River Allen

Had a very comfortable rest in a real bed after the many nights in the campervan! Nice and casual start to the day with a light breakfast and discussion for the day's activity options.

We settled on a walk in the forest near Ridley at the National Trust - Allen Banks and Staward Gorge. At one point we were regretting heading west as we were driving through a number of downpours🌦️. Luckily the rain cleared up as we neared our destination. 🌞

We pulled into a rock walled parking lot, that used to be the garden of the estate grounds. The rock wall had little built-in fire alcoves for when there used to be greenhouses. DM figured the 5km Plankey Mill loop would be an ideal walk. It was a both up and down hills and both sides of the river. Few people were out and about on the trails. Our canine companion loved the walk too.

On the way back to Wylam we stopped in Corbridge where we picked up a snack to go from Grant's Bakery. They have a very impressive display case offering artistic baked yummines!

We returned home to for the start of an afternoon of rugby matches. HM had a game that DM wanted to spectate, followed by the broadcasted rugby world series in the evening. A was busy with travel planning and J helped AM in the garden. After much persistence AM and J were able to remove a wire mesh bin that had been an annoyance for her since moving into this house a couple years ago.

HM graciously obliged a request to help make Laksa for dinner. The fresh, spicy, and fregrant soup was greatly appreciated by all. Many hours of rugby followed 'till everyone retired for the night. This also included wrestling the internet cable on the TV which was having "reception" issues 😱. Oh, technology 📶📺🤔.Read more