Phew and phar between

It's Phriday and that's 235 miles in the bag. And it took me eight hours.

My first pit stop was for a decaf latte in a lovely wee bakery in Longframlington, whence I motored as far as Morpeth (from which came an Islabikes Rothan balance bike for Boy Wonder, many moons ago) where I did a splash and dash for fuel. The A1 from there was an endless series of massive queues; cue much filtering from yours truly and a few others who had even more guts than me.

The A1 became the A1(M) and long stretches of fairly quiet motorway were interspersed with more massive queues. I rode as far as Catterick and on my way to a planned lunch stop I found somewhere just as good: the former quarry and now nature reserve, at Scorton Lakes. I had a long chat with a guy who owned a 500cc Norton among many.

I planned to take the A59 at Knaresborough and the A19 beyond but my satnav reckoned I was faster taking the M62 from Pontefract. Thanks for nothing, Magic Earth!

But here we are in Howden, a pretty little town with its own Minster, and its own Lion Foundry telephone box! After catching my breath I had a wander round the park, which is well served with quiet benches, and found an Italian restaurant for a meal, followed by another wander.

Roll on tomorrow!

Postscript: There is a distinct lack of classical music in these here parts so I have brought my own. :⁠-⁠)