While out cycling early this morning, this is what I saw, 6 cygets a swimming. It’s the first time I’ve seen them and they were small so I think they must be fairly newly hatched. Delightful.

Our plans for next month are coming along nicely. All we need , is for better weather to arrive. If it doesn’t, then we just carry on but a little sun would be nice. We are trying to get out every day, building up our mileage on a Saturday.

I have heard about the tornado in Oklamhoma and my heart goes out to those who have lost so much.

I hasten to say this was DH’s 62nd birthday ride that he did today and I did not go with him.

He didn’t sleep too well and by just before 4.00am he was out of bed and dressing in the dark. Uuuhhh!  By the time he was dressed and leaving it was 4.06am and like the dutiful wife, I did get up to see him off. Then I went back to bed.

It was blowing quite hard this morning and I just rode 10 miles along the river getting home at 7.30 am and I phoned to see how he was getting on. He had ridden about 18 or so miles going along our usual route before heading off to Worsall . Not long after climbing the bank, he picked up 2 thorns in his front tyre. puncture!!!! So there he was having  his first repair of the day. He snapped one of the tyre levers but that’s nothing new. Levers, spanners, tools he snaps, not knowing his own strength. He laughingly told me that he missed the 2nd hole with the patch and had to do it again.

A short while later, he noticed that his cycle computer wasn’t working, so stopped again. What another puncture ? So he just used a spare tube to sort it and he lost his earlier mileage.

It was at that point , I rang and he said he was  not even at Deighton and he sounded a bit dispondent not even having got to Northallerton. He was into a strong headwind so he would cycle until 10.00am and then head for home.

Well, I was working and wondering how he was getting on and at 9.47am, he rang to say he had reached Boroughbridge, his destination. He rode into the town and then up to the same campsite as last week to use the facilities.

Wanting to make sure he had enough miles in, he rode up to the little village of Roecliffe.

This is the church and green.
He then turned for home and followed the same route we took back last week with the exception that he took a ‘detour’ to Dishforth airfield. He says it wasn’t a mistake but it was to increased the mileage but didn’t know it, untl he came to the barrier and no way to get through. He arrived home at 2.45pm.
The wind was a problem today , not just the headwind but on the return journey, there was a lot of gusting crosswinds which he found a bit frightening at times.

He phoned me from Northallerton to say he was having something to eat. His home made breadbuns and sardines.

I had intended to cycle out to meet him, but he said not to because of those pesky winds. So I stayed home. Sensible woman. We will work out the mileage later but know it was 100 miles or more.

Day 4 Sunday 5th May 2013

The day dawned with beautiful sunshine but we weren’t having a very early start as we wanted to go and worship at church in York. Thanks to the sat nav we were able to cycle past the race course and up into the Acomb area of the city.

We met some people we knew, quite a few who were children of friends that have moved down to the York area. It was really good to connect with them again as we worshipped together.

After the sacrament meeting, we cycled down into the city so that we could find route 65. However, not all cycle routes are cycle friendly. It was a good job, my DH was with me as I would not be able to negotiate this myself.

It took both of us to get the bikes up and down this lot of steps. It might be alright with an unloaded bikes but this is on the route to the railway station. Doesn’t make cyclesence to me.

When we finally emerged , I recognised we were at Lendle bridge and could access route 65 on the riverside. As it was so lovely the riverside was packed with tourists but most were only in the first half mile from the bridge. It’s a lovely ride through greenery and there were many other cyclists about, some with children which was good to see.

The route passes between Rawcliffe and Nether Poppleton before meandering up past Beningbrough Hall and into Newton-on-Ouse where we stopped to eat. This is a very pretty village and the trees were bursting with blossom.

Sorry this isn’t such a good photo but you get the idea of the typical English village green. Setting off again we cycled on through Linton-on-Ouse , over the toll bridge at Aldwark(free for cyclists) and into Great Ouseburn. There were more people than I had ever seen there before. Open garden days in small villages have become very popular and this was the reason. Furthur along we came across a classic car display of Morgans and MG’s.

I also had a chat with this lady dressed like a 1920′s lady making corn dollies in the middle of the green at one of the Dunsforth villages.

