Ripon Cathedral

Backblip 7

A slight 'blip' to start the day when MrM discovered that he had mislaid his mobile phone. Luckily, 'Find my phone' was active and it didn't take long to establish that it was in the vicinity of the first pub we visited yesterday evening. Our friendly, helpful B&B host knows the landlady and confirmed that it was indeed there, and could be picked up after 12.00pm. Phew!

Delayed our journey home a little, but no matter. Meant there was time for a brief trip to Ripon, where we had a walk round and topped up our liquid levels - the Sicilian lemonade on ice was delicious! The cathedral was looking splendid.

Back to Thirsk, MrM picked up his phone, and we set off back to Northumberland via a very long and winding 'scenic route'. First stop was Masham, for old times sake more than anything else. We hadn't intended to stay long, but there was an 'artisan' market in the square, and a free parking space. MrM made a couple of purchases, and we couldn't resist trying the locally produced cider - the perfect drink for sitting outside on a hot, sunny afternoon watching the world go by! We bought a couple of bottles of cider too, and had a look round the gallery before setting off again.

Next stop was Barnard Castle for a walk around - it's another place we've passed through several times before but never stopped to explore. Didn't notice SpecSavers!

Home late in the evening. No rain forecast for tonight or tomorrow, so MrM watered the plants in the 'yard while I started some unpacking. No sooner had he finished than we heard the rumble of thunder, and shortly afterwards the heavens opened!

Extras: Ripon Cathedral; Bolton Castle; castle windows, Barnard Castle