Thursday, August 26th 2010 - Ruthin, Wales to Yorkshire Dales, UK

Setting off for the Yorkshire Dales, we decided to stop in Blackpool  (for old times sake).  It was, of course typically Blackpool.  Bustling, tacky, filled with every little souvenire shop and attraction you could wish for.  Steve, Dad took a couple of pictures of the Pepsi Max Big One that you guys rode all those years ago, he still recalls you sitting atop looking at him and saying "I'm gonna kill you for this Dad".  What a ride it was.  I asked him if he would do it again, he said "Hell, no it was bad enough the first time with Steve", we had a laugh at that.  We did get out of the car and walk all around Blackpool though and it was very interesting and recall that Blackpool was one of the most popular holiday destinations (in the day... not saying what day, but a long time ago).  I tried to find the tacky Dalmation Hotel Angie that was in the tv Hotel Inspector Series, but never did find it.  The tower is as imposing as ever, but the dance hall area was all under renovation and in fact the whole of the promenade front was under construction, so you couldn't get to the beach if your life depended on it.  Made for a lot of fun trying to drive along the oceanfront - still enjoyed the experience.

After the hustle of Blackpool we headed to Temple Sowerby to visit the old Church and Graveyard where the Gowlings are burried.  Here's a picture of William's headstone and we enjoyed walking around the grounds of the church - it's so serene there.  A couple of pictures follow of the place we stayed before, see if they bring back any memories.  The Kings Arms pub was closed, otherwise we'd have had a little refreshment... oh well, on the road again to our next stop.  After making a stop in Apleby where the sun was shining and we had our little refreshment as you can see!  One of the great things about being here is that everywhere is so close to everywhere else.