If you've been visiting with me for any length of time, you will no doubt be very familiar with my love of the sea and all things coastal. I grew up on the south west coast of Dorset and ever since I left home in my late teenage years and moved to the north of the country, I've really missed being by the sea. I think this feeling has actually intensified as I've gotten older, and at times the call of the coast positively bellows at full volume.
North Yorkshire has some fantastic coastline which I'd say is roughly 90 miles away from where I live, making it just a weeny bit too far for a quick day trip. So of course I frequently attempt to engineer short breaks by the sea whenever I think I can make it work for us as a family - we made it to the coast for the new year, and again in February - and sometimes I'm lucky enough to go away with friends. I also try and visit Dorset to stay with my Dad when I can, but I've never ventured to the coast to holiday completely by myself. That is until last month - oh yes indeedy!!
I can't tell you how strongly I felt the need to get myself to the sea, it was like the most insane itch that I absolutely had to give a good scratchin'! I think it was fuelled by a strong desire for breathing space, for peace, and for something of a personal reset of sorts, a need to simply spend some long hours quietly by myself with my own thoughts. I had a chat with J about how I was feeling, and he told me to just book something and take myself off for a few days - honestly, you should have seen how fast I acted on that, I had something nailed down and paid for within the hour haha! It was all very spontaneous I guess, I booked it on the Sunday and set off two days later, staying Tuesday to Thursday in early July.
As is usual for me I travelled by train, and it felt really exciting to be setting off on a little mini solo adventure with just a few things packed into a rucksack.
And this is where I ended up after three hours of gentle jigging along the tracks - one of my all time favourite seaside destinations : Saltburn-by-the-Sea. I wish I'd taken a photo of the little train station in Saltburn to show you, it's ever so cute. There are only two platforms at the end of a short branch line and it's right in the middle of the small town centre. You literally step off the platform, out onto the street and a short walk later you're gazing at a sea view.
↑↑ This was where I called home for two nights, a small but perfectly formed little house that has been very beautifully renovated and decorated. I'll show you a bit more of the house in a while and show you the stunning views, it really is one of the loveliest holiday rentals I've ever stayed in. I found it online at the start of the year and could not get it out of my mind, it was love at first sight.
It was quite the experience arriving all by myself and settling in, and the first thing I did was make a trip to the local supermarket to buy some essential groceries for my short stay. I took a photo of my shopping because I was chatting with J about it at the time, and I thought you might like to see......
....there you go! Halloumi (which I sliced and pan fried), ham, cherry tomatoes and salty snacks for my dinner, with yoghurt, grapes and bananas to snack on. Dark chocolate and slices of cake to take care of any sweet cravings, with coffee and a mini bottle of prosecco to drink. This kept me going (more or less) for two days, although I did buy a few extra items on my second day. I ate breakfast out at a café on my first morning but other than that I had all my meals at the house, sitting on the little outside terrace at the front with a glorious sea view.
When I arrived in Saltburn it was around 3pm on a bright and breezy afternoon, and once the grocery shopping was taken care of I couldn't wait to get down to the beach.
The house where I stayed had easy access down the cliffs to sea level via various stepped pathways (see here to get an idea). Of course it's easy-peasy going down and you arrive on the sands with a spring in your step....
....and the wide open beach spread out to explore.
The hike back up again isn't quite so springy and leaves your legs feeling a weeny bit on the wobbly side. During the few days when I was staying in Saltburn, the amazing water powered lift wasn't in action but when it's running it provides a really amazing alternative to the hard slog of the steps.
The views from the top promenade are stunning though, and there are loads of benches to gently slump on while you recover your breathing and regain use of your legs.
This elevated promenade is beautifully designed and well kept, and in July the beds were absolutely bursting with flowers. I remember being utterly charmed by this part of the town when we visited for the first time back in 2010. We were staying nearby in our caravan and I really fell in love with Saltburn back then and have been drawn to it ever since.
I mean, any town with giant ammonites set into the pavement is going to get my vote.
The sea views and fresh air are quite intoxicating (in a good way, a very good way) and I found myself breathing deeply and really taking in the scent of the place. At this time of year it smells of sundried grasses, sweet scented flowers and the salty tang of seaweed and is a little bit heavenly if you ask me.
