it's fish (surprise!). It was chilly and a bit spitty but undeniably beautiful.

Busy day in Whitby

New houses in Whitby

These are new houses. I thought that they blended right into the older houses.

Dream Shop

Spent a bit of time in this eclectic shop. Got some great yarn (yeah, I need more!).

Kippers, Yuck!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kipper
I always thought they were bait! This place was visited by 'Two Fat Ladies', the 2 women who have a TV show, traveling around the country on a motorcycle with a sidecar trying out various restaurants.

Eating Fish 'n Chips

Everyone was eating fish 'n chips so we had to too. It was fresh, greasy and so yummy!

Whitby street

Whitby Ganseys

Gansey sweaters are found in this village. These sweaters were knit by the women of the village for their fisherman. Each village had their own identifiable knitting pattern design motif, related to the sea. When fisherman were found dead on the shoreline, they could be identified by their pattern and sent back to their village. They are knit with tightly spun yarn, to repel water. The patterning on the front and back is the same so it's reversible and the thickness of the patterning also keeps them warmer. The bottom is left rather plain so when it becomes too worn out, it can be unraveled and re-knit. It is tight fitting so it's warmer and so it doesn't come off in the water if they died. For more info:
http://www.manorhouse.clara.net/knitwear/ganseys.htm
http://www.manorhouse.clara.net/knitwear/history.htm

Rentals in Whitby

Little Betty's

This adorable shop is in Whitby. IT is all decked out for Easter.

Farm near Rivaulx Abbey

This quaint little farm was nestled in this valley in the Yorkshire Wolds right near the abbey.

Rivaulx Abbey

Built in 1132 by Cistercian monks. They followed a very monastic life. I think I would've felt like this:
I cannot endure the daily tasks here; the sight of it all revolts me.
I am tormented and crushed down by the Vigils, the food cleaves to my mouth, more bitter than wormwood, the rough clothing cuts through my skin and flesh down to my very bones.

Rivaulx Abbey

At one time, 650 monks lived in the Abbey. They were to be totally self-sufficient, growing their own food and making their own clothes. They raised sheep for their wool. Most of them wore just white, but the abbots wore dyed black wool.
Bloodletting was a common practice, taking place 4 times a year for restorative reasons and to quench sexual desires. Anything it takes!
http://cistercians.shef.ac.uk/glossary/bloodletting.php

Nave at Rivaulx Abbey

The Rules of St. Benedict were strictly followed here. The monks were not allowed to eat meat.
"I abstain from meat because by over-feeding the body I also feed carnal desires; I strive to take even bread with moderation, lest my heavy stomach hinder me in standing up for prayer." They could not eat anything with 4 legs, just 2, like chickens (or 2-legged sheep!) Although in later years, they relaxed a bit and were allowed to eat meat once a week.

Village at Rivaulx Abbey

Quakers

Quakers for Peace in York. Too bad it's not working.

York Cathedral

York Fort

Clifford's Tower built in 1244. http://www.cliffordstower.com/

Bile Beans

Saw this advertisement from the Wall. "Bile Beans, Keep You Healthy, Bright-Eyed & Slim". Sounds yummy! Can't wait to try those bile beans.

York Walls

There is a walkway around York on the Walls, built around 600. There are nice views of the city and some people's private gardens.

Dalis Shopping

Shopping in York. A very busy Saturday.

Let's Go!

This sign is right on the hiking/biking trail.

Green Man Pub

We were here the other night but got a night pic of it. Here it is in the day. It's charming. Grantchester Meadows trail is right behind it so it's just a 2-mile bike ride to scones/tea or beer.

Field Stile

I walked up and over this stile to the river. One can punt up the river to take tea at the Orchard.

The Orchard

Saw a sign, 'Serving Scones Now.' I have a soft spot for scones (well, many soft spots as it turns out!) and immediately pedaled in. Got a perfect English scone and cup of coffee and took it outside to the orchard. They claim that more famous people have had tea here than anywhere else. The poet, Rupert Brooke, lived here in 1909.
http://www.orchard-grantchester.com/

Just now the lilac is in bloom, all before my little room: and in my flower-beds, I think, smile the carnations and the pink; and down the borders, well I know, the poppy and the pansy blow.....Oh! There the chestnuts, summer through, beside the river make for you a tunnel of green gloom, and sleep deeply above; and green and deep the stream mysterious glides beneath, green as a dream and deep as death. Oh Damn! I know it! and I know how the May fields all golden show, and when the day is young and sweet, gild gloriously the bare feet that run to bathe.

Relaxing Under the Trees

Took my scone and coffee out to the orchard where there are many tables and these comfy loungy chairs under the trees. The sun came out when I sat down and it was delightful sitting there basking in the warmth. The only thing missing were a few of my girlfriends. A cute bird alighted on the chair across from me looking for a handout or just wanting to keep me company. (Hi Seal!) She succeeded in getting a piece of scone from me.

Footpath to scones

England has public footpaths all over the countryside. This one led to The Orchard. Spilling over the sides of the wall is quince and some other vine I don't know.

Horse Statue

This beautiful horse statue was in a field with other horses.

Missing Dog

This road was so twisty turny and slow for cars that someone posted a missing dog sign on the curve sign. Some little Yorkshire terrier is on the loose!

Long Barn

This barn just went on and on.

Church of Godly Play

On the grounds of the Church of Godly Play and in the back was this unusual guttering.

Godly Play

On my way home, I took the country route. Came across this church on the way to Grantchester. The sign reads, 'Vicarage, Please keep access clear, Godly Play.'

Full Basket

I needed a larger piece of upholstery foam for my needle felting projects. After a dozen phone calls, I found a small shop that could sell me a piece. It was about 3 miles away and I stopped at the grocery first to get some jam (Hedgerow Jam, it's just mixed berries but I liked the name) and some yogurt. I wanted to get more but thought I'd better save room for the foam. Good thing I did because you can see I couldn't get another thing in my basket. My map is ever handy though. I stop a lot and have a look and almost always someone comes over and asks, "You lost, Luv?"

Speckled Hen & Black Sheep

Had a stout lunch at the Wheatsheaf Pub in Stow cum Quy. Houston had a 'Speckled Hen Bitter' pint. The other night I had a 'Black Sheep Ale'. We tend to go for beers that have names of farm animals. (They're really good beers too!)
We hopped back on our bikes and rode in a straight line back to campus.