Sunday, the 7th of October

Finding a new church has to be the absolute hardest thing about moving.  Hands down.  I have to admit though that the internet has changed that somewhat.  You can tell a lot about a church by their website.  Good and bad.  I’d been doing online research into the churches of the area for some time.  I think I’ve got a pretty good feel for what’s around and have a list of the churches I’d like to check out. 

The first is in Harrogate.  Being in Harrogate is a big drawback.  It will be quite a drive for us from Pateley Bridge.  And it’s not in our community, which we would prefer.  But we decided to give it a try.  They meet in a movie theater and are similar to the past few churches we have attended.  They were smaller than I expected from their website and videos.  I suspect they’ve got a very good tech team making them look good.  But it was a good service and the people were incredible.  We met a couple of Americans who also work on the base.  After the service we went with them to a nearby tea shop for a chat.  Wonderful people.  We’d have no problem fitting into this church.  It’s just not in our community.  We will need to also visit the churches nearer to home.  And there is the possibility of getting involved in a Bible Study on base. 

After church we headed back to the house to get the dogs out for some exercise.  In the area we are living there are three reservoirs all built around 1900.  Ours is the first and the other two are farther north.  One, Scar House Reservoir, is known as a good place for mountain biking.  We tried to drive up to it earlier in the week but came to a sign that said it was too rough for a car, so we backed off.  Now we have a better map and a good idea of which road to take.  We headed north.  The farther we went the narrower the road got.  It was beautiful!  After some time we finally saw the dam.  It looked similar to our dam but was huge.  At the time it was being built an entire village was established at Scar House.  The ruins of the village are there and set aside as a historical site.  It was a very cool place.  The dam was enormous and high.  We walked back and forth across it and up the hill on the far side looking for signs of the mountain bike trail.  We aren’t exactly sure where the mountain biking is, but there were a lot of cars so I’m sure it won’t be hard to find. 

We headed back to the house and dropped the dogs off.  I decided it was finally time for me to give the car a try.  It was late Sunday afternoon and the road wasn’t too busy.  It’s been twenty years since I drove a stick shift and this stick is on the left hand side.  AND I have to drive on the left hand side of the road. 

I started very slowly with just backing up and going forward in the driveway.  The gears seemed pretty easy to work.  Now for the road, remembering to look to the right and NOT pull into the right lane.  So much to think about!  For my first drive I made it to the Wath bus stop.  I was going to turn around but Greg suggested I continue on to The Bridge Inn.  There is a VERY narrow bridge just before The Bridge Inn.  I wasn’t sure I was ready for that.  But I tried it.  Thankfully no one was coming the other way when I reached the bridge.  We decided to stop at the pub and I tried a glass of the cider.  It was pretty good.  …not that I needed a drink after driving.  =) 

Before closing up for the night we decided to take a quick walk across the dam.  As I’ve said before there are signs saying ‘authorized personnel only’, but the last tenants told Greg that they walked across it and no one said anything.  So, I figure it couldn’t hurt as long as we are discrete about when we do it.  Greg hadn’t seen the dam and I thought he really should know what’s there too.  It’s very interesting.  On the left is the reservoir, with still dark water, quiet, with lots of water birds all over it.  On the right the water spills out into the River Nidd.  It’s a very long drop down a stony wall and it’s roaring and loud.  The dam itself is a long narrow walk.  The part where the river runs out has arches and turrets that make it look like a castle.  On the other side where the Nidderdale Way passes there is a gate with a lock.  It even has barbed wire wrapped on the top.  So I guess they are serious about not walking across the dam.  We tried to see through the woods where there might be a trail to Wath but just couldn’t make it out.  When we get our hiking boots we’re just going to have to go exploring.

Saturday, the 6th of October

We managed to fit a lot of fun into the weekend.  But first, we started with a trip to the library to do a practice test for driving.  We passed, barely, but still didn’t understand a lot of the questions. 

