Day 11 of camper van escapades and we woke up to the pattering, and then more like hammering, of rain on the van roof. There’s no cosier sound in the world. And decidedly chilly temperatures. Very different from the extreme heat and wall to wall sunshine of just a couple of days ago. Thank goodness!

After a beautiful field dog walk around Bedale we were off on our travels again. This time heading an hour and a half up the road to Northumberland (for the non-Brits think high on the right side of England just before you hit Scotland) - a county I've never visited as far as I remember - and specifically a place called Druridge Bay Country Park, set between a lake and an eight mile long (stunning) beach.

And there was nobody in sight. The dodgy weather, cooler temperatures, plus it being a Monday when the schools were in session and most normal people were slogging away at work, meant it was just us. Ten pitches, but just our van and our friends van.

But just look at that beach. There was no more than an odd dog walker so we had it almost to ourselves. The dogs had a blast. And so did the humans watching the pure joy on the faces of said happy dogs.

Later in the evening a small van rolled in - out jumped eight guys who proceeded to start pitching tents in a motorhome pitch! Much nashing of teeth and muttering (not so much under breath) ensued as we finished dinner and bitched about these interlopers breaking the rules and invading our peace.

But tomorrow is another day in paradise… There's no driving. No rushing. No plans. Just hanging out and enjoying. Listening to the birds singing and probably the pitter patter of more rain. Relaxing. Walking. Letting the dogs play and chase each other again on the beach. Bliss. ☺️