tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67488174075103595482024-03-14T07:46:39.822+00:00Part-time on wheelsWhen I first started this blog, I was new to using a wheelchair. I had cauda equina syndrome in April 2012, which damaged the nerves to my left leg and saddle. It took me a year or two before I considered using a wheelchair but I'm so glad I did. It gives me the freedom to live a normal life and do most of the things I want to do.
In this blog, I share my own experiences of being a part-time wheelchair user, in the hope that it will inspire and encourage other newly disabled people.Finnberryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05547300774234349428noreply@blogger.comBlogger159125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6748817407510359548.post-30256999898331767072021-12-31T07:58:00.003+00:002021-12-31T07:58:21.142+00:00Digital diversity – Perceivable<h2 style="text-align: left;">Perceivable</h2><p style="text-align: left;">We all perceive information in different ways. Many years ago, when I was teaching, the concept of learning styles was very important. Even quite young children were encouraged to reflect on how they learned, and whether they were visual, auditory or kinaesthetic learners. Before we even factor in the effects of disability, we all have preferences as to how we like to take in information.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Way back in 2002, I developed a sudden onset sight impairment. Although it was corrected by surgery in 2004, I needed considerable help and adaptations to continue teaching with sight loss. Even that many years ago, I remember being extremely grateful for the modern day computer, which allowed me to zoom in and access information in a way that would have been impossible via print.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Maybe my memories of that time contribute to my absolute determination to make digital information accessible for those who cannot see clearly enough to perceive the information the way I do. Nowadays, we have screen readers, a lifeline for many blind people. Screen readers literally read the screen. Of course this is easy with text but there are so many nontext items which pose potential problems to people using a screen reader.</p><p style="text-align: left;">As a person with a definite preference for auditory information, I hope it's not a sign of inevitable things to come, that my parents and in-laws are all going deaf in their old age. The whistling of hearing aids is a familiar sound in our family. When watching TV, the subtitles are almost always on. With online content, it's a bit hit and miss but when videos have closed captions available, it definitely helps people with hearing loss to take in the information.</p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Diversity</h3><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjuQiEq676z7aXdtDFMBnV9qYruxdNaEDDXWgr7eY2tUTgHwU7d-c9u1pd198FVd4li53IN3OkqQtou6pL8cadz2Fl35ekOom1odOLgsURBZqn5IU9WvAxZysUlMBPycJvR7ygovyOX3E3AKmkbXzEeBjBN8qC8hMbcW-T3-Qfz8958rF5Vv-KUVl85=s2137" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Screenshot showing JAWS screen reader open over a webpage." border="0" data-original-height="1165" data-original-width="2137" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjuQiEq676z7aXdtDFMBnV9qYruxdNaEDDXWgr7eY2tUTgHwU7d-c9u1pd198FVd4li53IN3OkqQtou6pL8cadz2Fl35ekOom1odOLgsURBZqn5IU9WvAxZysUlMBPycJvR7ygovyOX3E3AKmkbXzEeBjBN8qC8hMbcW-T3-Qfz8958rF5Vv-KUVl85=w400-h217" width="400" /></a></div>So we all perceive digital information in different ways. For those with visual impairments, they may use any of the following:<br /><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>screen reader<br /></li><li>screen magnifier<br /></li><li>zoom<br /></li><li>Braille transcriber<br /></li><li>enhanced contrast.<br /></li></ul><p style="text-align: left;">We can make it much easier for people to perceive information by giving images text descriptions, allowing content to be changed (font, size, colour, etc.)</p><p style="text-align: left;">For people with hearing impairments, we can make sure that captions are provided for any auditory content. We could even consider providing sign language where that is possible. I achieved my BSL level 1 several years ago and rarely get a chance to practice, so I'm unlikely to be able to provide a fully signed video. However it would be quite possible for me to introduce myself at the beginning of my video using sign language, and that might be quite a nice touch. Maybe I'll look at doing that for my next video.</p><p style="text-align: left;">In general, most people see diversity as a positive thing. However many people begin to see it less positively if they have to do actually do something differently. Skin colour, gender, age, sexuality can all be valued without actually having to do anything. Disability is different. You can't value diversity whilst also excluding people from accessing your content. For designers, this is a challenge. For good designers, it is an opportunity – an opportunity to become more expert in your craft, to use digital tools at an advanced level, to combine creativity with accessibility.<br /></p>Finnberryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05547300774234349428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6748817407510359548.post-63855967910094987752021-12-28T08:32:00.011+00:002021-12-28T08:34:03.035+00:00Digital diversity<p>I spent some time pondering the theme, '<b>freedom to participate</b>', in relation to a possible logo design. In thinking around this theme, I felt that it had more of a connection to the physical world and less the digital world. So for now, I've parked this one. </p><p>Another theme I had identified is '<b>digital diversity</b>'. Maybe that will generate some better ideas.</p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Training</h2><p style="text-align: left;">In preparation for starting my new job next week, I completed a short course that covered web accessibility. Most of it was stuff I already know, particularly the different types of assistive technology and the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). What I found really interesting, was the first module, about how people access online content. It showed lots of videos of people actually using their assistive technology. They talked through the methods they use, what works well and where they face barriers.<br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">POUR</h3><p style="text-align: left;">WCAG is divided into four main sections:</p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>P</b>erceivable<br /></li><li><b>O</b>perable<br /></li><li><b>U</b>nderstandable<br /></li><li><b>R</b>obust.<br /></li></ul><p style="text-align: left;">I find these easy to remember using the acronym <b>POUR</b>.<br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">In each of these sections, there is a wealth of diversity. So over the next few posts, I'm going to think a little about each one and explore some ideas around digital diversity.<br /></p><p></p><p></p>Finnberryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05547300774234349428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6748817407510359548.post-27921458993222283022021-12-16T16:22:00.007+00:002021-12-16T16:29:05.436+00:00Freedom to do a job<p>I've spent a lot of time this week, producing training materials to help my client and my team to ensure that their content is accessible once I'm gone. I am so excited about my new job but I'm also sad to be leaving SSCL. Just yesterday, I had a calendar invitation for a meeting on 4th Jan (after I've left) where they want me to review plans for an office renovation and input on accessibility. I declined the invitation and explained why. Then they asked the inevitable question... who will do this kind of thing once I leave? </p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Rewind the clocks</h2><p style="text-align: left;">I'm going back three years. I started this new job and my dream was to produce amazing eLearning, learn design skills and become skilled in using Storyline (software). </p><p style="text-align: left;">What has stuck in my mind though, is the first email I got from a learner at the client organisation. They were trying to access a piece of eLearning with their assistive technology, JAWS. They had to complete this eLearning by a particular date but it wasn't built in such a way that it would read with JAWS. That was the beginning of a journey into the lives of real people, people like me, people who just wanted the freedom to do a job.</p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Barriers</h3><p style="text-align: left;">I face physical barriers every day. Most of them are not in the workplace. Most of them are not deliberate, in that there was no intention to prevent me from doing stuff. However, most of them are avoidable. For me though, they might as well put up this sign:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgGAX_Y9wBGA66wpux-Shs3OCLNsAldQw9E2HhKlZPYsrERqMQF_cgzoj6HUsWQRMdHZir43Krx9rYfaMbZjUfp3P7foHcl2d6zxdLaqn6RmXkTHVY3dpWOcq4diYWWy2kgWvhNkBiFRmI8wT-VgA1mCNqABI53CLj2ju2Xfn7PL8O7yOBuKqJWz76l=s1730" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Red circle with red line though. In the middle is a wheelchair icon." border="0" data-original-height="1730" data-original-width="1730" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgGAX_Y9wBGA66wpux-Shs3OCLNsAldQw9E2HhKlZPYsrERqMQF_cgzoj6HUsWQRMdHZir43Krx9rYfaMbZjUfp3P7foHcl2d6zxdLaqn6RmXkTHVY3dpWOcq4diYWWy2kgWvhNkBiFRmI8wT-VgA1mCNqABI53CLj2ju2Xfn7PL8O7yOBuKqJWz76l=w320-h320" title="No crips allowed!" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: left;">I remember feeling an overwhelming sense of compassion for the unnamed angry blind man at the other end of the email. My heart broke for him because I understood something of what he was experiencing. </p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Freedom to do a job</h3><p style="text-align: left;">In theory, disabled people can work. We have the right to work. However, there are many barriers. The barriers have historically been so big that some disabled people have given up trying. It's just too difficult!</p><p style="text-align: left;">I remember meeting many disabled people when I was in adult learning. I remember them struggling to explain to me why they couldn't work because of their disability. They struggled because I was the listener, sitting in a wheelchair, working. I was one of the lucky ones. I had people fighting for my freedom to do a job. But I absolutely understood all the reasons why they felt they couldn't do it. They had seen themselves too many times in the centre of that NO ENTRY sign. </p><p style="text-align: left;">We have to tear down these barriers. It wouldn't be acceptable to deny access to any other minority group... not in this day and age. It shouldn't be acceptable to deny disabled people access either. We have to fight for the freedom to do a job.</p><p style="text-align: left;">I hope somebody at SSCL steps up to do all these extra accessibility tasks. I hope that one day, they will employ somebody specially to do it. For now though, I have to make this my focus. There are too many people facing no entry signs in life and work. It's not okay. We have to fight for freedom.</p>Finnberryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05547300774234349428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6748817407510359548.post-19879822365744798812021-12-12T11:31:00.006+00:002021-12-12T11:31:48.348+00:00Freedom<p>I've been following a course (by Gareth David Studios) on logo design. I was applying his methods to a possible logo I might want to create in the future, around online/digital accessibility. In the session I watched today, we were developing themes to work with. I came up with a few, but my current favourite is this one:</p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Freedom to participate</h2><p style="text-align: left;">It's based on the idea that <b><i>everyone should have a basic human right to participate in
all aspects of life without facing barriers or exclusions</i></b>. </p><p style="text-align: left;">Sounds like a given, right? Well before I go any further with the idea, I thought I'd explore the concepts of freedom and participation a little further. This might take several days of shortish posts.</p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Freedom to go for a walk</h3><p style="text-align: left;">I'll start with this one because last year, this was one of the basic freedoms that was curtailed due to Covid lockdown. In this country, for my entire life, there has been a basic assumption that anyone can go for a walk whenever they like, with whoever they like, and, within certain boundaries, wherever they like. Then, suddenly, we were only allowed out once a day, alone or with one other person, and various people tried to put time/distance restrictions on this... though they thankfully faded away pretty quickly.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Having any kind of restrictions placed on my freedom to go for a walk felt so intrusive and wrong! But actually, for me and many others, there are already quite a lot of restrictions placed on our ability to go for a walk. </p><p style="text-align: left;">Again, for now, I'll keep it close and short... a quick dog walk around the cemetery...</p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Free to walk</h3><p style="text-align: left;">Almost every day, I walk Liggy around the cemetery. It's a pretty place to enjoy peace and quiet and get away from the traffic. The paths are not perfect, but relatively easy to get along in a wheelchair. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgsNvVjrPwQe4EG5ISfj6npANDN3fnVKgsBU5ZXmmkNBuO2QwYjpW3G_L6OCm4oP0eUP2lOxl5qRqUE6ejpqmVd_Cpv3R_lNkjOJvjVhpfortbUZuxAVmGzsIqre8M3keS8AVsnkHiBUFKz3Rai6jQupidk69Q_zeHnDp3YfhTVNGrOiy9Y8NQIpPQt=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Photo of nice wide path through cemetery with no steps or any kind of barriers." border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgsNvVjrPwQe4EG5ISfj6npANDN3fnVKgsBU5ZXmmkNBuO2QwYjpW3G_L6OCm4oP0eUP2lOxl5qRqUE6ejpqmVd_Cpv3R_lNkjOJvjVhpfortbUZuxAVmGzsIqre8M3keS8AVsnkHiBUFKz3Rai6jQupidk69Q_zeHnDp3YfhTVNGrOiy9Y8NQIpPQt=w400-h266" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The cemetery is nice and flat. This adds to my sense of freedom. Going for a walk is relaxing and doesn't feel like a major ordeal. </p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiydNoYfokB4gSt_y6gwBBmf0dR2f3UdtZ9Qb_Fef9RhK8Q8A-29AK2RcOS1akTXV42nyxfQIVxhtOa8WoVhLD_S26x5ZUne2W8iCqGxxAoboc21_fvTFyMTXrvJcragOUUiw7Ue65EuQNkeaZ0ZomWr3EgNnr41k6rCdWyDVJ3z4fT92AQ5_xSNvFp=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Photo of chapel in cemetery. The ground is level and I was free to take photos of it." border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiydNoYfokB4gSt_y6gwBBmf0dR2f3UdtZ9Qb_Fef9RhK8Q8A-29AK2RcOS1akTXV42nyxfQIVxhtOa8WoVhLD_S26x5ZUne2W8iCqGxxAoboc21_fvTFyMTXrvJcragOUUiw7Ue65EuQNkeaZ0ZomWr3EgNnr41k6rCdWyDVJ3z4fT92AQ5_xSNvFp=w400-h266" width="400" /></a></div><br /><h3 style="text-align: left;">Less free</h3><p style="text-align: left;">There are some things that curtail my freedom to enjoy walking my dog...</p><p style="text-align: left;">I would love to go up on the river bank and walk along there but most of the entry points have steps... all but one and that one has a grass bank. So that's a pretty big barrier for any wheelchair user.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiwJC-IPG_a43-b2g9kcTj7PgoNcy810RTkguMfTjix6rYEoaUmhUhZA14gdSaww-sbghijRN5TC19xN-nU6HHZhxsZEKLgS-1z4uczzbF5uZZ1O8qStaBl4jsNX4nhi9YtcFpFi7pu5DfDOh9oEx_OTQMYqt-23SBmkdhRsroCJ4t7i8Xpx-i4tdsD=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Photo of flight of steps going from cemetery up to the river bank." border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiwJC-IPG_a43-b2g9kcTj7PgoNcy810RTkguMfTjix6rYEoaUmhUhZA14gdSaww-sbghijRN5TC19xN-nU6HHZhxsZEKLgS-1z4uczzbF5uZZ1O8qStaBl4jsNX4nhi9YtcFpFi7pu5DfDOh9oEx_OTQMYqt-23SBmkdhRsroCJ4t7i8Xpx-i4tdsD=w400-h266" width="400" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;">This one is the bane of my life! Today, I spotted it before wheeling through it. Other days, I'm less fortunate. The worst occasion, I wheeled through, got someone else's dog poo all over my wheel, which then spread onto my glove and coat sleeve. The first I realised, I used that hand to push my glasses up my nose. I leave the rest to your imagination. People who don't pick up create a barrier for me. It might not prevent access but it certainly spoils it!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjC7HfOM8bN3-7zfy4F5YXz-3Z3e5Q4NzVB5f15eBJUDaUo7dYrHd8LU0OddeOqNTUuU1d_5OJKQ1VxiUP6HYhebAlEjptw5KvN5tOwM5PJ-2HCCUD9ypvE2LpTZLvMQ8Wz6mOBSRJrqAmMiOyL46Lr0qPgZglZBhc6jMEMokmW1m_yPd4LPOCadliB=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Photo of dog poo that someone has left in the middle of the pavement." border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjC7HfOM8bN3-7zfy4F5YXz-3Z3e5Q4NzVB5f15eBJUDaUo7dYrHd8LU0OddeOqNTUuU1d_5OJKQ1VxiUP6HYhebAlEjptw5KvN5tOwM5PJ-2HCCUD9ypvE2LpTZLvMQ8Wz6mOBSRJrqAmMiOyL46Lr0qPgZglZBhc6jMEMokmW1m_yPd4LPOCadliB=w400-h266" width="400" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;">There is just enough room to get Liggy and me along this path because the hedge has recently been trimmed. The owners do this approximately three times a year. At it's worst, I have to go on the grass. Not so bad when it is dry but when wet, my wheels get stuck and very muddy and Liggy (attached to my left side) gets soaked walking through the hedge.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgojsDRfrs861UOp-gkDWyQwgmDjQ9Rdr3Gvjm1VAa2XAlHovUNTJPTHmaV3A6unWCVVgNUfr7GUeJUbY8nY850Gq4C_oG_f5k7mFM-2LbJe4ZRnL1ohrcuNBdAc1Reu-mk0aYR23utwLzFxW1TVqZlD7UJH1ZW2dZR8oeCm_mlU3D3ilGZWN1ZClBZ=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Photo of a neatly trimmed hedge that takes up half the pavement because it has grown too far over." border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgojsDRfrs861UOp-gkDWyQwgmDjQ9Rdr3Gvjm1VAa2XAlHovUNTJPTHmaV3A6unWCVVgNUfr7GUeJUbY8nY850Gq4C_oG_f5k7mFM-2LbJe4ZRnL1ohrcuNBdAc1Reu-mk0aYR23utwLzFxW1TVqZlD7UJH1ZW2dZR8oeCm_mlU3D3ilGZWN1ZClBZ=w400-h266" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: left;">It's often the little things that make a difference to my freedom to go for a little walk:</p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Bin day</li><li>Weather</li><li>Parking</li><li>Road works</li><li>State of paving.</li></ul><div>The question is, to what extent should we have the right to go for a walk? The next question might be, who should be responsible for removing barriers?</div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>Finnberryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05547300774234349428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6748817407510359548.post-19485309703284101582021-12-03T07:03:00.000+00:002021-12-03T07:03:08.891+00:00Fighting for rights in a post-Covid era<p>Firstly, for me, the jury is definitely still out as to whether we are post-Covid. It hasn't gone away. Sure, we have to learn to live with it but that's easy to say for someone like me, who is healthy and particularly has a strong immune system. I have family, friends and general contacts though who are clinically extremely vulnerable... who have been vaccinated but still have no immunity... who are afraid. I can't even imagine what post-Covid means to them.</p><h2 style="text-align: left;">International day of people with disabilities</h2><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6uxfSzJixq4/Yam7jNOiWpI/AAAAAAAAK_A/__0FsEPPZZw0w_EwmKe3STp-kg6TlrWcgCNcBGAsYHQ/s3498/IDPWD-Logo-01.png" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="IDPWD logo with the full text: international day of people with disabilities." border="0" data-original-height="899" data-original-width="3498" height="103" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6uxfSzJixq4/Yam7jNOiWpI/AAAAAAAAK_A/__0FsEPPZZw0w_EwmKe3STp-kg6TlrWcgCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h103/IDPWD-Logo-01.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: left;">Today is <b>International Day for People With Disabilities</b>. (I'm sure we could shorten that a little!)</p><p style="text-align: left;">The company I currently work for, SSCL, and its parent company, Sopra Steria, have both been working really hard this year to improve online accessibility. Now that more people are working from home, it has become even more important, as people can't just ask a colleague at the next desk when they get stuck. </p><p style="text-align: left;">On Wednesday, we held a Lunch and Learn event, in preparation for today. The aim was to show people a few simple things they can do in their daily communications to make content more accessible for all. It covered a range of impairments and the barriers that prevent people with them from accessing content, and we showed how to remove some of those barriers. At the end, we asked everyone to pledge to take action from today and either start or stop doing something. The response was amazing! So many people pledged to add alt text to images... to check the reading order of their PowerPoints... to reduce jargon and speak in plain English. For me, the one I liked best though was: <b>I pledge to start asking people for feedback on the accessibility of my content</b>. This came from an idea related to lorries having a sticker on the back saying, how is my driving? What a fab idea!</p><h3 style="text-align: left;">A few reminders</h3><div>So, with no further ado, here are my top five tips for making your normal, daily content accessible:</div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Provide alt text for all images</b> - usually, right-click and then add a description of your image. On social media, this is usually done through an EDIT button when you upload your image.</li><li><b>Check colour contrast is sufficient</b> - ideally, start using a free tool such as the <a href="https://webaim.org/resources/contrastchecker/" target="_blank">WebAIM contrast checker</a>.</li><li><b>Give your hyperlinks meaningful text</b> - the text on the page should tell the user what they are going to see. The URL (web address) should be hidden in the background.</li><li><b>Check the reading order</b> - this is especially important with things like PowerPoint, where you create content in a random order and then rearrange it on the page. A screenreader doesn't know how it should be read unless you check the reading order. This is often in the Review menu under Check Accessibility.</li><li><b>Structure your content correctly</b> - use headings and subheadings so that your content is easy to follow and understand. Don't just change the size and style of the font. Change it in the Styles section of your software.</li></ul><p style="text-align: left;">If you don't know how to do any of the above and want some help, please let me know. I have videos to show how some of these work in practice, but I'm happy to make more and look at different applications if it helps.</p></div>Finnberryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05547300774234349428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6748817407510359548.post-37123089745454132792021-11-14T07:49:00.003+00:002021-11-14T08:03:44.399+00:00What makes a place accessible?<p>I rang a pub yesterday to find out whether they are accessible or not. As I asked the question, it occurred to me that it was a somewhat vague question to ask. I mean, what makes a place accessible or inaccessible for me might be different than for other people, even with similar conditions. So here are some thoughts on accessibility of places.</p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Getting in</h2><p style="text-align: left;">For a wheelchair user, getting into the venue is usually the first hurdle. Steps make this pretty much impossible, so some kind of ramp is usually used to give buildings level entry. Ramps vary though. There are the kind of ramps that have actually become part of the fabric of the building... concrete, sensible and compliant slope (1 in 12 or less) and that generally bring you into the main entrance of the building. There are other permanent ramps that are installed somewhere to enable wheelchair users to get in, though maybe not at the same entrance as everyone else. Then there are the temporary/portable ramps, which may or may not have a usable gradient. I've been presented with some that are at a 45<sup>o</sup> angle and downright impossible to use.</p><p style="text-align: left;">I believe that the vast majority of venues, if they really wanted to, could provide some form of level entry. Many blame listed building status for not providing it but I've been to many historic houses, old buildings and so on, that have managed to adapt their entrance area and allow wheelchair users to get in. </p><p style="text-align: left;">To be fair though, I have also been to some places, like the church where my son recently got married, where I fail to see how they could provide safe level entry to the grounds. This is usually due to being built into a very steep hill and not having enough space. I have more sympathy when this is the case, rather than just blaming listed building status and the local council.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Of course, there is one option I haven't mentioned... and that is the alternative entrance. This can work well but not if it takes you, e.g. through the bins in a rear yard, then through a busy kitchen with people running around with knives and hot pans, to get you into the restaurant.