Wednesday 11th May

We spent the night at Cleesthorpes which is a seaside town just about in the mouth of the Humber River. Across the other side is Kingstone Upon Hull which is a port which ferries cargo to Europe, Rotterdam etc. We went across the Humber Bridge for a toll of 2.70. A most impressive steel structure with a fantastic view of the river and both banks. We travelled up the coast and through Scarborough which appears to be a city on the move. It is obviously a holiday venue with plenty of holiday accommodation in all directions, caravan parks and much building is taking place. Stopped at a tearoom/restuarant and farm run by disabled people - very good. By now we were driving west again towards Thirsk. Some village names are amusing - Scotch Corner!
Some villages built entirely with rock/sandstone bricks -ye olde England. Going through a couple of these villages no one in sight - not sure if the cold kept them inside, or perhaps commute to work elsewhere.
Somehow "satnav' (me) found ourselves further over in the country than we should have been - must have missed a turnoff!!!! However we came via Penrith on the M6 and came off at
Gretna green in Scotland. We have a gem of a photo of the famous Marriage House which claims it has registered 10,000 marriages since 1830 - in that figure is Rich's grandparents in 1909 - 102 years ago. We share the same anniversary in a few days time. On our way to Dumfries we have stopped for the night at a hotel - very old but huge rooms, and must have been quite something in its day. Shades of Glen Bogle! The countryside we have travelled through has been quite magnificent with its rolling hills through north York moors, the variations in colours and the neatness of little paddocks which suggest an orderliness by the farmers. So peaceful and green - quite lovely. Tomorrow we hope to reach Ayr and meet with more rellies - Glenn met them in 1996.