In the Pink

Still in catch up mode here...
Yesterday we went to Rufforth, just outside of York so E could visit a huge Auto Jumble thing - he's always on the look out for bits he needs to build his bike.Since it was his birthday treat I felt obliged to go with him -  usually he gets a couple of mates together but they weren't able this month.
It's okay - I take a book to read, something to draw with, and my camera.
Able to occupy myself very well. Yesterday I wandered around the perimeter of the sale which is farmers' fields... picked a big pocketful of sloes, and got three Jim Crace books at one of the 'other' stalls.
E got some of his required nuts and bolts. Win win.
We set off for Helmsley and brunch - a little tourist honey pot on the way home - kinda... little antique shop there we like to go into too.
This time we came across a village I'd only come across in my Cuthbert research when we did our work inspired by the Lindisfarne gospels a couple of years ago.
Crayke.
About five miles north of York.
When the monks wandered around with Cuthbert's body, trying to keep it safe from the Vikings, Crayke was one of the places they stayed... so I was curious.
It's a stuning location, geologically it rises up out of the flat fields into quite a hill. The church is right on top... spectacular in an understated way really.
A bishops palace, or the remains of one, and a ruined monastery are nearby.
Seemingly the land was given to Cuthbert as a monk to 'coerce' him into becoming a bishop. He was very reluctant - just wanted to keep on worshipping in his own way.
Finally he gave in and Crayke was the site of his first 'post' -now I knew why the monks had chosen to rest there with his bones all those years later... we're talking 800s here. I love walking in history.
Got some great shots around the church - see extras.
Tell me if you think the keyhole should be the other way up? It looks upside down to me  although officially I don't suppose there is a top and bottom to such things.
Lots of oak trees featured - and squirrels - grey unfortunately- stuffing their cheeks with acorns. Great views of the surrounding planes/plains?
I wonder if Crayke has been an ancient volcano?
After a very restful hour in the sun we headed off to look for food - 11am and no brekkie yet!
Two minutes west of Crayke - bingo - a sign advertising - art/garden/cafe - triple whammy :-)
Dutch Kunsthuis - it's on the web... Wildlife garden, outdoor sculpture. Gallery - curator interested very much in abstract Art, walls full of very inspiring stuff. Not the usual tourist kitsch. Phoeb's work will look great in there. We had sandwiches - took a while to arrive but well worth the wait. Salad plucked direct from their garden. Magic. We sat out in the sun. Very still, windless walled courtyard punctuated with mad - and serious sculptures. (Extras)
Main pic is E posing with the potted geraniums. He's wearing his fisherman's jumper - remember the gansey tribulations? It's wearing well - gone a bit slack around the bottom though - don't we all?
And it was still only 1 o' clock. (That's what happens when you hit the road at 6)
On to Helmsley via Sutton Bank - exciting journey - I know - I don't get out much :-)
More book shops and some antiques. Gorgeous 1930s stationers drawer/ chest - 6 foot square with about forty drawers in it - ideal for a studio - but sold :-(
Oh well - can't have everything.
Great day out.