found my first GEOCACHE : http://snipurl.com/32284. Ingenious location! I’d heard the word ‘geocache’ before, but wasn’t that sure what it was. In a nutshell, it’s Hi tech treasure hunting. After hearing a bit about it from a chap at work, a bit of a dig around that internet revealed it was something I’d probably quite like. A further dig revealed that there’s some purpose built software available for my new N95 8GB. If you know the scene on Aliens when Ripley is finding closing in on the Aliens.. well it’s like that – it automatically plugs in the longitude and latitude and radars you in. AS well as that there’s a built in compass, you can access the logs (the one I found had already had 56+ visitors) Fantastic! Amazed I’ve not done it before. I’m hooked. Harrogate has wht looks like about 20 odd geocaches – some of which are ‘micro’ – often a 35 mm film canister, others are larger – with some actual treasure (that you swap for some treasure of your own that you leave behind.)

The official website is here
The free N95 geocache navigator software is available here which an be linked to you geocache account (so it tracks all your finds and hides etc.)
If you’ve not got a gps phone (I think some of f the portable sat nav units work to some degree) there’s some by this company that start from £100 : garmin

Good show.

Thornborough Festival 2008 was officially brilliant fun. Did it rain you ask? Yep – many differing types of rain which did scare a few off but it’s the busiest I’ve ever seen it and apart from a few bits and bobs, it all went swimmingly (If you’ll pardon the pun). I was secretly quite pleased about the rain as I had acquired but not used a 70′s Trawlerman’s suit. And some wellys. I confronted some fears by going for a walk in a very very heavy thunderstorm at one point. That was brilliant. We did have two gorgeous late afternoons / evenings – which is the time I took loads of photos (to be uploaded very soon)

The stages we’re all really cool. The biggest main stage I’ve seen at Thornborough – all in a marquee. I heard this was run/set up/or something by the chaps from the lovely Thimbleberry festival. The homegrown stage was very nice also – didn’t spend that much time down there myself but heard great reports from other folks of stuff I’d missed. Spent most of my time at the Acoustic stage (as we were camped close and friend was running it). Saw some lovely music action there. Got to play a few times on various jams and bits and bobs.

Eirene’s Kids Zone went really well. Key focus was on craft type activity. Loads of stuff was made and drawn and stuck and cut and coloured and proudly presented to parents around the site.

All in all a lovely time. Great camp, lovely people, great community spirit I found. Thornborough is a highlight of my year for a number of reasons non less so than catching up with friends of which we’re so lucky to have so many amazing version of.

Just to wrap up for now – I just wanted to extend big thanks from Eirene for all the people who helped out at the Kids Zone tent.

Went to see Yorkshire v Lancashire in the t20 cricket cup last night at Headingley. Stunning. That’s the best sporting event I think I’ve ever experienced in all my 34 years. What a game. I’ve heard the arguments over the years about “t20 will be the death of traditional cricket”. I’ve always been a fan or the purist version. the long game. The Tests. I’ve Always looked at the pajama clad counterpart as the anoying little brother of the game. But, armed with an open mind, I polled up and totally loved the spectacle.

t20 (‘twenty twenty’ – a 20 over each side game lasting only 3 hours) is now in command of millions of pounds, running a high profile and achieving global penetration even – America.(check out the Stanford Cup story about world sport domination and the like) I’ve generally err’d on the longer game side of the fence. I like the pace, the tranquillity and strategy of tests. The ebb and flow of it. It’s like the fishing of sports. t20 is more like cricket, minus the fisherman, replace with rockstar superstar DJ.

ANyhoo. I’m so glad I’ve got out of the office for the day. I did imbibe a half a shandy or two last night. ahem.

So last weekend we went on the first camping mission of the year.

We were all really looking forward to it. A party of 14 amassed on the campsite I’d sourced in what sounded like a lovely farm run site near Skipton (Cracoe, Threaplands Farm). I’d specifically asked on the phone if I could have a fire in a brazier type thing. The answer went along “yes as long as it’s off the ground”. Upon arrival the rudest woman I’ve met in a long time came steaming into our camp grunting “NO WOOD”.. no amount of “no but ahh but,” from my end would appease her. Upon enquiring if she was the owner of the site she told me that she “helps out” (although certainly not in the customer relationship management department I’d wager). After a lengthy chat with the lovely farmer Mr Wade who at one point saw sympathy to my obvious safety conscious attitude, the necessity for fire due to the inclement weather and midgies abound conceded, only to be interrupted by Linda the helper with her usual barks of NO WOOD.

Feeling less than happy about the whole situation we went through a not inconsiderable volume of barbecue fuel to keep warm. Hardly ideal. The next day we went out and purchased a large bag of coal, which we lit in a barbecue, off the ground. As we got accustomed to the odd experience of having a coal fire outside, we were told NO COAL. A joke really.

Every excuse in the book, from “it’s dangerous” (you don’t say!) – they had someone injure themselves, it’s bad for ashmatics (my own son is an ashmatic! and he was quite happily asleep in the van) to the people stay up late and talk until 2am (chea! that’s the idea!)