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Getting into a building shouldn't be stressful, scary, make you feel like an inconvenience or reliant on another person for assistance. </p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Getting around</h2><p style="text-align: left;">Many people assume that if you can get into the building, that's the job done. Not so! Moving around is also important. This means that the doorways can't be narrower than my wheelchair. I have to physically fit through. It also means not having to negotiate steps once inside. </p><p style="text-align: left;">Of course, there are ways of making a multilevel building accessible. Lifts are the obvious... either a normal lift or one of those platform lifts that gets you there eventually. Stairlifts are an option too but often don't work for people who use heavy electric wheelchairs or scooters. We were at Castle Howard yesterday and they have a platform stairlift. You wheel on and then it takes you up the stair case just like a normal stairlift. It was painfully slow but it did the job and was probably cheaper and easier to install than a lift (in a listed building). </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_cQjVd6177w/YZDBK7zrKTI/AAAAAAAAK6s/5sZsDAFqn3IBCHnC3mOBiCvYoVGuA0EzQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5697.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Photo of a large staircase in a country house. It is decorated for Christmas. Along the left side of the stairs, is a platform stairlift, carrying a wheelchair user up the stairs." border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_cQjVd6177w/YZDBK7zrKTI/AAAAAAAAK6s/5sZsDAFqn3IBCHnC3mOBiCvYoVGuA0EzQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h266/IMG_5697.jpg" title="Stairlift" width="400" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;">Once we've dealt with physical barriers such as doors and stairs, other things that make moving around difficult include: </p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Layout - are tables and chairs blocking the walkways so that you have to keep asking people to move to allow you through? Are the aisles too narrow? Do they have items such as temporary promotions blocking them?</li><li>Flooring - thick pile carpet is really hard work to wheel on, rather like wading through knee-deep treacle! Uneven flooring and things like cables and hoses can also make it difficult. My dream is nice smooth tiles, though flat pile carpet is also nice.</li><li>Queuing systems - it used to just be the post office that used those zigzag queues but now they are everywhere. It stands to reason that the posts (including their bases) need to be far enough apart to allow a wheelchair to pass between them. </li></ul><h2 style="text-align: left;">Accessible toilets</h2><p style="text-align: left;">This is the most important thing for me after getting into the building, and yet it is the thing nobody ever thinks about. I get that with some places. Why would you need to go to the toilet on a trip to the supermarket? Most people don't. I often do.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Pubs and restaurants though? Come on!!! Most people, when inputting liquid at the top will eventually have to empty it out at the bottom. Me more than most, it seems. </p><p style="text-align: left;">An accessible toilet is essential, but what do I need? I preferably need to be able to go in with my wheelchair. I can walk enough to go in without it but I worry about my chair or my bag or phone being stolen. I can't walk and carry, so I have to leave everything outside. </p><p style="text-align: left;">Rails are extremely important. At a push, I can fall onto the toilet without them but I can't get back up. If there are no grab rails, I have to use something else to pull myself up... something that wasn't intended for that purpose. I don't want to break stuff - your fittings or my body. </p><p style="text-align: left;">A lowish mirror and clean shelf is also handy for when I need to self-catheterise. This is nearly always forgotten. Another thing that is forgotten, is that incontinence pads can be huge - way bigger than sanitary towels, more like nappies - so a bin to dispose of them is useful. It is handy, given that some disabled people can't use their feet at all, if the bin isn't foot pedal only. It also helps if it can be reached from the toilet. The opposite side of the room presents some difficulties.</p><h2 style="text-align: left;">No dogs allowed/dog friendly</h2><p style="text-align: left;">My heart sort of sinks a little when I see either of these signs on a door. Let me explain why.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Many indoor venues have a sign that bans all dogs. The sensible ones then say underneath, "except assistance dogs". There are very few places that have a legal right to ban assistance dogs. Even those that do have that legal right, often choose not to exercise it. Basically the only reason for banning assistance dogs is if you have ground nesting birds that could be harmed by the presence of a dog. </p><p style="text-align: left;">I love birds! They have birds at Potteric Carr in Doncaster. I've been there years ago, in the bird hides, watching the birds in their natural environment. It was amazing! They could legitimately ban all dogs. However, they choose to allow assistance dogs. I, however, choose not to take Liggy there. I'm pretty sure she would be fine but she hasn't had much practice with bird work and I'm conscious that she's a labrador retriever and something deep inside her might make her inclined to pull towards birds. I don't need to go to such a place to live a normal independent life. I'm happy to do other things and leave the birdies in peace. </p><p style="text-align: left;">I'm beginning to lose count of the number of places that ask us on arrival whether we intend to view the house/museum/shop/etc separately because dogs aren't allowed. I usually start by stating that she's an assistance dog but even then, it's amazing how many staff members don't know the law or their own policies. Even yesterday, the ticket lady had to go and check with a manager, having told us she very much doubted that assistance dogs were allowed into the house. She came back quite pleased that she would now know the answer... but no apology for the stress, embarrassment or confusion caused. And that was in spite of it being very clear on their own website that no dogs were allowed in the house, except assistance dogs.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Some people still use the sign that says... except guide dogs. I generally assume that covers all assistance dogs but I find the sign a little irritating. It adds to the general misconception that all assistance dogs are with blind people.</p><p style="text-align: left;">You would expect me to prefer places that are "Dog Friendly", I guess. Well, it depends what it is. If it's an outdoor attraction, gardens, park, informal cafe, etc, then yes, dog friendly is usually great. When it comes to restaurants, pubs, other places where I'm going to expect Liggy to lie quietly, be on best behaviour and transfer situational rules across, then I prefer to be seated away from pet dogs. </p><p style="text-align: left;">It's not that I don't like dogs. Far from it! I love dogs! However, Liggy gets to go into places that don't want dogs and that comes with expectations on her behaviour. So, for example, when we sit down to eat a meal, she always (and mean always) has to lie quietly on her bed and stay still. She does this really well and I am frequently complimented on her behaviour in restaurants because her training is very clear. If I then have to sit near someone else with another dog, that might be playful, aggressive, just have different food rules, etc, then Liggy might be tempted to relax her excellent meal time behaviour. That would be fine in that dog friendly place but she doesn't know that different places have different rules, even for the same situation. So it is just easier if we can be separate for those activities.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Also, dog friendly places often have a dog friendly area and a dog-free area. Many are good and let us sit in the dog-free area, which helps me a lot, but some don't understand why I want to sit away from other dogs. They don't understand that Liggy isn't a pet. Sure, she has times to be a normal dog and she is very well behaved around other dogs but she is different. She is a working dog and carries extra responsibilities and expectations.</p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Euan's Guide</h2><p style="text-align: left;">So having talked a little about what accessibility means for me, I want to recommend a review site. <a href="https://www.euansguide.com/" target="_blank">Euan's Guide</a> is kind of like Trip Advisor for disabled people. It is full of reviews of different places, all done by or on behalf of disabled people. I've been reviewing for them for a while now and I use it a lot to plan visits and days out. </p><p style="text-align: left;">One of the things I really like about it, is that each review tells you about the reviewer and their disability. So I often look for information given by other wheelchair users and people with assistance dogs. </p><p style="text-align: left;">If you have a disability, please consider reviewing places. The more people write reviews, the better it becomes. All reviews get moderated before publishing, so you don't have to worry about whether it was okay to write this or that. Just say what you found and how you managed, be honest and know that others will find it useful.</p><p></p>Finnberryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05547300774234349428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6748817407510359548.post-63631348507620023212021-10-09T11:50:00.004+01:002021-10-09T11:55:04.357+01:00Soft rye bread rolls<p>I visited my Godmother yesterday and she treated me to some banana muffins, which she had baked using the recipe I'd put on here a couple of years ago. So that encouraged me that people do actually read this and some people even find odd bits of it useful. Also, I have to say, the muffins were delicious!</p><p>So today, whilst Neil is at his mum's house, painting doors, I'm having a baking and cleaning day... with a fair bit of relaxing in between. I'm starting with bread. I just love home-baked bread and my favourites are these rye bread rolls. They are soft and are great for packed lunches, bacon sandwiches, as a dipper for soup... you name it... perfect!</p><p><b>This recipe makes 12 decent sized rolls.</b></p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Ingredients</h2><p style="text-align: left;">400g strong white flour<br />350g dark rye flour<br />1 tsp salt<br />1 tsp caster sugar<br />2 tsp easy blend yeast<br />6 tbsp rapeseed oil<br />450ml warm water</p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Equipment</h2><p style="text-align: left;"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>In an ideal world, a Neff oven with retractable door, a proving setting and a large baking tray that works like an oven shelf. If you haven't got this, you're gonna have to improvise a bit, and use what you've got.</li><li>Greaseproof paper, cut or neatly torn to the size of your baking tray.</li><li>Stand mixer with dough hook.</li><li>A cloth napkin.</li><li>The plastic lid from your last takeaway (washed... obviously) and coated quite liberally with oil.</li></ul><p></p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Method</h2><p style="text-align: left;"></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Turn the oven onto the proving setting (40<sup>o</sup>C).<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2k5kNsWZ8wg/YWFdPWk_35I/AAAAAAAAKoI/7IlELndruG442WwggXMbwhsJmdcZPVLJQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20211009_092354.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Photo of oven setting showing dough proving at 40 degrees C." border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2k5kNsWZ8wg/YWFdPWk_35I/AAAAAAAAKoI/7IlELndruG442WwggXMbwhsJmdcZPVLJQCLcBGAsYHQ/w320-h240/IMG_20211009_092354.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></li><li>Sieve the flour into the mixer bowl. Hold the sieve as high as you can to get lots of air in but if you've got a tremor (like me) it more important to get the flour in the bowl and lose a bit of air.</li><li>Add the salt, sugar and yeast and mix all the dry ingredients together well.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jac9xx6f9ds/YWFcbNgYCwI/AAAAAAAAKm8/waP5ymE6blYnbYrEEZf1Q-EuJJsSMddBwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20211009_091911.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Bowl of the dry ingredients that have been mixed well." border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jac9xx6f9ds/YWFcbNgYCwI/AAAAAAAAKm8/waP5ymE6blYnbYrEEZf1Q-EuJJsSMddBwCLcBGAsYHQ/w320-h240/IMG_20211009_091911.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></li><li>Make a well in the middle and add the oil.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8Q_Xt56-EcA/YWFctYst4fI/AAAAAAAAKn0/nHHE9IXC3NoZ6xpLNaxP0na0IFNZH7TLQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20211009_092048.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Bowl of dry ingredients with oil in the well in the middle." border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8Q_Xt56-EcA/YWFctYst4fI/AAAAAAAAKn0/nHHE9IXC3NoZ6xpLNaxP0na0IFNZH7TLQCLcBGAsYHQ/w320-h240/IMG_20211009_092048.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></li><li>Add the warm water.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n-fNvHTRil0/YWFc2iPsM2I/AAAAAAAAKn4/gVK3oflccKolMYqn8jYmIE5u2-3ZiiRVgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20211009_092207.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Bowl of ingredients with the water added. It looks like someone has weed in it because of the oil." border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n-fNvHTRil0/YWFc2iPsM2I/AAAAAAAAKn4/gVK3oflccKolMYqn8jYmIE5u2-3ZiiRVgCLcBGAsYHQ/w320-h240/IMG_20211009_092207.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></li><li>Put the bowl on the stand and mix on a slow setting first, before turning up to whatever your max dough hook setting is. I start on 1 and increase to 4. Let the mixer do its work for about 5 minutes.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tAKj0ZGonoE/YWFdEKcY4pI/AAAAAAAAKoA/3XHDJiSAZikPUyPrs_LCTvL-odz9HPP1gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20211009_092224.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The bowl of ingredients sitting on the stand with a dough hook in them." border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tAKj0ZGonoE/YWFdEKcY4pI/AAAAAAAAKoA/3XHDJiSAZikPUyPrs_LCTvL-odz9HPP1gCLcBGAsYHQ/w320-h240/IMG_20211009_092224.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></li><li>Meanwhile, find another biggish bowl, preferable something ovenproof but the oven isn't going to be that hot, so don't stress if you've only got plastic. Pour a tiny bit of oil in and use your hands to rub it all around the bowl.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eMAlmADtY8w/YWFdaBD39nI/AAAAAAAAKoM/5t9BjbaK0a8VUXfACQ56wfGF1MmH9__xgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20211009_092735.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Empty earthenware bowl with a drop of oil in the bottom." border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eMAlmADtY8w/YWFdaBD39nI/AAAAAAAAKoM/5t9BjbaK0a8VUXfACQ56wfGF1MmH9__xgCLcBGAsYHQ/w320-h240/IMG_20211009_092735.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></li><li>When the dough has all come together and is a little bit sticky but looks like dough, transfer it into the oiled bowl.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KlUXDwhmEPk/YWFdj07pXEI/AAAAAAAAKoU/pn-wgoBA__MiwUYJODFDja6BGjlgRW-5gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20211009_092826.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Large portion of dough in the earthenware bowl." border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KlUXDwhmEPk/YWFdj07pXEI/AAAAAAAAKoU/pn-wgoBA__MiwUYJODFDja6BGjlgRW-5gCLcBGAsYHQ/w320-h240/IMG_20211009_092826.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></li><li>Cover the bowl with the napkin (I used to use a tea towel but it overhangs the bowl too much and touches the sides of the oven) and put the bowl on a low shelf to prove. It should take about 45 mins to double in size. If you are letting it prove in a warm room, it will take a fair bit longer. Wait until it has doubled in size and smells immense!<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T0YrMK3Qf-Q/YWFdxbhcbsI/AAAAAAAAKoc/TW4-Puu_0dQr7au_0Evv9lXITXoPcREMACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20211009_092855.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Napkin covered bowl in the oven." border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T0YrMK3Qf-Q/YWFdxbhcbsI/AAAAAAAAKoc/TW4-Puu_0dQr7au_0Evv9lXITXoPcREMACLcBGAsYHQ/w320-h240/IMG_20211009_092855.jpg" title="Before" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PowvPO1Pbr8/YWFsmur0YgI/AAAAAAAAKos/JTdfSibw5sQM3X0Y8rROPtiZPwlKJ7a9wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20211009_101558.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Same bowl with the napkin pulled back to reveal that the dough has doubled in size." border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PowvPO1Pbr8/YWFsmur0YgI/AAAAAAAAKos/JTdfSibw5sQM3X0Y8rROPtiZPwlKJ7a9wCLcBGAsYHQ/w320-h240/IMG_20211009_101558.jpg" title="After" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></li><li>Pour a bit of oil on your work surface and rub it around with your hand. <br /></li><li>Transfer the dough onto the work surface and punch it back.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ja_kBwoxR3Y/YWFsagjopeI/AAAAAAAAKoo/QhKpNehIdxE9iSWm9WF9_R0V2tz6kIzRACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20211009_101852.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Risen dough on an oiled work surface." border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ja_kBwoxR3Y/YWFsagjopeI/AAAAAAAAKoo/QhKpNehIdxE9iSWm9WF9_R0V2tz6kIzRACLcBGAsYHQ/w320-h240/IMG_20211009_101852.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></li><li>Break or cut off 105g portions. Weigh them on the takeaway lid on your scales so that all the rolls end up the right size and will fit on your tray.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TEMfoplYWPk/YWFtZhuxOrI/AAAAAAAAKo4/e92onYNhhO8Naeeb4CoczNfOhHyDf2VFACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20211009_101932.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="A ripped off piece of dough on a plastic lid on the scales, weighing 105g." border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TEMfoplYWPk/YWFtZhuxOrI/AAAAAAAAKo4/e92onYNhhO8Naeeb4CoczNfOhHyDf2VFACLcBGAsYHQ/w320-h240/IMG_20211009_101932.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></li><li>Knead the 105g portion a little and then roll it in your hands to form a nice roll shape. </li><li>Put the rolls on the lined baking tray in a 4 x 3 layout. They will rise again and touch each other but this is fine... commendable even.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-04twhwpQsXE/YWFtlc5RHqI/AAAAAAAAKo8/4CYbQjuZOI8cctbMOn_yATWwJPFNvxXgQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20211009_102721.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Twelve equally sized rolls laid out on a baking tray. There are good sized gaps between them." border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-04twhwpQsXE/YWFtlc5RHqI/AAAAAAAAKo8/4CYbQjuZOI8cctbMOn_yATWwJPFNvxXgQCLcBGAsYHQ/w320-h240/IMG_20211009_102721.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></li><li>Put the tray in the oven to prove for about 30 minutes. The rolls should be a good size now.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LAzwfV1ZPAc/YWFty_8Jn0I/AAAAAAAAKpA/OI9L0-8dfvA_-5bZ7GckH9nyXUMHxc8bwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20211009_110404.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The same twelve rolls but well risen so they are now touching each other." border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LAzwfV1ZPAc/YWFty_8Jn0I/AAAAAAAAKpA/OI9L0-8dfvA_-5bZ7GckH9nyXUMHxc8bwCLcBGAsYHQ/w320-h240/IMG_20211009_110404.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></li><li>Take the tray out of the oven and preheat the oven to 180<sup>o</sup>C fan.</li><li>Lightly dust the rolls with flour.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I0AlxJ_U__o/YWFuInzzihI/AAAAAAAAKpM/KhIf6YmVW00eG5pw3k1KmQXdNV2qzyqkgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20211009_111019.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The same twelve rolls but now they have a sprinkling of white flour over them." border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I0AlxJ_U__o/YWFuInzzihI/AAAAAAAAKpM/KhIf6YmVW00eG5pw3k1KmQXdNV2qzyqkgCLcBGAsYHQ/w320-h240/IMG_20211009_111019.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></li><li>Bake the rolls for about 25 minutes. They should be nicely browning when they are done and should look like edible bread rolls. You can pull one off and turn it over to check if they are done. When you tap the bottom with your finger, it should sound hollow. Or, if you trust your oven and the recipe, you don't need to check.</li><li>Leave the rolls on the tray to cool, covered with the aforementioned napkin. I usually put the tray on a wooden board so that it doesn't burn anything.<br /></li><li>When they are still warm but have cooled a bit, pull them apart and eat them all.</li></ol><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9pu5_cFxFW4/YWFzhMVuTtI/AAAAAAAAKpc/ZQa5CXj3vtQrEMmwtJSUGNfE-sT_1J9BgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5195.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Tray of twleve freshly baked rolls." border="0" data-original-height="1185" data-original-width="2048" height="370" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9pu5_cFxFW4/YWFzhMVuTtI/AAAAAAAAKpc/ZQa5CXj3vtQrEMmwtJSUGNfE-sT_1J9BgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h370/IMG_5195.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rbCwqIivp-o/YWFzhNt0SPI/AAAAAAAAKpU/VUFRQD3msykJeCcPysmvTMn45BCmcZYHgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5199.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Close up of four rolls, showing a beautifully textured surface." border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rbCwqIivp-o/YWFzhNt0SPI/AAAAAAAAKpU/VUFRQD3msykJeCcPysmvTMn45BCmcZYHgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/IMG_5199.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m5XmX6pj9Ps/YWFzhKnNI4I/AAAAAAAAKpY/gfJSlegUiAoJX02AUkPzl8tJ6XhCOrcCwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5200.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Close up of nine rolls, showing the warm brown glow and floury surface." border="0" data-original-height="1436" data-original-width="2048" height="448" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m5XmX6pj9Ps/YWFzhKnNI4I/AAAAAAAAKpY/gfJSlegUiAoJX02AUkPzl8tJ6XhCOrcCwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h448/IMG_5200.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: left;">If you decide you can't eat them all at once (recommended actually) put the ones you don't want in freezer bags and suck the air out before tying a knot in the bag. These can be frozen and defrosted when you want them. </p><p style="text-align: left;">The warm rolls are delicious, cut in half, buttered and lathered with honey. I also like them filled with mashed banana, or cheese and marmite, or bacon and mushrooms. Neil likes them with corned beef and cucumber.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Why don't you make a batch and let me know your favourite filling. </p><p></p>Finnberryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05547300774234349428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6748817407510359548.post-10172733371107358562021-09-27T17:16:00.005+01:002021-09-27T17:40:29.976+01:00The social model of disability<p>I may have mentioned this before. The social model states that a person isn't disabled by their medical condition, their body, their impairment or any difference in the way they have to do things. They are disabled by the barriers, attitudes, lack of adjustments, etc in society.</p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Waleswood</h2><p style="text-align: left;">At the end of August, Liggy and I set out on our own and spent a few nights camping in the motorhome at Waleswood, near Rother Valley Country Park. Although I was initially nervous about the whole camping alone idea, it was something I wanted to be able to do and felt it should be possible. I chose Waleswood because it had awesome reviews, especially from disabled people. </p><p style="text-align: left;">Everything about the site had been thought about from an accessibility perspective. I could even empty the toilet myself... something I can rarely contemplate. </p><p style="text-align: left;">So I got settled, forgot I'm supposed to be disabled and just got on with life... using my wheelchair/mountain trike and with Liggy at my side... but not disabled. I could do everything I needed or wanted to do. </p><p style="text-align: left;">Nice!</p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Teversal</h2><p style="text-align: left;">Yesterday, we got back from a weekend camping in Teversal. It was a club site, so I expected it to be accessible. The woods and nature reserve opposite looked to be completely accessible. I was looking forward to a relaxing weekend... and then decided I'd like to stay on for a few days to work on a project that required concentration and no distractions.</p><p style="text-align: left;">I arrived there on Friday to find the entire site is pebble. I couldn't use my wheelchair at all. The front wheels just sank into the pebbles and even wheelying didn't really work. So I switched to my mountain trike. That got me around the site but I can't do precise manoevres in it. I have to disconnect the gears to go backwards. It's wider. It's designed for the open world, not shops, doorways, toilets etc.