Another pointless thread

Thanks Barrie. The ferry company says it goes to Newcastle, but I knew it was somewhere other than Newcastle!

I'll look out for Royal Quays. I wish we had time for Newcastle proper, and exploring the area, but we don't. Maybe next year.

Christmas crackers can also be bought mail-order - or maybe you could get someone who is coming to the funeral to get some and hand them over to you on the day?

Christmas crackers can't be sent by plane, which is how the post gets from the UK to the Netherlands.
I should have time to find some. If I don't I don't. It won't ruin Christmas (much!).

But you could certainly still ask someone to get them for you in advance (?)

Hope all's well Gwyn.

Have you tried the garden centre in Ambleside for Xmas goodies?

It seemed to be up and running 2 weeks ago when we passed...

Where I stay in Cornwall the night sky is spoiled by a bright glow from a nearby plant, frustrating any star shots. Turns out it is the Sharps brewery churning out Doom Bar by the tankerload, so almost forgiven!

That'll be Rock then, defiantly forgiven

Did you know the sandbank on the estuary just to the right of the beach at Rock is called " The Doom Bar ", this is where the beer got its name from !!

Just back from our trip. We got the crackers at the garden centre in Ambleside. That place is huge. Thanks for the suggestion!
The weather was amazing and the drive over the Pennines each way was just stunning. It did the soul good to see that scenery.
The funeral went well, and as is so often the case, it was good to see family and friends again, even if it was for a rotten reason.
We got back to Newcastle too early so had a drive up the coast, which neither of us has done before
I envy those of you who live round there - great coast, the Pennines, the Lakes, Scotland all within easy reach! I don't envy those coping with the A19 every day though!

Good to hear your back safe and sound. Not been to the garden center this year yet, but it's worth a trip just to see their Xmas set up. How far up the coast did you manage? Bamburgh, Craster, Druridge Bay, are gems. Just too rub it in with the envy you can add the Yorkshire Dales, the North Yorks moors and the coast around there to those within reach.

I'm a little south of you Barrie, I only have Ilkley Moor and Haworth.

I visit daily as part of my working day. It's these visits that keep me sane at work and dull the edge on the wait to retire.

Nearly forgot, there's Taylor's Ales on one side of the area and Ilkley Brewery on the other, both good local breweries.

Ilkley has the best bluebell woods I've come across

Summer visits to the top of the Moors when working is always a pleasure.

Listening to and watching the grouse and curlews helps the day go so much better.

Now there's a thought, grouse....

Stop it you two! It isn't often I wish I was back in the UK, but this last trip made me homesick and you two are not helping .

Time to start plotting a longer trip for next spring methinks. Hopefully His Nibs will agree.

And now my better half has decided she wants a shed!

And she was sober when she announced it!!!

Still, I'll know where to find her when she gets one...