Harrogate

 

I quite like Harrogate. The art gallery is fine even if the museum space is a tad dim.  The cafes are ok too if you avoid the over hyped dainty affair. We did and hit the greasy spoon. For some reason the whole town was stinky as. Stinky as a stinky thing. I think the nearby farmers must hav ebeen fertilising their fields with organic fertiliser. despite that my nephew and his lovely family chose to live there - and very nice it too.  Aptly described in the snap above.

lanes

 

We took a route up o'er  North Yorkshire Dales. It was a mistake. I missed a turning so up we went. narrow roads, walls, moors, coows and sheeps. Twas lovely. Eve didn't like the drive.I loved it.

I think it was near Pately Bridge - where we came across a crown green bowls place which I'd love to have a go at and probably be even worse than I am with the usual bowls on the flat greens.

+2s

 

Quite the latest attire for the discerning bicycle rider in England don't you know. Or should be. I was told they were 'plus twos' not plus fours - along with a comprehensive explanation that obviously went in one ear and out the other. Looks spiffing with the brogues and warm socks.

Oh how lovely

 

A bucolic scene in Northern England. Sheeps safely grazing and everything. 

It wasn't all like this. we went to towns as well don't you know.

biking

 

No not the bike race we saw but a rather lovely and sedate Retro Velo ride in and around Ulverston in the District of Lakes in England. Whilst most of the riders posed on their classic racing bikes dressed in sponsor adorned race-wear, this couple on what I was led to believe to be Rudge bicycles wore period non-sports clothing. And they did the full albeit 30miles course. I snapped them here as they finished the ride. I was sat outside a pub with my friend Deanne and tested the local IPA.

somewhere

 This is somewhere we visited in Yorkshire. Nice place called Richmond I'd told by Eve. We been here a few times. A long time ago to ride cycle grass track racing [around the cricket pitch] , another time to enjoy the delights of the World Cycle road race championships which passed through on here way back to Harrogate. And we revisited the cosy cafe we took tea in back then too.

Cycle race

 I saw this race last year whilst down this way. The course is were few minutes walk from Eve's sisters current house in Yorkshire. This is a typical local race scene. We sat on tother side of the road and there were a few more peeps down the road. Every eight minutes or so you'd hear the lead motorbike then the bunch of cyclists would roar through followed by a few stragglers. Oh the excitement.

Burrell

 Of course we went to the Burrell Collection, again. It's a wonderful cafe and the collection and the building it is housed in just sings. 

I was so moved I took a snap of a shadow. Not sure what of but there it is.

If you have not been please go it's so lovely. We were on our way home from where we had been had some time in hand and an empty stomach.

I had with me a little Olympus XA and Kentmere 200 which was not the ideal combination for the occasion situation but it used it all the same.

we have been off island

 Did you realise?

We are back now and the first of very few films exposed while away have been developed. In time I shall tell you about the RetroRide, the siege with armed policepersons, the family I had not met and the something else I may remember.

meanwhile, phone image:

salvage

 

An amazing place near Wells, Somerset where you can buy statues or ex-soviet tanks.

just one of those things

 

bad rep.

 

This is the nearest proper harbour to home in the next village past Bac and everything. Tis Brevig and by all accounts not well thought of due to its dodgy design. The entrance to the this harbour means one has to be extremely careful not to land ones boat or rocks on one side of the narrow entrance and concrete on the other. It's not well thought of either as boats can be seen crashing against the harbour walls inn certain conditions.

 I like to have a wander down there though looking and seeing, wondering and all. There is an active fishing scene over there.

And as it write we are just about to leave for dinner with friends in a house overlooking the harbour.

towards the moor

 

On one of my favourite tracks in the village looking out over the moors. Lovely - especially on the sunny days  before the midges arrive.

David

 

I may be over-using the reto plastic camera atm. It's light and in the right conditions it works well. in less than ideal conditions it works. This snap was caught inside An Lanntair  cafe/arts centre during a little conflab with ourselves and Mrs David.

yes, it floats

 

They both float as it happens. The old tub of a fishing boat still just about working and the visiting sail training ship from Denmark looking lovely in the unexpected sunshine that day. The young sailors from Denmark brightening up the town here in their smart uniforms and bright smiles.

Over that way

Not been past here for ages and everything. For some reason I have not had the urge and have not taken the Bronica out for a while either. It must be rectified soon. Tis over the other side of the island. Over there,, [pointing wildly and most probably inaccurately. but you get the idea].

sewing

 

And here's Mr Hickman in his studio creating another piece for an upcoming London exhibition. Oh I say, no doubt it will sell for a tidy sum to keep the wolf from the door.

I just love calling in for a natter and potential snappage although at the time of writing Tom has the flue or some such ghastly bug.

and this is Tom

 

Tom the artist of this parish dancing to his garden to help the growing process. Never know someone with such green fingers. His garden is wonderfully lush and productive despite overlooking the sea.

That's his lovely studio behind his wonderful "Scottish home of the year 2022" house. Visits to the studio can be arranged.

The snap was taken on Foma 200 pushed to 800 in Rodinal [a mistake!! ]

Glasgow

 

Ooof, wee shall be off island again later in the year for a spot of cycle-race watching this time in Kelvingrove Park, Glasgow. Really looking forward to it and maybe we'll get a visit to the Necropolis while we are briefly there.

Off island soonish

 

Our pilgrimage to the cycle event that is Retro Velo is happening soon with a stop at various places to see peoples various enroute. Hopefully it won't involve going to place like this which I really hate. 

Hoping to see nephew, partner and baybi somewhere in Yorkshire. 

Hoping for mild dry weather too.