Monday 24th - day 393
I spent the morning working on the application (I do hope it gets easier) before we could go into Hereford to sort out the pictures for our Christmas cards. We didn’t linger long as we wanted to go and visit Woolhope (where I was born) for nostalgic visit – without the trip down memory 
lane – as I left before I was two! We spent a while looking for Wessington court the deaf school pa had worked at, but alas it was now private houses, so we went back for supper
Tuesday 25th - day 394
We went to Bristol to visit Andy today. It felt a little uncomfortable going back into familiarity – especially big ugly urban familiarity.
We spent the afternoon in Filton, and for the most part in queues as we joined any number lines of cars that crawled up and down the by pass at snail pace.
We did enjoy a long leisurely lunch in one of Filton’s locals, and listened to Andy’s news. Before we left he took us round a tour of his university campus, which was interesting, how things have changed over the years and it good to be able to visualise where he is.
After a lovely visit, we left Bristol with a determined spirit to cover the miles back t' North and camp site, and just made it back in time to catch most of “Survivors”!
Wednesday 26th - day 395
Finally the application form is finished, (not a bit like pulling teeth!!)
We were then back to Hereford, to collect photos, and print and post the form before we could go on to Hay on Wye for another look. After a 15 mile detour when we were just 4 miles out the town, we were wondering whether we had made a big mistake, but although we only saw it in
the dark, it was still cheery and colourful to walk around, (and we bought a lovely cushion at the antique centre).
Finally it was back to Hereford for a trip round Morrison’s before heading back to the van for a long lie down!!!
Thursday 27th - day 396
The weather is foul, but we are determined to do a bit of walking today, because the bottoms have completely flattened!
So we drove to Brecon, with the hope of exploring the area again before finding a path to walk. However our plans changed as we could see little of the Brecons, and the journey to get to the centre of the Beacons was taking too long, so we parked up by an Outward bound centre a few miles from Brecon the town, and walked up a wide and well used path into the Beacons, we went 
just far enough to know that it would not be wise to go much further, but far enough that we could see enough to make it worth it, and after an hour and a half of fairly vigorous exercise we returned to car, soaking but glad to be alive!
Friday 28th - day 397
lane – as I left before I was two! We spent a while looking for Wessington court the deaf school pa had worked at, but alas it was now private houses, so we went back for supperTuesday 25th - day 394
We went to Bristol to visit Andy today. It felt a little uncomfortable going back into familiarity – especially big ugly urban familiarity.
We spent the afternoon in Filton, and for the most part in queues as we joined any number lines of cars that crawled up and down the by pass at snail pace.
We did enjoy a long leisurely lunch in one of Filton’s locals, and listened to Andy’s news. Before we left he took us round a tour of his university campus, which was interesting, how things have changed over the years and it good to be able to visualise where he is.
After a lovely visit, we left Bristol with a determined spirit to cover the miles back t' North and camp site, and just made it back in time to catch most of “Survivors”!
Wednesday 26th - day 395
Finally the application form is finished, (not a bit like pulling teeth!!)
We were then back to Hereford, to collect photos, and print and post the form before we could go on to Hay on Wye for another look. After a 15 mile detour when we were just 4 miles out the town, we were wondering whether we had made a big mistake, but although we only saw it in
the dark, it was still cheery and colourful to walk around, (and we bought a lovely cushion at the antique centre).Finally it was back to Hereford for a trip round Morrison’s before heading back to the van for a long lie down!!!
Thursday 27th - day 396
The weather is foul, but we are determined to do a bit of walking today, because the bottoms have completely flattened!
So we drove to Brecon, with the hope of exploring the area again before finding a path to walk. However our plans changed as we could see little of the Brecons, and the journey to get to the centre of the Beacons was taking too long, so we parked up by an Outward bound centre a few miles from Brecon the town, and walked up a wide and well used path into the Beacons, we went just far enough to know that it would not be wise to go much further, but far enough that we could see enough to make it worth it, and after an hour and a half of fairly vigorous exercise we returned to car, soaking but glad to be alive!Friday 28th - day 397
We are on the move again for our final destination of our tour. Hereford has been so lovely, and 
again we are thinking of coming back to explore further, but today we are heading north for a final week in Hebden Bridge, West Yorks. We set out in mist but at the end of a long journey travelled in a blaze of glorious evening light. We struggled a little to find our camp site, as we kept weaving up a steady and sometimes steep hill, but just when we thought we might by heading back over the other side we found Little Nook farm. We think the car sighed the most, 
but once settled we realised we were in a lovely spot, excellent for our final week.
