Leek - The res

 A while ago I decided the spring bank holiday weekend would be a good time to go away in Dame Shirl. Three days instead of two to explore and relax. As the weekend approached it became clear that it would be the hottest weekend of the year so far. Scorchio as they say. My shorts ventured out for the first time of the season, I purchased a delicious array of barbecue vittels, and Ian only packed three coats. 

We were travelling to the camping and caravanning clubs Blackshaw Moor site, just north of Leek, on the edge of the White Peak. Nice and close and an area we haven’t much explored. Not needing to leave too early as the earliest entry is always 1pm, we relaxed, then relaxed some more. Kathy and I exchanged annoyed texts about the fact that Vicky had booked a holiday to New York. WITHOUT US! Ian and I ate breakfast out the front while closely monitoring Monty Houdini who has taken a particular liking to next doors garden. Then we threw together our few things (and many coats) and were ready for off by noon.  

It was an easy one and a half hour drive ro Blackshaw Moor, steered expertly by Sir Georgie. He even gave us the option to save one minute. We declined.

Around 1.30 we were rolling into the campsite, to find it chocka! Everyone had got there before us and snagged all the best spots. We were left with a row right next to the main Leek to Buxton expressway. We decided on number four, right in the corner at an angle, and Ian began reversing, and reversing. Stop I yelled as he headed at breakneck speed for the lovingly placed marker sticks. Reversing, and reversing! He stopped with, I kid you not, a millimetre to spare. ‘What’ he yelled when I calmly explained. ‘I knew what I was doing!’

We are number 4. Top right. By the motorway

Ian connected the electric. ‘Mmmm. No 240v.’ Off he went to the electric stick to throw the circuit breaker. He did have the happy experience of telling the caravan man who pulled in just after what to do though. Then he erected the awning expertly, while I made some lunch. We also had the chance to use our expensive door fly screen as they were swarming down by the M25. 

Our little corner of heaven. The Los Angeles Freeway is behind the hedge

Us and the midges relaxing with lunch

After lunch we decided on a walk to a nearby reservoir, Tittesworth, about a mile away. The first bit was on the freeway, but we soon turned off to a narrow lane, with no pavement. We managed and were  soon on a lovely path through a meadow by a stream, of which Misty took full advantage.

Heaven for Misty

Just up from us were a couple swigging what we can only assume was vodka, due to the state they were in, from a drinks bottle. A little further on we came to the visitor centre, where we naturally had an ice lolly, and a giant chair and settee made of wood.

Big chair

Big settee

We retraced our steps, and Misty had another swim. The drinkers were on the move, loudly, but we managed to avoid them. Back up the long straight lane to the pub at the top where we stopped for a nice drink in the sun. Unfortunately the wedding party next door were queuing ten deep at the bar so we abandoned that in favour of a Stella back at Dame Shirl. We drank this in the sun while watching the second half of the championship play off final. After extra time a Coventry player ballooned his penalty into hyperspace leaving Luton the victors in the richest game in football. It was then time for the barbie. Our tiny square in the corner proved perfect as Ian set it up. No one overlooking us, just us and the mozzies. A bit later he placed a veritable feast before me. Burgers, sausage, corn on the cob, veggie kebabs (with halloumi) , and a few boiled spuds. All washed down with box wine. The sun set as we sat eating, chatting, and wondering how the two massive Chow Chow fitted in a tiny campervan! 

Superb barbie, although if you have seen the omen, Ian is in trouble!

The road noise died down, the mozzies went home, and the sun finally set on our first day in Leek. We went inside, watched an episode of happy valley to cheer us up, and went to bed exhausted.

Os watch

My OS app had a glitch and only showed two miles, but it was actually around three!