So . . .

. . . we set off for Durham this morning. Why? Because a few days ago, with only a couple of weeks left before we go to America, Gordon discovered - quite by chance - that from the 1st of April the US was not allowing anyone in without one of the new, 'chipped' passports. We didn't have those, so there was a bit of a panic - forms to get and complete, photos to get done, and then the trip to Durham for an 'interview' so we could 'fast track'.

With the official stuff done and lots of money paid out, we set off for the sea and happened upon a place new to us - Blackhall Rocks near Hartlepool. What a great place! We walked for a few hours in the sun, were amazed by the rock formations and enjoyed watching nesting Fulmars. I was taken with the colours - the blue of the sea and sky, the black seaweed and coal dust, the orange rocks, stained by iron oxide deposits. And so few people about.
 
Then we set off in search of fish and chips and found a brilliant place at Seaton Carew, as well as a lot more people. (Yes, I know you Blippers in the North East could have told us about all this, but it was something that happened by chance and we struck lucky.)

So . . .    
. . . the best was made of a trip we were forced to make.