It's six o'clock now, and I'm back at the house having a bite to eat and a few glasses of chilled fizz. The front garden is decked out with built in seating, providing an amazing place to relax and enjoy a drink with a sea view. Cheers!
It's a bit later now and I've made myself a milky coffee and crossed over the road to sit on the bench there. It's a great spot for people watching and taking in the sun as it descends down towards the horizon. I'm feeling beautifully relaxed and a little weary after the excitements of the day, but I decide that I'll find the energy to walk down to the beach a bit later to watch the sun set....
....I mean, how could I let this ↑↑ slip by?? It's around 9:20pm in the above photo and there are only a few souls on the beach at that time.
Isn't it glorious? I experienced a moment on the beach there of absolute profound gratitude for this life of mine, and for the fact that I was standing there all alone with such an insanely beautiful view to enjoy. How very, very lucky I am.
9.45pm now and the sun has slipped quietly beyond the horizon. Time to face the steps again and climb back up to the house to fall into bed. What a day.
Good morning! I'm sat in bed drinking a hot cup of tea and looking out at the grey of a sky which tells me rain might be on its way. Can you imagine how ridiculously happy I was with this view from my bed in the morning? Isn't it fabulous? Here, let me show you the bed (as it looked when I first arrived), so you can fully appreciate the luxury I was enjoying.....
.....oooooooo, isn't it something?? And to think I had that whoooooole big bed ALL TO MYSELF!!!!! How incredibly indulgent to have all. That. SpAcE.
I took my time getting up and getting ready for the day, because after all there was only me and myself to please. I had no plans at all, preferring to see how I felt from hour to hour and deciding on the spur of the moment how to fill the day. First up, the shoreline was calling, so down to the beach I went.....
....to walk along the sands and breathe in that gorgeous salty morning air. The tide was high at this time of day so I crunched over the pebbles up by the sea wall, admiring the colourful beach huts.
Time to climb back up those steps and go for a wander around the town....
....oh, look!! Just look at those flowers!
This old church was completely surrounded on all sides by the most glorious, exuberant planting of Hollyhocks. So, so pretty!
I later learnt that the church isn't in fact a church any more, but home to a community centre and small theatre. Well whatever goes on within those old brick walls, the flowers really did have the wow factor, they were an absolute delight.
I ended up in a small deli in the town for a late breakfast of buttered toast, bacon and eggs, sat at a little wooden table in the window watching the locals coming and going. It's a unique experience being away from home by yourself, choosing where to go, what to eat, and how long to take over each thing you decide to do. I found my pace was deliciously slow and I really enjoyed just sitting in various places (Saltburn has a great many benches, and I absolutely LoVe a bit of bench sitting), or slowly pottering around observing all the little details of the town.
Saltburn is a great place to take in the wide skies too, and you can really see the weather playing out along the coastline as you walk.
I have to be honest with you and tell you that my breakfast and coffee was only just about OK, and not somewhere I would especially recommend. So once I'd finished up I found my feet taking me back down to the beach where I knew for a fact that good coffee could be found. I walked slowly down through the Valley Gardens (I forgot to take photos, but you can see a bit of what it's like here) - it's an interesting mixture of woodland, formal gardens, riverside, playground and park all leading down to the sea. Camfields is down at the very bottom of the gardens where the river flows out to the sea, and is the place to go for great takeout coffee. I really enjoyed sipping as I strolled along the beach....
...parking my butt down on the pebbles with my back leaning against the sea wall. As you can see, the rain did indeed arrive but it was only a very light summer shower, a few minutes of drip-drops landing and then it was gone as quickly as it came.
Eventually I arrived back at the house and it was just after midday. Hmmm....what do I feel like doing with my afternoon? Yes, of course I had packed my crochet, because in early July I was properly falling madly in love with this blanket after being very unsure of it for a few months.
I took the above photo so you can see a little more of the house - it's small but oh-so-lovely and completely open plan downstairs with a beautiful clear light streaming in. What you can't see is to the right of the picture out of view there are huge bi-fold doors leading onto the front decking, so I could sit and crochet with the doors open and the sea breeze wafting in.
