Before I begin this post, there is something I forgot to mention in the previous post. While we were at the Hest Bank Inn, I learned why they call dispensing beer/ale in the traditional manner “pulling” a beer. Jean’s son, who joined us for lunch, had an ale to drink and I watched as the barman literally pulled on the long arm that is so commonly seen poking up above a bar. In the US, there isn’t much effort to this as I believe most of the work is done by machine. At the pub, I could tell the barman was really pulling the arm and drawing up the ale. So I learned something new! 😀
Months ago, I joined a forum about mystery places in Britain and discovered a tour company offering pretty unique tours. Knowing I was coming in the summer, I decided to investigate and book a tour. The company offer trike tours around the Northwest part of England. It’s like a motorized tri-cycle and they take tours around Cumbria and the Yorkshire Dales among other areas. It’s a year-round operation and they provide all the appropriate gear needed for the ride – except if it’s raining.
For the astronomical amount I paid, I have to say it was a bit of a disappointment. Firstly, because I had to pay for two people even though it was only me who went. Secondly, because all the driver did was vaguely point in the direction of each historical site we visited. I had my camera with me because I’d envisioned stopping even for 5 minutes at each place, but we whizzed by each with only a vague reference to the historical significance.
Despite being the middle of summer, it’s been quite chilly here. Mostly just comfortable in the lower elevations, but higher up, bombing around the Yorkshire Dales, it was colder. And rainy. I was soaked by the end of the ride because I couldn’t manage to close the leather jacket that I was given. On the plus side, the helmets had communication headsets inside so we could talk (what little there was), but also so music could be played via the gps navigation device.
If I had to do all over again, I would have saved my money. 😦
Oo's in the Loo? 