I wouldn’t of minded if I’d known from the outset that we weren’t allowed fires. Anyway – a fairly damp and cold weekend, emphasised by the distinct lack of basic human needs when living outside – fire. To me, a fire is an essential part of a campsite. Campsite owners should switch onto this fact (especially when, as is often the want of British weather it’s cold and damp) and look at ways of enabling this (Fire Marshalls? Only allowing qualified fire starters? (and we’d have to go on a course etc at our expense) surely there must be something that would keep everyone happy.

Anyway – apart from that, the campsite had the terrible “go to bed, it’s gone 9.30pm” type attitude. they pecked the heads of people nearby who had music on – we were the only ones in audio range and we didn’t mind in the slightest. They seeemed happy with the ‘arrive late, set of early’ walkers etc but didn’t seem to like people enjoying themselves, or indeed having a holiday. Would be a good place for a stop over – not a good place for a ‘holiday’ type setting.

Thing found, pebble beach, originally uploaded by DragonDrop.

Friday.. that was a funny old day! We set out with the intention of getting on the ferry to Dublin to visit relatives for the bank holiday weekend. Did I account for the massive volumes of extra traffic due to the bank holiday? No.

How many minutes late? about 3. That was annoying. But, with our “make a good situation out of a bad one” attitude we took stock and booked ourselves into a hotel (which serendipity lead us to) called The Boathouse. Quirky little place in a great setting just along the coast a mile or two from Holyhead. We went for a walk after checking in, as it was a glorious evening. Stumbled across this beach where we found this funny little head nestled amongst the rocks (pictured above). On the 4 maps I’ve looked on, this beach seems to have no name. (MSN, MultiMap, Google (flickr) and Ordinance Survey) Anyone mind if I call it pebble beach?

The lovely Irish Ferries transferred our ticket – no bother – to the crossing on the Swift the next day. Got into Dublin and went our for a meal with Eirene’s cousin in Renlrgh – a lovely cosmopolitan ‘burb of the fair city. Eirene’s cousins Fiancee is an actual film producer so that made for some really interesting chattage.

Today, we’re off to see more rellys then.. I dunno!

We went to Portugal to Bongo’s stag tour. Much fun it was as well. We had hired a nice villa in the beautiful Algarve town of Carvoeiro. Arriving on the Thursday afternoon in high spirits, we took a walk into town for ‘a quiet one’ on our first night. This turned into anything but the sort and ended up chatting to all the locals in a little bar, drinking large volumes of beer and local fire water. Friday we went for a drive to the local big town – Portimao. Pretty, if not a little dull – not what we were looking for for our big night out. Friday night we mainly stopped in, a few of us braved it out late on to try and find a kebab, failed in that mission but found a couple of open bars non the less. Albefeura is the destination we chose for our big night out. Tacky, loud and busy. It ticked all the boxes. A rip roaringly good night out (After Super Sports Saturday in Carveiro) left us feeling worse the wear on Sunday. I had the longest lie in I’ve had in years – till deep into the afternoon. Bongo, by the end of it, gave the whole thing a whopping 16 out of 10. Photos and video to follow.

Well – it’s adventure eve for me. Another stag do. I can’t say where it is just yet in case the stag reads this but he already knows it involves setting off at 4am to Manchester airport. Stay tooned!

Our lunchtime view – Park Guell, Barcelona

Two days ago I was in minus 5 degree Yorkshire. Now basking in the sun. It’s (DragonDrop) T-Shirt weather. Clear blue skies above us as we sit in a little cafe at the foot of Park Guell, Barcelona. Green parrots chirping overhead, mixed with the sound of a jazz band floating from the near distance. Sophie is asleep in her buggy and we’re blissed. A spectacular setting, google it and see! We’ve been right up the mountain this morning, up to Temple del Sagrat for some breathtaking scenery. This afternoon I think we’re going to have a look round the city and the Gothic Quarter. Such and incredible day so far. Zillions of photos.

So yea – it’s Adventure eve. All sorted (well, cameras on charge, clothes nearly dried) and conceptually packed. Theoretically, almost ready to go.

A good few days since last bloggage. I’ve experienced proper job satisfaction for the first time in ages. I’ve been really getting into and enjoying work. I’ve had a good man leave my work about a week ago. He was a really handy bloke to have around. A misunderstood genius. Anyhoo, I’ve taken a few of his jobs on. Hands on development type stuff. It seems like ages since I’ve done any real waz it up the web stuff. I’ve got Mr Tofu starting as my wingman again in a week or so. Looking forward to that. Always a safe pair of hands. La.

Been presented with one of them ‘big decisions’ relating to work. One of the path splits of life. One path – the risk, the unknown, the great blue yonder, the who knows where I’ll be in 6 months route, the other, a steady but good, challenging and rewarding ‘nice little earner’ do I go for the freelance swashbuckler approach, or the craftsman in his workshop option… ? hoping the decision makes itself. It may already of done that.

