Friday

Last time Simon drove up, in Simon's car, we played "Now That's What I Call Simon's Music Quiz" - and Simon thrashed Charlie & Tim, with Tim just pipping Charlie to second place by half a point (see photo reminder below).

So what happened this time when we played "Now That's What I Call Simon's Music Quiz (Reprised)"? Well, Simon again won easily, with Tim again just pipping Charlie to second place!

We all arrive at the cottage by about 6pm. There are plenty of ornaments to suit Pete ...

... and lots of other curios ...

Smart kitchen

Poker den

There were several pubs to choose from but we had booked into The White Hart for a meal - and with Barrie's first trip for three years, it was great to have the whole crew back together ...

The Usual Suspects

The White Hart is fully booked for Saturday night so we book a table for Sunday and then make a telephone booking for Saturday night at The Crown Hotel, just up the road. We decide to pay it a visit - only to be told that, at 10:22pm on a Friday night, they had called time and the bar was closed! So instead we went to the The Board Inn, which turned out to be a buzzing joint!

With the help of the excellent juke box we mix with the locals and have a great time - with highlights including Pete demonstrating his dancing skills with Simon, plus Tim and local property landlady, Clare, rocking the air guitar (check out the 2 videos below)

The Place

The Cottage

The Fleet

Saturday

(Simon forgot to pack his tracker device so no detailed route info, just location maps)

We embark on a circular walk to up towards Hardraw and back. For some reason, Pete decides it's the right moment to ring his dearly beloved

The river is flowing at a much more normal rate than when we came through here on a previous trip

March 2004

"Helloooo!"

Refreshments

Traditional cats eyes (reflecting the sun)

Charlie hangs back because he's not sure the weak bridge can handle a car, Simon AND him ...

We reach The Green Dragon and discover that the fee to walk up to see Hardraw Force waterfall is £2.50 each. We decide to give it a miss and spend the kitty money on beer (and coffee) instead, while we eat our lunch

All of the sheep around these parts are horny <INSERT PETE SMITH JOKE HERE>

The cockerill and his bird

In the early evening there is a choice of rugby union viewing ... Scotland v Samoa in the kitchen or England v Argentina in the lounge

Afterwards we head out to The Crown Hotel (which is actually open this time) and sup a beer while we wait to be seated at our reserved table

After an excellent meal we head back to The Board Inn for more drinks and fun

The Usual Suspects

Stevie B striking his best pose with landlady Ann

We make sure we keep the juke box well fed. Barmaid Georgia wanted happy tunes - so we tried to oblige but soon dicscovered that just because it has 'happy' in the title doesn't mean it's always a happy song!

At least Barrie was happy (probably because he was onto his favourite whisky!)

What's this?! Stevie B dons his reading glasses to peruse the local property pages!

Simon cannot resist getting his air guitar out (video)

Back at the cottage there is a four-slot toaster and a couple of arty toast racks - which were useful for the usual late-night toast & cheese fest (with the rather excellent alternative of Tricia's tasty cakes!)

Sunday

We head out for a short walk, following Gayle Beck, to see Aysgill Force waterfall and also using a section of the Pennine Way

The Usual Suspects - shortly before their traditional Rememberence Sunday 11:00 two minute silence (we were all wearing poppies but some of them were not visible, under clothing)

Aysgill Force (see video below)

We continue on a circular route back to Hawes

Boo to you, Mrs Moo!

A splendid renovated property

The second day of cracking weather and great views

We pop back to the cottage to change before heading off to the local tourist attraction, the cheese factory!

On the way we happen upon this classic 1966 Morris Minor 1000 Traveller in superb condition

The Wensleydale Creamery

Tasting room

Outside there was a Lotus car owners meeting

We pop in to our adopted local, The Board Inn, for a few afternoon drinkies

In the the above photo you can see Barrie looking at the gift he bought Pete ...

We have a late lunch back in the comfort of the cottage

Piercy Pot Noodle Pic

Another of Stevie B's weird concoctions - banana on tea bread

A bit later Tim, Stevie B & Charlie pop out to the Dales Countryside Museum next door

We decide not to go into the main museum because they wanted £4.50 each! As Pete would say, "The robbing b*stards!" - so we just have a look around outside

Stevie B's best 'clothing catelogue' pose

Looking straight down the line

Later we head back to The White Hart for another decent meal - the beer was on excellent form, too!

After food, more drinks - Simon & Charlie stick to the beer, the others go for coffee; at least Stevie B & Pete did 'Irish' theirs up

Next stop - where else? The Board Inn! Simon tries in vain to beat Charlie at darts - he did manage to win one game

Pete, Tim & Stevie B slope off back to the cottage, followed a bit later by Barrie - leaving Dave, Simon & Charlie at the bar. We stick on a load more songs on the juke box and persuade the boss, Ann, to serve us one last round - then, once the last of the locals had left, we felt we shouldn't overstay our welcome. So, promising to return soon, we say our thankyous and goodbyes

Monday

As we head home, Dave waits patiently behind Simon whilst we make our way out ...

... until we hit the motorway and then it's "Bye, bye" from Dave as he comes roaring past!

And finally ...

Caption Competition Time

- email your suggestions to Charlie, thanks