I spent the afternoon listening to music and crocheting - I landed on a Spotify soundtrack called "Easy 70's" or something like that and it was absolutely perfect for the occasion. Kind of mellow and nostalgic and summertime-ish. I did manage to get a lot of crochet completed and only stopped when I realised my hands were feeling a bit stiff and achey. I was stunned to discover it was almost 5 o'clock, my goodness, how speedy the time passes when you are living your best life!
I noticed that as the afternoon had passed the grey skies had given way to blues, so on the spur of the moment I decided to take a quick walk down on the beach, my third visit of the day.
Bloomin' heck, it was sooooooo windy!! The tide was at its lowest point so there was a huge expanse of beach exposed and the wind was whipping it up into a sand storm! It was absolutely mesmerising to watch but not at all pleasant to be in, I felt like any exposed skin was being exfoliated and my trainers were literally filling up with sand as I walked.
So I quite quickly came up off the beach and walked back to the house via a wooded lane where I picked a few wild flowers from the verges.
It's six o'clock now and I'm suddenly very hungry so I made myself a simple meal to enjoy - pan fried halloumi, chorizo slices, tomatoes and grapes, with some smoky paprika crisps and a gorgeous chilled drink of Sauvignon Blanc. I have a soft spot for those dinky little miniature bottles of wine you can buy in the supermarket, they feel like a treat and are just right for enjoying a solo drink with dinner.
Here I am look, back to my hooky as the evening rolls in, loving the hell out of my yarny squares and the sea views right outside the door. Happy, happy me.
It's 8.30pm now, but the sky is too cloudy for a good sunset which is a shame. Shall I go for a walk anyways? Oh, go on then, it would be a shame to be inside when there are such beautiful coastal views to be had.
I decided not to head down to the beach this time, but instead stayed up on the top promenade, strolling and bench sitting, breathing in those glorious sea views.
I'm tucked up in bed by 9.45 with a mug of tea and a slice of cake (who knew eating cake in bed would feel so naughty, but SO good?!), and look it's still light outside. What a wonderful, wonderful day I've had.
I slept for a solid nine hours that night (I'd actually done a lot of walking during the full day I spent in Saltburn, over 25,000 steps) and woke up feeling happy, refreshed and energised. I decided to get busy packing up my things and tidying up the house so that I could head out for one last walk and a coffee before needing to leave and catch my train home.
One final stroll along the top promenade to drink in those views.
The famous water powered lift was getting ready to open later that morning and I was sorry that I wouldn't be there to take a ride. One last walk down the steps......
.....down to Camfields to get my morning coffee. I can highly recommend the Illy coffee, it really hits the spot first thing in the morning.
With my coffee in hand I took a slow stroll along the whole length of the pier....
....stopping to sit on a bench to drink my coffee and watch the waves roll in under my feet. I'm pretty certain that bench-sitting is now my new best thing, in fact I think I could train to become a professional bencher because I do seem to have a talent for it.
I wonder how many benches there are in Saltburn? Can you see them all on the pier in the above photo? I can tell you there are loooooads of benches in Saltburn, benches with a plethora of differing views and vantage points.
Sigh....how I adore this place.
I've got a little bit of time before my train leaves so I can stroll on the beach for a while....
....and pop a pebble in my pocket to remind me of a very memorable trip.
It's hard to find the words to describe just how good this trip was for my soul, but hopefully through my photos you can get an impression of it. I think I've mentioned before how important it is for my wellbeing to carve out regular alone time to recalibrate and process my thoughts. Usually I am attempting to do this in small snatches of time during the course of a busy day spent at home with the family - short walks to the meadow, a solo takeout coffee by the canal perhaps. It never occurred to me that I could give myself permission to have an extended break away, and with J's blessing it was absolutely the greatest gift and a real privilege.
Time, breathing space, quiet, stillness. But also flying sparks of energy, inspiration and creativity, a huge recharge that I didn't know I needed quite so much. This solo trip gave me way more than I could have hoped, and I am so, so grateful for the whole experience.
There's just one niggling little problem now though........when do I get to do it all over again?!
