Day 3 - Darley via Nottingham

Time for a dose of legend and more rural lifestyle. After checkout we made a beeline for Nottingham to look over castle and brush up on all things Robin Hood. The castle didn't open until 10am so plenty of time for a coffee. In our search we asked a Castle attendant who turned out to be a real character. He guided us to an 'independent' cafe as opposed to Starbucks etc. the coffee was great - perfect Macchiato - and the staff entertaining. Purchased entry tickets for the Castle and museum and proceeded to look around. On several more occasions we meet out coffee direction guy. Each time to be greater as long lost relatives. Great vantage point to view the lookout and survey Nottingham and surrounds.

Having had our fill of Nottingham we headed north to visit Sherwood Forest. On route we stopped off at Archer's for lunch. Great English fare and nice traditional ales. Located Sherwood Forest and walked to the Major Oak. An old, large gnarled tree in need of limb supports and guy wires. Interesting Forest that seems to be well patronized by locals. Open to walking dogs, bike riding and horse trail riding.

Some 2 hours drive north into Yorkshire to arrive at our next night's accommodation. In the country traversed the mist interesting features were a huge coal fired power station, magnificent vistas and a strange looking RAF experiment in radio warfare. Being too early to check in and in need of supplies, a visit to Sainsbury's was in order. Could have been ASDA, Tesco or Aldi but Sainsbury's was the closest. Stocked up on bread, cheese, crackers, fruit and Vegemite (errr marmite as no Vegemite in sight. Postage stamps were also needed for postcards back home. Finding a post office was a real chore. Sainsbury's have stamps but not for international mail. All provisions purchased, time to follow the GPS home.

After country roads with picturesque views of Yorkshire dales with dry stone walks around paddocks to odd looking sheep, woolly bulls, pigs and plain old pasture we arrived at a stately stone farmhouse lodge. We were greeted by a peacock and a turkey with numerous other avian types, and two very large pigs. Farm types that is.

Dinner was cheese and crackers with fresh fruit. After another full day everyone was in bed by 8pm. Jet lag is still taking its toll. Tomorrow time to explore York.Read more