</p><p style="text-align: left;">I needed Neil to help with everything. </p><p style="text-align: left;">Never mind, the woods and nature reserve were calling. I couldn't get in though. They must have problems with motorbikes or something, as all the entrances had barriers. They might as well have put up a huge sign saying "No crips allowed!" I felt excluded. People like me should just stay at home, out of sight and suffer quietly, so nobody else has to deal with us.</p><p style="text-align: left;">We managed to have a pleasant enough weekend and with Neil's help, eventually got in for a nice walk... but I was disabled... very disabled all weekend.</p><h2 style="text-align: left;">So what?</h2><p style="text-align: left;">Design is rarely acciental. I'm a designer. Every aspect of design is a choice. We look at the problem and create a solution, deciding what is important and what doesn't matter. It's the same with everything.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Campsites are designed. A lot of time and money goes into layout, pitches, electrics, toilets, access for towing/long vehicles. </p><p style="text-align: left;">Why would somebody decide to make all the roads and paths of pebbles? Okay, so pebbles are terrible for me, but I also noticed:</p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>They are noisy - every person that walked or cycled or drove past could be heard. At night, it was loud enough to wake me.</li><li>They get kicked up by tyres and can damage vehicles.</li><li>They are difficult to walk on, even for non-disabled people. </li><li>They hurt when a child falls over.</li></ul><p style="text-align: left;">There are so many reasons why pebbles are not the ideal surface and yet someone made that decision. </p><p style="text-align: left;">I wasn't the only disabled person there. I spoke to several others who were finding it difficult. I spoke to others who found accessing the woods difficult or impossible. I got the signs in my head again...</p><p style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Wheelchair users only welcome with carer!</span></b></p><p style="text-align: left;">It feels like it's okay to send that message out because it's just the norm. The Waleswoods of this world are the exception, rather than the rule. Nobody is standing up, protesting, declaring the injustice of it all. It will happen. I know it will happen because once there were signs prohibiting black people, gay people, breastfeeding mums... anyone who isn't the majority. And they fought for justice. They demanded equality. One day, equality won't need to be demanded. We'll realise one day that it is the only way for society to be okay. Equality, on all levels, should be the norm.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Until then, I believe in the social model. It's not my impairment that disables me. It's the barriers and attitudes and difficulties that stop me because my way of living is different from yours.</p><p></p>Finnberryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05547300774234349428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6748817407510359548.post-11381453533068034362021-08-02T17:16:00.003+01:002021-08-02T17:21:54.469+01:00Baking for people with allergies<p>My mum had a birthday this week, so yesterday, we had a family barbeque to celebrate. On the back of a pretty successful barbeque on a recent camping trip, we did the all-inclusive idea again. So we have a number of allergies in the family and the idea was, as far as possible, to make all food safe for all of us. </p><p>But that can be quite tricky! Rewind to Saturday and the great bake-off!</p><h2 style="text-align: left;">The Allergies</h2><h3 style="text-align: left;">Gluten</h3><p style="text-align: left;">My dad is allergic to gluten but there are other family members who are coeliac and can't tolerate even small amounts of the stuff. The trouble is, gluten is in a lot of nice food! One of my dad's moans is that he often can't get what he fancies to eat in gluten-free and when he can, it's just not as nice.</p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s9c-xSnJrZ8/YQUrsOme38I/AAAAAAAAKHw/NIjiplUZgEUL2ewT3OLZPqz3qmqQeOPSwCPcBGAsYHg/s4618/IMG_20210731_115156.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Photo of the gluten-free recipe book - link below" border="0" data-original-height="4618" data-original-width="3464" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s9c-xSnJrZ8/YQUrsOme38I/AAAAAAAAKHw/NIjiplUZgEUL2ewT3OLZPqz3qmqQeOPSwCPcBGAsYHg/w150-h200/IMG_20210731_115156.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>I got a fantastic mother's day gift this year! My son and future daughter-in-law (who can't eat gluten) bought me this book:<p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://smile.amazon.co.uk/How-Make-Anything-Gluten-Free/dp/1787136612/ref=sr_1_1?crid=RO06J7XAB158&dchild=1&keywords=how+to+make+anything+gluten+free+becky+excell&qid=1627718419&sprefix=how+to+make+anyth%2Caps%2C169&sr=8-1" target="_blank">How to make anything gluten free by Becky Excell</a></span></p><p style="text-align: left;">The author is gluten-intolerant and has spent her life creating recipes that are as near to the gluten equivalent as possible. From bread to cake to take aways, this book is full of fabulous recipes. So today, I'm baking two batches of bread rolls, one that I've made before and one that is a new recipe. I'm also baking a lemon drizzle cake. </p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><br /></h3><h3 style="text-align: left;">Lactose/dairy</h3><p style="text-align: left;">Also dad but again, he's not alone in the family. In theory, dairy-free cooking shouldn't be too difficult. There are plenty of substitutes out there. When eating out though, the biggest issue is that most places do gluten-free and lactose-free but trying to find something on the menu that is both... well, that might leave you with just one option, which isn't really how a menu is supposed to work. </p><p style="text-align: left;">For our family, the other problem with the dairy alternatives, is that most of them contain carotenes, and I'm allergic to them. So we basically have few options and some of them are so niche, they are difficult to get in small town supermarkets.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Soft butter: Vitalite <br />Hard butter: Flora plant<br />Milk: Soya milk or coconut milk<br />Cream: Forget it! <br />Double cream: Absolutely forget it!!!</p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Carotenes</h3><p style="text-align: left;">My allergy frustrates me. I've known for many years that beta-carotene is the offender. I've never really been able to eat carrots and over the years, other foods have given me bad reactions and so we've gradually worked out that the common ingredient is beta-carotene... but basically, I now avoid all carotenes.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Having said that, until we moved to Finland, it was only a handful of veg and fruit that actually triggered an allergic response. So I couldn't eat carrot, suede, beetroot, mango, apricots... that kind of thing, but I could eat lots of other things. I don't really know what happened. Repeated exposure to carrot/suede on the 'special diets' bar at school didn't help but I suspect stress, age and some unknown factors have also played a part.</p><p style="text-align: left;">The upshot is that my allergy mutates from time to time, and things I could previously eat, I suddenly (often with dramatic effect) can't. A good example of this was kale. I'd eaten it without problems for years and then suddenly had it one day and burned up from head to toe and turned beetroot red... and now I can't eat it. It was the same with carotenes as an additive. So now, I can't eat anything that has even the smallest amount of carotenes as a colouring, e.g. margarine, most ice creams... in fact many processed goods.</p><p style="text-align: left;">The main problem with this allergy, is identifying where it might be hiding. It isn't on the list of allergens, so it is rarely in bold. It is almost never in the allergy book at restaurants. You can give a list of foods to be aware of, but the list is very long and it could also be just added as 'natural flavourings and colourings'. It is E160 with/without letters after its name, vitamin A, carotenes, or sometimes something as innocuous as pumpkin seeds. </p><p style="text-align: left;">I can tell people I'm allergic to it and they will promise to check everything but I live with it and get it wrong. I really don't expect others to manage it with much accuracy!</p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Nuts</h3><p style="text-align: left;">My brother and a cousin are allergic to nuts. One is more serious than the other and has resulted in a couple of facial transitions into the Elephant Man. Fortunately, neither of them have completely stared death in the face yet, but this is an allergy that gets worse with each exposure, so it's important not to get it wrong!</p><h2 style="text-align: left;">The bake-off</h2><h3 style="text-align: left;">Burger buns</h3><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AgGx_PQy-A0/YQUsML07IMI/AAAAAAAAKH4/bvj1rFtAhFkkohsxdo5BrcSFoscNb0CmwCPcBGAsYHg/s4618/IMG_20210731_112006.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Metal mixing dough with a very sticky and wet bread dough in the bottom." border="0" data-original-height="3464" data-original-width="4618" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AgGx_PQy-A0/YQUsML07IMI/AAAAAAAAKH4/bvj1rFtAhFkkohsxdo5BrcSFoscNb0CmwCPcBGAsYHg/w320-h240/IMG_20210731_112006.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Last time, I made Becky Excell's brioche-style burger buns and they were quite nice but Neil found them a bit heavy going. So this time, I'm having a crack at her floured bread rolls. I made the first batch this morning, before waking Neil, so that if they were no good, we still had time to revert to plan B.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ABw03FFSUbk/YQUsMO1jpGI/AAAAAAAAKH4/MPYpdaXpWiEEcae-ry-TmXGXwoTzgl-gQCPcBGAsYHg/s4618/IMG_20210731_114057.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Baking tray with eight bread rolls on it. It is covered with cling film and is just starting to rise." border="0" data-original-height="3464" data-original-width="4618" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ABw03FFSUbk/YQUsMO1jpGI/AAAAAAAAKH4/MPYpdaXpWiEEcae-ry-TmXGXwoTzgl-gQCPcBGAsYHg/w320-h240/IMG_20210731_114057.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Once baked, I cut one in half, smeared it with butter and strawberry jam, and we had half each for breakfast. It was really nice but the middle was a little cakey. I wonder though, whether they'll be better when cool. Anyway, they were nice enough to attempt a second batch. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WrmMAony-T4/YQUsMHwuXhI/AAAAAAAAKH4/1F9zBkOn1SYi-0T0vVL-phKrskh5sQnCgCPcBGAsYHg/s4618/IMG_20210731_115132.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Six cooked bread rolls, brown and crispy on top and lightly floured." border="0" data-original-height="3464" data-original-width="4618" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WrmMAony-T4/YQUsMHwuXhI/AAAAAAAAKH4/1F9zBkOn1SYi-0T0vVL-phKrskh5sQnCgCPcBGAsYHg/w320-h240/IMG_20210731_115132.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The thing with gluten-free bread is that the dough has to be really sticky and wet. I find it quite tricky to handle, especially with having a tremor! I keep meaning to weigh my empty bowl, so that I can work out the total weight of dough and divide the buns evenly. Today, I went for 5 oz on the first batch but only got seven rolls... then 4 oz on the second batch but the eighth was still quite small. <p></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><br /></h3><h3 style="text-align: left;"><br /></h3><h3 style="text-align: left;"><br /></h3><h3 style="text-align: left;">Lemon drizzle cake</h3><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aJxFa_MqWN0/YQga5HAYnhI/AAAAAAAAKKE/f5vHpNQBSh8sX09DxC1Z0jjq1cUSilTgwCPcBGAsYHg/s4618/IMG_20210731_131501.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="A wooden chopping board with 8 half lemons on it." border="0" data-original-height="3464" data-original-width="4618" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aJxFa_MqWN0/YQga5HAYnhI/AAAAAAAAKKE/f5vHpNQBSh8sX09DxC1Z0jjq1cUSilTgwCPcBGAsYHg/w200-h150/IMG_20210731_131501.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>We tried this last week for the first time and fell in love with it. It has got a really strong lemony flavour and smell. It takes me a while to prepare, as zesting and juicing four lemons takes time. <p></p><p style="text-align: left;">The cake mix itself is quite a runny, batter-like mix but it cooks up really nicely. The lemon drizzle always feels like overkill. It drowns the cake in the tin but in the end, it all soaks up, giving an insensely lemony flavour. Lovely! </p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Sticky toffee puddings</h3><p style="text-align: left;">Well I was going to photograph these. They are very popular though and we had to intervene to stop my 13 year old niece from eating them all up! She surrounded them with spray cream and added a whole strawberry. </p><p style="text-align: left;">I normally make a sticky toffee sauce to go on top but the recipe requires double cream and we can't find a dairy free alternative that doesn't also have carotenes in. Jolly poor show from the cream manufacturers! Never mind though, pouring cream is nice too and there are alternatives for that!</p>Finnberryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05547300774234349428noreply@blogger.com0East Riding of Yorkshire, UK53.8416168 -0.434410625.531382963821152 -35.5906606 82.151850636178835 34.7218394tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6748817407510359548.post-47223375644535301482021-07-03T10:30:00.002+01:002021-07-03T10:30:00.250+01:00Tour of North Yorkshire and Northumberland - day 7<p></p><h2>Morning<o:p></o:p></h2>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">I woke this morning, to
find myself in a remake of Watership Down. Bunnies everywhere!!!<o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Liggy is clearly making
progress with the whole de-labradoring thing though, as she just looked
delighted and wagged her tail and then had her wee and came back in for
breakfast. No attempt to chase the bunnies at all! <o:p></o:p></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">We had a fairly leisurely morning before getting ready to go on a short hike.</p><h2 style="text-align: left;">High Force</h2><p style="text-align: left;">This is a good example of enjoying what you can, in terms of access. High Force and Low Force are on the Pennine Way, popular walking routes and are set in some amazing scenery. However, in general, the paths are not wheelchair friendly. To be fair, at this time of year, there are so many nettles, they are most definitely not Nicki-friendly either... but there is a paid-for path down to High Force, which is maintained, and though still tricky, is at least doable. The only thing I wonder, is why they always use gravel for these paths. It is so slippy, even for walkers. On the way back, Neil helped push me a little, but with me also propelling, and he had to be really careful not to slip over on the gravel. Anyone pushing a transit wheelchair up there would have a really interesting time!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N3rCYrTxwjo/YOAfa0W1N0I/AAAAAAAAJ8M/VBweH_5pwf45zXGXZtrksHABMCD7T4PZwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4777.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="A dark path through the forest, with me in my wheelchair and Liggy at my side, pushing up a hill." border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N3rCYrTxwjo/YOAfa0W1N0I/AAAAAAAAJ8M/VBweH_5pwf45zXGXZtrksHABMCD7T4PZwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h266/IMG_4777.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Nbk3bbvYzIo/YOAfaxkxCLI/AAAAAAAAJ8Q/a05DNKcrQdMh24xbwAkt_ZSd1XWakC-FQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4779.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Liggy and I have stopped to admire the view. There is a wooden fence behind us and trees." border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Nbk3bbvYzIo/YOAfaxkxCLI/AAAAAAAAJ8Q/a05DNKcrQdMh24xbwAkt_ZSd1XWakC-FQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h266/IMG_4779.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: left;">Anyway, having navigated the path down, which was stunning in places (and, for me, a little terrifying in places) we reached the viewing point. I took some photos while Neil took Liggy down some steps to get closer to the water. You can't go in, it's too dangerous, but you can get quite close. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i2JFr1J9nsk/YOAfzR-IHKI/AAAAAAAAJ8g/mvpwaEzG2fUGht80JFyLlsCeHtsihlLoACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4784.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Portrait photo of High Force waterfall" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i2JFr1J9nsk/YOAfzR-IHKI/AAAAAAAAJ8g/mvpwaEzG2fUGht80JFyLlsCeHtsihlLoACLcBGAsYHQ/w266-h400/IMG_4784.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-990i5zD87_Y/YOAfzeJqjBI/AAAAAAAAJ8k/7KKRPHA6m_MuwF5y0dh98lpp87migzZzQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4785.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Landscape photo of the waterfall" border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-990i5zD87_Y/YOAfzeJqjBI/AAAAAAAAJ8k/7KKRPHA6m_MuwF5y0dh98lpp87migzZzQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h266/IMG_4785.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X-ZsTsBYyIc/YOAfzYfz4hI/AAAAAAAAJ8c/2CWvSKf8X8gWDRp4zsJ9FkAmo_EPJA7CwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4792.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Monochrome photo of the waterfall." border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X-ZsTsBYyIc/YOAfzYfz4hI/AAAAAAAAJ8c/2CWvSKf8X8gWDRp4zsJ9FkAmo_EPJA7CwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h266/IMG_4792.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: left;">The waterfall is beautiful and makes that gushing noise that is really lovely unless you need the toilet. </p><p style="text-align: left;">It would have been nice to stay there a while but the viewing point was only just big enough for my chair and we were conscious that others would be coming down soon and it would get busy. I wanted to have as much space as possible to slalom between the scariest points on the path and certainly didn't want to risk having to pull over into the nettles to let people pass. </p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nQuqv0tQ-DM/YOAgIIAUz-I/AAAAAAAAJ8w/Bc52iZnQF3Ae5LKRtnQimwgz4FR_1X9UACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4795.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Monochrome photo of Neil and Liggy climbing a steep flight of stone steps." border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nQuqv0tQ-DM/YOAgIIAUz-I/AAAAAAAAJ8w/Bc52iZnQF3Ae5LKRtnQimwgz4FR_1X9UACLcBGAsYHQ/w266-h400/IMG_4795.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br /><p></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Phobias</h3><p style="text-align: left;">At this point, I think it's worth mentioning how disabling phobias can be. For many months now, I've been in a Facebook group about needle phobia... largely full of people just like me who realised they had to get a Covid vaccination but had successfully avoided injections their entire lives. Reading their posts and knowing I'm not alone in this and being strengthened by their stories of success, really helped me to go through with my vaccinations. </p><p style="text-align: left;">My other phobias are nettles and wasps. I can't remember the last time we had a holiday this far into summer, and to be honest, as I said at the beginning of these posts, it was never the plan. However, it is now early July and we haven't seen a single wasp all holiday. I don't know whether it is just a good year, divine protection to give me a week's break (or Neil), or just that they aren't out in force yet... but I have actually relaxed and enjoyed this holiday, which is good.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Nettles are actually my worst phobia. Obviously, they don't fly or chase you but they do sort of hide in unsuspecting places and they gather in large groups. Now, as a wheelchair user, they are often much taller than me and when it gets windy, they wave around and get all intimidating. Worst of all is when someone decided to either pick them or whack them. I think I would have maybe grown out of this phobia if it hadn't been for people picking them and using them to scare me as a child. </p><p style="text-align: left;">I have a theory that sometimes cravings and fears, and even intense dislikes can actually be nature's way of protecting us. When I have, in the past got too close to nettles, usually in a vain attempt to overcome the fear, I've had serious allergic reactions... much worse than normal nettle rash. Plus the seeds/pollen from them trigger my hayfever and asthma quite badly. Even this week, I've had a couple of days where I had coughing attacks, related to hayfever and asthma, coincidently after being closer than I'd like to my enemies. And we all know how socially unacceptable coughing is right now! </p><p style="text-align: left;">Anyway, if you have a phobia... something that sits there in the back of your mind, influencing every decision you make, every plan, every outing... just know you are not alone. It's rubbish! It might seem ridiculous to others but to you it is very real. Be kind to yourself and just do what you can and don't feel under pressure from others to overcome it instantly. My experience is that failure makes it worse and success certainly helps, so go at your pace and celebrate little successes. That's what I did today. I enjoyed the walk and the waterfall and, with a bit of help from Neil, I did something I thought I would never do.</p><h2 style="text-align: left;">NE39/21</h2><p style="text-align: left;">Our journey south towards Ripon was lovely. We stopped off at another BritStop - a farm shop - just off the A66, to buy some bits and pieces for dinner, but thought how good that one would be for an overnight on the way to Scotland via Carlisle. </p><p style="text-align: left;">Tonight's BritStop is an ice cream parlour, which was great for a mid-afternoon arrival in hot sun! I had a 2 scoop salted caramel, and rhubarb and custard ice cream tub. It was soooooo refreshing and tasty! Later, Neil went back and spent a small fortune stocking up on ice cream tubs to take home. Glad Zerubbabel has a decent sized freezer!</p><p style="text-align: left;">The place itself is on a busy road and there's nowhere to walk Liggy, but to be honest, she's had tonnes of exercise this week and there are chickens everywhere, so just practising ignoring the chickens is probably the best exercise for now.</p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Abrupt ending</h3><p style="text-align: left;">The plan was to visit Fountain's Abbey tomorrow, however, the weather forecast is pretty wet and miserable... possibly even thunder storms, and then something happened to change our plans.</p><p style="text-align: left;">About eight in the evening, well after the ice cream place had closed, cars started arriving. At first, it looked like people were just pulling in for a rest and then leaving, but soon we realised, they were all dropping off young people, in strange dress (including fur coats... yes, all of them) and many carrying cans of beer. They were all going to the house over the road, which was gradually becoming noisy with chatter and music. </p><p style="text-align: left;">Neil went to ask one of the new arrivals what was happening and whether we should expect a noisy night. He explained that it was an end of year party for sixth formers and he hoped it would be finished by midnight, as he was driving people home afterwards (and therefore couldn't even have a drink). We had a quick chat about the situation and decided that sleep was too important, and as tomorrow really only offered the opportunity to get soaked, and we have been to Fountain's Abbey many times before... we would call it a day, pack up and go home a night early.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Conscious that quick getaways are often the cause of mistakes... we were particularly careful to follow our leaving site checklist, to make sure we didn't forget anything. The journey home, though now quite late, was actually very pleasant and it was nice to be back in our own beds.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Liggy was extremely excited to be back home. She loves being on holiday but she is a definite home-bird and did zoomies round the garden and the living room to show how pleased she was to be back.</p><p></p>Finnberryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05547300774234349428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6748817407510359548.post-43326323005832676612021-07-03T10:00:00.001+01:002021-07-03T10:00:00.232+01:00Tour of North Yorkshire and Northumberland - day 6<p></p><h2>Morning<o:p></o:p></h2>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Knowing that we didn’t
have far to drive, and an 11:00 entrance ticket, we took the opportunity to do
a few little jobs… vacuum the motorhome out (how much hair can one dog
produce?!!) and ensure that water was full to the brim and waste and toilet
empty before leaving to go off grid again.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Our journey out was well
planned to avoid the road closure, and it worked fine. I had hoped that the A
road stretch would feel more, well, A-roady, which it didn’t. At some point, I
must find out how they define and A and a B road, as some are decidedly
similar.<o:p></o:p></p>
<h2>Chester’s Fort and Hadrian’s Wall<o:p></o:p></h2>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">I’d booked this one
because it is an English Heritage site and so, as members, it’s free to us. The
car park wasn’t huge but there was a section for coaches, so we parked there.