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ps I would love to know in the comments whether you've ever taken a trip away all by yourself somewhere? If not, would you like to? Do tell me your thoughts! x
So Wonderful and restorative, thank you for sharing. I too share your urge to be by the sea. I also grew up beside it, two minutes walk but I'm still fortunate enough to be only a 10 minute drive away. My local beach is the lovely colourful bathing boxes in Melbourne Australia. It's now a little too touristy but there are plenty of other beaches to choose from and our family are lifesavers so we still patrol at my old beach in Port Melbourne/Albert Park. My goal in life is to be back living within walking distance to the beach again some day but after the three little ones are done with schooling (my eldest is like yours and finishing her schooling this year - we are heading into the very stressful final exam season - so anything calming and soothing is most welcome at this time). Take care
Posted by: Susie | September 01, 2022 at 01:01 AM
Love this post Lucy. The first photo reminded me so much of this picture by Eric Ravilious
Eric Ravilious Train Landscape Painting - Framed Wall Art Print Home Décor Picture - Oak - Size A4 https://amzn.eu/d/dtOzkSz
Posted by: Caroline | August 25, 2022 at 09:04 PM
I'm a little behind reading your posts ... it seems like I may definitely need some me time!
I have booked a crochet retreat for next March and have been feeling quite guilty and dare I say it ... apprehensive. But after reading your post I am feeling a lot more comfortable about the whole thing.
I am very lucky that I live very close to the sea (about a mile away) and coastal walks for me can be a daily occurrence, if life doesn't get in the way!
Posted by: Helen Squire | August 23, 2022 at 03:35 PM
Dear.Lucy, what a lovely post. And yes, I take breaks with exquisite alone-time at least once a year. It’s essential for my well-being. Not talking for days is a blast! I live in Germany and love to visit heritage sites, like the 12 Romanic churches of Cologne, or Coburg, Leipzig, Strasbourg, oh so many interesting, beautiful historical sites! Taking them in step by step all by myself „as my whimsy takes me“, is so refreshing, both intellectually and mentally. Once I went to Rome for a full week, that was the longest trip. And the most delicious one! After those outings, my family loves my sunny, energized, refreshed self very much, and I do too 😊.
Posted by: Ingeborg | August 20, 2022 at 02:39 AM
I'm thrilled that you loved Saltburn so much. We live in Weardale and it's one of our closest beaches. A very special place to recharge and/or relax. Perhaps next time you visit I'll bump into you at Camfields. Much love. x
Posted by: Laura Miller | August 19, 2022 at 09:08 PM
I just want to say thank you so much for your lovely post. I love Saltburn. We lived about an eight minute drive away from there before we emigrated to Ontario, Canada, close to Lake Erie, just over 40 years ago. My sister moved there recently and we will be visiting next August.
My sister usually walks down to the beach to photograph the sunset in summer. In the winter she walks to see the sunrise.
I am intrigued by the lovely place you rented. I will be looking for somewhere in Saltburn for next August.
Posted by: Cath P | August 19, 2022 at 06:58 PM
I enjoyed your solo trip post very much. I feel like I went on a mini holiday too! Love your pictures of EVERYTHING! I haven’t done a solo trip on my own. I usually have enough quiet time during the week when my husband is working. BUT… he’s been home recovering from back surgery and I find I’m craving alone time much more. And being with my girlfriends. We knit, crochet, sew and make and LAUGH! Oh my it’s such wonderful uplifting therapy to be with these ladies and we all feel energized after we get together. Your blog and all of your readers who post are like that too. Uplifting and positive! I love it! YOU travel far my friend!
Posted by: Lynn | August 19, 2022 at 06:19 PM
Hi Lucy, Thank you for sharing your solo adventure. I do take solo ventures out and go camping. I live by the sea and would not have it any other way and would go bonkers if I couldn't have access to it. So my solo camping is in the forests. I love the deep forests we have
here (Vancouver Island, BC Canada) and I just love to sit and enjoy the quiet and like you say 'recalibrate'. I have a need to be out in nature and really need to just sits. I am a bencher too, LOL...and when I come across one by the sea or in the woods and on the trails, you bet I'm sitting there and being grateful for all that I have in my life. Hugs, MO
Posted by: Marylin Ollivier | August 19, 2022 at 05:35 PM
Self indulgent twaddle - get a grip.
