Bamburgh Castle...

Today was a much busier day than yesterday.  

Up, breakfasted and out of the cottage just after 10am :-)

We headed to Alnwick, to Barter Books (a must visit when in the vicinity) to have a browse and lunch.  As usual it was very busy but we got seated within 5 minutes.  

Avocado and poached eggs on toast for D and cheese and onion toastie for me.  Very tasty it was too.  I was tempted to buy about six books but restrained myself as I have piles of books everywhere at home waiting to be read.

We had hoped to visit Alnwick Castle Gardens but only Guide Dogs allowed so that didn't happen.  Instead we headed for the coast, to the beach at Beadnell to let Lola have a run about.  

There was an older couple there with their grandchild who had run up into the sand dunes.  They are quite high and she was a bit scared to come down again so the grandpa was dispatched to help her down.  Comedy gold as every time he made any headway on getting up the sand dune, the soft sand crumbled under his weight and sent him face first into the sand and crashing down to beach level again.  His wife was no help as she was bent double laughing at him!  She wasn't the only one :-))  Not sure how it all ended.

Next stop Seahouses as we'd forgotten Lola's water bowl.  D popped into the large gift shop there and returned with...wait for it...the only dog bowl they had....a small one with I love my Chihuahua emblazoned on it and a photo of a rather demented looking (as they all are! :-) Chihuahua!  Poor Lola!  She was thirsty though so beggars can't be choosers :D 

Stop off at Bamburgh.  Saw a house or sale that looked absolutely stunning.  Checked online and it's offers over £1.3 million.  Might buy a lottery ticket this week :D  

We were passing the road to The Holy Island just as the tide was receding and the causeway opening so headed across.  It was very windy but dry so we layered up and headed out towards Lindisfarne Castle.  That was bracing but great fun!  Last time we were here I could only look longingly towards the Castle but now I have Buzz (electric chair ;-) wild horses couldn't have stopped me getting out and heading along the path.

Got as far as the Castle gate where the even path turns to cobblestones and gets steep so turned and headed back.  A more pleasant wander as the wind was behind us and not quite so biting.  Lola has really surprised us on this holiday as her behaviour has been impeccable.  It's as though she's proving to us that she has grown up and has been listening to some of her training over the years :-))  

Thought we might visit the Priory too but it was late in the afternoon by now and cold hands and faces and hunger made us turn for home.

The journey back to the cottage took us past a previous holiday house.  So many happy memories of this area.

Back home for dinner (beef bourguignon, Jersey Royals, green beans :-) and a very relaxing evening.  There may have been some snoozing...

Selection of shots in extras sums up today.