InTouchRadio.Net: ITR - North Yorkshire Trip - Day #1 - Hemsley - Michael Dixon

Michael Dixon - Founder InTouchRadio.net UK

NORTH YORKSHIRE VISIT

DAY #1

Photo - Michael Dixon ITR-UK

'HEMSLEY' ON THE MOOR

Photo - Michael Dixon ITR-UK
©2009

After arriving in Middlesbrough at the Bluebell Hotel/Motel at the unearthly hour of 9am and after travelling over 300 miles from 3.30am we were surprised that the Reception would allow us to deposit our bags and luggage - but - in the true Northern welcome they had us a room in minutes - no problem - now that's what I call service.

Photo - Michael Dixon ITR-UK

The Bluebell is situated on a roundabout - I was a bit concerned about noise from traffic - to be honest apart from the occasional service vehicle aka ambulance (later when we came back from our day out - happens in any city sized conurbation - the only sound that night was a wedding karaoke which we listened to - more entertaining than the TV and I was blogging for ITR ...).

Photo - Michael Dixon ITR-UK

The room size great for our purpose, which was a bed for the night and any meals we might need - most of the time we were going to be out and about - reaching the outback of North Yorks Moors and the occasional visit to the main towns and seaside resort.

Photo - Michael Dixon ITR-UK

Bags and other unloaded - room checked out - quick dash to the loo - wash and brighten up and over to pick up Carol's mum just down the road.

Photo - Michael Dixon ITR-UK

Where would we go - due to the weather, very hot and close and the fact it was a Saturday was a visit to our favourite town Hemsley about 25 miles away and right in the middle of the North Yorks Moors.

Photo - Michael Dixon ITR-UK

The road is long and has many straights and bends passing through woodlands and moors - the woods mostly of fir or pine with indigenous trees - a nice blend and a sustainable source of timber I suspect.

Photo - Michael Dixon ITR-UK

The only concern is that the road to Hemsley from Middlesbrough is a 'Biker's' dream and a nightmare as well - it has had numerous accidents as the lads and gals let their steeds off the leash - I'm not sure I am happy with some of the passes we've had - to be honest - it's scary and my feeling is that they should be more responsible with their driving - and - in the main most are - it's gone on for so many years it seems to be the local tradition and it, I'm sure is accepted by the locals and a good source of income to what would be a very remote town - judge for yourself the pics in the market place in Hemsley.

Photo - Michael Dixon ITR-UK

Sunday is much more busy and in many ways a 'Biker's' paradise - I met some really nice guys - chatted about their bikes including the fabulous new Ducati, which arrived just before I left.

Photo - Michael Dixon ITR-UK

Ducati Delights...

Photo - Michael Dixon ITR-UK

Just walk around the streets of Hemsley and you'll be greeted with floral displays of nature and human habitation over centuries.

Photo - Michael Dixon ITR-UK

Hemsley is, what I call, a County Town - very well to do and the locals appear to be well-heeled - the shops a blend of up-market tourist and County Town 'Proper' where you can buy your weather-proofs - riding clothes - Antiques and in recent years a plethora of cafe/restaurants to suit every taste and pocket.

Photos - Michael Dixon ITR-UK

On arriving - a parking place appeared with the wish and the wish was heard - thank you. What we hadn't realized was that today of all days was the weekend for an annual Hemsley Steam Fair and it seemed for vintage vehicles too!

Photo - Michael Dixon ITR-UK

The town and area were heaving with visitors for the Steam Fair. In fact, we'd noticed the fair on the right as we approached Hemsley set in the fields of Duncombe Park which homes the great house originally built by Thomas Duncombe in 1713.

Photo - Michael Dixon ITR-UK

My first impression - with distant marquees - was that here was a festival - music - rock n' roll - a northern Sunrise Celebration - a minor Big Green Festival - ah, such is the thoughts that ruminate through an aging hippy mind - festival - festival - festival ~ sex - drugs and sausage rolls... (btw that was on a t'shirt at Sunrise - thought I'd slip that in... lol).

Photo - Michael Dixon ITR-UK

We quickly previewed the town in search of a coffee - tea house - the temperature was rising and we needed sustenance after such a long journey - much of it at motorway-madness of 50 miles per hour with endless miles of M1 roadway updates and maintenance.

Photo - Michael Dixon ITR-UK

Close to my friend and antique dealer was a, new to us, tea shop - guess what it's name was? Of course, simply 'The Tea Shop' - when you visit Hemsley don't miss this one - off the town square and out of the glare of the mainline tourist - shaded from the intense summer sun - beautifully laid out and immaculately clean - it's opposite the entrance to Hemsley Castle - just say you were recommended by Michael of InTouchRadio.net, Carol and her mum June.

Photo - Michael Dixon ITR-UK

We spent a wonderful afternoon there and then departed for Stokesly on the way back to Middlesbrough... see next blog.

Photo - Michael Dixon ITR-UK

Hope you're all well around the world - don't forget to send me your blogs and info for all the other ITR family.

Photo - Michael Dixon ITR-UK

Keep reading the blogs.

Love

Michael x

ITR - UK

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