Posted by: Gail Knapton | August 19, 2022 at 06:57 AM
I have made solo trips, but usually to some sort of convention where I'm teaching or exhibiting, so not very relaxing! Hmmm - I may have to rectify that!
Posted by: steelbreeze | August 18, 2022 at 03:38 PM
J'ai 80 ans , française ,je vous suis depuis longtemps gràce à Google Chrome je profite de la traduction en français. Que votre article a fait écho en moi, il est bon, souhaitable de prendre son temps, de savourer ces moments,s imprégner de la nature,déguster un bon café ... ËTRE DANS LE TEMPS PRESENT AVEC SOI
Posted by: Léa | August 18, 2022 at 03:16 PM
May I apologise profusely for all the typos above. My brain works faster than my ffingers and they get tied in knots. I thought there was going to be a preview to proof read it, but if there was, I missed it!
(wors = world; barrer = barrier. The rest I think you can probably work out!)
Posted by: Fiona McC | August 17, 2022 at 08:04 PM
I could feel you recharging as I read the words and looked at the fantastic pictures. I half my getaways almost down the middle, between going away with others and going solo. I have had 6 trips around the wors, all solo and I honestly think they were all the better for being by myself, for much the reasons you point out. Mainy you can do what you want, when you want, at the pace you want,in any order and can change tack without huge discussions and fallout. I have also found others are more open to talking to solo travellers (I think in a couple especialy, you come across as a self sufficient unit with an invisible barrer people are loathe to cross). I have met so many wonderful people, both home and abroad on my various excursions and adventure. Mainly going solo gives you head space. And there is nothing like having head space - nothing - for recharging and re-energising. As you have found out! You need to do it at least once a year...
Posted by: Fiona McC | August 17, 2022 at 08:01 PM
Thank you for sharing your wonderful trip and beautiful pictures of Saltburn. What a magical place!
Posted by: Olive Mavis | August 17, 2022 at 06:41 PM
Hi Lucy
I enjoyed your photos of delightful Saltburn which I usually visit a few times a year. I’ve been many times in the Community hall as it has a Saturday table top sale. It’s a town of town halves…….the seaside (look out for yarn bombing on the Pier )and the interesting upper town with its streets named after Jewels.
I usually stay in Hinderwell a few miles down the coast which means I can walk my dog on the nearby Cleveland Way.
There are so many beautiful places in those few miles. Last month , on the cliff top, I talked to someone from the National Trust who was working with a local farmer and they were preparing and seeding a wild flower meadow. A treat for next year.
Posted by: Carol B. | August 17, 2022 at 09:43 AM
Hi Lucy,
How wonderful to hear of your solo stay in Saltburn and see your lovely photos. I have lived in Saltburn for 35 years and it truly is a special place to be. I haven’t been on a solo trip like you describe but realise that it is an uplifting thing to do. Talking of special places, we go to stay on Holy Island every year with our son who has a learning disability and this was our seventeenth year on the island. Now this really is a spiritual and magical place, particularly when the causeway is closed. I can definitely recommend it.
Next time you come to Saltburn, would love to meet up. Lastly so grateful for your wonderful website, patterns, photographs, comments on life. You are an inspiration and I thank you. I have made 6 of your blankets so far and am so pleased to have crocheting as a hobby.
Posted by: Sue Dove | August 17, 2022 at 09:08 AM
Lovely, I both now want to go to Saltburn and have a solo trip somewhere. I have only ever had a similar experience for days out on my own, once to the coast to West Kilbride in Scotland, which is also a craft town and I highly recommend. I also like going to art galleries on my own, so I can take it all in at my own pace.
Posted by: Martha | August 17, 2022 at 08:49 AM
How lovely. Last year we had a couple of nights in Whitby and went to Saltburn for a visit, a place that I instantly fell in love with and looking forward to visiting again next year. I really enjoyed your post as it brought back lovely memories.
