Final day and a gem of a place.

 July 15th

The weather has certainly changed, wet and windy, not a great day to go visiting a reservoir. If only Nidderdale Museum opened in the morning, we could have gone straight there. But opening hours were from 13.30, so a morning had to be filled. The news has been full of drought conditions, how low the reservoirs were, so we thought we would go and see for ourselves, and the one we chose was about 10 miles from Pateley Bridge.  

It took well over 90 minutes to reach Scar House reservoir. We took a wrong turning a few times and had to try to find somewhere to turn, never easy with a motorhome. We arrived in a downpour, hardly ideal walking conditions but with no let up in the weather, we may as well just head out.

It wasn't that far to walk, plenty of strong painkillers taken, and Ian's steadying arm was always welcome. The NE news were not wrong, the levels were low.

 

 

The hose pipe ban has been in place for a while, and more rain is needed to fill the reservoir. Today's rain was just a mere drop in the ocean.

Car parking is always difficult in a motorhome. With my disability at the moment, parking far from an attraction could make me think twice about going. Such was the case at Pateley Bridge. A coach park on the edge of town was where we were advised to park. Pateley Bridge is on a very steep hill and sods law said the museum was right at the top! It was! There was no way I could have managed that length of hill, so Ian decided to find somewhere closer. Very narrow streets and sharp turns did my blood pressure no good. I was all for saying "You go, I'll stay behind" when a short stay car park came into view. It was a good way up the hill, and fingers were crossed a space big enough for the Beast could be found. There was...phew! So armed with stick, waterproofs (it was still raining) and Ian's arm, made it to the museum and was I glad I did. Talk about a hidden gem. There was a large collection of items, illustrating all aspects of Dale’s life in the past. It's packed to the rafters with everything imaginable, and the exhibits are very well done. The museum has been open for 50 years, collecting had been going on in all that time. Do go and look, and for £5 per adult one could easily be there for a couple of hours. 

 

 

The walk back to the car park was very slow going. Going down hill was agony, more pressure on the joints and never so pleased to get back to the Beast, I can tell you. A Caravan and Camping club site field was nearby and decided that £14 for staying the night was worth it. Saved Ian trying to find somewhere to wild camp. Tomorrow we head home, shame really, but at least it gave us a break. Roll on the 2nd August, my knee op and hopefully the start to a new me.