Sunday 29th August
This afternoon we drove up to Kirkby Stephen with Rachael and Mike to visit Stenkrith. It may be several years since we were last here but it hasn't changed and, for most of the time, we were the only people there. We fished for tiddlers, with Rachael quickly capturing ten.


The river was full of water the colour of beer and the mossy areas were quite slippery.

Once we had released the tiddlers we walked upstream to the flat rocks and constructed a dam that was almost watertight.

We finished the afternoon in warm sunshine.

From the walkway beside the road bridge we had a clear view of the River Eden and the strange shapes that it has carved in the rocks.

Tuesday 17th August
Today we led a group of 19 fellow U3A members on a 5 mile walk to Malham Cove, Goredale Scar and back to Malham via Janet's Foss.



When we reached the base of the cove we explored the stream flowing out from underneath the rocks.


After lunch, with a magnificient view but under threatening clouds, we continued over the limestone pavement across the top of the cove.

After descending, we walked up into Goredale Scar for a coffee break and to admire both waterfalls.

Back in Malham we all descended on the cafe for well deserved refreshments.

Sunday 15th August
We returned to Hampton Court to explore the grounds and the palace.
www.hrp.org.uk

The gardens were magnificient and these plants are part of the longest border in the world.

We spent some time relaxing in the Great Fountain Garden and watching the horsedrawn vehicles giving tours around the grounds.

This is the view across the well manicured Privy Garden which was restored in 1995 to its original 1702 design.





Hampton Court is famous for its variety of ornate brick chimneys.




This is the impressive sight that greets you when you walk into Clock Court.





In Henry VIII's apartments we were impressed by this enormous hammer beam roof.





In the room outside the King's bedchamber we spent a few minutes listening to this lute player and tried out some of the Tudor games.




We found the kitchens the most interesting rooms in the palace. It made clear how much food was consumed by the royal household. This is only one of seven rooms.

Saturday 14th August
As a treat to celebrate Russell's birthday we hired a motor launch to spend the day on the Thames. We travelled downriver from Chertsey to just past Hampton Court and back. Everyone on board had a turn at steering. Mike was the master mariner who steered us in and out of the locks.

Tuesday 3rd August
Today we went for a walk at Malham Cove to prepare for a U3A walk that we are leading in a couple of weeks.


The route took us across the limestone paving at the top of the cove. From here there were some panoramic views despite the low lying clouds.

We followed a well worn path down from the top towards Goredale Scar.

As we reached the road we turned onto the level path leading into the Scar.

As we turned the corner Goredale Scar suddenly came into view. We spent quite a while here scrambling over the rocks at the base of the fall.

Heading back to Malham the path led us past Janet's Foss, which had less water flowing over it than usual.

The path follows the side of Goredale Back and this view is looking back towards the waterfall.

From here we crossed open fields on a stone path leading back to Malham.