Well, Wednesday and once we got back from York on Saturday until Sunday morning, and we could pick up the critters from the cattery; we were cat-less. How odd it seemed not having the kittens racing around, tumbling, fighting and chasing.
We lay in bed quite late; until nearly seven on Thursday morning and then did our hobbies whilst eating breakfast; photography stuff for me and some beading for Jools. Before we got down to the business of packing and getting ready to go.
Once at the station we got coffees and waited for the train to arrive. And then settled down at a table with four seats to ourselves. I looked out the window and Jools did more beading.
We arrived in London with 40 minutes until our train north was due to leave. And thanks to our trains going into St Pancras now, it was just a short walk out of the station, over the road and into Kings Cross next door and wait to see which platform our train would leave from. There was time for Jools to get a pasty for us both, and then onto the train to our seats in coach F and settle down and wait for the journey north to begin.
On time the train roared into life, and we headed out through Victorian tunnels into the north London suburbs, and then into the lush countryside. Through Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Lincolnshire and eventually into Yorkshire.
Town after town rushed past, mostly too quick to see where were passing through. I did recognise Newark, as I had stood on that platform many times during my early RAF days. But we flashed through at over 100 mph.
We arrived in York at about three, under the sweeping curves of the Victorian trains-shed. We had decided to visit the National Railway Museum first, and so going in the opposite direction to most of the crowds, we headed over the footbridge towards the museum.
Needless to say, I loved the museum; it is about the 5th I have visited there over the years. All periods of railway history are represented with horse drawn trucks, steam, diesel and electric locomotives on display; along with all manner of paraphernalia and stuff; all very interesting for me.
We had gone to see the Duchess of Hamilton, a steam locomotive now restored to her pre-war glory; all stream-lined and maroon painted looking wonderful. No one has seen a locomotive like this since before the second world war, as the streamlining had been stripped off by then.
We walked around, looking and me snapping the exhibits; it was all rather wonderful. But soon it was time to head out and find where we were staying. It was called The Bar Convent; and it still is a convent, but some of the building is now a hotel. And it is also rather wonderful.
It was just a five minute walk from the museum, and checking in was simple, and we were shown to our room, on the top floor, right next to the large clock on the buildings classical frontage.
We had a cup of tea, and then headed out into the city before the light failed. Soon enough we ended up in the shadow of the Minster; Europe's second largest Gothic cathedral, the light was flat, but still the building was impressive; towering over us and the cobbled mediaeval streets all lined with timber-framed houses turned into shops.
As darkness fell, thoughts turned to food, and we found a nice looking Chinese place near the hotel. Once inside we found it was a large place, and filled with Oriental families all being sociable and enjoying the food.
We ordered a banquet for two,and waited for the course to arrive; and in the meantime did a lot of people watching. The food was wonderful, four course, but wonderfully cooked food, crisp vegetables.
And then our eyes began to sag, and so we headed back to the hotel and our bed. We fell asleep with the sounds of the city in our ears.
We woke up the next morning to the sound of rain. we got ready and went down for breakfast; fresh fruit, toast and tea. And then onto the city streets; over the river and back to the Minster. We had decided to gird our loins and climb up the tower for fine views over the city; and photographic opportunities!
Inside, the minster is huge, I mean really big. It seems more than twice the size of Canterbury, and the roof seemed to be miles above us. We both wandered around, photographing the building from all angles. Until it was time to join the queue to climb the tower.
Now,I thought it would be popular, but in the end there was only about a dozen of us. There were several health warnings as to how strenuous the climb was, and it was our choice to go. And then it was time to climb. 250 steps.
It wasn't too bad; although the final few twists of the spiral staircase were a challenge, and our thighs were screaming. But, we did it, and were rewarded, once we got our breath back, with fine views all over the city and beyond to the Vale of York.
Soon it was time to go back down; round and round and round and down we went. Halfway down we got views along the roof as we made our way along a narrow path.And then down and down and round again.
Once down we sat in one of the pews to recover. And then made our way outside down one of the narrow cobbled streets to a nice looking pub. Te Three Legged mare sold nine different real ales, and was very welcoming. we sat down and nibbled on peanuts whilst sipping our drinks, Pleased at what we had achieved so far that day.
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