A somewhat unusual blog this time – we are coming to you from the north of England – northern Yorkshire in fact. We have settled into our final Rome residence, but more about that at some future blog.

My office had a four day weekend including May Day, so we took the opportunity to travel to visit Lachlan and Emily. We flew into Liverpool (John Lennon Airport) and drove a "renta" the two or so hours to beautiful Skipton. This is a significant market town, a centre for the district, not far from the well-known tourist haunt of Bolton Abbey.

Photo: The scene of a Turner painting - and reputed to be the most beautiful view in England ("and hence - the world") near Kirkby Lonsdale and "Ruskin's Walk"

Our expectations of this part of the world (given we had never before been to the north of England) were far exceeded – had a delightful time. First, of course, we saw L & M again. They are just great and seem really very happy and well settled. But we were also the tourists, on this Spring weekend that is notable for Skipton as the “water festival”. You see Skipton is connected to Liverpool (and the rest of England) by the Liverpool-Skipton canal, so this weekend the canal boats gather at Skipton and there is a carnival atmosphere with crowds of people, decorated boats and street entertainment and partying.

On Thursday night we walked through he woods around the castle with Lachlan and had our first taste of the dry-stone walls that enclose the fields, the sheep, and the wildflowers (especially the blue-bells).

Lach worked at nearby Settle on Friday so we drove him there in the early morning and went on to the Lakes District, eventually finishing beyond Lake Windermere – so many stunning views. After pick up he took us via the scenic route through the dales and moors to the “Tarn” or lake/loch.

Photo: Skipton Castle and the Keep

On Saturday we pottered about and went through the Skipton Castle before driving to Bolton Abbey for a short “bush walk”. The weather was glorious and the locals were our on the banks of the river in force, barbequing and swimming (at least the brave few swam).

The blue skies and warm conditions could not last and Sunday was cold and damp, but it did not stop us walking to church and venturing out to see the canal boats and activities. Pub food does wonders for one’s outlook on life.

Skipton enjoys street markets on four days of the week in the High Street in addition to many interesting and varied permanent shops. This is James Herriot country and it is not hard to translate the present habits with the “all Creatures Great and Small” narratives.

Photo: Bolton Priory

So, as an avid collector of peculiar hats from all parts of the world, I made some very good purchases from the market – a “county hat” (the standard peaked cap), a “trilby” and a “deer stalker”. Why would Ian purchase a deer-stalker? Elementary my “deer” Watson! One never knows when one is confronted by a stag, or a night out playing “Cluedo”.

So our photos this time are all English. Must toddle off now – almost tea time.