Saturday 29th - day 398
We have spent the day with Al and Hannah Christmas shopping in Manchester. We enjoyed lots of talking and wandering – but surprisingly nothing bought (except H’s pressie from Al)!
After completing our tasks in the Arndale Centre we went for a wander – or should I say crawl
to see the Christmas lights and markets. We had soon had enough though so went in search of supper.
Mustafa joined us for a drink (in yet another packed pub), before going to eat at Zizzi’s. (Actually it has to be acknowledged that ALL the German Beer stalls, and drinking establishments – both temporary and permanent were heaving, more so than any where else!)
After a rather long wait supper came, all had something delicious to eat except Al who could only
find two side dishes that did not have garlic or wheat in them – oh dear!
Hannah and Mustafa had to dash then to work, but Al, C & I continued to chew the fat until it was time for Al to go home.
We however were still having fun, as our next stop was back at the Student Union to watch Show of Hands – who were as always just FAB.
There was much appreciation of the bands music, accompanied by loud audience participation, which I imagine Steve and Phil appreciated, but suspect that it was hard for them to sing for us! After a long and very lovely day we were home by 1am - to a freezing caravan!
Sunday 30th - day 399
We were back in Manchester – Hale actually, celebrating Kathryn’s 50th birthday today.
We arrived at lunchtime in time to make use of her washing machine and take her out to Amba’s for a birthday meal.
We managed a long relaxing and leisurely lunch, before we returned to cook and bake in readiness for her soiree.
All was ready by 7pm so we had time for a little relax, and glass of Champagne before people came.
It was lovely to meet all Kathryn’s friends from Manchester, and we stayed longer than anticipated because we had heard that freezing fog had been forecast. However the journey back was not as challenging as we had thought it may have been and we were home earlier than yesterday!!
again we are thinking of coming back to explore further, but today we are heading north for a final week in Hebden Bridge, West Yorks. We set out in mist but at the end of a long journey travelled in a blaze of glorious evening light. We struggled a little to find our camp site, as we kept weaving up a steady and sometimes steep hill, but just when we thought we might by heading back over the other side we found Little Nook farm. We think the car sighed the most, but once settled we realised we were in a lovely spot, excellent for our final week.Saturday 29th - day 398
We have spent the day with Al and Hannah Christmas shopping in Manchester. We enjoyed lots of talking and wandering – but surprisingly nothing bought (except H’s pressie from Al)!
After completing our tasks in the Arndale Centre we went for a wander – or should I say crawl
to see the Christmas lights and markets. We had soon had enough though so went in search of supper.Mustafa joined us for a drink (in yet another packed pub), before going to eat at Zizzi’s. (Actually it has to be acknowledged that ALL the German Beer stalls, and drinking establishments – both temporary and permanent were heaving, more so than any where else!)
After a rather long wait supper came, all had something delicious to eat except Al who could only
find two side dishes that did not have garlic or wheat in them – oh dear!Hannah and Mustafa had to dash then to work, but Al, C & I continued to chew the fat until it was time for Al to go home.
We however were still having fun, as our next stop was back at the Student Union to watch Show of Hands – who were as always just FAB.
There was much appreciation of the bands music, accompanied by loud audience participation, which I imagine Steve and Phil appreciated, but suspect that it was hard for them to sing for us! After a long and very lovely day we were home by 1am - to a freezing caravan!Sunday 30th - day 399
We were back in Manchester – Hale actually, celebrating Kathryn’s 50th birthday today.
We arrived at lunchtime in time to make use of her washing machine and take her out to Amba’s for a birthday meal.
We managed a long relaxing and leisurely lunch, before we returned to cook and bake in readiness for her soiree.
All was ready by 7pm so we had time for a little relax, and glass of Champagne before people came.
It was lovely to meet all Kathryn’s friends from Manchester, and we stayed longer than anticipated because we had heard that freezing fog had been forecast. However the journey back was not as challenging as we had thought it may have been and we were home earlier than yesterday!!
