Featured Rideout Borders For A Few Days In A Tent

So, with half term looming I decided to have a few days away with my youngest, but with his exams spread at both sides, he elected late in the day not to go.
My mind was set so "Billy no mates solo" it was going to be then.

First multi day camping trip out on the ST so a bit of messing about initially to get the luggage right.
Onboard is a tent, sleeping bag etc and food for probably a week

 

Safe trip mate. Quite fancy a motocamp in the Borders or D & G. Some nice roads and walks in both. Take it steady

 

I've done similar solo trips on the ZZR in the past, camping in the Trossachs. Some great routes to ride up there. My basics were tent, sleeping bag, inflatable mattress/pillow, small stove, steel mug, tea bags, toothbrush, plus Gaviscon and Imodium these days. Plenty of Pubs/Cafes/places to eat out if you don't fancy carrying food around.
Weather does indeed look set to improve so ENJOY!

 

Have a belter of a trip

 

Sorry no update last night guys as had no internet.

A quick stop yesterday for a bite to eat and coffee at Barnard Castle.



Proper free range eggs, look at the colour of them?

 

Last nights campsite.



Not a bad view.

 

My youngest has started going to the gym so it's all protein counting and shakes now.

Oh dad, this has got 50 grammes of protein in it!

oh yes ( can't get too excited )

Hey son, look at this for a proper protein drink?

 

They look delicious!

 

This wouldn't be mine!

 

@Eldon: I wish you all the best for your tour. Above all, good weather!

 

@Markus

Once packed and set off, I could positively feel my face glowing from the midge onslaught, a bit like mild sunburn

 

I dozed on and off around 05.00 so thought why don't I get packed up and make the most of the quiet roads

06.00 on the road, does it get any better than this?

 

Then on to Hawick, and Kirk Yetholm which holds a cherished memory.
Now when I was a lad ...... well a fit young cyclist actually, I came here with a group and stayed at the Youth Hostel. Two of us in particular were very fit and bear in mind we'd been out all day cycling. There was a lovely blond haired daughter of the warden and so one night it turned into a play off between us two, doing press ups and drinking whisky yes honest, the two go together nicely

I've no idea how many press ups we did that night, but we were sure well pi55ed when we woke up the next morning

 

And for any dog lovers on here, here's an interesting bit of history.

 

A bit late to the party, but have a good 'un! Ride safe and enjoy!

 

.......and the lovely blonde??

 

Nothing happened as we were both so hammered.

So to continue yesterday, as again had no internet so I'm running a day late, I called for a photo at the previous mentioned Youth Hostel, that was.



Now talk about fortuitous, I was just trying to recall 40 years ago whether the building in question was the one on the left or the one on the right????
The door pops open as a chap is wondering who's arrived ( non- baffled Vance and Hines have their benefits).
So I asked him the question, giving a brief summary of why and he says "do you want a brew and a look around?"


Thank you Andrew Dixon for such a warm welcome.
He goes on to explain how the YHA sold off a lot of properties to try to remain a viable business and this was one of them.
The previous warden of Earby YHA was the buyer and now runs it and entwined it with the "Friends of the Earth" organisation group although you don't have to be a member to stay.
After our cup of tea and natter he says that Robin and Carol ( hostel warden from 40 years ago) still live next door, and would you like to meet them?
Oh yes says I and so hugs and handshakes all round

I then said my goodbyes and moved on to chase further memories

 

On a sad note, I did find out in the above meeting, that she had had a family and created some grandchildren but unfortunately suffered from MS and died a few years ago.

Hey, you can't have good news all the time can you, as that is how life is, and is probably intended that way to help you appreciate the people around you now and the previous good times more!

 

I spent the rest of the afternoon chasing a 40 year old paper picture's location, so poor quality and lacks any further details, unlike the current digital forms we all now take for granted.

Anyone recognise the spot?



Not sure I found it, but here's the nearest I photographed and maybe a reason for a future visit with other snippets thrown in.

 

Now this is an interesting one; a camp site for caravans and motorhomes just outside Kelso.





Picture the scene......
Before the treeline is a river. My long gone Border Collie, Barney, and I went for a walk one evening. I crossed the knee deep river and my faithful dog followed. On the opposing bank, at the top, was an electric fence. Now I didn't want my buddy to catch it and get a shock so I promptly pressed the top strand down with my boot ..... and the dog jumped over.

Oh be jeezus, I had a right belt in my thigh
Oh fook I'm not doing that again.

Its funny now, but wasn't at the time