The Purple Penguin

So woke up and had breakfast. The Met Office had said that the day would be cloudy but dry (one of the reasons we came up here) so of course it was pouring with rain. Ho hum. So our idea of leaving the car at the hotel and walking around the town and up to the abbey went and instead we drove to the abbey. And looked at the walk through the rain and said ‘forget this’. We’ll come back to Whitby to see the abbey.

So we headed into the moors – down loads of teeny little one lane roads with two lane traffic. Didn’t have too many cars on the road luckily. We went along various little roads, ending up at  Glaisdale, where we saw some parking under the railway bridge. So we swerved into that and parked. Saw a little bridge that was marked 1609 but was probably built earlier. Lovely. We then took the path toward Egton Bridge, which ended up at a road and we decided not to walk along the road and turned back. We then drove through various little places to the Moors Visitors’ Centre in Danby. Had tea and scones and a look around the shop. Headed out to the bird hide but there was more activity behind the hide so we watched that and then carried on along the walk. It was starting to rain again so we got back in the car and decided to drive over the moors towards Rosedale – we’d seen the forest and farming bits and decided to try out the actual moors. Despite the rain it was quite pretty and we saw several standing stones and crosses. The road we wanted was marked as closed but we decided to try it anyway (Joe said it said ‘line painting’ and, as it is Sunday and pouring it down with rain, we figured no line painting was going on – we were right, and wrong).

So down this little road and there was another road closed sign next to a pull off. So we pulled off and sat for a bit watching the rain. Only to have a golden plover land in the heater and watch us. So we watched it. And Joe took photos. We got out as the rain slacked off and could hear loads of them around us. When the bird flew off we decided, as there was a large gap between the road closed signs, to carry on.

Went on a bit further and off to one side there was loads of movement – a bird attacking a lamb. Which was interesting so an emergency stop and Joe jumps out with camera and we watch. Turns out it was a lapwing chasing off a lamb that had probably just strayed too close to a nest. We watched the lapwings for a while and Joe probably got some excellent photos. Especially as he was getting them to try to get him to leave!

On a bit further and there was a family of grouse. Little babies scurrying around through the heather and more photos. Then a shadow of a bird, another lapwing but because we stopped we saw a hare. Which took off and disappeared as they do. Then an odd bird just sitting on a stump. Just as Joe got ready to take a photo it flew off. And another road closed sign but this one was small and by the side of the road so we carried on. Only to come up to a huge fence, large signs warning of corrosive salt, and no way to go but back the way we’d come.  However, that was the best bit of wildlife we saw all day and we figure as the road was closed things were coming closer to the road.

Since we couldn’t get to Rosedale we headed on out of the moors and along to Thirsk, James Herriott country, and on to Ripton. By this time it was pouring with rain so we headed back to Thirsk, more hotels, and are now  in the hotel bar relaxing.

So, Joe is doing a photography day at Slimbridge on Tuesday so we had to hire a car. Since we were going to have a car we decided to take the weekend and have a look around. I thought somewhere near Slimbridge to be there for Tuesday and have a nice quiet time. We’ve ended up in Whitby tonight. If you have a map you will very quickly see that Whitby is no where near Slimbridge. How did this happen?

Well, we collected the hire car (found a place right down the road from where we live which is handy) and started out. Ended up on the M11 and decided that we hadn’t really seen the North Yorkshire Moors, so that’s where we headed. Mainly motorway and A roads up, stopping just outside Peterborough at an ‘American Diner’. Not that much US but fun. Then carried on up, though a town called Spital on the Street – with a sign saying ‘please drive carefully’ just under the name. Soon got onto the back roads and slowed down to gawp at stuff.

We decided to go over the Humber Bridge (it costs £2.70 which they don’t tell you until you’re at the toll booth – they do say it’s a toll bridge and give you chance to get off the road, but they don’t tell you how much!) We turned off before going over the bridge because I saw a ‘Humber Bridge viewing point’ sign. Went down little twisty turning roads until we found the parking for the site and got out and had a walk under the bridge. Joe took loads of photos. Then over the bridge and onward to Beverly. Our next stop was Flamborough Head where we saw the very old lighthouse and the more modern Victorian one. Walked down to the beach, where Joe took loads more photos. Also got to see a kestrel working along the cliffs. Lovely. Went through Scarborough and have marked that as a place to come back to. Drove through Whitby to Danby then back to Whitby. Found a very nice hotel (old tudor building but we’re in the Georgian annex) then went for a walk through the town. Had our obligatory seafood dinner and are now relaxing.

