To make the most of the trip, which was all on familiar territory, I took the slow road up to Richmond and made several stops.
Pately Bridge - first socially-distanced meal in a cafe! Tuna sandwiches and tea, which tasted fabulous. The town was VERY quiet for July.
Then I went on to Scar reservoir which was really busy, the carpark was full so I snacked on blueberries, looked at the view and moved on.
I then took a fantastic road over the tops past Leighton reservoir to Masham, which again was packed so after a brief leg-stretch I carried on to the site.
All was well organised, with sanitisers, distancing and controlled access to the blocks by armbands hung outside the door - if there were more than 2, you couldn't go in.
The next day after a few false starts I got a bus down to Richmond with a group of other campers. Lunch in Penley's Cafe (Cajun chicken burger!) and a trip around the Green Howards museum which was excellent.
Ages spent at Green Howards museum - medal room, lots of uniforms and kit, explations of various campaigns through the decades. Below a landmine timer from the First World War, and a massive sheep's head - a very cross, deceased, mascot.
The next day I drove up to Barnard Castle to meet Tim and Judy Tribe for coffee in the square, which was lovely. They looked so well, a perfect advertisement for retirement!
I got the ultimate Covid souvenir!
If this means nothing by the time you read this blog, see the background here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/52828076
