The highlight of yesterday on our away mission to Northumberland was Barter Books in Alnwick. A great rainy afternoon was spent browsing the myriad of books – the place is HUGE! cashed in a bunch of read books for tokens to buy more books. Got some great reads.

Today we’ve been to the Holy Island. After an argument with a spitty swearing local on parking. Even though the road was not yellow lined etc, he insisted that we were not welcome to park there. Without resorting to the “I pay my road tax” argument I let him have his was and moved to the overpriced car park. Not to be put off by this we explored the island. The Priory was quite cool, after that we went for a walk to the castle, then a round walk back to the car. Heading back to the mainland, over the causeway before the tide came in was a good idea. Stopped off to find a geocache before heading to Etal castle for a picnic. We hit the nice weather belt today with much luck and found ourselves in sunshine for nearly all the time we out.

Were now back at the covet (as it’s called – a former cart shed in Akeld Manor Country Club). It’s nice here. Nestled in the crook of a Cheviot hills elbow we’ve got the best of self catering freedom with the convenience of a resort – swimming pool, stuff for the kids, restaurant and stuff. Eirene Sophie and Jay have gone to the trampoline to build up an appetite – I’m about to cook a chili con carne.