Well, we made it and I still hate flying. Clarification – I hate long haul commerical airline flying! My knees are still sore from being banged into. But we left only a few minutes late, were an hour late into London, our taxi was waiting for us, and we are now at home with a cup of tea,  a load of laundry in and sorting out stuff for work tomorrow.

There is snow, but most of the roads are clear, though our pavement is a bit slippy.

Well, made it through the chaos that is BA bag drop/checkin/whatever. It’s a mess – the signs were wrong, no one knew where to go or what was happening, they waited forever to open so there was a mass of people in the queue. Just a mess. But we got through and got through security and are now sat in the bar having a drink and watching the Dallas/Eagles game. The best bit of the whole mess? We have been told that there is no delay for the flight.

Waiting for the BA bag drop to open. Virgin is checking people in so we’re hopeful there will be a flight.

We didn’t do much today. Got up, made sure we were all packed, checked out, found the bus (Deuce), and went to Paris. Decided we didn’t like any of the places to eat in Paris so headed over to Bill’s Gamblin’ Hall and Saloon and had a very nice sandwich. Then walked the Strip back down to the Welcome sign (very very very long walk). Back on the bus and off to collect bags and head to the airport. Said bye to the little Beetle and got the shuttle to the terminal. Where we wait.

And no, we’re not sure we want to come back! It’s cold there. And I’d been complaining about the cold here! Barely up to 60 most of the time. San Diego was about as warm as we got and that was lovely. So please ensure all snow and ice and nasty cold dark stuff is removed before our flight lands. Ta.

After a very good night’s sleep and a long slow start to the day we went out shopping for last minute stuff. Yuck. We’re right by the Outlet Mall so that’s where we headed. Breakfast at Dunkin Doughnuts and then Joe was happy to shop until I dropped. But we got it all done. And this evening we checked in. Keeping an eye on the flight information as it looks like other flights to London have been cancelled. Tonight’s flight should have gone at 2020 but looks like it won’t take off until gone 10 unless they cancel it. That would be funny – snowed in where there is no snow!

So once the delivery trucks woke us  up we got sorted, got all packed up and checked out. We decided to head out to the park then on to Vegas. I still wanted to see the Kelso Dunes so out we headed. Couldn’t get petrol in Primm, so we headed for the Cima Road which had a station.

Interesting little station with a very nice woman. We got filled up, got coffee, and a sandwich and headed into the park along the Cima Road. That took us through the largest Joshua Tree forest, which was lovely. We stopped at the Teutonia Peak Trail and walked a bit up it (not very far though!) getting photos. We then went on to the Kelso Dunes.

Packed up Joe’s camera backpack with the sandwich and water and camera, but forgot the small camera – so no video! We then headed out for the tallest peak. It was a hard slog through deep sand, but once we made the ridge line the going was easier. We made it to the top – lovely hot sunny day and the walk was hard but we made it. We sat on the top and had our sandwich and looked at the view and took photos – probably spent around an hour up there! Then headed down.

Down is much easier than up – you count to three then run and slide and listen to the sand sing and boom. Listen and feel it hum through your feet. Really nifty. The slog back to the car didn’t feel nearly as long and the whole walk was wonderful.

We headed out of the park on the Morning Star Mine Road which is a nice drive. Got on I15 and headed to Vegas, which is packed due to the Consumer’s Electronic Show which is happening. Largest show they hold here so just about everything is packed out. We found a small hotel just outside the limits and it’s rather nice. Much much nicer than the place in Primm. We also got a load of coupons, including one for a free bottle of wine at the local Italian restaurant (Bootleggers). So we headed there and had a wonderful meal with wonderful service and far too much food and drink. After last night we’re happy. Now to hope there aren’t any people wanting to party in our little hotel!