Apparently, when we joined, we got a car sticker, which we should have put in
the window. I can’t remember seeing one, though I may have stuck it in the car
and forgot about it. Anyway, it wasn’t in the motorhome window, so Neil went to
find out how helpful the staff were feeling. Thankfully he returned with a
second sticker. <o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mp3EQg7KgYA/YOAThHXaOzI/AAAAAAAAJ7c/qMPfeJ9xPK4DYsLMRukxZjof9Bg3qPaYwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4744.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Photo of the Roman ruins, with walls that are now just over a foot high." border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mp3EQg7KgYA/YOAThHXaOzI/AAAAAAAAJ7c/qMPfeJ9xPK4DYsLMRukxZjof9Bg3qPaYwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h266/IMG_4744.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">This was a definite
mountain trike day, as most of the site is over grass. They have allowed some
of it to grow into wild meadow areas but have mowed quite wide paths to show
where to walk. It was very beautiful and interesting to look at the ruins of
the fort and read about life there. Unfortunately, all the ruins were fenced
and the entry points were by steps, so Neil could have a look round but I
couldn’t. Whilst I would have preferred to be able to join him, I had half
expected this, and was happy to just do what I could.</p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vGPeMQnDabo/YOASo1upo0I/AAAAAAAAJ68/MGC9mdbiRwUh2K5jypjAAAE_qgehY48WwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4758.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Photo showing the long grass on either side of a mowed path. To the left are black railings around a ruin." border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vGPeMQnDabo/YOASo1upo0I/AAAAAAAAJ68/MGC9mdbiRwUh2K5jypjAAAE_qgehY48WwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h266/IMG_4758.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">The path down to the
river looked too steep and tricky, so I let Neil take Liggy down for a paddle.
She seemed to really have enjoyed that, as she came bounding back to me, with
all the enthusiasm of a small child, desperate to tell me about her adventures.
Neil tried to persuade her to jump up on my lap with her wet paws and harness
but she flatly refused. Clever girl!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yuUUb1mYfj4/YOAS4ZqzK5I/AAAAAAAAJ7E/Ijw3v3vW2IwU22UdIwvGJj0KiEUhKQukQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4751.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Photo showing the ruins of the bath house with the river behind, fast flowing over the stones." border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yuUUb1mYfj4/YOAS4ZqzK5I/AAAAAAAAJ7E/Ijw3v3vW2IwU22UdIwvGJj0KiEUhKQukQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h266/IMG_4751.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-koSi8FdoawM/YOAS4QJ0E2I/AAAAAAAAJ7I/i6aUvLcgHJINO_gw46b3SivxQEctKEfjACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4753.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Photo looking further down the river, which now looks still and calm." border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-koSi8FdoawM/YOAS4QJ0E2I/AAAAAAAAJ7I/i6aUvLcgHJINO_gw46b3SivxQEctKEfjACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h266/IMG_4753.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<h3>Lunch<o:p></o:p></h3>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Lunch was a bit of a
disaster. We decided to buy something from the tea rooms but they didn’t have a
huge choice and weren’t very sure about allergy information, beyond the
allergens book. This is the problem with having a non-standard allergy.
Beta-carotene is in so many things, you can’t even begin to list them all. I
ended up getting a sausage sandwich, and they said they’d use butter instead of
marg. Unfortunately, when it came, it was on seeded bread, and that generally
means pumpkin seeds, which I know from prior experience is not a good move. A
bit disappointed, I ate the sausages, gave Neil the bread and then headed back
to Zerubbabel to toast a couple of crumpets. <o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xzoO2UPJqU4/YOATRurhoLI/AAAAAAAAJ7U/p51qMBfijQ8ZycYRfJAxb4P27AstK-K0gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20210701_120128.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Photo of the hut which houses the tea rooms." border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xzoO2UPJqU4/YOATRurhoLI/AAAAAAAAJ7U/p51qMBfijQ8ZycYRfJAxb4P27AstK-K0gCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_20210701_120128.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></p>
<h3>Museum<o:p></o:p></h3>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">The museum was pretty
basic, a collection of engraved stones and artefacts. It was nice to be out of
the sun for a while though, as it was another hot day. The only thing that
really struck me, when looking at the stones and their inscriptions, was that
verse in Acts 17:23, where it says, “For as I walked around and looked
carefully at your objects of worship, I even found and altar with this inscription:
TO AN UNKNOWN GOD.” They really did have altars to every god you could possibly
think of. The contrast between that and the monks at Lindisfarne and Whitby was
quite stark.<o:p></o:p></p>
<h2>NE98/21<o:p></o:p></h2>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Mrs Google had kindly
offered us three options for our journey south. They all included long
stretches on windy B roads and none looked particularly appealing, so, on the
advice of a lady at Chester’s, we popped into Fourstones to fill up with diesel
and then took the most direct route down the B6319.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">The first part, whilst
pretty, was very narrow and windy, and had a lot of trees over the road, making
it feel quite dark and enclosed. After a while though, the trees thinned out
and although the road was still narrow, the views were spectacular! We realised
afterwards, we were driving right through the centre of the North Pennines. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">At some point, Mrs Google
decided we were becoming too familiar with B roads and took us on some
(fortunately not too long) detour along what was little more than a farm track.
It was one of those situations, where it looked a little narrow but still a
road but soon had us wondering whether it was actually a real road. I have to
confess feeling more than mild panic at one point, but then it spat us out,
back onto B roads. By contrast, the B road suddenly felt quite wide!<o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Then we began to climb…
higher… higher… over cattle grids (at least three)… higher. It was stunning! I
was really hoping that when we reached the top, there might be a viewing point,
but alas, no. However, Neil spotted a couple of Chinooks coming our way, and
this motivated him to pull over and give me chance to take some photos. <o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SVKai1s282w/YOAUCOxgDuI/AAAAAAAAJ7k/sfi78wwQuFcCJkln7ZB8clFaQnLzU0HXwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20210701_145001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Photo of the North Pennines. In the sky are two dots, which are Chinook helicopters." border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SVKai1s282w/YOAUCOxgDuI/AAAAAAAAJ7k/sfi78wwQuFcCJkln7ZB8clFaQnLzU0HXwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_20210701_145001.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G2mrhHIXh0k/YOAUCPzttMI/AAAAAAAAJ7o/UlS2SIe3r5swVrUpcnI_i93MN3Cfi4eGQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20210701_145131.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Photo of the cab of the motorhome, set against the breathtaking North Pennine scenery." border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G2mrhHIXh0k/YOAUCPzttMI/AAAAAAAAJ7o/UlS2SIe3r5swVrUpcnI_i93MN3Cfi4eGQCLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/IMG_20210701_145131.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>
<h3>The BritStop<o:p></o:p></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal">I get the feeling this is one of the more popular BritStops.
The car park is huge and you just give the staff your registration number and
that allows you to park overnight without paying for parking. When we arrived,
the car park had many day trippers parked up, some lying in the sun on the
grass, just enjoying the atmosphere. By now, it was full afternoon heat, so we
treated ourselves to an ice cream – expensive but much needed and very tasty.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The hotel isn’t wheelchair accessible, so that confirmed our
decision to order a meal to take to the motorhome. There wasn’t a huge choice
and again allergy information was lacking, so I ended up with a burger. It was
okay… wouldn’t have been my first choice, but it was tasty and filled a hole…
quite a big hole actually. In fact the hole might not have been quite as big as
the meal! I swear, I’m going to start ordering my meals from the children’s menu!<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">After dinner, by early evening, we were alone in this huge
car park, and we took Liggy for a little walk before retiring to a game of
cards. It was fascinating, watching out of the window, as wild rabbits and even
pheasant came out of hiding to reclaim their environment.<o:p></o:p></p><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wgzp3OhoX-g/YOAUe1jYzBI/AAAAAAAAJ8A/WIvXIaWeisMvgyTFDXEt95k3NuIwBqC-ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20210701_190627.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="View from our motorhome into rolling countryside. A wide footpath stretches ahead over a cattle grid." border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wgzp3OhoX-g/YOAUe1jYzBI/AAAAAAAAJ8A/WIvXIaWeisMvgyTFDXEt95k3NuIwBqC-ACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_20210701_190627.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CGpvohTM3jE/YOAUe9ZBfLI/AAAAAAAAJ78/oqq27ThTQpsiD3iqk6cdwIddAKSf3qjwQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20210701_185503.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Photo of our motorhome, all alone in a huge car park." border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CGpvohTM3jE/YOAUe9ZBfLI/AAAAAAAAJ78/oqq27ThTQpsiD3iqk6cdwIddAKSf3qjwQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_20210701_185503.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Finnberryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05547300774234349428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6748817407510359548.post-68696789542348247192021-07-03T09:30:00.000+01:002021-07-03T09:30:00.231+01:00Tour of North Yorkshire and Northumberland - day 5<h2 style="text-align: left;">Morning</h2><h2><o:p></o:p></h2>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Well that was a surprise!
I had heard the wind during the night, and it was chilly enough to add a
blanket over my duvet, but I hadn’t expected rain! Then some $%^&*# had
left a plastic bag of food out, rather than put it in the bins (by the
entrance) and a seagull and several crows were ripping it apart on the path
outside our pitch. I tried to intervene but I only had my stick and it was too
far to walk to the bins. To get my chair out, I’d have needed Neil. Anyway,
eventually, he woke to the noise and (bless him) got up and took the rubbish to
the bin. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Unlike yesterday, we
hadn’t planned an early getaway, so poor Neil… but hey ho! We got up and ready,
and off we went. <o:p></o:p></p>
<h2>Alnwick Castle<o:p></o:p></h2>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">It wasn’t technically far
to the castle but as Google Maps instructions go, this one was truly terrible! The
car parking situation was a little unclear from the website, so I was hoping
for some kind of human interaction to guide us… and maybe some local signage.
Well the signage was only marginally more helpful than Google but it was at
least sufficient to tell us that Mrs Google had got the whole thing completely
wrong. Unfortunately, that only became clear once we had passed the entrance to
the car park. So for once, it was me telling poor Neil to ‘make a U-turn as
soon as possible’. Have you ever tried making a literal U-turn in a 7m vehicle?
Well Neil has, and did a superb job of it.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">I was looking for coach
parking and/or accessible parking. Well there was accessible parking with a
coach drop off, so we figured the place must be big enough for us and we could
always perform another U-turn if necessary. Fortunately my friendly human was
on the gate and told us where to park in the accessible car park. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">From the car park,
signage was still a little lacking in places but there were members of staff
everywhere to ask and they were all lovely, though mostly just wanted to fuss
Liggy.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">This was the first
attraction this week where dogs are not allowed… only assistance dogs. In some
ways, I prefer this because there are no other dogs to distract Liggy. On the
other hand, it is when she’s the lone wolf that everybody (yes, I mean
everybody) wants to pet her, ask questions about her and tell me about their experience
of being a puppy parent for Guide Dogs for the Blind (or whatever they call
their puppy parents). To be fair, if we’re just having a day out, I don’t mind
so much. Liggy loves all the fuss and as it’s her holiday too, I don’t mind her
getting all the attention. Most people are actually very polite about it. Yesterday,
several people asked before touching and asked if I minded telling them what
she does to help me. It’s a great opportunity to sell Canine Partners. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">The castle itself was
semi-accessible. As at Beamish, I decided it was a Loopwheels/Freewheel kind of
day. There were a few steps to get in but Neil helped me up and then carried my
chair. Then there was a lift – the smallest lift I have ever seen! Good job I’m
not remotely claustrophobic! Going round the castle was interesting. I hadn’t
realised that somebody actually lived there. It was funny having a mixture of
all the medieval stuff with modern things like a bar and foosball table.<o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fuiuGZZMk30/YOAPxGDTBNI/AAAAAAAAJ6g/W_31cGmd7IwT2MzIPy_WY3EDQydfFxI8gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4734.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Photo of the castle walls with nice turrets all along the top." border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fuiuGZZMk30/YOAPxGDTBNI/AAAAAAAAJ6g/W_31cGmd7IwT2MzIPy_WY3EDQydfFxI8gCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h266/IMG_4734.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zbvrac_j5mg/YOAPxLG5XzI/AAAAAAAAJ6c/i3RFhZvqI5gwlCbU-OBd7rmm5G_vubWPgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4731.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Photo of the castle, with the spot where Neville got stuck on his first flying lesson." border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zbvrac_j5mg/YOAPxLG5XzI/AAAAAAAAJ6c/i3RFhZvqI5gwlCbU-OBd7rmm5G_vubWPgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h266/IMG_4731.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">In the grounds, there
were various talks. We stopped to listen to one about the history and chemistry
of soap. Picked up some interesting tips there! Then we listened to one about
armour and weapons. No useful tips there, given we don’t live in a battle zone…
but relatable to putting on the full armour of God, and all that.</p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9ET6o0Qwc4A/YOAPaTmr8zI/AAAAAAAAJ6U/tjUCc8nMseUl-j0t3VnE7ky3sWYB6o2OACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4730.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Photo of a man in medieval clothes holding up a flail... a stick with a chain and spiky metal ball on the end." border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9ET6o0Qwc4A/YOAPaTmr8zI/AAAAAAAAJ6U/tjUCc8nMseUl-j0t3VnE7ky3sWYB6o2OACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h266/IMG_4730.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">From the castle, we
wandered into the town of Alnwick, but it was just a normal town centre and was
narrow and busy so we went back and had a hot chocolate in the grounds instead.</p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<h2>Bellingham Camping and Caravanning Club Site<o:p></o:p></h2>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">By the time we left, we
had forgiven Mrs Google for her earlier misdemeanours and gave her a second
chance to prove herself. I popped in the site name and clicked Start, as you
do, and off we went… past the U-turn place and through town. As I confirmed to
Neil that yet, we are going straight on at the junction, I also saw the sign.
Low bridge, height 9’ 6”. Let’s turn left instead, eh? Thankfully, it worked
out fine. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">The rest of the journey,
she performed well… except that it was an hour and a bit’s drive along a B
road. It was narrow, windy, hilly but through the Northumberland National Park,
which is an area of outstanding national beauty… and it really is! It was a
real balancing act between watching the road and being drawn to the amazing landscapes
before us. <o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-11LBZMl9zUo/YOAQUIEaNmI/AAAAAAAAJ6s/eNc3lwTdCogrNDHgVgzzOCCPr1es3ijDQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20210630_154621.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Photo of a field with dry stone walls around it. It is very high up and the sky is clear and blue." border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-11LBZMl9zUo/YOAQUIEaNmI/AAAAAAAAJ6s/eNc3lwTdCogrNDHgVgzzOCCPr1es3ijDQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_20210630_154621.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q9uSR7n_Cc8/YOAQUAPzoiI/AAAAAAAAJ6w/xMN4LPj87TkWDwkh6G8bkPwWcafaVsFSgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20210630_154624.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Photo of the road ahead - empty and climbing higher into the open countryside." border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q9uSR7n_Cc8/YOAQUAPzoiI/AAAAAAAAJ6w/xMN4LPj87TkWDwkh6G8bkPwWcafaVsFSgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_20210630_154624.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">The campsite is totally
different to Beadnell Bay… much quieter, even though it is full, and really
pretty. We took Liggy for her acclimatisation walk once we were set up, and lots
of people wanted to chat, do doggy introductions and so on. We’re sited right
near the entrance, such that the motorhome service point is right in front of
us, which will be dead handy in the morning!</p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">After dinner, we decided
to take a walk into the village, where we’d seen a Co-op. It looked like a half
decent pavement, though quite narrow, so Neil took Liggy and I took my Freewheel.
Apart from a couple of missing dropped curbs and a car parked blocking the pavement,
it was an easy enough walk, about a mile and back into town. We also took the
opportunity to take a look at our options for roads out, as the main road south
is currently closed. We bumped into a couple of locals and one used to work for
the highways agency and knew the exact height of a bridge on one of our
options. He said it is 3.5 m. That’s going to be a little close for my liking
so we’ll take the slightly longer route and avoid it.<o:p></o:p></p>Finnberryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05547300774234349428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6748817407510359548.post-86687447716699266022021-07-03T09:00:00.000+01:002021-07-03T09:00:00.216+01:00Tour of North Yorkshire and Northumberland - day 4<h2 style="text-align: left;">Morning</h2><h1><o:p></o:p></h1>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">After another peaceful
night’s sleep, I was woken at ten past six by a car alarm going off… a
potential downside of sleeping in a car park, I guess but it could happen
anywhere really. It wasn’t a problem though, as we were planning an early get
away, ready for a slightly longer drive north. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Most of the journey was
on the A1 and I have to say, Zerubbabel cruises like a dream on the open road!
We had a lovely comfortable journey into Northumberland and enjoyed leaving the
busyness of Newcastle for the quiet open landscapes further north. <o:p></o:p></p>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">NE128/21</h3><h2><o:p></o:p></h2>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">We had planned to stay at
this BritStop tonight, but ongoing Covid restrictions meant that we were unable
to plan in anywhere to empty the toilet, so we had a bit of a change of plan
and booked a couple of nights on Camping and Caravanning Club sites instead.
However, I had been particularly looking forward to this one, so we decided to
call in at the farm shop on our way up to Holy Island and buy some nice stuff
for lunch/dinner. It did look rather lovely and I’m sure we will use it as a
stopover at some point, especially if we eventually get up to Scotland.<o:p></o:p></p>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">Holy Island</h3><h2><o:p></o:p></h2>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">For those who don’t know,
Holy Island is just off the coast at Beal. You come off the A1, drive about a
mile and then the road becomes a causeway across the sea. Obviously, because it
is the North Sea, you can only cross when the tide is out. Like many places on
this coastline, the tides come in quite quickly and what can look safe… well…
isn’t. Every year, there are those that risk it and get cut off. There are
rescue posts but you would be saying a permanent goodbye to your car and probably
getting a huge bill for its recovery! So it’s important to check the safe
travel times. We were fortunate that today, safe travel was between 10:15 and
17:20, which is perfect for a day out.<o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wnwLXQGtTuM/YOAJooXr9lI/AAAAAAAAJ5o/xJJWwfggvVQI2LJfJfDoq6Saszcl_h4vwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20210629_105818.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Photo of the causeway to Holy Island with the tide well out but traces of water and sand on the road." border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wnwLXQGtTuM/YOAJooXr9lI/AAAAAAAAJ5o/xJJWwfggvVQI2LJfJfDoq6Saszcl_h4vwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_20210629_105818.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EfVlI3YfSZk/YOAJom9Ug0I/AAAAAAAAJ5s/6vCpe18FTtQ-JR3saBcc0gfPewsSHQAAwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20210629_105832.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Photo of the causeway to Holy Island with the rescue tower just ahead." border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EfVlI3YfSZk/YOAJom9Ug0I/AAAAAAAAJ5s/6vCpe18FTtQ-JR3saBcc0gfPewsSHQAAwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_20210629_105832.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">I had already checked the
parking arrangements on the island. Normally, motorhomes have to park in coach
parking if they are long, but the main car park is a huge field and this is
where they want you to park… specifically along the far back edge. So we did.
