Can't wait to see your photos Duncan, hope you're having a great weekend mate
I'm glad you're still enjoying that one John
Hey Guardians!
I have a few posts to catch up with, but I just got in, after what has been a pretty good day
I set out fairly early, on the top deck of the 36 bus, which takes me in grand style, from the bottom of my street, out into the splendour of the Yorkshire countryside, passing through the
Harewood Estate and
Harewood Castle. Along the way, I saw numerous
Red Kites, deer, and a heron, along with some magnificent views.
My first port of call was an antiques centre, close to the ancient village of
Pannal . I haven't called here for a while, and it didn't look to be doing very well at all. A rather unproductive visit, but after a coffee, I headed out to the fields alongside the nearby
River Crimple to practice with a couple of slingshots I had in my bag.
I walked a couple of miles through the fields, before heading over to another area I wanted to visit,
Gallows Hill, close to the West Yorkshire market town of
Otley. The last time I was at Gallows Hill, there wasn't much there, but local people have constructed a nice little nature reserve, which is coming along. I had another nice walk, exploring the multitude of paths, and then walking into Otley itself alongside the
River Wharfe.
After a little more slingshot practice along the way, I arrived to find Otley busy and bustling, with lots of people exploring the market. After another coffee, I went to visit a few shops in an old Victorian arcade, where I've picked up a few knives in the past.
Longstanding members may remember the eccentric proprietor of one 'collector's centre' here, 'Cardigan Woman', who told me she would be retiring shortly. Sadly, there were no knives to be had here, or in any of the other shops.
Having forgotten the cheese and onion pastie I'd set aside last night, I was getting somewhat peckish, but every eaterie I came to, including the Italian place I mentioned yesterday, was packed
I picked up a couple of nice-looking beers from a great ale shop in the town, and an impressive sourdough loaf from a local bakery, where I also got a snack. These 3 cute doggies were waiting outside
I got a few guides to local walks from Otley library, but realising I'd just missed the hourly bus I wanted to catch, I thought I might have to kill some time with a pint
Fortunately, Otley has some excellent pubs, including '
The Old Cock'
I was a bit spoiled for choice by the ales on offer, and ended up getting a pint of Brass Castle's excellent Hazelnut Porter, with half a Mad Monk Imperial Stout on the side
I had a pleasant journey back home, and the loaf I'd picked up looked so good that I decided I'd have a couple of buttered slices with my forgotten pastie
I hope everyone else has had a lovely day
Thanks for getting us to 35,000 posts