Posted by: Kay | August 17, 2022 at 08:39 AM
This looks like such a lovely trip! I've gone away alone before, but to reunions and such, so I spent my time with other people. I'd love to take a day or two on my own like you did, just to have space for my own. By the way, seeing glimpses of your new blanket has me very excited to see it completed, and to get the kit when it comes out! 😀
Posted by: Mary-Ellen Ramsden | August 17, 2022 at 03:45 AM
Oooh how lovely I've always wanted to go to Saltburn and now I want to go even more! I'm glad you had some time to yourself for a change. Your photos are great and colourful. I grew up by the sea too (first 12 years opposite the Isle of Wight and then when I was 13 my family moved to Weston Super Mare) and now I'm 54 yearn to live by the sea again...maybe I'll go North!
The holiday home looks lovely too and the Fab blanket :)
Posted by: Crafty Cath | August 16, 2022 at 10:32 PM
We have been to Saltburn twice but never stayed very long so I loved your post as it made me want to explore it more. Many years ago I traveled alone for work, staying in hotels and eating alone wasn't very nice to be honest so I have never been away for fun on my own but after reading this I think I might just like it! thanks for the inspiration.
Posted by: Lynda Robinson | August 16, 2022 at 06:16 PM
What a lovely post. Saltburn is one of my happy places. I grew up in Guisborough just a few miles away and visit Saltburn each time I visit my parents who still live there. I was there just a couple of weeks ago and walked along the top, down the steps, along the pier and back up the cliff lift. A very special place. I love time to myself but haven’t had time more than a day trip solo. You’ve made me think about maybe doing a short trip sometime! Thank you for your great posts!
Posted by: Ruth | August 16, 2022 at 10:15 AM
Hi Lucy - thanks so much for sharing your thoughts and photos of your trip to Saltburn. I started taking a week's holiday in the Lake District a few years ago. The first time I went I was a bit anxious that I would start feeling lonely but it was the best thing I have ever done. Just being out in the lakes and fells on my own was glorious - although I did have my wonderful dog with me. I now go every year to the Lakes for that week on my own just to reconnect with myself spiritually and emotionally. I do hope you manage to get away for those few days by the sea more regularly. Take care xx Edna
Posted by: Edna Wills | August 16, 2022 at 09:02 AM
Oh, Lucy, this was so perfect in its timing. Just what I wanted. I felt almost that I was there with you and the photos are so beautiful!
I didn't really travel solo until my 40s, as there was never a budget for that. When I did, it was either for work or an organization I belong to. Then I won !! a trip to Sedona, Arizona, USA for a week, but stayed for three. Previously I'd gone to Virginia, USA as a delegate to a week-long conference, but booked for three weeks (long stories, so I won't waste time on them here)
Best of all, though, was my solo trip on a teensy budget (₤400 per month) for six months in the UK. In summer of 2017 I was invited to a friend's wedding in Edinburgh in May of 2018, but couldn't justify the expense. Then I decided to think positively and wondered, if I did go, what I might do within a few days there. So I looked up my favourite band, Runrig, to see if there might be a gig I could see. That was the day they announced their retirement after 45 years. So it was now or never! A few days later, at 2 am my time and after 6 minutes in the online queue, I had a two day camping/standing ticket for Stirling for the final concert. This was in August of 2018. So now I accepted the wedding invitation and looked for other things I might do. Soon I had tickets for the two days of Yarndale (thanks to you!!) at the end of September.
I was blessed (again!) to get an air ticket on sale for around ₤193, from Kelowna, BC to Glasgow. Only after all that did I apply for my passport, which arrived with no problems. Somehow, everything went so smoothly and I have never gotten over that incredible feeling.
I can only be out of the country (Canada) for six months or my pension supplement is stopped and I can't manage without it. So, having jumped off that figurative cliff, I decided to stay for six months and then that would include the marking of the 100th anniversary of the first Armistice. This was important to me as I'd worked for a man who served in that war (but didn't see action) and whose brother died at Vimy Ridge, with so many other Canadians.
Anyway, I had briefly met a friend of friends of mine, who lives in Surrey in a cottage shared with his sister. When he heard I was considering wild camping in Scotland, he offered his spare room for free. I was beyond grateful. I do love camping, but had only camped on my own briefly and when I was much younger.