Gradually, throughout the morning, it got busier and busier, so that by
lunchtime, it looks like there was no chance of us actually getting out. I’m
not sure what would have happened if we’d ended up stuck there, but I figured
that others would leave before us… and they did. By the time we left at four o’
clock, the field was quite empty.</p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">Lindisfarne Priory</h3><h2><o:p></o:p></h2>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">I had pre-booked tickets
for the priory, which was good, as the island was packed and we wouldn’t have
been able to just turn up and go in. Fortunately, we had pre-decided that today
was a mountain trike kind of day. A very nice lady escorted us all the way
round the back to the accessible entrance, which was along very uneven ground,
up and down hills, over grass and through a big gate. It might have been more
accessible than steps but I wouldn’t have wanted to push a normal wheelchair
that way! <o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-28Ch-wzZg0Y/YOAL81r8HTI/AAAAAAAAJ6E/waBX-58hu103zYfVCWlPwwCxiOTnvQ9OgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4683.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Monochrome photo of the priory from inside." border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-28Ch-wzZg0Y/YOAL81r8HTI/AAAAAAAAJ6E/waBX-58hu103zYfVCWlPwwCxiOTnvQ9OgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h266/IMG_4683.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">The priory grounds are
lovely and rather like our recent visit to Rievaulx Abbey, we enjoyed the
challenge of getting my trike in and out of all the sections of the ruins. To
allow me a little more manoeuvrability, Neil took Liggy on a normal lead. One
of the areas was the brewery. At the back was a round hole, which I guess might
have been used for treading grain or something. Liggy was fascinated by it and
seemed very excited about exploring it. When she realised it wasn’t as exciting
as she thought, she looked quite disappointed.</p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jzJObxXUvrs/YOAKo4srapI/AAAAAAAAJ50/IfmRUDV4nH0XRNdxWRh6gmsCO3k_Z3hTgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4661.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Liggy, a black labrador, exploring the brewery. She is up on her hind legs sniffing the wall." border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jzJObxXUvrs/YOAKo4srapI/AAAAAAAAJ50/IfmRUDV4nH0XRNdxWRh6gmsCO3k_Z3hTgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h266/IMG_4661.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<h2><br /></h2><h2>Lindisfarne Castle<o:p></o:p></h2>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">After exploring the
priory, we took a fairly leisurely stroll up to the castle. We hadn’t managed
to get tickets to go into the castle but, to be fair, it didn’t look very
accessible anyway. We were happy to just enjoy the walk, the views and the
photo opportunities. <o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y99f3nv_-Ms/YOAK8PKAq8I/AAAAAAAAJ58/n3l9FSk6Ptgcu15l5tbsN28HUfW-mjJEACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4715.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Photo of Lindisfarne Castle with a dry stone wall and a wooden gate in front." border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y99f3nv_-Ms/YOAK8PKAq8I/AAAAAAAAJ58/n3l9FSk6Ptgcu15l5tbsN28HUfW-mjJEACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h266/IMG_4715.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<h2 style="text-align: left;"><br /></h2><h2 style="text-align: left;">Beadnell Bay Camping and Caravanning Club Site</h2><h1><o:p></o:p></h1>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Having crossed back over
the causeway, which is really part of the attraction of visiting the island, we
dropped back down the A1 a little before taking the coastal route through
Bamburgh and Seahouses to Beadnell Bay. The drive was gorgeous and we lost
count of the number of times we vowed to come back and spend more time here.<o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M6l3P0EBngk/YOAMT_GVD0I/AAAAAAAAJ6M/-biFhR6r80wnA_suVFzlYv0_PDiw-8drwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20210629_161309.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Photo taken from the motorhome passenger seat, whilst moving. It shows Bamburgh Castle right in front of us." border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M6l3P0EBngk/YOAMT_GVD0I/AAAAAAAAJ6M/-biFhR6r80wnA_suVFzlYv0_PDiw-8drwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_20210629_161309.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">After the relative
isolation of BritStops, the club site felt overwhelmingly busy, though quite
civilised. It was nice to have electricity, water, empty the grey waste and,
most importantly, empty the toilet… which unbelievably was not quite full.
Having electric hook-up meant that Neil could watch the England – Germany match
on the telly, without thinking about the battery. I took my chance to get an
early night and Liggy certainly approved of this, after such a long day out.</p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><o:p></o:p></p>Finnberryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05547300774234349428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6748817407510359548.post-58379263738050688792021-07-03T08:30:00.000+01:002021-07-03T08:30:00.224+01:00Tour of North Yorkshire and Northumberland - day 3<p></p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Morning</h2><h1><o:p></o:p></h1>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">I’m not sure if the dawn
chorus was quieter at the top end of the moors or if it was just the absence of
crows that allowed me to sleep better, but I really had a very peaceful night’s
sleep. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">We knew we had over an
hour’s drive ahead of us and wanted to stop off and top up on fuel, so the plan
was to wake Neil earlier (about 7:30) and get packed up and off. The pub where
we were staying had a water tap too and we’d asked if we could fill up before
leaving. They were all set up for this and the owner came and showed us where
to get water. <o:p></o:p></p>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">Beamish</h2><h1><o:p></o:p></h1>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">The journey went quite
well, considering it’s our first time out of familiar territory. We continued
past Guisborough and skirted Middlesbrough, where we kept losing Goole GPS. In
the middle of the most complicated part of the journey, Mrs Google kept jumping
us around and thinking we were in a field, resulting in some alarming, rushed
instructions. I told Neil (quite firmly) to ignore her and listen to me. I was
glad though when we reached the A1 and could just relax a bit. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">We parked in the coach
area at Beamish, which was surprisingly full. There were other motorhomes there
as well as coaches and buses. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">It was difficult to
decide which chair to use. In reality, my mountain trike would be better for
cobbles and uneven ground but I was rightly expecting narrow doorways and small
indoor spaces, so I took my normal chair with my freewheel. My freewheel really
needs a service or something (possibly even replacing) but I don’t use it much
now. Having said that, it was definitely the right combination for Beamish. My
loopwheels come into their own on cobbles as they reduce vibration so much and
make the ride smoother and easier. <o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zOEba60k9B8/YNwSbyxifaI/AAAAAAAAJ2U/XQkOsbZfSvkATUSAuOAV9B_bN6Q2s3xdwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4649.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Photo of me in my wheelchair with Loopwheels and a Freewheel. Liggy, my black lab, is sitting in front of me. The road is cobbled and uneven." border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zOEba60k9B8/YNwSbyxifaI/AAAAAAAAJ2U/XQkOsbZfSvkATUSAuOAV9B_bN6Q2s3xdwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h266/IMG_4649.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Beamish is much bigger
than I remember. I’m guessing it is constantly expanding and evolving. There
was far too much to write about, so I’ll focus on a couple of accessibility
details.</p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">At the moment, most of
the transport around the site is not operational because of Covid restrictions,
but they have got their wheelchair accessible bus running, plus one normal
double decker. The wheelchair bus can be called by a member of staff but seemed
to be doing circuits of the site anyway. At the moment, only one or two groups
can use it at the same time, so that you can stay distanced, so at the end of
the day, we had to wait for it to come back again – about 15 to 20 mins. <o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6jqGeBKj4Oo/YNwS09f6hQI/AAAAAAAAJ2c/iJL_Oiaqc7coReX-fa0PK6pd9HY58GF3QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4651.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Photo of an old yellow omnibus, with a sign in the window saying wheelchair accessible vehicle." border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6jqGeBKj4Oo/YNwS09f6hQI/AAAAAAAAJ2c/iJL_Oiaqc7coReX-fa0PK6pd9HY58GF3QCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h266/IMG_4651.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">This vehicle was a really
good example of proper access. It had a platform lift on the back, which I
could roll on and off independently and with ease. Inside, you could be hooked
down but they obviously decided I’d be okay to just put my brakes on and hold
onto a rail. It only goes slowly, so this was fine. It meant I could sit with
Neil and Liggy. We used it for both return journeys to avoid very long uphill
pushing in the heat.</p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">For what was supposed to
be a mainly cloudy and cool day, it was very hot and sunny!<o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">On the slight downside,
but only as we expected, there were quite a few places I couldn’t access due to
steps. Some of the shops had steps up and all the houses. Like I said, I had
expected that, and it didn’t bother me. At one time, I would have also been
kept out by Covid one-way systems but now, if it’s quiet and safe, I just go
the wrong way and apologise to anyone who glares.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Onto the most important
thing – toilets. There were toilets in each area and mostly, there were
accessible ones. At the main entrance, is a changing places toilet. It’s not as
big as most changing places, and it doesn’t have a radar lock… however today,
toilets were clean and the accessible toilets were always free, so I was a
happy girl.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">By the time we left, just
after four o’ clock, the coach park was deserted, and we were the only vehicle
left. It looked really funny, our motorhome sitting there, all by itself in a
huge parking area. I guess most of the others were school trips which had left
by mid-afternoon.<o:p></o:p></p>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">NE107/21</h2><h1><o:p></o:p></h1>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">It was only a short drive
to our next BritStop but we made the mistake of not checking the route
thoroughly first. It was the narrowest windiest concoction of steep hills we
could possibly have found. Thankfully, we have now checked and found a better
route out for the journey north. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">This time, we’re at a
hotel. It has a lot of land and they were happy for Liggy to play out on the
vast lawns after dinner, so she got a very welcome game of frisbee, which
finished off her day just nicely. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">First though, we had
another delicious meal, and this time, we decided to eat in. Everybody else was
eating in the outdoor restaurant, so we were the only people indoors. Normally,
it’s for me that we do this, but Neil had had a really bad day with his hay
fever. In fact, I can’t remember him being quite this bad in a long time! So it
was as much for him as me that we wanted to be in the cool, pollen-free
indoors. <o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IANQ8VkEV3s/YNwTYYaIccI/AAAAAAAAJ2k/Gu9qU5lufR0O5nmQM2TPggu8V8o15JN4wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20210628_174851.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Photo of Neil sitting at an indoor dining table which has the BritStops book on it. There are also two meals: a burger meal and a fish and chips meal." border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IANQ8VkEV3s/YNwTYYaIccI/AAAAAAAAJ2k/Gu9qU5lufR0O5nmQM2TPggu8V8o15JN4wCLcBGAsYHQ/w240-h320/IMG_20210628_174851.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">There was supposed to be
WiFi here but it doesn’t work. The sign-in page won’t load at all so I’m
writing in a Word document again, ready to copy and paste into Blogger. We took
a lot of photos at Beamish too, so I want to get them imported into Lightroom,
check them and do some touching up where needed, before deciding which ones to
use here.</p><p></p>Finnberryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05547300774234349428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6748817407510359548.post-5091373069095689992021-07-03T08:00:00.001+01:002021-07-03T08:11:16.611+01:00Tour of North Yorkshire and Northumberland - day 2<h2 style="text-align: left;">Morning</h2><h1><o:p></o:p></h1>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Having woken up to the
sound of bird song and some rather noisy crows at just after four in the
morning, I thought it best to let Neil have a lie in. I like an hour or two
anyway in the morning, to have breakfast and some coffee in peace, and to write
my blog.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">We eventually got moving
a little later than planned, but there was a story behind part of that.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Our meal the evening
before was delivered to the van, all plated up. It looked beautiful. The only
thing we provided was knives and forks. After dinner, we had a phone call with
an old friend of mine from where I used to work. We haven’t spoken for ages, so
had a lot to chat about. By the time we finished talking, Liggy needed a walk
and we wanted to have a drink in the pub, so we were trying to be quick. Neil
returned the plates to the kitchen, but without thinking, he also returned our
cutlery. We have a fairly new set of knives and forks – nice heavy ones, that
help with my tremor, and only 4 of each item. So he had unwittingly donated
half of our knives and forks to the pub.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">It was only when we were
packing up to leave, and I always wrap the cutlery in a tea towel to stop it
rattling in transit, that we realised what we’d done. So Neil had to go over
and try to explain to now different staff, that we’d really like our knives and
forks back. The problem was, they had hundreds of cutlery stashes in three
different locations, so it was like looking for the proverbial needle in a
haystack. Well, bless ‘em, they found them eventually, and we were able to move
on to our next visit.<o:p></o:p></p>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">Scarborough</h2><h1><o:p></o:p></h1>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">I was in two minds as to
whether to go to Scarborough on this holiday. I mean, technically, it’s home
and I don’t think of it as somewhere I go as a tourist. However, the beach is
Liggy’s favourite place, so I included a day to take her to her happy place.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">As it happens, we ended
up also meeting my aunty, uncle and baby cousin (once removed) and we all
enjoyed an hour or so playing on the beach. The tide was right out so Liggy
could run back and forth to the sea with Neil and practise recalling to me,
which is a game she loves.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">After lunch, we did one
of our favourite short walks around the north bay and Northstead Manor Gardens,
before Neil took Liggy for a final run on the beach.<o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4MxJSxRulf0/YNwKVahUXYI/AAAAAAAAJ18/WJnw3fHAS-AqtgXbD7AY5axTHR1lwA2bQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20210627_135422.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Photo of Scarborough's north bay from Scalby Mills to the Sands. The tide is right out, exposing all the rocks." border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4MxJSxRulf0/YNwKVahUXYI/AAAAAAAAJ18/WJnw3fHAS-AqtgXbD7AY5axTHR1lwA2bQCLcBGAsYHQ/w320-h240/IMG_20210627_135422.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><h2 style="text-align: left;">Whitby Abbey</h2><h1><o:p></o:p></h1>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">I think I said yesterday,
it is funny how you can live close to somewhere for years but never go there.
Well Whitby is one of those places. However, I once read, somewhere in the
depths of Scarborough Borough Council parking web pages, that a coach park
ticket purchased at any of the car parks in the borough, is transferable to any
other coach park. Well we had an all day ticket for parking Zerubbabel at the
Sea Life Centre and I thought I’d quickly Google coach parks in Whitby. And I
discovered Abbey Headland.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">We didn’t have a plan but
we followed Google’s directions to the coach park, hoping that such a route
wouldn’t have any sudden low bridges or anything. When we arrived, we
discovered that the Abbey is an English Heritage site, which we happen to be
members of. Neil did a quick scoping visit to the entrance staff to check
accessibility and availability of tickets. You have to prebook online, but they
said to just check because they were sure there were tickets available. So we
did. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">This is where membership
really works for us. We wouldn’t have paid to visit for only an hour but it was
a perfect place to fill some time on our way to our stopover. The views were
stunning in all directions! The Abbey itself is beautiful too! We had to wonder
(in an awe and wonder sense) how they got all the stones to such a remote and
high up place, all those years ago in Anglo-Saxon times. For somebody who hated
history at school, I now find the history of our country very interesting and
am fascinated by these ancient ruins.<o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-55lusK5vb70/YNwLkxqkccI/AAAAAAAAJ2E/dbwv18Pg6d41lLpF5Fv4Z2jd3KRvV2qugCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4567.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Photo of Whitby Abbey against a very cloudy sky, giving a moody atmosphere." border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-55lusK5vb70/YNwLkxqkccI/AAAAAAAAJ2E/dbwv18Pg6d41lLpF5Fv4Z2jd3KRvV2qugCLcBGAsYHQ/w320-h213/IMG_4567.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">NE80/21</h2><h1><o:p></o:p></h1>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">From Whitby, we continued
driving north and easily found our next BritStop pub. When we arrived, it
seemed very busy. The car park isn’t huge and was full of cars and the little
slip road of the main road into the pub also had cars parked along it. I had a
moment of panic that this had been a bad choice. However, the owner was outside
and told us where to park Zerubbabel. Neil did a great job of reversing the
entire length of the very busy car park to our spot at the top. Then we popped
into the pub to order dinner. Again, it was pretty busy, so we arranged dinner
to take out to the motorhome.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Neil decided on behalf of
both of us that a <i>standard</i> Sunday roast was the size to go for. When it
arrived, we nearly died! It would have fed an entire village! Small would have been easily sufficient. Having said that, we gave it a fair
crack and it was delicious. We had to sit for a while and let it go down before
doing anything else. Meanwhile, we watched the comings and goings in the car
park. The pub stops doing food at six in the evening, and after that, the
crowds dispersed pretty quickly and left us as the only vehicle in what now
looked like a quite big car park.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">The pub was also empty
now, so we went for a drink and chatted to the staff for a bit. It must have
been pay day, as they were all discussing their tax deductions, which was an
interesting conversation to eaves-drop, as they clearly hadn’t got the faintest
idea about the UK tax system. Neil stepped in to educate them, whilst the youngest
member of staff came over to fuss Liggy. I have to say, they did a really nice
hot chocolate, but Neil was hoping for one of the special beers, which was not
available last night. Shame!<o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">When we arrived, it was
cloudy and overcast and the backdrop of the North Yorkshire Moors looked dark
and foreboding, though still as beautiful as ever. By the time we came out of
the pub to go to bed, the sun was out and it was the perfect evening. So out
came the camera!<o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AqxDGmsdvv4/YNwPbdOECaI/AAAAAAAAJ2M/YS2f03zV_Z4fWho9tPa8rDGetDckfUTUgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1990/IMG_4601.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Photo of our motorhome at the edge of the car park with beautiful rolling hills behind." border="0" data-original-height="1299" data-original-width="1990" height="209" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AqxDGmsdvv4/YNwPbdOECaI/AAAAAAAAJ2M/YS2f03zV_Z4fWho9tPa8rDGetDckfUTUgCLcBGAsYHQ/w320-h209/IMG_4601.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">In spite of being next to
a main road (though the car park is behind the pub) we had an extremely
peaceful night’s sleep. This stop could best be described as off-grid. We had
no electricity and virtually no phone signal… certainly no WiFi. So I’m writing
this in Word and will copy and paste it over to Blogger later.</p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">Off grid</h2><h1><o:p></o:p></h1>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">I sometimes get the
impression that motorhomers are quite black and white. Some always do campsites
and have full facilities which allow you to pretty much do anything. Others
always go off grid and almost take pride in their self-sufficiency. We are more
shades of grey. Bit of this, bit of that… This holiday is more off grid than
camping on sites, but we now have a couple of nights booked to deal with the
essentials.<o:p></o:p></p>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">So what does off grid look like?</h3><h2><o:p></o:p></h2>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Well, we arrived with a
full(ish) tank of water and reasonably empty waste water tank. We had filled
the gas tanks so that we would be able to cook and heat water. We know we can’t
empty the toilet for a few nights, so we’re being careful about the amount we
flush and we’re largely binning toilet paper (like they do in Cyprus). <o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Instead of boiling a
kettle and using the coffee pod machine, which both need to be plugged in, we
have to boil a pan of water on the gas hob. We have a Bodum and plenty of fresh
coffee though, so my morning plan is still very similar. We had planned to try
to use public toilets as much as possible but neither of our first two
BritStops had accessible ones so I have to use our own. Reality is, I go a lot.
