Once in, your in for life!

 No matter how much one likes the choice of an overnight stop, whether it be the views, solitude, remoteness etc, there is sometimes a downside to an idyllic spot and such was the case last night. 

 

We could hear the babbling brook and the wind in the trees, what a wonderful way to be lulled to sleep. What wasn't so pleasant was hearing voices and car doors slamming some time in the wee hours! Okay so this was a car park for the reservoir but it's hardly in the middle of town, in fact to get to it, we had to drive down some very narrow lanes. So why then, and before 5 am I might add, was someone turning up with their car? 

Anyway the noise died down and we drifted off again, short-lived though because once more we were woken by the slamming of car doors and dogs barking. Time now 5.30am! The locals must get up really early for their morning constitutional because from then on a steady stream of cars turned up. Needless to say, we gave up on any more sleep!

The morning turned out sunny and we made our way to Mount Grace Priory. Reading the information boards, it tells that it was founded in 1398, although most of the surviving building date from the 15th century, and is the best-preserved Carthusian monastery in England. In the Middle Ages, monks lived like hermits in one of Mount Grace’s 25 individual cells, each with a private garden. And once you entered the monastery there was no going back, you were in there for life!

One of the cells. Most of the day was spent here in prayer and work.

 

The gardens were full of colour, but not as extensive as first thought. Some places were cordoned off, (Covid reasons) so we were limited as to where we could go. 

 

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This fabulous and unusual plant is called Primula Beesianna Candelabra

T'was still early afternoon when we arrived back at MB and the East Coast was once more mentioned. But of course it's the weekend and we were doubtful that a parking place would be available. Instead, we headed to Richmond. Another English Heritage property but this time a castle., To late for the visit today, that will be tomorrow's outing. Back in the Dales once more, we opted for another wild camping site. This time there will be no chance of being joined by another motorhome or car of any kind, the space is only big enough for one vehicle, and nearby was a track leading to something interesting high on the horizon. Just had to be climbed, even though the going up was okay, the going down would about kill the knees.

Too stony and uneven for another motorhome to come next to us.

Spectacular views from the top

Oh, and some rabbits were down in the valley. Almost missed them, they blended in so well. I also think one had that awful disease Myxomatosis.

There was also a massive bonus for me at the priory, a Blue Tit had made its nest in what I think is a Bat Box. A narrow slit instead of a round hole, which made the chicks look a bit squashed. It stands to reason then that most of todays wildlife photos will be of the chicks.