Friday already?

It's a cliche I know, but this week has flown by. I suppose that at the start I was slightly concerned that it would drag - what with being on my own with just Norma for company! But suddenly it's Friday morning and whilst we've not walked miles or scrambled over rocks and through stiles, I think we've had sufficient walks and mini-adventures! We'll go out today - but not far as I've to drive 'south' tomorrow as we head back home via Bawtry and Retford.

What have we been doing since I last updated this? Well, Wednesday saw us go to Patley Bridge where we did a super walk with fantastic views and then a stroll along the river. Lunch in the park in the sunshine and then I thought we'd walk up the High Street. Now that was my first mistake, it is narrow, busy with traffic and has crowded narrow pavements. It also has the only Tourist Information office I've come across which has asked me to take my dog out. We'd both been in the offices in Masham, Ripon and Leyburn so I saw no reason to scour the door for a sign, saying 'guide dogs only' - but as I deliberated over a purchase I was told in a none too friendly voice to take my dog out as they were not allowed! I have to confess that I did question why and remonstrated that we'd been welcome in the other Tourist Information offices. But to no avail - we had to leave, and I couldn't even tie Norma's lead to a hook as there wasn't one - something about the landlord not providing one. I must confess I was not only annoyed, but upset at the way in which the, what I can only call a 'jobsworth' woman, spoke to me particularly as there were other people in the Office. Needless to say I swiftly returned to my hot car and we left the town. I don't think I'll be back!
On the way back we called in to Brimham Rocks - and what a wonderful find they were - and a real antidote to the bad feelings I'd left Patley Bridge with. Norma enjoyed clambering on the rocks (low level only I hasten to add) and led us on a meandering route through bracken and rocks back to the car park (eventually!)
So a mixed day - but one where the scenery and geology far out weighed most of my contact with people!
Yesterday was spent in Ripon, Wensley and looking for Ilton! We had a lovely river and canal walk in Ripon where it was Market Day. I called into the cathederal where the shop volunteer resored my faith in human nature as she chatted about this and that as I browsed (mind you, Norma was safely in the car at the time - not even I would have considered that she'd be welcome in a cathederal - I wonder why not though??)
After lunch I set out to find the Druid stones at Ilton but faled miserably - we did find Leighton Resevoir though and had an 'interesting' drive through, round, up and down some tiny Dales roads!
I then thought we'd do a walk at Wensley village, only to curtail it when I heard what sounded like a pack of dogs barking - two dogs rushed from a house and one (small actually, but why let the facts get in the way of a good story) came charging after us - I have to confess that I turned round and walked back to our car - around 800yds away! After this there was only one thing to do - go for afternoon tea somewhere. So we headed to Jerveaux Abbey and I treated myself to a Yorkshire cream tea! There was some amusement when the young lady serving me presented me with a cup of milk and an empty milk jug!!
After I'd had my fill, we set off down the bridleway at the Abbey only for Norma to refuse to take that route! She wanted to return to the Abbey ruins - and I was happy to oblige her!
So a couple of great days all in all -weather wonderful - Patley Bridge High Street doesn't need to be visited again, but Jerveaux Abbey does and hopefully will be before too much longer.
And as for today, well it's time to go for a local walk before perhaps heading to Leyburn - or not!