As mentioned earlier.. some pics I took when we were at Whitby last weekend. A lovely afternoon was had by all.

A flurry of DragonDrop adventure shirt shot submissions!

Cambodia, Hong Kong, Malasia and Korea. Good adventuring! Thanks Jamie, Nick and Sarah for sending those in.

That’s now 33 dots on the map… Where next I wonder..

Had a fun weekend. Eirene had heard about an exhibition at the Oriental Museum in Durham by my old photography / art tutor / lecturer from college. A chap I had and still have great admiration for – Laurence Cuttings. Luck would have it that the very day we decided to pay a visit, he was there himself, giving talks on his work. His work, on Mongolia, was fascinating. Like reading a well written book, the quality of the images were stunning. Film, especially when shot with a medium format (Hasselblad) by someone who really knows what he’s doing, certainly still does things that digital can’t. We spent a bunch of time looking around the rest of the museum – fascinating artifacts from Asia and the orient dating way back. Things like this carving really caught my eye.
On our way home I had an eerie feeling about something that I was sure I remembered from childhood. After a bit of later research, I was indeed right – I knew a small place called Bowburn and I recognized it by it’s church spire (now churchless!) . I later researched, and asked an Aunt – she confirmed, it was a place that I spent quite a bit of time when I was probably pre 5 year old.
Continued the oriental / asian theme that evening with a good old carrom session (which turned into a scrabble session) with some friends. Top night, chillaxed all Sunday.

We’re all in Dublin at the moment. We’ve come over for Christmas. Came over on the worlds largest car ferry called the Ulysses. I blagged us an upgrade – nice lounge, free wine (gutted that I had to drive when we got to Dublin) and food. We’re currently at Eirene’s dad’s (a regular reader.. hello!). Today we went shopping in a MASSIVE shopping centre in Dublin called Dumdrum. So many people. I got new shoes and an new bag with some Christmas money. Really chuffed with them. Good time was had by all topped off with a Thai home delivery meal.

Tomorrow were off to stop at a Hotel called The Glen of the Downs in Co. Wicklow. There we shall be re united with a whole bunch of lovely relatives. It’s gonna be grand and/or a good craic. More soon!

Day 26 – New Bridge, Birstwith, originally uploaded by DragonDrop.

Apparently, this is a Pack Horse Bridge and it is the bridge which the monks used to cross whilst walking from Fountains Abbey to Bolton Abbey and vice versa. ‘Discovering’ this was the highlight of my weekend I think. Breathtakingly good day, set out for a short local walk near a village close to harrogate (Birstwith – map) . Lovely company and we were all in such good spirits. Came across this beautiful old pack bridge. Stunning. Quite happy with this photo – taken on my new camera phone – a Nokia N95. It’s ace.

After this we went round to some friends who’s youngest was celebrating his 7th birthday. Cake, wine, chattage, pass the parcel etc. Nice!

So yesterday we went to Monks Cross, water world for Felix’s birthday treat (it’s on Wednesday). Yesterday evening, I went out with a mate, ‘wetting the babies head’. It was carnage. A fair few Timmy Taylor’s landlords from 5pm onwards – by the time the Rugby was on in the pub, we were quite… well anyway!

One of those weekends that I wish was longer. It seemed to fly by.

Day 19 – TROLLERS GILL, originally uploaded by DragonDrop.

Before I describe the Trollers Gill bit, a bit about what the weekend has shaped itself into..
Friday – I did a ‘Dinner Party’ (I was calling it having some friends over for dinner, one of said friends called it a Dinner Party so I called it that as well) I did Beef Wellington (slightly cheated there – got them in from Jamie Pitt Butchers in Earby – top top quality) with Potato Dauphinois and steamed green beans & asparagus with a very rich red wine gravy. Top tucker.
Saturday, I played a couple of rounds of disk golf, equaled my personal best of 34 so quite a good result. Eirene went out with a frend for the afternoon and evening so I got to play the part of Han Solo dad. Lovely afternoon – an old friend came over and we played backgammon and drank ale. A great evening.
So yea – today – a cool walk round Trollers Gill – home of the trolls (as legend would have it) and… the black dog.
A stunning bit of scenery, topped off with a heavenly sunset as we got back to the cars. Lovely bunch of friends came round with us, all had good time. Topped that lot of with a bit pile of fish and chips and the episode about caves from David Attenborough’s ‘Planet Earth’. A rather splendid weekend all round!

Ordinance Survey map detail, originally uploaded by DragonDrop.

Had a great weekend. Friday saw a very traditional ‘early doors’ with some old friends (ended up in the Tap and Spile – how old school is that?)
On Saturday we went to see this place (featured in pic) – John of Gaunts Castle (site of) that I’d seen on an O.S. map just outside Harrogate (just off Penny Pot) Great walk – got a few nice snaps. Lovely weather. A great discovery – really nice short walk.
On Sunday, we went up to Harlow Carr Gardens to see a mushroom exhibition type thing. Quite interesting. I cooked – got my pork crackling about spot on. All in all a really nice Autumnal weekend.