She lives on a very isolated farm and I asked if I could use the image on my blog. I had to explain what a blog is as she has no idea about computers. Such a lovely lady.

When we nearer Aldborough, a racing cyclist came up and cycled with us. He was very interested in the Kogas. He said he was a bit of a bike geek and has 12 of his own. He had been out interval training up a hill as he does some racing for one of the cycle shops.

We declined his invitation to have a cup of tea at his place which we passed in Boroughbridge. We wanted to get pitched as soon as possible as the cloud was building. We camped at the site in Roecliffe and the assistant manager gave us a lovely spot just near the river.

The water is navigable here and all sorts of craft pass by.

Day 5 Monday 6th May 2013

Well, DH was awake early and he was determined to get us home with time to get unpacked and put away.

Here he is packing our home made quilt. We were on the road by 7.15am and headed up towards Norton-le-Clay, Asenby and Topcliffe before taking the A167 to Northallerton closing the loop.
We had 2nd breakfast and cycled home the way we came. Home by 12.45pm, a fast ride for us and 240 miles completed. I felt like Queen of the road.

Day 3 Saturday 4th May 2013
We had another early start in the morning and it was a dry pack , in part due to the wind which had increased in strength from the West. We knew we would have this as a headwind all day. Oh well, you just have to get on with it.
So we climbed up on the B1259  passing Danes Dyke nature reserve and turned down through the village of Sewerby and onto the prom alongside the beach. There was a “boot camp” style fitness group running around. They should just try cycle camping.
We were following NCN 1 but there was a diversion which was fine or cars but not for us. We ended up having to double back before climbing high above the town. On the south, there were thick black clouds and we could see rain pouring from them. To the north, the sky was blue with ome fluffy white clouds and we were suprised when we felt some raindrops beginning to fall. This is where we decided to put on our jackets.

Not long after the telephone mast is passed , the route turns south eastery and descends into Burton Agnes with it’s hall and duck pond. Still feeling strong, despite the wind, we decided to press on over this much flatter countryside. We were however, crossing and recrossing the railway line, through the villages of Harpham, Lowthorpe and Nafferton before reaching Driffield. The slight rain had stopped and didn’t return all day.

My elderly Primus multifuel stove had stopped working properly , despite recent servicing, so I wanted to buy some has to run it on. I did eventually find a shop that had some. We found a place to sit and eat breakfast, right on the High Street. The world is a small place and I met a professional collegue who works in this area. She was suprised to see me.
The afternoon saw us continuing along to Hutton Cranswick where a mile or so outside the village, the Way of the Roses route parts company with NCN1. We turned norh and headed up through Kirkburn and Tibthorpe climbing to Huggate. I thought we would stop here but there was nowhere to sit.
So we continued onwards and upwards before a welcome descent to Millington wood. We stopped and ate in the picnic area. We saw lots of cyclists with numbers on and they were completing a type of cycle event called a Sportive.
I was really pleased with myself as I climbed out of the valley and didn’t walk at all. We were soon in  Pocklington where we stopped and stocked up with a few supplies  as the village now has 2 supermarkets.
It was a continuous slog into the headwind and we didn’t take too many photos. There have also built new roads in the village and we ‘detoured’ yet again. The route turns towards Stamford Bridge but this would have added about 5 miles so we stuck to the A1079 which wasn’t particularly pleasant but was faster. However, you do have to be confident and vigilant riding in traffic. I use 2 rear view mirrors, one on my helmet and one on the handlebar so I can watch for approaching vehicles.

On the outskirts of York, we reconnected with the cycle route and followed through to Murton, Osbaldwick before reaching Fulford. I phoned the steward of a weekend meet of the Camping and Caravanning club.

My DS1 had equipped my phone with a satnav system which I’ve never used. Well, I got it out and magic, got it working. We had less than 3 miles to go. Soon there along the  Bishopthorpe road, we we welcomed and even supplied with a flask of hot water, as we pitched our tent for the night.
This was our longest day of the trip at 65 miles but I felt on cloud nine as I didn’t walk once  but managed all the hills. Yiphee.

We’ve had a wonderful long weekend cycle camping the Yorkshire Wolds, situated in the North of the county, in perfect weather. How lucky for us.

