A cuppa with friends

We had a leisurely morning, striking camp, as they say. Some tetris involved packing the trailer with things we don't want this week, and the car with things we do want. It was very warm as we left Pickering but we had all day, so were not rushing. We got away at 10.30 and stopped in a nice small town called Stokesley where we were lucky enough to find parking for our car and trailer, then enjoyed coffee and yet more scones (jam, but no cream).

Back on the road with our eye on stopping in a lay-by we know with a view over Alnwick Castle. We got there at 2pm and had a picnic. It was cooler and had tried to rain, but was still bright.

Leaving about 3, we decided to take the road down to Bamburgh, for several reasons. One, because we can never get enough of that amazing view of the castle as you drive in. Two, because some of our favourite people are holidaying in the lovely Brada View (find it on Facebook for your perfect get away) and we always grab an opportunity to catch up with them...and the kettle was on, so we were made welcome! So lovely to see these happy people, so thank you for your hospitality Karen, Neil, Teresa and Mark. An hour of chatting (me mostly) then we hugged goodbyes, and are now on the road to Edinburgh, where we are staying with friends tonight.

It's been a lovely drive, with clear roads...and it already feels even more relaxed now we are in Bonnie Scotland. Fingers crossed now for the next 5 days weather....