After preparing a nice picnic we set off for Rievaulx Terrace (about 20 minutes drive), this time passing by Sutton Bank which was the road we had to avoid with the caravan due to a 25% gradient. A beautiful garden set up by the Duncombes to enjoy 13 view spots over the ruins of Rievaulx Abbey.
With two temples at each end of a mile of grass, one called the Tuscan (a misnomer; it is really Doric) and the other the Ionic temple which was where the family used to eat after enjoying the gardens; decorated beautifully with paintings and a kitchen underneath (though now it is just an exhibition).
So, with a little time to spare before lunch, we played a game of chess and quoits. I got the first check but David enjoyed getting checkmate soon after! Neither of us managed to get any hoops on the stick though.
So time for a lovely anniversary picnic with a view!
With some (more) time to spare we enjoyed reading a little though it got a little chilly so we moved to the car. Then we set off to explore Helmsley before meeting up with Ruth and John Mills who we knew from 20 years ago in our young people’s group (Contrast) in Eastwood church.
After a lovely cuppa and cake we realised they were trying to close the café so we continued or chat in the market square until it was home time. Then we had to rescue them as their new car didn’t start. Jump leads to the rescue and homeward bound for a gorgeous meal in the Caravan of salmon and Pimm’s with mangetout and sweet potatoes!
