Book Nirvana.

A reasonable weather forecast - there's a first. Couldn't stomach shelling out for breakie but wasn't sure what cafe facilities were at the local supermarket. Google suggested there was a cafe - turns out it was a coffee machine. Picked up some bits & pieces and back to the room. The day was all about Alnwick - primarily visiting Barter Books, a mammoth second hand book shop. Book Nirvana for Liz, not so much for me. For a good chunk of time the wife went missing - couldn't find her anywhere. Unsurprisingly book purchases were made. Had a little explore of the town - lots of estate agents and quite a few gilet wearing toffs. Ended up down by the river - peace and quiet. Nice views of the castle though a bright red new build didn't help. Google suggested that a riverside walk would come out at a bridge further down and lead to Alnwick Gardens and food options. To trust Google or not. We did and took a while to see the bridge but it was there as was a rain shower. Unfortunately a large chunk of all the tourists in the area had the same idea - mostly heading for the goblin themed play area. Cafe had measley options left - basically cheese and ham toasty. Decided to head back to the book store cafe but both of those had half hour + waits. Ended up back at Sainsbury's and a cheese & ham sarnie. Afternoon break and since the sun was out we went to the local beach at Alnmouth. Pretty little village and a vast expanse of sand. Walk along the beach and a paddle in the North Sea - not as fearsomely cold as expected. Managed to dodge the grim looking clouds.Read more