Up early again but a bit later than planned. Out to see Joshua Tree Park. We drove to the Barker Dam and did the one mile walk out. Water was way down, barely any there, and so very little wildlife. We did see a cottontail bunny and birds, but otherwise it was just a nice walk. Lots and lots of different vegetation. We then drove to Keys View and looked out over the San Andreas fault. On the way back to the car we saw movement and ended up watching a bunch of antilope squirrels run about on the rocks. They even posed for photos. We then drove through the park back to Twentynine Palms and had breakfast/lunch before heading off to Mojave.

We took back roads and, of course, got on the wrong one. Easily fixed and had a lovely drive. Went through Amboy, which included driving over a dried lake bed where they are mining. Interesting. Then along Route 66 for a few miles before turning off and into the Mojave National Reserve.

We went to the visitor’s centre which is the old train station. Very interesting and an interesting history. Looks like the rail line is still used. Very different from Death Valley or Joshua Tree. We spoke to a ranger who suggested we go out to the dunes for the light, so off we headed. We didn’t walk far into the dunes; Joe found a nice vantage point looked at a lovely ridge up one of the higher dunes and we stayed there so he could get photos as the sun set. Tomorrow we’ll go climb to the top and slide down to hear them sing.

We decided to stay in Primm, which appears to be Vegas for people who can’t afford Vegas! We’re in a Casino hotel.

Later: Definitely wouldn’t recommend Primm as a place to stay. I did say, as we pulled in, that staying at a place called Terribles was probably a bad idea, and I was correct. It lived up to it’s name. Or down. Seemed ok, if a bit run down and was very cheap. We ended up in a room with a connecting door, so really didn’t feel very secure. Then went to have dinner and ended up in the cafe as we didn’t want anything too much. I noted that no one around us was getting correct orders; with every one something was wrong. Sure enough, I got a completely different sandwich than the one I ordered, we didn’t get the correct sides, and the food and service were generally indifferent.

So we headed back to the room and got into bed and then the people in the connecting room turned up. Loudly. Turned on the TV. Loudly. Went to get ice. Loudly. Had people banging on the door. Loudly. Talked, well, yelled at each other. Loudly. They were told to shut up numerous times and didn’t. By midnight we’d had enough and got moved. To a room that was a lot quieter, until the delivery trucks turned up the next morning. Oh well.

We checked out, deciding to head to Vegas tonight.

Up early again, this time to beat the traffic, and on the road by 6.30. Got out of San Diego easily and got onto Interstate 8 which runs along the border between Mexico and the US. Stopped for breakfast in Descanso (which we keep calling Desperado) in a little place called Descanso Restaurant. Lovely breakfast and an interesting stop.

We then took 86 which runs along the Salton Sea, which we thought would be interesting. Joe had visions of stopping by the shore and watching birds and getting photos. Not to be. Can’t get that close to the shoreline! And there really isn’t much there at all. Looks like it may have been a resort at one time, but that time is long past. There is apparently still good bird watching but we didn’t see where to stop. So we carried on up to Interstate 10, then turned off and into Joshua Tree National Park.

Entered at Cottonwood, which is the Colorado Desert part of the park, so lower lying and hotter than the Mojave section, with much different vegetation and almost no Joshua trees. We stopped and looked at various things as we drove along, it is very different from Death Valley. Much more plant life and looks like more life in general. We headed on to 29 Palms and got a hotel room, then turned back into the park so Joe could get some sunset photos of Joshua trees.

Found a place with some nice trees and Joe took several photos over hours! It got quite cold as it got dark so we then headed out, deciding to drive back to the hotel via Joshua Tree. We thought we had found some really good trees, but as we drove further along we saw how wrong we were. In the park these things grow BIG and the ones we’d stopped at were dinky in comparison. But massive compared to the ones we’d seen in Death Valley! Very impressive and we’re looking forward to a better look tomorrow.

We went out to Keys View for a quick look and a bit of star gazing. Too many cars turning in so we headed back out. Going to Joshua Tree then to 29 Palms was the long way! But not a bad drive. Tomorrow we’ll do it the other way round then head off to Mojave.

Parked at the hotel and walked to a little Mexican place for dinner – we’d been in the car for about 12 hours and were ready for a break!