Monsal Trail (by bike)...part 2

Today saw the second episode of exploring the opposite direction to the Monsal Trail that we first went on the other day:

The start!

Pure giddyness... :)

 Samuel, Rebekah, Eleanor and Tim all joined us along with Kirst, Doph & Sam:

Tim pulling the cart!

Sam showing the crowds how to do it

The Girls just making it look good

A couple of horsie types we bumped into along the way

Looking out the Monsal Head tunnel

Looking into the Monsal Head tunnel

A great time was had by all - despite a wee spell of horrid weather.......................you'd think we were in the middle of our summer!

Kate Rusby Concert

Well, I finally managed to realise one of my folk music dreams, by seeing Kate Rusby live!

Pre Gig

First set

& not only that, but in her home village of Cawthorne, Barnsley.....which seemed to make it all the more special.  With a thronged turn out on one of the fields to the side of Cannon Hall Farm, the great and many turned up to see and hear the impeccable and amazing Kate and fellow colleagues (& husband) perform.

A great treat and to top it all off, I got to meet her before and after the concert...................we're so close now.........I think she felt the connection too............................................................two shorties together!

A big massive thanks must go out to Rob & Caroline for making it happen, being fabulous hosts and for Rob's extra effort in introducing me and other chums :)

A very happy boy - all that folk music............makes the heart tingle...

Monsal Trail (by bike)

We finally managed to make it to Hassop Station, for a wee pootle by bike to Bakewell...and I must say it didn't disappoint.  Not the most technical of routes, but none the less, one that Sam lapped up:

Someone ready for a biking adventure

Echo...echo...echo...echo

Sam about to leave Bakewell Station

Boys do lunch

Hearty lunch

 ...After a fantastic couple of hours riding, chatting, chilling, observing and doing the same on the way back; we ended right back where we started:

More Camping..............yeeeeaaaahhh!

 Well, we finally managed to meet up with Kate/ Lee/Jack & Emma after ignoring everyone's work calendars - using Kirst's excuse of needing to commute to & from work - we chose Cooper's Farm in Edale as the destination...

The kitchen set up...

Potty Time

Messing about in the tent

 After establishing base camp and occupying one 'whole' corner of a field, we decided to set up the long awaited and anticipated water slide...with disastrous consequences.................the kids loved it!

Action Time

Sam hating the water slide

After the Wrights had turned up, we tucked straight into a chilli, kiddie put down and a good ol' chatter before an early crash out and a hearty breakfast the following day: 

Jack & Sam

Sophie & Emma

Leisure Management Team

 Emma definitely decided to show us all how to dress for such camping occasions, with Mum following suit (see below):

When only one stylie will do :)

Lee & Emma relaxing

 

Jack fraternising with the girls :)

Football 'My Little Pony' Style

Our brave intrepid explorers (Jack & Sam) decided to take us up the Grindsbrook valley and river, pushing on ahead, they could be seen chattering away and out running each other: 

Running Mascot optional

said intrepid explorers

Hello Kitty

the 3 monkeys?

It was from this point onwards that we sprung across the magicial and little known under world of the lesser spotted Jelly Baby and a spot of dam building (this was where the Leisure Management Team came to the fore):

Amazing Heather

Soon to be extinct

Not an option

 

I really do hope these are premium sausages?!

An absolute must, if one is to stay safe and warm while out camping in such wild camping habitats:

Someone very proud of said look

 Mean while the boys had noticed the following in the gents toilets.....................................doesn't need too much more explaining ...........................I wish we could say we were beating them off after we had smeared this stuff on, but alas, the vending machine decided to swallow up a whole £1 coin and not produce a sausage!

Overlooking Ringing Roger

Happy Trekkers

A spot of climbing

Over looking Grindsbrook Valley & Kinder

Someone quite happy to be carried asleep

Well earned ice creams

Emma making the most of the water slide

 

If you are going to commute to & from Edale by train; liquid replenishment must be consumed along the way:

Hands up if your'e knackered...

The whole adventure was finished off with a visit to the Chestnut Centre:

Whos watching Who?