Even seaside donkeys deserve a rest sometimes!

We've been into Whitby on the train today. It either meant catching the 7.55am train or waiting for the 11.20, so we opted for the later train. As we were early we walked to the Stonehouse tea-shop for coffee and cake and we were still early for the train. This gave me a bit of time to photograph the baby swallows in the waiting room.

It's been a beautifully blue day today on the coast, though inland we could see the clouds gathering over the moors. We did the things you do in Whitby, bought our sandwiches from Botham's (another delicious bakery), walked down to the pier, photographing the Herring Gulls that were begging for fish and chips and then past the silver haired bikers, with their vintage motorbikes. From the pier we watched the fishing boat that was stuck in the entrance to the harbour, a Whitby boat and skipper, but probably not a local crew. Eventually the skipper managed to free the vessel. Probably helped by the rising tide.

Sandwiches eaten we made our way up to the Abbey on the far side of the harbour, spending a little time browsing in St Mary's church graveyard before heading into the grounds of the Abbey itself. As English Heritage members we don't have to pay, so after a short time spent photographing the ruins we were able to spend a little time sitting on the grass in the sun before returning to the station in time to catch the 4.05pm train, along with all the school children . This infrequent rail service is just about the only form a public transport in the Esk Valley.

We didn't stop at the pub on our walk home, fearing we might not get much further, so instead, we've got the wine out here, a very fine NZ Sauvignon and the Nadal v Murray match on the tele. After a very good start from Murray, it now looks as though Nadal has got it all sewn up.

Whitby crab and salad to follow.

See the rest of the family >>>