Bladder control after cauda equina syndrome is non-existent, and I’m not going
to spend my holiday getting stressed about that, so we have brought a spare
cassette for the toilet (the bit where the wees and poos live) and if we have
to, we’ll just swap them over and deal with it on a campsite.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">This morning, we should
be able to fill up with fresh water though on our way out. The pub has a tap
with a long hose. I’m not really keen on using someone else’s hose but needs
must. We know that our next stop has zero facilities, so we need to be as
prepared as possible.<o:p></o:p></p>Finnberryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05547300774234349428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6748817407510359548.post-61573679807522725772021-07-03T07:30:00.000+01:002021-07-03T07:30:00.243+01:00Tour of North Yorkshire and Northumberland - day 1<h2 style="text-align: left;">Wolds Village</h2><p style="text-align: left;">It's funny how you can live close to somewhere for years but never go there. This is one of those places. We must pass it every time we go to Scarborough but I've never been inside until yesterday.</p><p style="text-align: left;">I wanted to have a look at the gallery (trying to become more interested in visual art) and obviously we planned on having afternoon tea. I later found out it was #NationalCreamTeaDay.</p><p style="text-align: left;">The car park isn't huge but plenty big enough that we could park Zerubbabel (our motorhome) in it. After a quick look around, we decided it was a normal wheelchair venue, as surfaces looked good. Neil took Liggy for a quick woodland walk, which I could have done in my mountain trike but it was too nettley for me and what's the point in getting stressed on holiday?!!</p><p style="text-align: left;">There were pretty flowers everywhere and associated bees and butterflies doing their thing. Liggy obviously really liked the smells as she was trying to get to the flowers as we went in. Some of the paths were a little narrow for me with Liggy attached but she's pretty good now at turning round and walking backwards. </p><p style="text-align: left;">The gallery and tea rooms were quaint and pretty quiet. My parents joined us for a cup of coffee and a scone with jam and cream. We sat in the gallery area and talked about the different styles of picture. At some point we will go back and buy some pictures. They are all beautifully framed and there was a series of prints depicting vehicles in the 1980s(ish). I liked one with a Mr Whippy van and Neil liked one with a Chopper (bike).</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mT6SpMpY3oM/YNt-9BKeb3I/AAAAAAAAJ0Y/KYJHEFrTFZ4S3bpFEgtlZkOIQrNFhl0lgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20210626_143545.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="A wall of framed pictures, painted in very bright colours, almost childlike." border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mT6SpMpY3oM/YNt-9BKeb3I/AAAAAAAAJ0Y/KYJHEFrTFZ4S3bpFEgtlZkOIQrNFhl0lgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_20210626_143545.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: left;">Across the courtyard, there was an accessible toilet which was a good size and well laid out. It was clean and really easy for me to use with Liggy attached to my chair. It's the little things like this that make visits work.</p><p style="text-align: left;">What made it a little more difficult (again it's the little things) was that there were loads of crumbs on the floor. Liggy doesn't understand about allergies and it's difficult to stop her eating them when they are absolutely everywhere. The liquid poo that followed later in the afternoon was inevitable but I find it frustrating. Trouble is, when it's sofa style seating and low tables, people are going to drop bits. It would help us, if there was a broom available so we could clear a Liggy space.</p><h2 style="text-align: left;">NE67/21</h2><p style="text-align: left;">Arrival at our first stopover was very straightforward. Neil went in with the BritStops book and let them know we were here. We had booked a space with electric hook up (£10) plus a meal to eat in the motorhome. I had spoken several times to a lovely lady called Verity, who had gone way above and beyond to ensure I could have a pie of my choice minus carotenes. Whilst it's not one of the well known allergies, it's a real pain trying to avoid carotenes because they sneak into all kinds of foods.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Dinner was delicious! We set the table in the motorhome and Verity brought it out, all nicely plated up. There was no less sense of good service just because we didn't eat in the restaurant!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vI2mTbA0wQM/YNt_TCMSAMI/AAAAAAAAJ0k/ed1x7XDfjRQD8yuftVklbRsv3HWEr92GgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20210626_171012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Neil sitting at the table in our motorhome, with our dinner (2 pies) served up ready to eat. He is holding the BritStops book in his hand." border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vI2mTbA0wQM/YNt_TCMSAMI/AAAAAAAAJ0k/ed1x7XDfjRQD8yuftVklbRsv3HWEr92GgCLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/IMG_20210626_171012.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: left;">After a little walk, allowing Liggy to get rid of the rest of the afternoon's crumb lickings, we decided the pub looked safe enough to enjoy a drink. It was quiet, well ventilated and clean. My only little niggle - why do they do this??? - is that the accessible toilet was down some stairs. To be honest, it was easier to just pop back to the motorhome, rather than them get the ramp out, which would have had to be too steep anyways.</p><p style="text-align: left;">It's funny, it sounds like sleeping over in a pub car park should be an unsafe thing to do, but it's actually really nice. There were quite a few others doing the same. It was quiet and I got a good night's sleep until about 4am. At that point the dawn chorus woke me and the crows especially, were having a right old screech. To be fair though, I only sleep very lightly at that time of the night so anything wakes me. The best sleep is always before midnight!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vesFZGgIx8Y/YNt_riDyiUI/AAAAAAAAJ0s/N4kMbHEbEIM93MQZtEdPRYeFg9Mh-OTOQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20210626_203054.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="A large car park with motorhomes all parked up along the far edge." border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vesFZGgIx8Y/YNt_riDyiUI/AAAAAAAAJ0s/N4kMbHEbEIM93MQZtEdPRYeFg9Mh-OTOQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_20210626_203054.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: left;">So this morning, while I type and Neil sleeps, some of our fellow motorhomers have moved off. I've had the hot water on for half an hour or so, and I think I'm going to shower and get dressed and ready to walk Liggy. Then we can head off and start day 2.</p>Finnberryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05547300774234349428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6748817407510359548.post-12324558730196665652021-07-03T07:00:00.000+01:002021-07-03T07:19:57.824+01:00Tour of North Yorkshire and Northumberland<p>I'm posting through the week in a family group on Facebook but I won't publish these blog posts until we get back next weekend. This holiday has been a while in the planning. We were originally going to take a week in April to experiment with a whole week's holiday using BritStops. However, Covid kept us all in restrictions and many of the pubs weren't open and it just didn't feel like the right time, so we postponed it until now.</p><h2 style="text-align: left;">BritStops</h2><p style="text-align: left;">I should probably explain what BritStops is and how it works. Various businesses sign up as BritStops, which means they are happy to have motorhomes and campervans stay over for a night in their car parks. In theory, you don't pay anything and don't have to buy anything, but they hope you will have a look at their offer and spend a little in return for the free night's stay. You also usually have to pay if you want electric hook-up, but only a handful of places have facilities, as they are not campsites.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Each February, the BritStops book is published. It costs £28 at the moment, which sounds like a lot if you're not sure about the whole idea... but that is the average cost of one night on a campsite, so I think it's good value.</p><p style="text-align: left;">The book is divided into areas of the UK and then, within each area, there are many places (pubs, garden centres, farm shops, etc) that are listed with a code number. On Facebook, there is a BritStops group, where members post reviews. The reviews are strictly checked and have to be approved before posting. You can't mention the name of the place, only it's book number, so that there is value in getting the book. The advantage of this is that each place is contacted annually and the book is updated. If it was all for free (say, like searchforsites) you wouldn't know whether each place was still allowing stopovers or what facilities they had.</p><p style="text-align: left;">So, in keeping with the rules, I won't be mentioning the specific places in my blog posts. </p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Our Tour</h2><p style="text-align: left;">We have planned a circular tour, with day trips and stopovers. Originally, it was going to be all BritStops but we ended up having to make a couple of last minute changes because of the ongoing restrictions and the 21st June becoming the 19th July and all that. </p><p style="text-align: left;">As I said, I won't mention our BritStops by name, but roughly speaking, here's the plan:</p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>Sat 26th June</b> - Wolds Village and then a pub stopover on the coast, south of Scarborough.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>Sun 27th June</b> - Scarborough and then a pub stopover north of Whitby.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>Mon 28th June</b> - Beamish Museum and then a pub stopover nearby.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>Tues 29th June</b> - Holy Island and then a night at the Beadnell Bay Camping and Caravanning club site.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>Wed 30th June</b> - Alnwick Castle and then a night at the Bellingham club site.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>Thurs 1st July</b> - Chesters Fort and Hadrian's Wall and then a pub north of Barnard Castle (no eye tests planned).</p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>Fri 2nd July</b> - Hiking around High Force Waterfall and then an ice cream shop just off the A1.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>Sat 3rd July</b> - Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Gardens and then home.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Mostly, in keeping with the theme of this blog, my posts will focus on accessibility of the days out and venues... how this kind of holiday works for me as a wheelchair user... maybe a bit about how coming out of Covid-life is going... that kind of thing. </p><h2 style="text-align: left;">LPG</h2><p style="text-align: left;">I'll leave you with a photo of a pre-holiday visit. Our motorhome doesn't use Calor Gas, where you empty your bottles and then exchange it for a new one. It has a system called Gaslow. It has two yellow cylinders and a fill up point on the side of the van. You have to find an LPG filling station (there's plenty around at the moment) and it's a little like filling up your car with fuel, only the machine is a bit quirky. </p><p style="text-align: left;">They're all a little different but you attach a hose to the van, remember to open the gas bottles (which should have been closed whilst driving there) and then hold a button to fill it. When it's full, you release the hose and it makes a big whooshing noise, like a mini-explosion. No matter how much you know it's coming, there's always a moment of mini heart attack when it does it. </p><p style="text-align: left;">The advantage is, you can fill up any time. You don't have to be on empty... and it costs less. We had used about £4 worth of gas since last September, using it for cooking and hot water on every trip. That's really not bad! </p><p style="text-align: left;">So here's our filling point:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2D9AT6NWo3o/YNgiEKcbe1I/AAAAAAAAJnk/stLxAd6VcO4wBaHnW-PISZ-G_yz2-zaIQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20210626_090933.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="On the left is a rather ancient looking filling point with various tanks around it. On the right is our motorhome." border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2D9AT6NWo3o/YNgiEKcbe1I/AAAAAAAAJnk/stLxAd6VcO4wBaHnW-PISZ-G_yz2-zaIQCLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/IMG_20210626_090933.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p>Finnberryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05547300774234349428noreply@blogger.com0Hunmanby, UK54.181812099999988 -0.3203292-21.513566724492534 -140.94532919999997 90 140.30467079999997tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6748817407510359548.post-60069370949314862702021-06-13T08:31:00.000+01:002021-06-13T08:31:08.705+01:00Weekends away<p>I had intended to post after our previous weekend away and now I'm waking up on Sunday morning in a different location and it reminded me to write something.</p><p>In many ways, for us, our motorhome is a bit like a mobility aid. In the same way as my wheelchair, far from being a negative thing that binds or constrains me, gives me the freedom to get out, explore and enjoy life, so does our motorhome, affectionately named Zerubbabel. </p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Family weekend</h2><p>A few weeks ago, we visited Normanby Hall Country Park with my parents and my sister and her family. We were the only people there, which I was surprised at, given how difficult it can be at the moment to find any sites with vacancies. It was a fairly basic site, but had electric hook-ups and water and waste facilities. It was a big field, a little uneven throughout and with a slight slope. </p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Normanby Hall Country Park</h3><p style="text-align: left;">For me, there were two highlights to this weekend. The first was on the Friday night. One of my nieces suggested a family game of rounders, before acknowledging that it was impossible with aunty Nicki (not to mention grandma and grandad). However, we decided to give it a go and just be patient with the less able members. I played in my mountain trike and did some catches on 4th base that I was both surprised and proud of. Unfortunately Neil caught me out on both of my rounders. The grass was just too long and uneven to get any speed up! Watching my mum bowling though, was just fab! The game was full of laughter and I think our family competitive spirit emerged for the first time in ages!</p><p style="text-align: left;">On the Saturday evening, we had a family BBQ. Family meals can be a source of stress. I'm allergic to carotenes, which seem to be in so many different foods. My dad can't have gluten or lactose (one or the other seems manageable, but both is a nightmare) and then you've got likes and dislikes to factor in too. We decided, with some advanced prep, to organise an all inclusive BBQ. I made the bread rolls - gluten and lactose free - and my mum made salad stuff (including carrot-free coleslaw). My sister bought the meats, all gluten free and her partner Andy (who is a chef) cooked, with my dad. I also baked some allergy free lemon curd butterfly buns. I thought it was the best meal we could have had. For the first time in ages, we had found a way to have a family holiday and do things that everybody could be part of. I was a little nervous that it wouldn't work but I would definitely do it again!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sFflFSteFMA/YMWvuLhGiPI/AAAAAAAAJds/rBu6yZc8QIUTTSqY26Y2EVajyT2qqqrtwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1080/20210515-IMG_4493.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Multi-generational family sitting round an outdoor table under a red parasol. It is sunny and they are all relaxed." border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1080" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sFflFSteFMA/YMWvuLhGiPI/AAAAAAAAJds/rBu6yZc8QIUTTSqY26Y2EVajyT2qqqrtwCLcBGAsYHQ/w320-h213/20210515-IMG_4493.jpg" title="Family coffee stop" width="320" /></a></div><h2 style="text-align: left;">Visiting family</h2><p style="text-align: left;">This weekend, we have been in Scarborough. We're camping on my aunty and uncle's drive, connected to their electricity... the second time we have camped here. We jokingly refer to it as a campervan site, as it's a small cul-de-sac and some of the neighbours also have motorhomes that live on their drives. One of them is reversing out to go on holiday early this morning, as I write. </p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Scarborough</h3><p style="text-align: left;">I grew up here and always love visiting, whether to see family or just go to the beach for a walk. For those who have never been, Scarborough has two bays: the North Bay and the South Bay, and they are joined by a long road called the Marine Drive, which goes round the base of the castle headland. The walk between the two bays is very popular and the South Bay is where most of the tourists seem to go. Yesterday, we drove round to the South Bay on our way back to my aunty's and it was packed! I was glad we weren't in amongst all those people! After being locked down for so long, it would have been too busy for me. </p><p style="text-align: left;">We usually park at the North Bay. Motorhomes can park at the Sea Life Centre. In theory, they are not allowed to park along the Marine Drive, though many do. Either way, you are currently not allowed to sleep there. Zerubbabel is quite long and doesn't fit in a parking bay, so we have to park in a coach space and pay the £10 day charge. It sounds a lot but I believe a day of chalet rental is significantly more, and it gives us a base, a toilet, cooking facilities, etc. It also means I can take both chairs, which was useful yesterday.</p><p style="text-align: left;">In the morning, we took Liggy down on the beach, at Scalby Mills end, where dogs are allowed. Once you get to the main North Beach, dogs are banned from May to September, so we try to go at low tide when the extended beach is there. Yesterday was great, the tide was right out! I took my mountain trike and we went right down to the sea. Liggy was off lead and able to play with lots of other dogs, which she absolutely loves! She also likes to run in the sea, along the sea line. She's not keen on going any deeper than her knees and chest, but loves the feeling of running in the cold water. She also loves running between Neil and me, doing recall practice.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DkDrIa2wowo/YMWxiK8EzhI/AAAAAAAAJd0/yo5ozZRbHt0tqMso1Z7KxCdJr5n5bY7MgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4549.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="Black labrador running up a slipway from a sandy beach." border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DkDrIa2wowo/YMWxiK8EzhI/AAAAAAAAJd0/yo5ozZRbHt0tqMso1Z7KxCdJr5n5bY7MgCLcBGAsYHQ/w320-h213/IMG_4549.jpg" title="Recall to mum" width="320" /></a></p><p style="text-align: left;">After we had played for a while, we walked up through Northstead Manor Gardens, where the Open Air Theatre is, and then back round and along the promenade, back to the car park.</p><p style="text-align: left;">This is where having the motorhome makes life so much easier. We were able to toilet, wash hands, prepare bacon sandwiches and sticky toffee pudding for dessert, and importantly for us, Liggy was able to lie on her bed and rest, safe while we got sorted. This meant we were all well rested for the afternoon walk.</p><p style="text-align: left;">I took my normal chair in the afternoon, and we met up with my aunty and uncle for a walk around the Marine Drive. We got part way round but it was getting busier and felt a little uncomfortable, so we turned around and went back and had a walk around Peasholm Park instead. Peasholm Park is beautiful, around a lake with an island, which used to be one of my favourite childhood attractions. The Glen is a wooded path that rises up from the park into the main cemetery, and is very peaceful. We went a little way up and around a pond where Liggy had a paddle.</p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Er2bhJw4Zo0/YMWxoX3Ag2I/AAAAAAAAJd4/GWOG4cxMQ2QyfDOJrJPKVNteUG3-fzOAgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4553.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="A large pond with a swarm of gnats on the surface and trees in the background" border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Er2bhJw4Zo0/YMWxoX3Ag2I/AAAAAAAAJd4/GWOG4cxMQ2QyfDOJrJPKVNteUG3-fzOAgCLcBGAsYHQ/w320-h213/IMG_4553.jpg" title="The Glen" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WkQ8k7DZdUA/YMWxofp97rI/AAAAAAAAJd8/A-qSWcAcpVg_pwkHh0Fgg7Yg3EjZagHZACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4555.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="A lake with an island with oriental style waterfall and fencing" border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WkQ8k7DZdUA/YMWxofp97rI/AAAAAAAAJd8/A-qSWcAcpVg_pwkHh0Fgg7Yg3EjZagHZACLcBGAsYHQ/w320-h213/IMG_4555.jpg" title="Peasholm Park" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: left;">Once we had walked all the way back doing the reverse route through Northstead Manor Gardens, my aunty and uncle suddenly remembered they were on a 2 hour parking bay and had to leg it back to their car and we went back to Zerubbabel for another pitstop.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Before leaving though, we took Liggy to another of her favourite spots. Right at the end of the beach is where Scalby Beck comes down into the sea. There's a pebbled area with lots of pools and rocks. It is unfortunately down a long flight of steps, but Neil takes Liggy down there to play off lead. I wait at the top of the steps and do an occasional recall to keep Liggy on her toes. It's great exercise for her and it's nice for Neil to get some time playing with her without me being there. I had to laugh though yesterday. She often poos on the pebbles down there (which, of course, Neil picks up) but yesterday, she pooed in one of the pools, still on pebbles though, and poor Neil got his shoes soaked trying to pick it up. She's never done that before.</p><p style="text-align: left;">The day was completed with a delicious dinner at my aunty's. After all the months of restrictions, it was so nice to be able to be in the house and have dinner together and catch up on life. </p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p>Finnberryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05547300774234349428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6748817407510359548.post-75985426168243579972021-04-23T09:30:00.002+01:002021-04-23T09:30:00.192+01:00Rievaulx Abbey<p>Our final day out of this mini-break was to Rievaulx Abbey. This was always going to be an interesting one, as the website was a little vague around wheelchair access. I kind of assumed it was going to be similar to Fountain's Abbey but on a slope, and I wasn't far wrong. The main path is gravel and most of the ruins are on grass. Grass can make it harder going in my mountain trike, but it hasn't rained now for weeks, and the ground is nice and hard, which makes it much easier. </p><p>Anyway, again, Covid measures were pretty good, and we felt safe there. The main toilets are out in the car park, and you have to go out through the same route as coming in, so I was glad they weren't for me. The accessible toilet is in the main building. It was pretty good. Like most of them, it wasn't really big enough for me to go in with my trike, so I left it, and Liggy, outside with Neil... my 'essential companion'. I thought that was a nicer description than carer. Well done English Heritage!</p><p>The photos from today's visit don't tell a story... they are just nice piccies of the Abbey, many in monochrome, because I love monochrome photography. So I'll just interperse them in no particular way.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--nHlUq0wc2Q/YIJlyrc7X0I/AAAAAAAAI5Q/LAIRknJ8Yf0EzJym8F8RB14uQUHmnOeEACLcBGAsYHQ/s1080/20210422-IMG_4368.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Monocrome photo of the monks' eating place, though you wouldn't recognise it as such. It's really just an old stone hall with beautiful arched windows." border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1080" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--nHlUq0wc2Q/YIJlyrc7X0I/AAAAAAAAI5Q/LAIRknJ8Yf0EzJym8F8RB14uQUHmnOeEACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/20210422-IMG_4368.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><p style="text-align: left;">The site, as you will see, is built into quite a steep hillside. We decided to start at the top and work down. Actually, the top area was most of the ruins and took a while to get round. It was well worth it though. The main path is gravel and was relatively easy to climb, though I went quite slowly. That goes up to a small museum, though at the moment, it is closed. Later in the day, Neil went for a nosey round the back of it and discovered a massive swarm of bees on a window. I hadn't been bothered by them though all day, and decided I was happy to take his word for it, and that I would be better not to go and have a look. </p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4_DGOMddNxA/YIJl2l5Yy2I/AAAAAAAAI5Y/n6zBxHwGXMI3VzefEJFm-Yi9OjJQ10y6ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1080/20210422-IMG_4373.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="A fairly flat grass area with large ruins on the right but lots of small walls on the ground that indicate where rooms once were." border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1080" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4_DGOMddNxA/YIJl2l5Yy2I/AAAAAAAAI5Y/n6zBxHwGXMI3VzefEJFm-Yi9OjJQ10y6ACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/20210422-IMG_4373.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><p style="text-align: left;">The photo above shows a section that I thought should feature as an accessible maze. For anyone else, walking around could get you anywhere. Most of the walls were small enough to step over, but for me it was a fun game, working out where I could get to and how to get out again. </p><p style="text-align: left;">At the bottom of the hill, is a row of trees, going across the grass. Apparently, that is where the River Rye used to run but the monks re-routed it. We sat in the picnic area by those trees to have our lunch and it was strange to think we were sitting where the river used to be. We also had yet another lunch time of contemplating whether another membership would be excessive... but in the end, decided to go for it. These places are fab days out but also are causes worth supporting. Like all charities, they have had a tough year and they do a really good job of both maintaining our heritage and providing education to people in a relaxed and fun way.</p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U9kis8LNLbo/YIJlzjF9_jI/AAAAAAAAI5U/Qh_XeCgHhXk5E5FT0Qh-v6umCMljUKlwACLcBGAsYHQ/s1080/20210422-IMG_4391.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Monochrome photo of the main building at the top of the site. Two walls remain with lots of arched windows." border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1080" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U9kis8LNLbo/YIJlzjF9_jI/AAAAAAAAI5U/Qh_XeCgHhXk5E5FT0Qh-v6umCMljUKlwACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/20210422-IMG_4391.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><p style="text-align: left;">There were several areas of flat lawn, which were lovely for stopping, resting and just taking in the views. It's hard to describe the magnificence of the ruins, but there were birds at the top, which we could only just see with the naked eye. We were trying to decide whether it was just pigeons and crows or something more exciting. Fortunately, I had my grandad's old binoculars with me, so we got them out and had a better look. It was nothing exciting but it was also interesting to use them to look up to another building, right at the top of the hill - Rievaulx Terrace - which is owned by the National Trust and only opens one Saturday per month. </p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K_8tB01F138/YIJl7W9uQmI/AAAAAAAAI5g/mhYmFzuE6EsVeWHrrqVNK72h06vsgqzVQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1080/20210422-IMG_4412.