You're too wide!

 Early start this morning. Cragside was our destination and Ian estimated a good 90-minute run to reach it. Before we left Derwent reservoir we had to call in at the shop to pay. Last night the warden came round checking to see if we had a ticket. Luckily we had encountered this same chap at the lower carpark when Ian had tried to pay the £10 by card and discovered the machine was coins only. "Have you any pound coins dear?" he asked me. No way was I going to give up my £1 coins! That was for a washing machine when we found one! "Sorry "I replied tongue in cheek, "None" So the warden kindly told us we could pay at the shop when it reopened in the morning.

Cragside was busy! A National Trust property of some importance because it was here that the first Hydro Electric lighting was introduced

This excerpt from National trust

A new Archimedes screw restores hydroelectricity to Cragside in Northumberland, the first house in the world ever to use it. The green energy project continues the work of previous owner Lord Armstrong, who used water from the lakes on the estate to generate electricity through a turbine to light the house in 1878. The modern hydro system will produce enough energy to light all 350 light bulbs in the house.

Cragside was created very largely by three remarkable Victorians - its owners, William and Margaret Armstrong, and their architect, Richard Norman Shaw. Despite later changes, the house and estate still bear their distinctive stamp.

The screw action is actually reversed so instead of bringing water from below to above, it brings the water down turning the blades and generating electricity.

 

This place is not just about the Archimedes screw. The gardens are very impressive as is the house and this is easily a place one can spend all day. With many walks to chose from, we did the Armstrong trail, 2 miles and roughly an hour's walk. Took us twice as long because I would keep stopping to take photos! There was one disappointment on entry to the site though, we were told we couldn't do the Carriage Drive around the upper estate. "You're too wide" she pointed out. Well how rude I thought until I realised she was talking about MB and not me!  Anyway it's not a cheap day out at £22 each but as members it cost us nothing. Even at that price it's a great place to visit.

So again lots of photos to show,

The most impressive fireplace we have ever seen.

Tonight we are at Dunstan Hill caravan park. They have a washing machine. Finally, we get clean drawers and no longer have to make them last twice as long by turning them inside out!

Oh, and this nearly gave us a heart attack. Honestly thought that these sheep were about to cross in front of us. Ian slammed on the brakes as the farmer ran across the road. We needn't have worried though, as the field gate was still shut.

Love watching collies work.

And today's fauna and flora,

Fly Agaric complete with fly!

Fire Crest Thanks to Paul I was informed this is a Gold Crest.

Amazing inky toadstools