From there we drove back to Pateley Bridge and parked at the Riverside Car Park and walked along the River Nidd back into town.  There are footpaths (hiking trails) everywhere!  Walking into town gave us a chance to see some of them and to see some of the back streets of Pateley that we had missed by driving through.  Our first stop was at the Fish ‘n Chips place on the backstreet.  I guess I need to find out the name.  The fish was very good.  We took it to the park and sat and ate while we watched people walk by. 

After eating we walked up High Street (Main Street) to the outdoor shop.  It is about 10‘ x 10’ cram packed with all sorts of outdoor gear.  We were looking for a map.  We had been told to ask for the ‘ordinance survey’ to find all the footpaths in the area.  Sure enough, he had a whole rack of maps similar to the ones I use for the trails in Colorado. 

We are learning that the Pateley Bridge area is a very popular spot for walking (hiking).  People from all over come here to walk, rain or shine.  We’ve seen many groups with backpacks and rain jackets huddled together in the rain along the sides of the road and many couples with their hiking sticks sitting in the pubs.  The law here says that wherever there is a Public Footpath it cannot be blocked off.  Earlier in the week Peter (the dam worker) explained to me that “all the land belongs to the Queen, dudn’t it?” So, if a footpath goes through a farmer’s field, he cannot gate it off.  We’ve seen Public Footpath signs along the roads everywhere.   

With a copy of the Ordnance Survey for Nidderdale in hand we continued up the street.  I think I forgot to mention that earlier in the week we had stopped by The Oldest Sweetshop in England.  It’s at the top of High Street and holds the record for being… exactly what it’s called.  They had jars of hard candies you can buy for a pence or expensive chocolates.  Of course I went for the chocolates.  I suspect this store will take care of a lot of gifts over the next couple of years. 

Next, heading back down the hill, we stopped at the baker and picked up an apple raspberry pie for dinner, then across the street to the butcher for a steak and ale, steak and kidney and chicken, leek and mushroom pies.  We were all set for dinner, but we did make a swing through the wine shop just to check it out.  Then, back through the park to the river footpath to the car.  (I still have not braved driving yet)

With our new Ordnance Survey in hand it was time to take the pups out for an explore.  We keep thinking there MUST be a trail through the woods near us to connect us to Wath, but we just can’t see it and it’s not marked on the map.  Instead we had to walk about ¼ mile on the side of the road.  That wasn’t as bad as I thought.  It’s a small narrow country road and it seems like people fly on it, but everyone seemed to expect there to be walkers and they slowed down when they saw us.  At Wath we turned onto the Nidderdale Way.  The Nidderdale Way is one of the long trails in England.  I’d tell you how long if I had internet, but all those details will have to wait until later.  Meanwhile, we know that it passes near our house on the other side of the reservoir. 

We crossed a fence using a step ladder very similar to what Lydia and I often crossed on the AT.  And like the AT we found ourselves in a muddy field with cows.  The cows didn’t care, though they kept a close eye on River and MacGyver.  We came to a couple more fences and were struggling with how to get the dogs over when another hiker showed us how a dog gate was built into the fence.  It was so clever!  But we would have never known if someone hadn’t shown us what it was.  Off we hiked through the mud and the slop.  The sun was shining and it was gorgeous day, but it had been raining for the past week.  The ground was a mess. 

We hiked along beside the River Nidd for awhile until we went through a gate and found ourselves next to the dam on the other side of the reservoir from our house.  Wow.  It was so cool to see it from the other side.  From there the trail began to angle up the hill.  We were walking through sheep pastures.  The sheep kept a close eye on the pups, but thankfully the pups didn’t seem to care about the sheep.  At the top of the hill we passed through another gate and the trail connected with the old Wath road, which the sign called a Bridle Path.  It was a gravel road in pretty good shape.  As we walked along the Bridle Path I tried several times to get pictures of the sheep but as soon as I raised my camera they would turn and walk off.  I’m going to need to be much sneakier if I’m going to get a good picture. 

