GRUMPY SISTERS' INK

Friday, packed and ready. Engaged a minion to get our bags done four flights of stairs and so we took to the streets to get ourselves to Kings Cross for the train to take us toYork. We arrived in time for coffee at the station. Of course, we had a look at platform 9 3/4, and there were some children having a go at getting through the wall to the Hogwarts train, but they were obviously not wizards as they didn't get through. Soon we were able to board our train and fish our reserved seats. The train ran at great speed and was very smooth and although it was two hours, it did not seem that long until we swept to York station. I was here about 40 years ago, but there was a strong sense of déjà vu as we got off the train. Making the most of the revolving door, I went round twice, then made our way to the lobby. Chandeliers hung sparkling from the ceiling above the sweeping staircase. Very prim and proper but not English receptionist took our booking and the concierge but the name of Aaron was designated to the our luggage. As we were the 'cheap seats', our room was a million miles away in the grade wing, but we made it safely. Out in the green was the York equivalent of the London eye but on a much smaller scale. Not to waste moment, we went of on a walk round York, taking in the city walls, the Minister (charging to go in), the shops, especially those in the Shambles, ending up for an early tea in theGuy Fawkes Inn . It is reputed to be the birthplace of the head of the gunpowder plot, but this is not authenticated. The dining room was still gaslit, so was quite atmospheric. Tomorrow a bus to Pickering but time to see more of York. York is a walled city, situated at the confluence of the Rivers Ouse and Foss in North Yorkshire, England. The city has a rich heritage and has provided the backdrop to major political events throughout much of its two millennia of existence. The city offers a wealth of historic attractions, of which York Minster is the most prominent, and a variety of cultural and sporting activities. The city was founded by the Romans in 71 AD, under the name of Eboracum. It became in turn the capital of the Roman province of Britannia Inferior, and of the kingdoms of Northumbria and Jorvik. In the Middle Ages, York grew as a major wool trading centre and became the capital of the northern ecclesiastical province of the Church of England, a role it has retained.[4] In the 19th century, York became a hub of the railway network and a confectionery manufacturing centre. In recent decades, the economy of York has moved from being dominated by its confectionery and railway-related industries to one that provides services. The University of York and health services have become major employers, whilst tourism has become an important element of the local economy. From 1996, the term City of York describes a unitary authority area which includes rural areas beyond the old city boundaries. In 2001 the urban area had a population of 137,505,[5] while in 2010 the entire unitary authority had an estimated population of 202,400.[3] Friday....the bliss of a city bus tour, humorous commentary and informative too. This coupled with a boat tour on the River Ouse gave us a greaticerive if the city. There re no big buildings in York, as there is a by law that prevents anything being built taller than the minster. http://www.visityork.org/ And so there we were, having collected our luggage from the hotel and bidding them a fond farewell, we found ourselves waiting for the 840 bus to Pickering. A slow but interesting journey through many a village until we were deposited at Eastgate in Pickering. Considering we had to get to Westgate, the following journey with heavy cases was seriously taxing and long. Son. We were huffing and puffing outside Alfie's Place, a mid terrace cottage. Having gained access and deposited the aforementioned luggage, we set about to explore some of Pickering. We met an amazingly helpful lady at the information centre and we came away armed with bus timetables and maps for about three months visits! One if these we put into action on Sunday. . ... the green way to discover and explore the North York Moors. Moorsbus is the National Park's very own bus network. Operating on Sundays and Bank Holidays from 24 March to 27 October, it's a great way to explore the North York Moors. Specially trained drivers and co-ordinators will help you and our easy to use timetable shows you just how easy it is to travel throughout the North York Moors by bus. With buses from York, Hull, Malton, Teesside, Thirsk and Northallerton, you can travel from all the major towns and cities in the area right to the heart of the National Park. Just £6 for an all day inner zone ticket, or £9 if you are travelling from the outer zone, why not give it a go? This was what we indulged in on Sunday. This is a great bus services but only runs in Sundays and public holidays..mores,s the pity. The buses gives access to the remoter parts of the moors, and they are. Great way to get about. Choices though as to what to do, but we opted for a round trip,that took us through to Danby national park centre where we got off for a while, then walked to the next village where we picked up the next bus. We stopped at the market town of Helmsley where we had a pub lunch an then got on another bus to bring us home. We met some great characters on the bus, including a lady that did trips on the buses every Sunday one way or another, and knew the drivers, some if the passengers and he people at the information centres. MOORLAND DISCOVERY The North York Moors National Park is home to the largest expanse of open heather moorland in England and on the Moorland Discovery you can get a real sense of this magical landscape as it spreads out in all directions as far as the eye can see. Taking you through lush green dales and up to Urra, the highest point of the North York Moors, this route also offers some great family fun with stops at The Moors National Park Centre. YORK.