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Neil and Liggy (black lab) are sitting together on a large stone, part of a ruin. Neil's face is partly hidden behind Liggy's as he is gently nuzzling her face." border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1080" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K_8tB01F138/YIJl7W9uQmI/AAAAAAAAI5g/mhYmFzuE6EsVeWHrrqVNK72h06vsgqzVQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/20210422-IMG_4412.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><p style="text-align: left;">Although this was a very interesting visit, and the weather was glorious, there isn't much to acually do, other than wander around the ruins. For us, that was perfect. I think, even with most children, they could run around, make up stories and be imaginative, and have a good day out. We easily spent four hours there, and only really left because it was getting really hot and Liggy had been a little bit sick when we arrived. She didn't show any signs of being really poorly but just a little tired and although she was happy and seemed to be enjoying the outdoors, when it got hot, she seemed ready to call it a day. Plus, we knew we had things to do back at the campsite.</p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PMyW-KEWE9E/YIJl4rfoWBI/AAAAAAAAI5c/YojjWs9INpwMl-qWLDT1FZuwW3vZdomAQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1080/20210422-IMG_4428.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Monochrome photo of a large wall over a big square lawn. The sun is casting shadows around the left and bottom edge." border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1080" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PMyW-KEWE9E/YIJl4rfoWBI/AAAAAAAAI5c/YojjWs9INpwMl-qWLDT1FZuwW3vZdomAQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/20210422-IMG_4428.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><p style="text-align: left;">Before leaving though, we had a look around the shop. It's always nice to support these places and get a few reminders of the day. The previous night had been quite cold... down to -2<sup>o</sup>C - and Neil, who is normally fine with just his duvet, added an old travel rug that we keep in the car, to keep him warm. But we do intend to use Zerubbabel all year round, so he suggested buying a new wool blanket to keep in the motorhome, so we've always got something to wrap us up if it's a bit chilly. We also spotted some jars of yummy stuff and bought some toffee apple curd (no idea, but it sounds delicious!) and some horseradish and mustard something or other. </p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uEaHOmG8cJg/YIJl7jLJ-YI/AAAAAAAAI5k/N05INwKAT3sK5TuYquNgI-G3YrJbeykhgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1080/20210422-IMG_4430.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Monochrome photo, looking up at the main ruin from a courtyard below. The sky and the shadows make it look quite atmospheric and eerie." border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1080" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uEaHOmG8cJg/YIJl7jLJ-YI/AAAAAAAAI5k/N05INwKAT3sK5TuYquNgI-G3YrJbeykhgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/20210422-IMG_4430.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><p style="text-align: left;">Inevitably, there were quite a few areas that I couldn't get to. We expected this. There were also a few narrow spots. We always go prepared for different Liggy situations. She spent part of the day attached to the lead arm on my trike and part just on a normal lead with Neil. She often went around the bits I couldn't do, walking with Neil but she always shows little signs of being concerned about whether I'm okay without her. Eventually, Neil usually finds a way back that puts me in sight but at a distance. This is where she always makes my heart do a little happy dance. We check that there's nobody around and no distractions. and then Neil just lets go and I call her. She runs soooo fast to get back to me. It's the best recall practice because it gives as near to 100% success rate as is possible. </p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DOBkoq88jx8/YIJl9Q8PFbI/AAAAAAAAI5o/9mCLMKRo_IYgjOMMsRm_dVk8urpZHBQgQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1080/20210422-IMG_4436.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Me in my mountain trike at the bottom of a flight of wooden steps. There is no way I could possibly climb them but I'm pointing up with a cheeky grin, as though I might give it a try." border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1080" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DOBkoq88jx8/YIJl9Q8PFbI/AAAAAAAAI5o/9mCLMKRo_IYgjOMMsRm_dVk8urpZHBQgQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/20210422-IMG_4436.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><p style="text-align: left;">I wouldn't call this the best of accessible visits. If you were using a normal manual chair, it might be just too difficult. I wouldn't want to do it without my trike. That said, there were several people with walking sticks and crutches, and there are seats a-plenty, so it depends what you can do and what you want from a day out. Some of the grass banks were quite steep but it gave me chance to learn a bit more about what I can and can't do. Sometimes, I surprise myself by managing something that looks difficult. Other times, I just let Neil go off for a while and I find a nice spot, usually in the shade, to rest and enjoy the views. For me, as long as there's an accessible toilet, and not too many nettles, not too many bees, and preferably no wasps... I'm a happy camper!</p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7bUK-9saCi0/YIJl-Wq8jbI/AAAAAAAAI5s/cvKn1Gb0Hb0gBiGRuW7tIlk327BG3zOGACLcBGAsYHQ/s1080/20210422-IMG_4442.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Monochrome photo of the main ruins from well back. The grass and smaller ruins are in the foreground." border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1080" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7bUK-9saCi0/YIJl-Wq8jbI/AAAAAAAAI5s/cvKn1Gb0Hb0gBiGRuW7tIlk327BG3zOGACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/20210422-IMG_4442.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Finnberryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05547300774234349428noreply@blogger.com0Rievaulx Bank, Rievaulx, Helmsley, York YO62 5LB, UK54.257296399999987 -1.117448625.947062563821142 -36.2736986 82.56753023617884 34.0388014tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6748817407510359548.post-80553664747920147612021-04-23T09:00:00.002+01:002021-04-23T09:00:00.234+01:00Castle Howard<p style="text-align: left;">Growing up in Scarborough, you would have thought that I would have been to Castle Howard many times. I only remember going there once, and that was in 1998 ( I found out by Googling <a href="https://www.go2gbo.com/threads/cannon-accidents-safety-warning.57016/" target="_blank">cannon accidents</a>) for one of the evening concerts... a Last Night of the Proms with fireworks. I remember enjoying it but for no reason at all, we've never been back there and have never visited the house, gardens or estate. And I remembering hearing in the news, the next day that someone got injured by one of the Cannons.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Well, as we are staying in the Howardian Hills, which take their name from Castle Howard, it seemed like a visit there was in order. </p><p style="text-align: left;">The road in is narrow, mainly straight and has grandiose arches, some that are very narrow. We were glad we were in the car and that Zerubbabel was safely on the campsite, though I believe there is an alternative route for big beasts, like her. Parking was easy... accessible parking is right at the front. The lines are faded to almost nothing though, so it was a bit of a guessing game. </p><p style="text-align: left;">As with everywhere else, they've got all the Covid measures in place. We felt particularly safe here. Nowhere felt really busy, but then it is midweek. Weekends will be busier, I'm sure. So we showed our prebooked ticket, picked up a map of the estate and headed off to see the Atlas Fountains, which I was very much looking forward to. We took a bit of a long route to get in, only to find they are currently out of action, being maintained... which was rather disappointing. </p><p style="text-align: left;">The upside of the fountain maintenance was that there was a gigantic hose pipe attached to a tap along the path. Where it had leaked it formed a crystal clear pool of water, where Liggy had a big drink. Not only that, she remembered it, and was clearly excited to get back there later. It's funny, she doesn't normally drink much but she loved this water! </p><p style="text-align: left;">It was shortly after her first drink that I decided to try out the portaloo accessible toilet, which looked like a good option to avoid going all the way back to the main courtyard every time I needed a wee. Neil checked it out first and pointed out a large (but fast asleep) bumble bee on the side of the toilet. I agreed that it was probably too cold for it to wake up and that I was safe to ignore it... so I took courage and sat down for a wee. Just as I was about to go, I pulled some toilet paper, so I'd have it ready... as you do... and as I pulled it down, there on the paper, was another massive bumble bee. This time, I wasn't expecting it and it nearly gave me a heart attack! Like its friend, it was asleep, but right by my face and so sudden and unexpected, adrenalin kicked in and for a moment, I just panicked. I didn't even pull my pants up... just got out quick!!! It didn't take long for me to sort my clothing and for Neil to remove my new friend... and I continued quickly and decided that the courtyard toilets would be fine for next time.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DQft85_DcWU/YIEQJgYTxsI/AAAAAAAAI1A/C1UMSllZ5lsjFITsflESHEoZHjz-0J52QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1080/20210421-IMG_4227.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Castle Howard in the distance, Neil and Liggy (black lab) are standing at the side of a gravel path with an expanse of lawn behind them." border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1080" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DQft85_DcWU/YIEQJgYTxsI/AAAAAAAAI1A/C1UMSllZ5lsjFITsflESHEoZHjz-0J52QCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/20210421-IMG_4227.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><p style="text-align: left;">Next stop, was the Rose Gardens, which were vast and very pleasant. We just wandered back and forth, looking at the various plants and watching the gardeners at work. There were some statues too... many statues... but we decided to take a break from our usual statue photography. There was just too much to fit in. We'll come back another day and focus on statue work. </p><p style="text-align: left;">What we did find, which is becoming a theme this week, was this beautiful peacock. Liggy was a little more excited by it than yesterday, so we didn't make her lie around for too long, but long enough to get some photos.</p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xIxfc2tIuPk/YIEQNRfVWvI/AAAAAAAAI1I/dqE8b6vUMpEMFz4RjJlA2lWBFVOAwdbBgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1080/20210421-IMG_4250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="A male peacock, lying full length on the lawn, showing how long his tail feathers are." border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1080" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xIxfc2tIuPk/YIEQNRfVWvI/AAAAAAAAI1I/dqE8b6vUMpEMFz4RjJlA2lWBFVOAwdbBgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/20210421-IMG_4250.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><p style="text-align: left;">We took our lunch to the picnic area near the big play area - Skelf Island. It looked seriously cool! The sort of place that makes you wish you were a kid again, or there with small children that need supervising. </p><p style="text-align: left;">The path down to the lake and play area was quite steep and windy. It was hard work keeping my trike under control. I love my trike but having the steering on the back wheel means that when going downhill, you have a tendency to tip forward, taking the steering wheel off the ground, which makes controlling it rather difficult. I've found the answer is to go very slowly. The brakes are good, though extremely noisy so Neil and Liggy left me to it and disappeared off on their own. Charming!</p><p style="text-align: left;">After lunch, we had planned a walk around the edge of Ray Wood towards the other lake. The website said that Ray Wood is unsuitable for wheelchairs due to uneven ground. We clarified this at the ticket office, checking whether it was just uneven ground or steps, stiles, etc as well. Just uneven ground... well, we always like a challenge! You don't spend that much money on a mountain trike to stay on concrete paths, do you?</p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TUIRIxWMuNE/YIEQNY007rI/AAAAAAAAI1E/I3oLlw1o74g5Y6-heR5GQq4O7qvKOtwFwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1080/20210421-IMG_4265.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Path through the woods. It is wide and a hard mud surface but the tree roots and rocks make it uneven." border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1080" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TUIRIxWMuNE/YIEQNY007rI/AAAAAAAAI1E/I3oLlw1o74g5Y6-heR5GQq4O7qvKOtwFwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/20210421-IMG_4265.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><p style="text-align: left;">Unfortunately, soon after taking this photo, there was a path closure with a diversion. Tree cutting was happening and you could see a large tree blocking the path. Sadly, the diversion included steps. They were shallow steps and Neil did say, "I think we could manage this between us," which (thinking back to Sandringham) rang alarm bells that we almost certainly were about to attempt the impossible. So we took a different route, where we chatted with a couple of ladies who were walking the same way. Eventually, the grass path headed steeply uphill and they walked on, and we paced ourselves (went very slowly at my pace). </p><p style="text-align: left;">At the top of the hill (and a couple more hills) we reached a monument of some kind, which we should probably have paid some attention to, but the views around were exceedingly spectacular, so we gazed into the distance instead and ignored the monument. In the distance was a stone bridge. Our ladies were still there and one of them said she could imagine horses and chariots coming in over that bridge. It certainly was a scene that could tell stories - real and fictional.</p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9nSPsGaEDAc/YIEQO9v-fEI/AAAAAAAAI1M/quK7QaCPMNwURaoDR3KXMgkv8V4tpvraQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1080/20210421-IMG_4280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Traditional Yorkshire countryside with rolling green hills, trees and a magnificent stone bridge." border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1080" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9nSPsGaEDAc/YIEQO9v-fEI/AAAAAAAAI1M/quK7QaCPMNwURaoDR3KXMgkv8V4tpvraQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/20210421-IMG_4280.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><p style="text-align: left;">While we were up there, we also had a rest and a bit of a treat time for Liggy. She had been very well behaved today! She can be a bit overexcited in new places like this, but today, she was the perfect angel... which really earned her some trout mousse.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JwPapordlfo/YIEQWY-IQeI/AAAAAAAAI1Y/2Rw1xqBFsTs33OaBFvzooiFhT9kQQc4GACLcBGAsYHQ/s1080/20210421-IMG_4285.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Me sitting in my mountain trike with Liggy lying next to me, sunbathing. We are looking lovingly into each other's eyes. One of the two ladies is in the background taking photos of the view." border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1080" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JwPapordlfo/YIEQWY-IQeI/AAAAAAAAI1Y/2Rw1xqBFsTs33OaBFvzooiFhT9kQQc4GACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/20210421-IMG_4285.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vIbwEQu9QUw/YIEQU4Btx7I/AAAAAAAAI1Q/KLcATEZCflUBEKHuv88yKjmoxYnm3VkXwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1080/20210421-IMG_4290.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Liggy has her paws up on my lap and I'm feeding her trout mousse from a small plastic travel tube, intended for shampoo." border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1080" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vIbwEQu9QUw/YIEQU4Btx7I/AAAAAAAAI1Q/KLcATEZCflUBEKHuv88yKjmoxYnm3VkXwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/20210421-IMG_4290.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><p>From the viewing point, we headed down to the small lake. We had seen a mowed path around and decided it would make a good walk. Getting down to it was interesting though. Far too steep in places for me to manage but that's where teamwork makes the dreamwork! Neil gets into all these attractions for free, as my carer, so it was time to earn his keep and hold on to the back of my chair and stop me from catapulting down the embankments. </p><p>The walk round the lake was peaceful and very pretty with the Hall in the distance. There was what looked like a shallow area at one end, so we let Liggy have a paddle, but it was a bit deeper than it looked and she wasn't keen. She preferred to eat the vast amounts of duck poo on the grass instead. So we picked up our pace a bit until duck poo was less in her face.</p></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IxIsEeEzQVA/YIEQV88hfKI/AAAAAAAAI1U/P1hEZB9ix0QF8uVQQnh_0WFjImKVWGCigCLcBGAsYHQ/s1080/20210421-IMG_4293.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="View across a small lake with Castle Howard in the distance." border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1080" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IxIsEeEzQVA/YIEQV88hfKI/AAAAAAAAI1U/P1hEZB9ix0QF8uVQQnh_0WFjImKVWGCigCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/20210421-IMG_4293.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><p style="text-align: left;">The climb back up to the main paths was quite steep and again on grass. I got part of the way up and there was a kind of rough area of grass that looked perfect to stop and play with Liggy and a frisbee. We always try to find somewhere like this if she has been good. After food, it's her favourite reward. </p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ueTzjmMdryk/YIEQZU95MTI/AAAAAAAAI1c/-UUObCu13xc-JiWdfYUoRPjOM1ix-znaACLcBGAsYHQ/s1080/20210421-IMG_4320.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Liggy with a red frisbee in her mouth. She is running back to me with it, quite fast, and her ears and tail are bouncing all over the place." border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1080" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ueTzjmMdryk/YIEQZU95MTI/AAAAAAAAI1c/-UUObCu13xc-JiWdfYUoRPjOM1ix-znaACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/20210421-IMG_4320.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: left;">By the end of the day, we had decided that this was a fantastic place for all of us to enjoy being outdoors together. It has many different kinds of walks, things to see and do... and it was very friendly and pleasant. So we decided to become silver friends, which means we can come back when we like for free. I would like to visit again, when the house reopens, and have a look around. </p><p style="text-align: left;">Final stop, before going back to the campsite, was the farm shop. We had planned meals for everyday except today. The plan for today was to buy a treat from the farm shop. We ended up getting a lamb and mint burger and an Angus beefburger (which we had half each of) and I also bought some fudge, some honey and mustard salad dressing and some garlic infused oil. </p><p style="text-align: left;">The burgers were absolutely delicious!!!</p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p>Finnberryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05547300774234349428noreply@blogger.com0Castle Howard, Castle Howard, York YO60 7DA, UK54.1218033 -0.906128225.811569463821158 -36.0623782 82.432037136178849 34.2501218tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6748817407510359548.post-37861902095163101452021-04-23T08:30:00.001+01:002021-04-23T08:30:00.197+01:00Nunnington Hall (National Trust)<p>This was the first of three days out, which I planned and booked. Because of Covid, almost all days out have to be booked in advance now. In some ways, I quite like it, as it makes you plan in more detail and days don't get wasted, deciding what to do. On the other hand, it means you can't have a few options and then see what the weather is like.</p><p>We're National Trust members, so this is usually our first port of call for days out. We're staying not far from <a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/beningbrough-hall-gallery-and-gardens" target="_blank">Beningbrough Hall and Gardens</a>. We've been there before and liked it, so it was tempting to go back. However, it's always good to try somewhere new, and the site webpage recommended <a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/nunnington-hall" target="_blank">Nunnington Hall</a>, so that's where we went.</p><p>It was pretty easy to find and is in the Howardian Hills, an area of outstanding natural beauty (AONB). As we drove there, it was easy to see how that got designated! Like most National Trust places, once we got near, it was well signposted. The car park had a good accessible parking area, though the ground there, and in the gardens, would have been tricky in my normal chair. I had done my homework though, and brought my mountain trike, so I was fine.</p><p>Entry into the grounds is over a beautiful footbridge over the River Rye. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uy6RmFOhHrE/YH--Uar02eI/AAAAAAAAIxM/nZn-DoVUSDQwal9ZU3Mh-6AqeEERbL3IQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1080/20210420-IMG_4182.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Wooden footbridge over a river, surrounded by trees." border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1080" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uy6RmFOhHrE/YH--Uar02eI/AAAAAAAAIxM/nZn-DoVUSDQwal9ZU3Mh-6AqeEERbL3IQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/20210420-IMG_4182.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>As always, our first stop was toilets. I have to say, this was possibly the weirdest layout of an accessible toilet I have ever seen! The room was a funny shape and the toilet was kind of trapped in a narrow bit down one end. The grab rail then blocked off the rest of the room and was way too far from the toilet. On the plus side, if you have a disabled child, the toilet seat had a kiddy seat built in, like an extra fold down device. Also good was hot water, decent soap and hand towels (as the hand dryer didn't work).</p><p>At the moment, because of Covid restrictions, the actual hall is closed but the gardens are open. I sort of expected the gardens to be more like grounds... They're not, it's just gardens. They were beautiful and really interesting but we didn't get the kind of walk we'd hoped for. There was some interesting information though and it was quite quirky. I was quite tickled by this sign, which for a wheelchair user, or any small person, sort of blocked the photo opportunity. I was happy to have it in the pic though.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a8IU9uzT1Fg/YH_ALFHbWGI/AAAAAAAAIxc/DTx-B42chKEmtUqEhxr6BI8pdZGv_CMngCLcBGAsYHQ/s1080/20210420-IMG_4128.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="A large blackboard easel on a lawn with large lettering saying: this is a great photo opportunity." border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1080" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a8IU9uzT1Fg/YH_ALFHbWGI/AAAAAAAAIxc/DTx-B42chKEmtUqEhxr6BI8pdZGv_CMngCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/20210420-IMG_4128.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-onnV5YJlRmE/YH_AKSEDSfI/AAAAAAAAIxY/89KjvkK4pZMjs-F5n1XzoFh25OQDbpfIQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1080/20210420-IMG_4129.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Photo of Nunnington Hall with the blackboard sign in the foreground." border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1080" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-onnV5YJlRmE/YH_AKSEDSfI/AAAAAAAAIxY/89KjvkK4pZMjs-F5n1XzoFh25OQDbpfIQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/20210420-IMG_4129.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><p style="text-align: left;">At first, it felt a bit wrong walking on the grass. Usually these sorts of places have paths that you have to stick to. This was all grass and the paths were mowed rather than meadowy. It was actually really nice and felt more natural, though would have been a nightmare in my other chair. There were natural ramps in most areas, though some steps to reach the top part. Neil went and explored that on his own while Liggy and I took a training opportunity on the main lawn, doing some nice zigzag walking.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Then, I decided to do a spot of mountain trike training (Neil keeps telling me to 'trust my kit', which is easier said than done) and went zooming down the main slope, in manner of small child, and had lots of fun... several times.</p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2rXJ2ttOGe8/YH_AJwDAQ7I/AAAAAAAAIxU/b1k45OnPU6gMVH0xzqQXxE7w9fxaX-opgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1080/20210420-IMG_4134.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Side view of me zooming down the hill, with my mouth wide open, shouting AAAGGGGHHHHH!" border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2rXJ2ttOGe8/YH_AJwDAQ7I/AAAAAAAAIxU/b1k45OnPU6gMVH0xzqQXxE7w9fxaX-opgCLcBGAsYHQ/w426-h640/20210420-IMG_4134.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-svOR7KJr_OQ/YH_ARuZYRzI/AAAAAAAAIxk/XERyicUAGDMHZ3pyMUJQwC6GtORrCUatgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1080/20210420-IMG_4136.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Me in my mountain trike with Liggy, my black labrador sitting by my side. We're on the big lawn with the Halls in the background." border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1080" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-svOR7KJr_OQ/YH_ARuZYRzI/AAAAAAAAIxk/XERyicUAGDMHZ3pyMUJQwC6GtORrCUatgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/20210420-IMG_4136.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p style="text-align: left;">We generally try to support the National Trust by using their cafe or buying something from their shop. Nunnington Hall didn't have a shop but we had a cuppa in the back outdoor cafe area. It was well set out with picnic tables, about half having a seat missing for wheelchairs. They were spaced out and had parasols up, which was great, as it was really sunny and warm. </p><p style="text-align: left;">The highlight (and another training opportunity for Liggy) was a huge peacock that was strutting around the area. It was so tame! Liggy is gun dog bred, and has inherited a serious chase instinct. Usually it is leaves, which she has learnt to leave over time... but big birds, which are less common around us than leaves, are still a challenge. She's yet to learn that picking a fight with a goose or a swan will probably end worse for her than the bird. So I was ready for battle! I needn't have worried though. She must have decided this bird was out of her league, as she was calmer than usual. Either that, or she was just heat exhausted.</p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ciBKcSc1_F8/YH_ATZdBUuI/AAAAAAAAIxo/98Tvj-Lu7JUR_OF512fnjDiqUh1h8K99wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1080/20210420-IMG_4154.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Close up photo of a male peacock with a dazzling blue neck and magnificent tail feathers, which he unfortunately didn't display fully." border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1080" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ciBKcSc1_F8/YH_ATZdBUuI/AAAAAAAAIxo/98Tvj-Lu7JUR_OF512fnjDiqUh1h8K99wCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/20210420-IMG_4154.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><p style="text-align: left;">At lunchtime, I continued my determination to get braver about eating outdoors, and we sat at a picnic table by the river and enjoyed our lunch there. I'd baked bread rolls on Monday morning, before we left... a new recipe... and they were delicious! Liggy was very happy to lie on her bed and sunbathe whilst we ate.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vl5wgt0ct8M/YH_AVUu-HwI/AAAAAAAAIxs/mWrH78yjX7kCAKCKd0KlW46rdAD3Owb2wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1080/20210420-IMG_4194.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Liggy, my black labrador, lying on a blue mat next to my trike. Her tongue is out, panting, as it is really sunny and hot." border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1080" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vl5wgt0ct8M/YH_AVUu-HwI/AAAAAAAAIxs/mWrH78yjX7kCAKCKd0KlW46rdAD3Owb2wCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/20210420-IMG_4194.