York and its shire

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Oh, my, the things that we have SEEN! I’m going to have to be diligent about posting, just to keep up with the flow of photos.
Our first night on the road was in York, where we managed to score a garret room (no lift) at a pretty, central hotel, in the midst of York’s Air Balloon Fest (a surprise to us). Unfortunately, the event made the traffic “bedlam” - it took an HOUR to travel 800 feet! I parked on “double yellow lines” overnight, so had to rise before dawn to move the car to a legal spot - but I was going out anyway, to watch the balloon launch.
Upon our arrival, we took a twilight stroll into the old city and explored The Shambles (preserved medieval streets). We were astonished at the size and condition of the Saturday crowds - folks of all ages were blind drunk ? and lurching about... The city was stunning, but the noise and jostling were dismaying. Fae eventually headed off to see the night illumination at the air park, and I went back to the hotel, only to find food service had ended, so I nibbled in bar noshes and went to bed. Happily, peace and beauty were restored the next morning when I went out for the 6:30 a.m. balloon launch.

The day held plenty of wonders as we headed northeast and crossed the fabled North Yorkshire Moors. We stopped in precious Hutton-le-Hole (yes, really) and then warmed ourselves with hot chocolates at a snug stone inn on the highest, bleakest ridge. We wound our way down to the North Yorkshire coast, visiting impossible Staithes, where the town hangs from convoluted cliffs, and visitors are told there is no parking for them (we drove down to the harbor anyway, and lived to tell about it.)

That night found us at The Bell in Horden, where we did a pub stay, and a reservation snafu resulted in our being offered separate rooms. Fae got a sea view, and I got a king bed - I must say, it was arguably the most comfortable bed in which I’ve ever slept(!)

Fae continues to be a dog-magnet, getting her puppy-fix multiple times each day. She works the same magic in restaurants and pubs, generally having everyone eating out of her hands within minutes, even the hardened grouches. All of which makes travel with her richer and funnier than it would be on my own. And I, as the designated driver and tour orchestrator, can just sit back and watch it all unfold... ?

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Photos

Wheatlands Lodge, York
Our top floor room was half-way between old town and the balloon fest.

Up and away,
Like ornaments in the sky.

Hutton-le-Hole
Village commons

Hutton-le-Hole
Relaxed resident

Crossing the North Yorkshire Moors
It felt like the top of the world

North Yorkshire Moors
Incredible colors

Comments

[Jolene]

Hi
Your adventures sound great! ??

[Diane]

Wow! You two are covering some territory! How beautiful that balloon festival must have been. The sites are gorgeous everywhere. Wondering if you have had have any good seafood since it's all about water everywhere around you it seems. Love that end where you had hot chocolate. Look like a dream. Thanks for sharing!