Early Thursday morning saw us packed  and on the road shortly after 7.00am. This set the tone for the whole weekend. My DH is an early riser. It was a lovely sunny morning and we cycled through Yarm and over to Northallerton. The road at Worsall bank is in a bad state and we thought we would try to avoid it by going down Saltergill Lane. That road is even worse , as not only are there potholes but it’s rock strewn as well. So turn back onto our usual route. There was a diversion after the bank and all the lorries were going along our usual quiet road. But, the potholes on this stretch have been mended to cope with the extra traffic.
Once in Northallerton, it was on the road to Thirsk where we stopped at the river picnic benches.

It’s great to sit in the sun and eat breakfast. We always have the same, a granola type cereal and plain yogurt.
We also had a chat with a chap who is planning to cycle from Gravesend to Paris in a few weeks time. He was interested in our rigs and how they are loaded. Yes, we do carry a fair bit but we like to be prepared for bad weather especially after last years epic rain ride.

We then picked up cycle route 65, over through Kilburn and down to Coxwold and up the hill past Newbrugh Priory. We then took our own way through Oulston, Yearsley and Terrington. There were a few tough climbs but my lovely DH helps me out by pushing my bike for me.

After passing near Coneysthorpe and the entrance to Castle Howard, we crossed on a bridge the A64, into Malton. We called at a supermarket, we’ve used previously and bought a meal deal to have for our evening meal. We had to cycle out of Malton and briefly on to the A64 to turn off to Huttons Ambo.
Farmer Bob has let us camp on his land for 25 years. It’s just a field by the river Derwent, so this is camping at it’s most basic. We walk up to the farm in the village to collect water.

Having been here many times, we knew there is a foot bridge over the river but we weren’t sure if the exit to the road would be passable with the bikes. Bingo. We wouldn’t have to brave the A64 again, it’s a lovely spot.

Oh, I forgot to show you this little maze , seemingly in the middle of nowhere. It’s quirky but you never notice such things when speeding along in a car.

It was a beautiful evening and I got this photo as the sun set.

Day 2 – Friday 3rd May 2013
We started the day with an overcast sky but it wasn’t raining. Good. Here is DH taking his bike over the suspension bridge. It does bounce about as you walk over it.

We were on the Yorkshire Wolds way now but at the first main road B1248, we took a ‘detour’ so we rode down to North Grimston but I had to get off and push up the hill due to it’s steepness and the lorries using the road. At the top of the bank, we turned east to Duggleby, through Kirby Grindalythe and a nice run down into Sledmere. We, did have a stop for 2nd breakfast on the wide verge.
From Sledmere, we headed north through Helperthorpe, Weaverthorpe, Butterwick and crossing the B1249. We were fair flying along now into Wold Newton.

It’s a very pretty village with a duck pond. It’s got a great bus shelter which we used on another trip when it was pouring with rain.
The way travels easterly through Burton Fleming, Grindale and then over to Buckton. I have wanted to visit Bempton cliffs for some time and because we were near, it was Bempton for lunch.
There is a bird reserve here and we got to see a puffin through a telescope the volunteer guide had set up. He told us that about 500 puffins have been washed up dead. They believe this is due to the exceptionally bad winter storms and also global warming. They feed on sand eels and because of warmer water they are furthur out to sea. The puffins have to go greater distances to feed. All the dead birds were emaciatec. Such a pity as they make me smile with comical red bills.

There were lots of kittiwakes and gannets nesting on the cliffs. The guide said if there was an onshore wind, we would smell them.
We spent the night at a small 5 van site , Beacon House which is on the bank up from Flamborough. Rob, the owner told us a funny story about camping in his teens. He was stealth camping without permssion and the farmer moved them on at 1.30am. They hurried off and lost the tent pegs. Finding a nice flat piece of grass, they pitched the tent using knives and forks. On waking, they found they were on a grass tennis court. Hurried exit.
We had completed more than 100 miles.
I will post more later.

This post is prompted by Saturdays visit to Souter Lighthouse.

Can you see the two white towers. These are on the river Tyne and were known to our family ( and probably others) as the upper and lower lights. In the days of sailing ships, they would line themselves up so that that the two towers were directly in line . This would get them safely into the river mouth avoiding a rocky reef called the Black Middens.
When we arrived at Souter Lighthouse, we met Mike Ennis who is the volunteer engineer who maintains the various pieces of equipment.

