Getting away from it all
On Friday the main hard-drive in my development server gave up on me. Well, at least I think it did. I/O errors always spell the end for me. Either way it was nice to have a weekend away from it all. On Sunday we all went to Yorkshire for the day. First to Aysgarth Falls in Wensleydale for a picnic. While there I introduced the girls to Geocaching. Needless to say they loved it. A box of toys hidden under a tree. What more could a couple of kids ask for? Well, three kids in this case ;o)
After this we headed off for Forbidden Corner. Great fun if you have some kids and especially if you have a big one inside of you. Not sure who had the most fun - them or me.
Anyway - some photos...
Today I had to ride my bike to Hartlepool and back with Carl. While out for a meal with friends on Saturday night we cooked up this great idea. Apparently the "old ladies over the road" had done it. Why couldn't we? What I'd forgotten was that we arranged a time to start. Nine thirty this morning! I didn't think he'd really come, but he did and 48 miles later I am back home and in pain. One lesson learnt - Hartlepool is the most depressing town I've ever been to. Should have listened to Karen when she said "What do you want to go there for? It's full of monkey hangers!". On the way back I showed Carl the wonders of Geocahing and clocked my third find.
Back to tech talk tomorrow. I promise!
For reasons beyond my understanding, the state of Ohio has adopted what you call 'conkers' as it's state tree/nut. They're called 'Buckeyes' here. We have a tree just around the corner and I've attempted to plant some 'conkers' in our yard... probably be 30 years before they sprout.
I'm still trying to figure out if they have any medicinal or culinary value.
Nice pics!
Jerry. Forget medicinal or culinary value it's the gaming value that should interest you - {Link}
I've already beaten Quinn and have myself a shiney "one-er" ;-)
You should have mentioned that Aysgarth Falls was where they filmed the fight scene in Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves ({Link}
I only mention it as it's one of the few places in Yorkshire that I remember before we moved to New Zealand when I was eight.
Criminy! I didn't realize they were chestnuts! We roasted those over the fire as kids - no joke - just like the song!
I can't believe what those ninnies in Norwich did to their chestnut trees... what a waste. (if you live in Norwich, offense is only meant if you were, in fact, on the City council in 2001). I can't believe they thought it dangerous... it's only the flying jagged broken pieces they ought be concerned with. Instead they should have invested research in champion conker cultivation!!
Next time I'm in Sunderland, you're on, Jake. I'll even bring my own North American Conkers... pre drilled and cured of course. ;-)
I live in Hartlepool. Well Seaton Carew, which is important :)
Hartlepool depressing? You should take a look at Ashington just up the coast from you.
Ian - is that factory (Steetley?) still there that pumped hot clean water into the sea? Made bathing quite pleasant I understand.
Ian - we passed Seaton Carew. Carl mentioned something about it and his grandfather but I forget what. The area seems nice. Until you actually get in to Hartlepool.
David - we saw a factory in Headlands (?) that looked a little rough. It looked old and shut but the odd thing about it was that it had its own graveyard. No church! Just a graveyard!!
Two words: Seal Sands.
...Hartlepool depressing!?... try down the road at middlesbrough next time.. you could admire the view of the chemical plants ... if the smog clears!