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><p style="text-align: left;">It was a pleasant enough morning and interesting to see a new NT property in such a lovely area... but it didn't exactly fill the day, so we then went for a drive and visited a few other towns and villages.</p><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SvIgU67Hv-k/YH_APzQ508I/AAAAAAAAIxg/nrdb7JNwabUTP1yoon6k9KK5PXntf6ebACLcBGAsYHQ/s1080/20210420-IMG_4185.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Monochrome photo of Nunnington Hall with large bushes in front and a large gravel courtyard." border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1080" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SvIgU67Hv-k/YH_APzQ508I/AAAAAAAAIxg/nrdb7JNwabUTP1yoon6k9KK5PXntf6ebACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/20210420-IMG_4185.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p></div>Finnberryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05547300774234349428noreply@blogger.com0Nunnington, York YO62 5UY, UK54.2067866 -0.9737309000000000725.896552763821155 -36.1299809 82.517020436178854 34.1825191tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6748817407510359548.post-24744472405980953002021-04-23T08:00:00.001+01:002021-04-23T08:09:45.905+01:00First camping holiday of 2021<p>We've both had this week booked for a holiday since last year. We were planning a full week BritStop tour of North Yorkshire and Northumberland. Then lockdown v3.0 happened and it became unlikely that we would be able to stay at all the places we'd chosen... so we've postponed that until later in the year and this week, we're spending a few nights on a Camping and Caravanning Club Site. </p><h2 style="text-align: left;">The Site</h2><p style="text-align: left;">Sheriff Hutton is about 7 miles north-east of York and the club site was easy to get to - about an hour's drive for us. Because it is so close, we decided to take the car and the motorhome (named Zerubbabel... it's a Zefiro, so an alliterative name...) so that we could leave Zerubbabel on site and just take the car for days out. </p><p style="text-align: left;">We booked a hard standing with electric hook-up. Originally, I was hoping to book a full week, but once 12th April (Covid stage 2) was announced, weekends everywhere booked up completely, and I could only get a mid-week break. As it happens, that is probably good, as we can get some jobs done at home over the weekends.</p><p style="text-align: left;">The site is well spaced out and very clean and tidy, so feels pretty Covid-safe. The facilities - toilets, showers, etc are all closed until 17th May, but we generally use our own anyway. That was one of the reasons we chose Zerubbabel - I liked the shower room. I expected it to be busy but when I arrived, we were offered a choice of many pitches. The warden even told me which way is sunrise and sunset, to inform our choice. </p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Pitching up</h2><p style="text-align: left;">I'm a checklist kind of person. I've always liked following a procedure that works but a while ago, I watched a TED talk about checklists. The people who use them are not people with memory problems, or the unintelligent... but surgeons, pilots... people who are intelligent but recognise that forgetting something in the stress of the moment would be pretty bad. Well, getting it wrong when pitching a motorhome would probably not risk life but it could be expensive, so it's a sensible thing to use a checklist.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Water and grey waste are usually first, but we'd already sorted that at home.</p><p style="text-align: left;">I like to start with Zerubbabel level, and we have a dandy little gadget - a <a href="https://smile.amazon.co.uk/Digiflex-Caravan-Camping-Campervan-Leveler/dp/B004DJ7F48/ref=sr_1_15?dchild=1&keywords=mini+spirit+level&qid=1618899215&sr=8-15" target="_blank">mini spirit level </a>that does both ways. Pop it on the table, put chocks in and level up. I love it!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y4LehQ3KExI/YH8RWKCKrWI/AAAAAAAAIwM/LNDPBLOev_AG_9P6Y3VpmdiI_ZmdBvbpQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1080/20210419-IMG_4105.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Photo of a motorhome with awning up and a car in front." border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1080" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y4LehQ3KExI/YH8RWKCKrWI/AAAAAAAAIwM/LNDPBLOev_AG_9P6Y3VpmdiI_ZmdBvbpQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/20210419-IMG_4105.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: left;">Ventilation is always important but it was quite hot (in the sun) when we arrived, too hot to leave Liggy in the car, so I opened all the roof vents (3 of them) and put her inside. She's always extremely excited on arrival, so it's better to just keep her inside whilst we get organised. We have bought another gadget though, a big corkscrew type thing that screws into the grass and you attach a dog lead to it. It means Liggy can be outside with us but not actually attached to my chair, which is handy. </p><p style="text-align: left;">So then we turned on the gas and connected to the electric hook-up... all sorted! </p><p style="text-align: left;">For the first time, we used the awning. It is quite easy to put up - one of the canopy style ones. We may invest in some wind breaks eventually but for now, it is nice just to have some shelter outside. Neil put up the table and got chairs out. It's easiest for me to use my Mountain Trike on site, as the pitch is pebble, surrounded by grass. </p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Dinner</h2><p style="text-align: left;">It was my turn to cook, and I'd planned a one pot chicken and rice dish, loosely based on my mum's paella recipe. I'd prepped the spices at home and put them in a tiny plastic pot. Neil sat outside, chopping veg, looking every bit the seasoned camper, and I did the actual cooking. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TakATGa0WYw/YH8T90MplfI/AAAAAAAAIwU/glIrsD0zWuoM9JVTZfrhx_Og_3EQvI-UgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1080/20210419-IMG_4115.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Photo of dinner cooking in a pan" border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1080" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TakATGa0WYw/YH8T90MplfI/AAAAAAAAIwU/glIrsD0zWuoM9JVTZfrhx_Og_3EQvI-UgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/20210419-IMG_4115.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">The Zefiro has the standard RollerTeam 3-burner hob, which I have to say, is really good. It runs off the gas, which for us is Gaslow LPG. We filled up the gas bottles last September, when we got her, and both cylinders are still showing as nearly full. Not sure those gauges are accurate... time will tell. Asda in York is our nearest filling point, which isn't that far, so if we run out, that's where we'll be headed.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Having cooked dinner, I did something quite unusual for me... we sat outside to eat. It was still nice and warm in the sun and Neil had set up a soft bed for Liggy... and it was actually very pleasant. </p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Heating</h2><p style="text-align: left;">Zerubbabel's heating is a Webasto system. It runs on diesel, from the fuel tank and is supposed to be one of the more economical ways to heat the motorhome. I've seen reviews online about it being too noisy but we haven't noticed that. It blows hot air through vents around the habitation area. My only criticism of it, is that it uses a lot of electricity each time it starts up... not a problem if you're on a hook-up but if you're on battery, it drains it very quickly! It really means that we can only choose sites with a hook-up for winter camping, especially as the solar panel is what charges the battery, so less daylight, combined with high night-time usage is a bit stressful!</p><p style="text-align: left;">Anyway, it was another cold night... close to zero... but I was plenty warm enough. I prefer it cool to sleep anyway, but I was fine on my many night time loo visits. </p><p style="text-align: left;">I'll be posting all of these posts when we get home (don't want people to know we're away until we get back) but hopefully we'll be having some fab days out in the Howardian Hills. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lIP-mJQfSYY/YH8UOCECImI/AAAAAAAAIwc/CW1No9Ew-rkDy9HGZ-BGMAw1Cukagdf-ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1080/20210419-IMG_4108.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Photo of the back of the motorhome with the awning up and a table and chair underneathPhoto of the back of the motorhome with the awning up and a table and chair underneathPhoto of the back of the motorhome with the awning up and a table and chair underneath" border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1080" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lIP-mJQfSYY/YH8UOCECImI/AAAAAAAAIwc/CW1No9Ew-rkDy9HGZ-BGMAw1Cukagdf-ACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/20210419-IMG_4108.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p>Finnberryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05547300774234349428noreply@blogger.com2Sheriff Hutton, York YO60, UK54.0891597 -1.006780525.778925863821158 -36.1630305 82.399393536178849 34.1494695tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6748817407510359548.post-45483049752140512172021-03-02T16:51:00.001+00:002021-03-02T16:51:13.531+00:00Response to my open letter<p>I'll say one thing for Andrew Percy... He pretty much always replies to emails and FB messages within a very short time. I had an email from his office the next working day after posting my open letter and basically he is raising the various issues with different people/organisations.</p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Access to local walks</h2><div>As a result of my MP contacting the council on my behalf, I had an email today from the Countryside Access Officer, who we have actually met before. Just over a year ago, we did a walk in Market Weighton with her, to help assess how wheelchair accessible it was and to identify any improvements that could be made. Obviously, we then had a pandemic, so nothing has actually changed yet but it is in the pipeline.</div><div><br /></div><div>Anyway, she contacted me today about the A frame barriers, as it is apparently policy NOT to use them now. It sounds like the ones in use are on other people's land but she is going to contact them and ask about having them changed.</div><div><br /></div><div>Also, now I know she is responsible for my area, I can contact her if I find other barriers to access. </div><div><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: left;">Thanks so far</h2><div>So I just wanted to put it out there, that I got a response and I know what Andrew Percy is doing to try to help. It doesn't surprise me at all that the first response from that was the Countryside Access Officer. Our previous connections with her were very positive and I am sure she will try to improve things for us.</div><div><br /></div><div>I haven't heard anything about the state of pavements yet. This is another of the local issues, but I suspect it may be tied in with another local issue that is brewing at the moment... so I'll try to be patient.</div><div><br /></div><div>The national issues around PIP and the Blue Badge scheme - hmmmm - they are being taken up with the DWP. I can't say I'm overly hopeful. I know others have raised many issues around this and nothing has changed. Even if the Blue Badge issue could be resolved though, that would be something. I am actually baffled that someone didn't see a problem with that to start with!</div><div><br /></div><div>So, if you read this, thank you to Andrew Percy and your team for responding to my letter. Please keep me updated and take any opportunity to raise the PIP issue at Westminster.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Finnberryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05547300774234349428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6748817407510359548.post-72794788140971031352021-02-20T15:53:00.000+00:002021-02-20T15:53:05.758+00:00Open letter to Andrew Percy MP<p style="text-align: left;">Dear Andrew Percy</p><p style="text-align: left;">You may or may not remember me contacting you the night before the last general election. I was really undecided about who to vote for. I had seen how active you are in our local community and the immense effort that you put into addressing issues that affect your constituents. However, I have only ever voted labour so this would be my first conservative vote, going against much of what I believe in. The main issues for me, at the time were Brexit on one hand, and the lack of value that many disabled people feel from government, on the other.</p><p style="text-align: left;">You persuaded me that disabled people do matter to you and to test you in this, if you were successful. You were. Congratulations! </p><p style="text-align: left;">I began drafting a letter in early 2019 and first the Snaith/Cowick floods happened and then Covid. So I figured you might appreciate some time to deal with those first. Now though, in the third lockdown, some of the issues I would like to raise with you, and ask for your help with, have become even more urgent.</p><h3 style="text-align: left;">National issues</h3><p style="text-align: left;">My spinal injury (cauda equina syndrome) happened in 2012, while we were living in Finland. We returned to the UK in 2013, mainly because the UK offers better rights for disabled people who want to work. On returning, I was not eligible to apply for disability benefits until we had been living here for two years. So in 2015, I started receiving PIP and have nothing else to compare this to. </p><p style="text-align: left;">I have seen some of the negative press around PIP but the press are often negative about many things, so I wanted to see for myself and form my own opinions about it. </p><p style="text-align: left;">For now, I will leave the assessment process out of this, as I understand that there will never be a successful way of both giving disabled people what they need and, at the same time, completely eliminating fraud. My issue is with the constant need to be reassessed every three years. My condition is permanent and unlikely to ever improve. I am on the highest rate of both daily living and mobility. This is the only state support I have asked for or receive, and really, it is more about getting the support I need to equalise my living costs so that I can continue to work and contribute as much as possible to society.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Being reassessed every three years has implications way beyond the obvious. Yes, I have to take time to fill in the long forms and then take time off work to attend assessments, sometimes deal with appeals and so on. However, I then have to deal with the blue badge issue. East Riding Council now only issue the blue badge until the PIP end date. On the surface, this seems reasonable. However, PIP reassessments rarely occur on time and although payments continue to cover the months of delays, my blue badge becomes out of date. By the time I can reapply, each blue badge has about two and a half years on it, yet still costs me £10 each time. </p><p style="text-align: left;">I recently received a letter explaining that due to Covid, PIP reassessments will be delayed by almost a year. That is a long time to be without my blue badge! I am very active and don't need to park right next to the entrance. What I need is the wide space to unload my wheelchair and assistance dog. Without these, I can't get out by car.</p><p style="text-align: left;">I would like your support in two ways:<br /></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Please would you ask the government to reconsider PIP assessments for permanent conditions. Being reassessed every three years must surely cost the government more than the tiny risk that I receive a miraculous healing and fail to disclose it.</b></li><li><b>Work with government and/or the local council to ensure that disabled people are not left without their blue badge or required to pay repeatedly for a new one because of delays in the PIP system.</b></li></ol><p></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Local issues</h3><p style="text-align: left;">Although I live in Goole, I am not from this area. Goole has a lot going for it for a wheelchair user, not least, the fact that it is largely flat! In theory, as a healthy, active wheelchair user, able to self propel long distances, in excess of 5km at a time, it should be possible for me to visit the town centre and supermarkets (approximately 1 mile away) without taking my car. This is what we have all been encouraged to do, in order to help reduce our carbon footprint and help meet environmental targets. </p><p style="text-align: left;">I have contacted the council numerous times to report issues with paving, especially on Marshfield Road, where the quality of the paving for a long time now, has been so poor that I can only now access it with my mountain trike (a specialised wheelchair, designed for off road hiking). Using my regular chair simply causes too much pain and there is too much risk of being thrown out of my chair when one of the front casters catches in a pothole. </p><p style="text-align: left;">On my own estate, we have flagged paving and partly due to the works that KCOM have recently completed, but also prior to this, many of the flags are broken and dislodged such that it is not very easy to propel on it. I literally have to watch the ground in front of me the whole time, so I can pull wheelies over raised flags or swerve to avoid the worst areas. I have come out of my chair a couple of times, badly hurting my arm and shoulder once. Following this, the council investigated and did some repairs but left all but the worst damage as it was.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>I would like to escalate this now, through you, and ask that the pavements in the area are improved and made safe for both wheelchair users and the many elderly people that use walkers, sticks and other mobility aids.</b></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N_mG4PgvEjM/YDEq_aVKnrI/AAAAAAAAIV0/oqsCvwC7d6YBug_dRfKSBAhVFxNA6VrSgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Barrier.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="I'm sitting in my mountain trike, with my hands up and out in despair. I can't get out of the nature reserve here because the gates are too narrow." border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N_mG4PgvEjM/YDEq_aVKnrI/AAAAAAAAIV0/oqsCvwC7d6YBug_dRfKSBAhVFxNA6VrSgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/Barrier.jpeg" title="What am I supposed to do now?" width="400" /></a></div>A second local issue, and one that I understand the root of, is the erecting of barriers to prevent antisocial behaviour in our green spaces. These seem to be used at access points to the riverbank, nature reserve, canals... They do indeed prevent motor bikes causing chaos, but they also prevent me from accessing places where I should be able to exercise and walk my assistance dog (or sometimes, as in the photo, from getting out).<p></p><p style="text-align: left;">I am aware that some money has been allocated from various sources and one of the anticipated improvements is around accessibility. <b>I would ask that when implementing these, you advise the relevant groups to consult with disabled people, rather than guessing or assuming what our needs are. It is vital that this happens at the planning phase, rather than as an afterthought. </b></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></p><p style="text-align: left;">I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for all the work you do in our town and in anticipation of any help you will be able to offer on the issues I am facing.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Yours faithfully</p><p style="text-align: left;">Nicki</p>Finnberryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05547300774234349428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6748817407510359548.post-8396616220058010532020-12-23T16:42:00.001+00:002020-12-23T16:42:47.925+00:00Christmas Newsletter<p> I only occasionally bother with a Christmas newsletter but this year surely warrants one. I'm doing it on my blog so anyone who is interested can have a read. For once, I'm actually going to take a look back at the outgoing year, in a chronological manner...</p><h2 style="text-align: left;">January</h2><div>I remember Neil hitting 25 years old and being somewhat overwhelmed at the thought of being a quarter of a century old. Well this year, he reached half a century. To celebrate, Neil's brother, Graham, came over from Hong Kong - a real treat for Neil, and, with hindsight a very timely visit. We went out for dinner and had a lovely day out at Clumber Park, one of our favourite places to get out for a walk. </div><div><br /></div><div>On his birthday, the first two cases of Coronavirus were identified in the UK... in York, actually, which is where we went on the Sunday of Graham's visit. We sat in Pizza Hut, unaware that this would become a rare luxury, watching swarms of people going about their business, some wearing masks... which at that stage, was a bit unusual.</div><div><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: left;">February</h2><div>Again, it is only with the benefit of hindsight that we fully appreciate our little jaunt in mid-February. I had booked to attend the Learning Technologies conference at the Excel in London, and to help the week go smoothly, Neil took some leave and we planned a few days around it to visit family there too. The conference itself was fantastic! I met up with various colleagues and we spent a blissful two days in a crowded venue, totally unaware of the risks we were being exposed to. Fortunately, it was early enough that we all stayed safe.</div><div><br /></div><div>On one of the evenings, we met up with my brother, Matt, and went for dinner at the O2 Arena. The last time I was there, it was the Millennium Dome, so that was a while back. It was wonderful both seeing my brother and also being out in a new place like some kind of normal human being, that doesn't have to worry about accessibility all the time. Thing was, access there was great! </div><div><br /></div><div>After the conference, we had a day at the Science Museum and Hyde Park, meeting up with my friend, Debs for lunch. Then we headed over to visit Neil's mum and took her out for lunch. I think that was the last time we ate out. If we'd realised what was coming, we might have made more of seeing his mum but we still had no idea, really.</div><div><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: left;">March</h2><div>Well, March was when it all escalated rather quickly! Having spent a year, accepting that I couldn't work from home all the time but not really understanding any of the reasons why, on 17th March, I was sent home and told not to return for at least the immediate future, until we got rid of Coronavirus. How naive a thought was that?!!</div><div><br /></div><div>A few days later, Neil was also working from home. He had never previously liked us both working from home on the same day, but we didn't have a choice now. Actually, although we both missed seeing our colleagues face-to-face, we have both made it work for us. As well as being able to spend some working time together, we also now enjoy lunch together every day, which encourages us to take a break. We also both had to walk Liggy, as initially exercise was only permitted once a day... and Liggy was rather peeved at only having two walks. One would have upset her immensely!</div><div><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: left;">April</h2><div>Spring Harvest was inevitably cancelled, though we still took a week's leave and enjoyed participating online. They did a fab job and it was really well done but we missed meeting up with the usual group of friends. </div><div><br /></div><div>In April, we were still on one walk a day and that had to be from home. Driving anywhere was discouraged. The only place I could walk Liggy was round the cemetery, and that began to wear really thin. I began to feel the darkness of the Covid situation, particularly seeing an increase in funerals and the horrors of lone mourners. Fortunately, the rules loosened a little and I was allowed to drive to the park. I never thought of that as a luxury before.</div><div><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: left;">May/June/July/August</h2><div>Got to be honest, it all becomes a bit of a blur as I look back on May. In fact throughout the summer, everything is a little vague. We enjoyed being allowed to travel for exercise and visited Scarborough a few times. We even managed to see family at a distance. </div><div><br /></div><div>Somewhere in the summer, Neil started his new job, back at the council. The irony is, it was all the commuting that triggered him applying and again with hindsight, this would probably not be an issue now... but it was a promotion too and a challenge and he is settling in really well.</div><div><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: left;">September</h2><div>Still a bit of a blur but the exciting event was the purchase of Zerubbabel, our new motorhome. Well, new to us. We managed a couple of early visits - just weekends on nearby sites, to test her out. I can't wait to have a proper holiday in her!</div><div><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: left;">October</h2><div>Cases were beginning to rise again and tiers became a thing, but fortunately, we managed a weekend at Chatsworth to celebrate our wedding anniversary. We walked a lot and enjoyed a first taste of 'off grid' in Zerubbabel. We stayed in a pub car park, had meals delivered to the van and enjoyed being totally self-isolated and not having to risk public toilets and cafes. </div><div><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: left;">November</h2><div>We were braced for bad news, as it looked like our main holiday was going to be cancelled, however we got lucky with dates. One more week and it would have all been different. We spent a wonderful week in Norfolk, in a disabled-friendly cottage, which was absolutely perfect! From there, we discovered some new favourite places - Hunstanton Beach... Sandringham... Kings Lynn. A week wasn't long enough and we'll definitely be back there some time in the future.</div><div><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: left;">December</h2><div>So here we are at the end of 2020. We had a plan A for Christmas, which involved taking Zerubbabel down to visit Neil's mum. Then plan B, which involved a short visit to Scarborough. Now we're on plan C, which is stay at home, protect the NHS, save lives. I feel like that should feel more heroic than it actually does. It feels a bit flat really. But there's now two new variants, both spreading like crazy... we know of several people who have died of this horrible virus and knew one personally. We also now know quite a few people who have either had it or currently have it... which makes it all feel much more real than it did back in March. </div><div><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: left;">Christmas</h2><div>So many people feel that Christmas has been cancelled this year... Bojo has ruined it! I get that, but I disagree.</div><div><br /></div><div>I have read the Christmas story so many times and I find it hard to fully celebrate the event. Mary was just a young girl. Getting pregnant before marriage was shameful. People would have been gossiping about her, looking down on her, judging her. </div><div><br /></div><div>I've had two babies. I remember going to my mum's graduation 2 weeks before Josh was due. It was so stressful! I was really worried about going into labour away from home, even though Scarborough is my home. When you have a baby, you want everything to be ready, to know that baby is coming into a safe home environment. I can't imagine the stress of having to travel from Nazareth to Bethlehem when heavily pregnant and then having your first baby in a strange place.... maybe a stable. It doesn't bear thinking about. The situation was just horrible. The government totally ruined Mary's Christmas!</div><div><br /></div><div>So this year actually feels more real. I feel more like Christmas is something to remember... to celebrate. Christmas is about the imperfect and how Jesus comes to be God with us, in our imperfect places. Whether you believe the Christmas story or not, I hope and pray that you feel peace and joy in some way this Christmas... maybe that it would come in an unexpected way. And more than anything else, I hope and pray that 2021 is nowhere near as bad as this year has been. Dull and boring and uneventful would be perfect!</div>Finnberryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05547300774234349428noreply@blogger.com0