He was really interesting to talk to as he was a marine engineer and has had to learn how to cope with all the various types of machinery such as the lights and the foghorn.

This is a plaque detailing that this was the first electrically powered light but there was a back up diesel engine. The original bulb was huge.

However, the last bulbs were very small by comparison.

The prisms were huge, taller  than me and some older children were standing inside one.

The prism was mounted on a mechanism that allows it to move with the touch of a finger, so balanced is the equipment. Getting up to the light was up two flights of stairs, one really like a ladder.

The tower is 70 feet tall I believe but stands on a cliff top of he same height.

This is one of the views from the top.
The families of the lighthouse keepers lived in attached cottages and one replicates the victorian cottage. I was interested to see the quilts on the beds. One was a typical Durham strippy quilt.

I’m glad I don’t have to do all my washing with this.

There was machinery salvaged from other redundant lighthouses and DS1 was really pleased to have the compressor system for the foghorn explained to him. I remember as a child, the haar would roll in and Souter could be heard with it’s long low booooom which lasted for 6 seconds.
Modern technology has done away for the need for this machinery and so volunteers keep our heritage alive. In June there will be a Requiem for Foghorns  played at Souter. Every foghorn had a different tone and duration which mafe them unique. Few work now but if you want to here one, be in Sunderland on a foggy day because theirs still sounds.
Thanks to the National Trust for it’s free entry and Frugal Queens blog for the info. We had a great day.

Now, I didn’t get too far in my report on yesterday before I so rudely fell asleep. We were at the pedestrian tunnel under the river Tyne , which was the first river of the day.
Sorry, lost all the rest of the blog so I am rewriting it.
We followed route 14 , the Keelman way from Jarrow, along to South Shields and as it was still early, we took the opportunity to visit the market place where nearly all the buildings I knew as a child are being demolished. St Hildas church remains untouched, thank goodness.
I always bought fabric here in my teenage years and there are still 2 stalls selling fabric, one all dress fabrics, well they need the trade, don’t they? I bought a couple of metres of cotton seersucker to make a shirt. DH just rolled his eyes, bless him.
We rode down past the ferry landing, also being redeveloped and along to what is now called Littlehaven beach. We called it just the little beach years ago. The whole of the beach area between the piers is being redeveloped, so there were huge piles of heaped up concrete. I just hope they make a good job of it. Onwards we sped along the coast road until we came to the Trow rocks end and stopped for breakfast.

See just how sunny it was and we were out of the wind, but the recent storms have really heaped up sand on the roadway.

From here there is a cycle track but we wanted to avoid the sand so kept to the road along past Marsden famous for magnesium limestone sea stacks and on to Souter lighthouse.
There is a nice cycle rack to secure your bike to.

Thanks to the free offer from the National Trust , we were able to look round and climb to the top. I have a lot of photos and will do a separate post about the lighthouse.

The cloud was beginning to build as we left and cycled through the Leazes and Whitburn and along to our second river of the day.

This is the habour mouth of the river Wear at Sunderland. Why does it always take time to get through a city you know?
We wound our way through traffic contols and football crowds were beginning to congregate before the afternoon match.
At Silksworth, near the Leisure centre we werey delayed briefly to administer first aid to a small girl. She was booling down a hill on a scooter, out of control and we could see what was likely to happen. A wobble and she hit the concrete at speed. DS1 had his kit so we could do something to stem the blood spouting from here nose and forehead. Her Gran and Mam came hurrying up alerted by her brother. They were going into the centre but we thought she needed to be seen by a medic.
The offroad path takes you across to Ryhope and then onto the old railtrail.

This is a bit like the curates egg, good in parts, awful in others. The past couple of years bad winters have really deteriorated the surfaces and the loose surface is challenging. There is a steady climb to Haswell and then it is pretty much downhill into the Tees valley. We had a stop for cheese toasties and another stop when we had gone down the Castle Eden walkway.

We called in at a supermarket and bought a meal deal so it was an easy end to the day. 56miles of pure pleasure in sunshine shared with loved ones. I am blessed.

