Heather Heather Everywhere

Beadlam, England -- Day 2

David and Margaret helpfully outlined a number of activities for us: a nearby historic manor, a steam train ride, a falconry visit, a scenic drive and hikes in the nearby national park....

We opted for the last option, and to our delight, our timing was excellent. As we drove along the narrow winding roads, past small farms and grazing sheep, we began to see the lavender hue of heather blanketing the soft, well-watered hillsides. We found a spot to pull over and headed up the nearest footpath. It was fantastic.

Every time I turned around, I was convinced the latest view was more spectacular than the last. At our lunch stop, Dex, Kylie and I played a game hopping between the small rock outcroppings sticking up between the heather.

The second stop of our circuit was Robin Hood’s Bay. Although the rocky shore was covered in seaweed, we walked along the sea wall and watched the waves crash into the Rocks.

Upon arriving home, we were treated to drinks on the small back patio, which gave us another chance to talk. 

Margaret had stayed home raising their two daughters, Fiona and Katriona. In her spare time, she taught swimming at the local pool and, to Kylie's delight, plays piano beautifully as well as organ at the nearby church.

We also learned more about David's work. He had spent most of his career as a medicines inspector and eventually started his own company. His real passion, however, is for anything mechanical -- cars, trains, planes. BMWs and Jaguars seem to be at the top of the list, and for many years, he owned a Red covertable E type Jaguar.  Dex and Kylie couldn't wait to see the O scale model trains in the upstairs workshop in action.

The evening meal of Cottage Pie, was once again outstanding. We learned that Shepard's Pie implies lamb, while Cottage Pie is beef.  It was delicious and provided us with yet another warm, easy and lovely evening.