Happy Easter everyone! Like a good deal of the country we’re in the grip of a cold snap with snow coming in from all directions. It soon melts away in the warm spring-like sun however. It’s a real feat of seasons; sometimes warm and the next minute snow and biting winds. I admit to being well and truly cheesed off with this winter! Swaledale is one of the most stunning and friendly places in the UK for my money and I have enjoyed living here. BUT, the climate is fairly harsh with long, long winters, dark, windy and cold and a summer which seems to be over in a flash. I’ve decided that as a destination there’s very few places that can top it, but I need a better climate to live in. I was born and raised in Yorkshire, but somehow I think it was about 3000 miles too far north for my genes! The only thing I’m really going to miss is the community and the good friends I’ve made who live in it. That really is going to be a hard thing to leave behind.
All the wet weather has taken its toll on the campsite here. The influx of caravans and cars for the statics has turned the grass into mud and there’s pools of water lying everywhere. We’ve managed to walk most of it into Floozie2, so she’s looking a bit grubby at the moment. There’s no point doing anything about it until we’re at Carvynick on a gravel hardstanding. We are looking at some sort of porch awning to go over the entrance so we can leave muddy boots and stuff outside and get the dog cleaned down before he comes into the ‘van.
We’ve just spent a few happy hours at the Bridge Inn at Grinton, which is one of our favourite haunts. It’s great that we have just a short amble to get to it from Floozie2 here at Orchard Caravan Park. A nice lunch, a couple of pints of real ale and a game of pool – It’s a great way to enjoy an afternoon. Amanda and Pooch are snoozing. Amanda has had two restless nights as it’s been very windy and she is such a light sleeper that it keeps her awake. Pooch just snoozes any time he can. Oh to be a small, well looked after doggie. Me, I’m going to adopt a similar approach on the sofa having done this. As I write, the sun has struggled out from behind the clouds and there’s a small boy in his wellies enjoying a splash through the mud and puddles outside the ‘van!
Peter and Pam, the wardens here at Orchard are just brilliant. It has to be said that the park really isn’t 100% RV friendly with awkward access into the site and awkward access to the water and drains. The macerator has come into its own these last few days! But Peter and Pam couldn’t have been more friendly, welcoming and helpful if they tried and always with a great sense of humour. They are a ‘retired’ couple who fell into the job last year and are starting to add some life to what was a dated and scruffy place. Peter seems to be omnipresent in his laid back style and seems to enjoy every minute of his time here, despite the weather. The pair of them are a damned fine role model for anybody who wants to be in customer service and the world would be a lot better if there were more people like them with a ‘can do’ rather than ‘can’t be bothered’ attitude. If you are looking for a great place to stay in a smaller m/home or caravan or tent, you’d be hard pressed to find anywhere as nice. OK, the facilities are tired, the electricity is only 5amps, but let’s face it, we become a little too reliant on all of this and miss the point of being at a place like Orchard. It’s a back to basics, full of character and charm, clean and friendly site. Try it! (01748 884475)
Pooch is snoring now! Think I’ll join him!

Well, we've been out of Rowleth End since Monday and are now happily ensconced on Orchard Caravan Park in Reeth. It's a lovely location, near the river and close to the village with its shops and, most importantly, pubs. That's a double edged sword at the moment for me at the moment. I'd been looking forward to being within walking distance of the hostelries and having a few beers with friends, but this systemic candida means I have to lay off alcohol. Doh!
As it's Friday, it's Market day. The market in Reeth went from strength to strength last year. When we moved here four years ago there was only a butchers van, greengrocer and occasionally a guy selling army surplus. Now in addition, there's a preserves stall, a fishmonger & cheesemonger. In the summer, it grows larger still when there's a lady that sells homemade bread and cakes, a couple selling handmade jewellery and Taffy who sells all sorts of odds and ends. He's a cheery ex-pat Welshman and whiles away his time on the green making intricate walking sticks. In summer, it's a lovely morning wandering around, chatting to everyone and then going for coffee or lunch in a nearby cafe. It usually takes a good couple of hours to get the week's groceries. Tell me if I'm wrong, but it beats slogging round Tesco. It's the social element that I enjoy the most, plus the fact we're supporting small businesses who care about their customers and are knowledgeable about the products they sell.
In winter however, it can be a very different story. Howling wind and lashing rain has people dashing quickly between the stalls, grumbling about the weather! It's great to hear the humour within it though - a resignation that the weather is the weather and there's nothing we can do about it. We still have to go out and get those groceries. Although never as busy in the summer, it's still remarkable how many people turn out on a Friday to brave the elements and listen to the wind and rain on the canvas stalls. It's evocative and attractive in it's own right, especially when you know that there's a warm, snug cafe or pub nearby to escape to!
For us, Friday is also lunch at Overton House Cafe day! It is our all-time favourite eatery. Jill and Adrian who run it with a relaxed style of professionalism which takes years of experience to achieve. The cafe is only small, about twenty covers, with a black and cream colour scheme and French decor, including and antique, tiled AGA style range. But it's the menu, written on a large chalk-board that demands the most attention. Adrian uses only the best ingredients and everything is freshly prepared with a deft touch and great presentation. Jill runs front of house and makes the most wicked deserts. Between them they make a formidable duo, which is highlighted by the fact that the place is usually very busy and is a favourite amongst the locals. We're happy to call them friends!
As I've been sitting here writing the sunshine gave way to short sharp and heavy shower; glad I wasn't out in it!
We have a new member of the stable; we picked up or little MX5 last Saturday, so we've had him nearly a week. His reg number more or less, with a little imagination, gave us his name - Paulo. Very apt for a little car that'll spend most of his time on the continent! He's a nice metallic green colour, with tan leather seats and retractable hard-top roof. Very nimble and fun to drive and we're very pleased with him so far. Here he is with Floozie2 on the site in Reeth. He's already booked in to have hi A-Frame fitted at the end of the month. This is a device that effectively attaches a trailer draw bar to the front of the car so that Paulo becomes a trailer. Much easier and convenient than actually putting him on a trailer as he can be ready to go in a matter of minutes and then there isn't the thorny problem of where to put the trailer. Click on www.chriscox.co.uk for more details!
our March diray is filling up as we make plans to see everybody before we go. I am going to miss all my friends here and one or two more keenly still. I guess it’s the closest I’ve come to feeling settled (must be getting old) but the wanderlust keeps me going. The great thing about this lifestyle is that we can return at any time (in the summer that is!) and stay for a couple of months. No problem. Of course, the internet is a great way to keep in touch too - I suspect we’ll wear Skype out!