Yeessss! We have had a Fantastic day and I’ll tell you a bit about it, unless I fall asleep!! I have had a day that has left me feeling tired but on top of the world.

We had an early start and got the 6.55am train to Newcastle but we would get off at Heworth. Trains are only supposed to take 2 cycles but we got all 3 on. However, it was a struggle due to a luggage rack. DH is good at puzzles so he worked out how we could get them on.

We arrived just after 8.00am and it was lovely and sunny so we set off through an underpass, along route14, also called the Keelman way which runs down to Hebburn and Jarrow. We passed near to the pedestrian tunnel and DS1 had a quick look.

There are actually 2 tunnels accessed by either a lift or an escalator and was built in the early 1950′s and replaced a ferry boat that took vehicles.
Sorry folks that’s all for tonight as I can hardly keep awake.

l forgot to post these photos of new born lambs from Saturday’s ride ,so here they are.

It was lovely to see them skipping about in the field.

Anyway, Monday dawned and the alarm went off at 5.45am and I wrestled with the pillow that was hanging onto my head. Once out of it’s clutches, I dressed quickly , got the Koga unlocked and was on the road by 6.10am. The wind was blowing a hoolie and I struggled to make 7mph into the headwind along the river. Mind you, on the return , I booled along at 15mph without any effort to pedal. I was also able to get out on the Dahon for a few miles later in the day.
On Tuesday, I noticed a lot of seagulls on the grass at the side of the river and I took a photo of what could be a cormarant. I’m just not sure because it could be a shag. I looked on the RSPB website but couldnt make up my mind. Here is a poor, small photo

I was up early this morning to go shopping at A**a and DS1 cycled with me to get some shopping. I was suprised to see that we had ridden 6.75 miles  before arriving home for breakfast.

DH is still feeling unwell  and DS needed to do some maintenance on his disc brakes so as it was such a lovely day, I was off on my own. I headed back to the river and along to Stockton. I saw some lads on jetskis. Now they are noisey, but they were doing somersaults with a lot of skill. I tried to photograph them but none came out well enough to post.

Once through Stockton, I took our usual route along through Elton and Long Newton and into the Whinnies nature reserve. I didn’t know how muddy it would be, but it has dried out more than I imagined. I was prepared to turn back but there was no need.
I saw and photographed a ladybird just as I crossed the road

Once in Darlington, I called at my favourite fabric retailer in the indoor market, Pauline Hopes. Other people have addictions to alcohol, drugs, cigarettes etc. Me , it’s fabric. Mind you, I am doing a trouser fitting and Making course with Craftsy.com, so I needed a fix haha.
I headed out of Darlington, via Blackwell, down with the traffic to the roundabout near the A66. It can be a bit scarey here but I was soon out of it and on the way up to Stapleton and turned right along to Cleasby. I kept thinking I would stop for lunch, but it was so nice, I kept riding.
Once in the village of Manfield, I stopped at the church and a it was open, had a peep inside.

There were old headstones arranged on the cemetry walls and I could read these were from the 1700′s. The wind was getting up and I could see a bit of cloud building. Checking the map, I decided to head for Piercebidge, to head back to Darlo.
It’s only about 1.5 miles and as it was now 1.30 pm time for lunch. I stopped at a seat on the green and had my sandwiches and oxo from the flask.
Here are some of the cottages opposite the green.

As you can see, it’s near the road. I was soon joined by a deligtful couple Alma and John. We chatted for a while and John showed me the Roman remains.

This is much more sheltered, so I will return here another time. I ride back to Cockerton with Alma and John and they went to see their daughter. I rode down past the Memorial Hospital and through the town centre before retracing my way back to the Whinnies. It was a bit wet near the ponds so I ride to a sheltered spot, got out my folding chair and got some water boiling for a warm drink and a muffin I made yesterday. I phoned home and DS1 told me ,he had chicken legs cooking in the oven. So I was soon off again.
As I entered Stockton, I felt a few drops of rain so donned my rainjacket. It didn’t amount to much but I did get home without getting a soaking. Home by 5.00 pm , having ridden 52.25miles  which is my longest ride this year.  woohoo I feel knackered , must be the other short rides I got in this week.