Chester Le Street

Friday 19th June 2009

We set off from Queenstown Road bright and early, off to Southampton Aiport. Narrowly avoiding a 30 minute conversation about nothing with our very friendly neighbour, Dominic. The flight was fairly uneventful, however the landing was extremely rough. The pilot had several attempts to get the gears to stay on the ground. We only to took cabin luggage so we were straight out of departures and greeted by Georgie who hastily ushered us towards the exit while on the phone to Chris who was waiting outside the airport to avoid any car parking charges. No sooner had we said our "hellos" we were on our merry way to our first point of interest, a 99p Ikea breakfast with a free coffee. Swiftly followed by a trip to the Angel of the North.

Cheesy pose obilgatory!

As soon as we had finished with the daft poses we piled back into our luxury vehicle for the weekend, a maroon Renault Megane. Unfortunately I have no photo of this impressive machine. Our next destination was 27 Ripon Street our home for the next 3 nights.

Our next activity involved 2 wheels instead of 4 as we headed off towards Durham on an assorted collection of bikes. 6 miles later we arrived however my rear had certainly suffered due to an ill fitting saddle, but beggars can't be choosers!

I had never been to this rather picturesque city before and would gladly visit again. It is influenced heavily by its University which isn't a bad thing as long as you don't mind the odd student.

Continuing a day of "firsts" Georgie dived into a Greggs and appeared minutes later with a box of peach melbas - a northern cup-cake...

Now don't be alarmed. We were when we were first shown to our bedroom at 27 Ripon Street. Father Christmas was sat in the corner of the room in a directors chair. After cycling home from Durham I needed to rest my posterior and lay down on my bed only to be rudely awoken by St. Nick giving me his present early. I did return the favour eventually.

eep!

Who's your daddy?

Saturday 20th June 2009

After breakfast and the first birthday present of the weekend for Georgie we made our way to the village of Wolsingham to experience the delights of the Weardale way. As we arrived at the starting point of our walk the North East weather revealed its true colours and the heavens opened; after a few minutes sitting in the car considering whether or not to wimp out we braved the elements and set off up the hill. In the distance we could just about make out what are locally known as the Elephant trees; a clump of trees which look like - you've guessed it, an Elephant. I think someone had been drinking too much Newcy Brown when they thought that one up! Next animals on the agenda were the smelly sheep on their way to their next field, followed by hundreds of dead rabbits (myxomatosis or a violent farmer??) and then birds which Dave swore were Oyster catchers, despite me never seeing one oyster during the whole of our walk!! After a final soaking the sun made an appearance and we stopped to eat our lovely picnic and enjoy a wee nippy tuck. Not much further a long our route we decided to stop at The Black Bull to sample a few of the local ales; an activity which may have contributed to the events which followed! Finding our route hindered by the lack of a bridge over the river the nearest alternative turned out to be a handy live railway line. We did live to tell of our railway trespassing antics, but didn't escape a telling off - you pesky kids! The rest of the walk passed without much drama, except for Chris attracting the attentions of an excitable ram and a slight detour through a farmer's yard.
On our return to Chez Georgie and Chris we were treated to a famous Robson curry, absolutely tasty and possibly preparing us for how hot our food might be when we get to India - Dave needed a full body wipe down!