Dumfries

 King Creosote

Teversal

 J and J, W and S

borrowed van

First 'wild' camp, and Angela Barnes

Friday 28 Feb - Off to Great Ouseburn for the village quiz with Hugh, Sharon and David. We came joint third, one place down from last year. I took the van as I was en route to Pocklington, and did my first night  not in an authorised place - the car park! I hesitate to use the phrase WILD camping, as I had heating, a loo and a cooker, and was 100 yards from a shop, so not exactly Bear Grylls. 

I came to the rescue of a man in a BMW parked next to me, who couldn't reverse off the grass - used my traction mats for the first time and they worked a treat. I used them again in the morning and got off first time - phew! 

Saturday 1st March. 

Breakfast at Cliften Moor Costa - the wilderness trek continues. Before pitching up at the site in Pocklington I took a spin through Market Weighton, which looked nice, and then a beautiful drive under bright blue skies, over the Yorkshire Wolds via Goodmanham village. It looked like lovely walking territory and there were lots of cyclists on the lanes.

Stopped at St Helen's Well, which was on the route of the Wolds Way and one of four in the area. St Helen (AD 248-329) was the mum of Emperor Constantine the Great. So chastity not a pre-requisite then. 

It is a natural spring that emerges from the chalk, and people had taken to tying ribbons to a nearby tree for good luck - makes a change from dog poo bags I suppose.

Pitched up at The Mile campsite in Pocklington and walked down to Arts Centre to see Angela Barnes matinee show. She was excellent and I enjoyed her support act too, James Ellis. Back to the van before 6pm. It was St David's Day but I had tinned Haggis for tea - blimey it would put hairs on your chest. 

Sunday 2nd March

Awoke with a definite cold, and no voice. It has been coming on for a day or so. I got some toast and coffee (yuk) from the campsite cafe and took it back to the van. I decided to change plans and just walk in to Pocklington to see the Stewart museum, Burnby gardens, and the church. The longer canal walk will have to wait for another day.

Major Stewart has shot his way around the world it seems. He took 8 world tours in 20 years - 1906 to 1926 - and the museum did have some interesting items from the Pacific as well as the heads.

The surrounding gardens were full of snowdrops and spring bulbs, and very scented jasmine (I think). A lake, aviary, and walled garden made it a lovely spot. There was a cafe but it was rammed.

Last stop was the village church which had some remaining medieval carvings, after having been knocked about a bit by Henry Tudor the big fat vandal.

Had a dreadful night with my cold, and headed straight home on Monday. I'd probably go again.