Whitby, North Yorkshire

We woke early to a beautiful bright morning. Keen to make the most of the weather we were away fairly early, Whitby our destination.

Arriving at the car park adjacent to the ruins of the abbey which sits high on the clifftop overlooking the historic sea port below, we noticed there were quite a few vans parked, and despite signs forbidding overnight parking, we knew they'd probably all been parked up overnight. John enquired at a nearby van, and yes, it was alright to stop over, the rangers it seemed were very lax about it, as long as you bought an overnight ticket at a cost of £11.90 and respected the area. It was a no brainer, English Heritage own the site, why wouldn't they welcome this additional income. Result! That was our overnight park up sorted.

Whitby was busy, very busy. Throngs of people filled the narrow pebbled streets, cafes, restaurants and bars were bursting with people. Despite a cool breeze, many people sat out, on any available perch they could find and ate fish and chips.

After a very long walk discovering the town we also partook of this English delicacy. The town is celebrated for its wonderful fish and chips, and there are certainly a lot of places to buy them. We found a little place near the marina, sat inside, and realised most people around us were local. As always we were soon made to feel 'Yorkshire'. A huge piece of haddock for John and Whitby scampi for Angela. As expected, delicious. Stomachs full, further walking was required, this time over to the shore below the Abbey where of course a few pieces of sea glass were found. 

Then, as forecast, late afternoon a few spots of rain began to spot the ground. This evening, we have kept Margery's pop top down and will raise it later once the strengthening wind calms a little. Our plans for tomorrow, who knows, the forecast is not great. I'm sure whatever we decide to do, it will be enjoyable.

Staithes, North Yorkshire

Late yesterday evening a VW caddy van micro camper arrived. This morning we noted it was from Germany. Only yesterday we commented on how few other vehicles from Europe we'd seen in the past week. Well, anyway, a first for us, the Germans took a small pop up toilet tent out of their roof box, and popped it up in the car park, leaving Angela speechless. And all for nothing. Despite being told by last night's security man we wouldn't be able to access the excellent toilets and showers inside the auction house this morning, we could. With no need to rush this morning, we spent time talking to our neighbours who owned a VW T25, which is on John's, 'yes please I'd like one too' list. They were heading south to Holmfirth, us five miles down the road to the Yorkshire Air Museum at Elvington. Many years ago John visited the museum with his two brothers in-law and father. Sadly, two members of the group are now no longer with us, so for him the visit was very nostalgic. Our main reason to visit the museum was to view the amazing restoration of a Halifax bomber, the only example of it's kind in the world. The visit was particularly poignant as this was the type of plane Johns father trained to become a crew member on towards the end of the second world war, taking up the position of the flight engineer.

After spending an interesting few hours we departed, heading to the east coast, crossing the moors until the bright blue of the north sea appeared in view.

Today was the furthest we've driven in a day since arriving in Yorkshire, Angela didn't really like it, she much prefers the slow pace of walking and driving in the dales. So this evening we are at Staithes, overnight parking is a hefty fifteen pounds, just above the pretty fishing village.

Narrow cobbled streets and quirky cottages lead you down to the harbour. This weekend there is an art and musical festival being held and it was nice to arrive in amongst the revellery. Now we are on Yorkshire's east coast were not sure where to head next. The forecast for Monday is horrendous with heavy rain and very strong winds. We've come here to visit Whitby, but are not sure if we want to continue driving down this coast. So tomorrow some decisions about our onward travel need to be made. Tonight, though we are all cosy in Margery tucked in the corner of the parking area. It would be an ideal spot to pop up a toilet tent. Form an orderly queue please.

York Auction Centre, Murton, York

It keeps raining, which we're not happy about. It's not relentless rain, and the sun always reappears after a while with some stunning rainbows. Yes we know, it's good for the garden, but it's not so good for us if we have to dry wet coats off in Margery. Moaning finished. Back to today. A short drive to York.

Angela wanted to return having visited as a child. She remembers York Minster and how imposing it was, and wanted to revisit that childhood memory. As expected the city was busy, especially with Chinese visitors, all wanting a photograph in front of the magnificent cathedral to share with friends and family online. Not sure if so much posing was really necessary. 

The exterior of the cathedral is undergoing some renovation, so it was not possible to take a really good photograph. Inside though, so much to photograph, including the spectacular organ, which during our visit suddenly fired up filling the Cathedral with a beautiful sound. We felt honoured to have been there at that moment as the sound from the 100 pipes reverberated around us.

All that aside, the day was made even more special when John asked if the cabinet the book of remembrance for those members of the RAF whom fell in the second world war, could be unlocked, and the book opened, so he could see if one or both of his uncles were mentioned in it.

 One was. It was a very special moment. Tonight we are staying in the grounds of York Auction House, Margery and one other.

A twenty minute bus ride took us into the city. Campsites in the area start at £30.00. The cost to stay here £12.00. Showers are available, but we weren't informed that the auction house wouldn't be open at the weekend, and we'd have no access to them. A little annoying. All that aside, today has been an enjoyable day. That's York ticked off the list.