So, in mid-May, I flew into Glasgow with "Maymorning" playing in my head. Two nights in a hostel (and on the day between I made my way to the Barrowlands, just to look at the famous venue); then I was off to Edinburgh for several days for the wedding and a bit of sightseeing. I visited the Edinburgh Tartan Weaving Mill, up by the Castle and walked everywhere each day that I was free. Saw Greyfriars Bobby, whose story I've known from childhood, the National Library of Scotland and the usual Library, and more. I was in a hostel here, too, and it was fantastic. Some of the young people I met have stayed in touch with me ever since.
I didn't do much in the way of touristy things, but was so happy just to be in England, as I was raised and educated in an English-centred culture. The cottage sits on 20 acres and boarding there were four horses and two rescue donkeys, as well as a feral cat. Once the horse owners found that I know my way around a stall and all that, I got to muck out almost every day, feed the animals, put the horses in for the day and out again at night and so on. Blissful doesn't describe it!
At the end of my three months there, I was able to fly to Norway to stay with a second cousin who I met briefly at my last Auntie's funeral. Thanks to her and to a lovely teacher I'd met on Facebook (!!) I was able to visit the island of Leka, five hours north of Trondheim, and see the house where my mother's beloved grandfather was born. I was there for three or four days on my own.
Returning to Surrey, I found my room was needed for family coming from Australia, so I located a room in Heaton (by Bradford) that I could afford. A room in London would have been nice, but even if I didn't eat for three months, the cost was out of my reach. So off I went on the train.
The concert was the weekend after I moved up to Heaton. My new housemate, who manages the room rentals, loaned me a tent and a sleeping bag and the landlady, who lives next door, loaned me a sleeping mat. So off I went, two days later, on a bus to Stirling, arriving Friday morning. I'd expected to see the Ceilidh that evening and then the final concert the Saturday night. But as I set up my unfamiliar tent, a couple next door came by and helped me. Then we helped others. A friend of theirs showed up for a chat and a few minutes later he came to me and asked if I'd like a ticket to the Friday night gig for free!! Of course I would, but didn't want it for free, so I gave him what I could towards a cancer charity he supports. (when I was home again, in November, I found a list I'd made a few years earlier, where I'd listed things I want to do before I die. On it was the item: See Runrig live as many times as possible. And I did; twice.)
Then it was Yarndale for two days. I wore my Runrig Tshirt and jacket and met at least four people who'd been at the same concert. So awesome! Best of all, though, was meeting you for the first time and also Christine Perry (Winwick Mum). I shall never forget seeing your crocheted blankets all spread out on a railing; it was beyond impressive. And then you invited me to your crochet group in Skipton!
In early November I managed to join with your group twice and felt so welcome and included. And arriving early to Cooper's and getting a snack and cup of coffee is another treasured memory. I loved every minute of those days. After lunch I wandered around Skipton, just 'being' there. So now, when I read your posts, I am transported back to those magical days. I watch a lot of English films and series, too, and it's the same with them.
The anniversary ceremonies on the 11th of November were moving, as for me it was special to stand there and remember my father and his next older brother, both of whom served in WWII. Dad never made it to England, but my Uncle was stationed in Scotland for the first part of his time there, so also memorable for me.
And then it was over and I was on my way home, just a couple of days later. But with memories that will last forever.
I still hope to return, maybe to see more, but if that never happens, that was still the best six months of my life, ever.
I am so grateful to you for being a part of that time, however briefly. And I love your blog so much! It takes me right back, with all the sights, feelings and sounds that made up my time there.
So thank you, again, and I do hope you'll forgive me for such a huge post. (you did ask, and I couldn't think how to convey it all in fewer words).
May you always be as blessed as I have been, and more.
~ Linne
Posted by: Linne | August 16, 2022 at 07:57 AM
I love going away by myself. Well, almost by myself - I take my little dog Crazy Otto. But as a family we were in Hinderwell down the road from Saltburn for a holiday in July: the Yorkshire coast is amazing! And I live only about 10m from the East Anglian coast. York
kshire people were mostly lovely, too.
Posted by: Vivianne | August 16, 2022 at 07:29 AM