After awhile the path began to go downhill.  We decided this would be a good time to head back.  As far as we can tell on the map we can’t do a full circle of the reservoir without walking on the busy road by the house.  This time we took the Bridle Path all the way back to Wath instead of heading back on the Nidderdale Way by the river.  This course lead us up higher on the hill side and through very old and thick woods.  There were some ancient looking walls and buildings along the way.  We came back out at Wath and walked the road back to the house. 

This was a wonderful day of exploring the area and our new home.  

Friday, the 5th of October

Clearly we did not get the furnace figured out.  We FROZE all night.  Greg worked and worked with the controls.  He thought he had it set to come on about the time we would get up in the morning, but it didn’t.  Added to that, housing had brought bedding for the bed, but only a very thin sheet and blanket that were not near warm enough.  I don’t think either of us slept last night. 

The day was pretty quiet.  I’ve learned that as soon as the sun comes up the front room warms up beautifully and is a wonderful place to sit and read or whatever… maybe even nap after a lousy night’s sleep.  I actually accomplished quite a bit today.  I called the landlord (the water company) and got information on how to change the electric to our name, which has been difficult to figure out on our own.  I also called Sky and arranged to have TV, phone and internet hooked up.  After about fifteen years we will again have a landline, but only because it was the only way to get internet.  I couldn’t care less about the TV.  My phone call experiences were much better today.  I really don’t think I’m getting that much better at understanding which makes me think the first phone call earlier in the week may have actually been HER accent and not as much my lack of understanding. 

When Greg got home we decided it was time to give The Sportsman’s Arm another chance.  They are only open for dinner from 7 to 9pm, so it was a long wait for dinner for me but it was well worth the wait!  It was not traditional pub food, but it was by far the best meal I’ve had in England yet.  I had an amazing salmon… of course with potatoes, but that seems to come with everything here.  The salmon was one of the best I’ve had anywhere.  …and it’s at The Sportsman’s Arm, just a couple hundred yards from our house!  How convenient is that? 

Home to bed and another night of freezing and trying to figure out the furnace.

Thursday, the 4th of October

Today was a big day.  We started early by saying goodbye to our apartment in Harrogate.  It had been convenient, but very cramped with the pups.  They behaved wonderfully with very little barking.  But even the smallest amount of barking worries me when I am so close to the neighbors.  And I have to say I am more than done with hauling suitcases up and down four flights of stairs. 

Housing brought out some basic furniture to hold us over until our household goods arrive.  A couch, which turns out to actually be a love seat, coffee table, wooden folding table, four chairs, a bed, two wardrobes, microwave, three transformers (for plugging in electric appliances) and a dryer should help out a lot.  We will be able to keep the wardrobes, microwave, transformers and the dryer for as long as we want while living here.  That will be a great help since there are no closets and the washer/dryer combo holds about two pair of jeans at a time… and takes HOURS to run.  The extra dryer helps cut down wash time considerably.  Turns out that two wardrobes won’t be near enough.  Greg filled them with just his suits.  Looks like we’ll be off to the auction house looking for old wardrobes soon, but that’s a whole other post. 

This was my first night attempting to cook in the new house.  We had a few groceries and some cheap dishes and cookware from the thrift store.  On Tuesday I had spent time reading through all of the appliance manuals in the house.  I know, that might be a bit obsessive, though I think it was more boredom.  Truth is, I needed to.  Except for the dishwasher all of the appliances are different than what I am used to.  It took two days to figure out how to turn on the refrigerator, the washing machine much longer and the stove may take weeks.  It’s electric, but it’s also induction.  If I had internet I’d look up what that means.  Apparently the burners will only work with ‘compatible’ pots and pans.  The really nice large Calphalon skillet I picked up at the thrift store is not compatible.  For the next several days we would be working out how to make dinner just using the oven. 

NEXT came figuring out the furnace.  

Wednesday, the 3rd of October

Wednesday I decided to spend the day at the Ashness apartment in Harrogate.  I figured this was my last opportunity to get some internet time for awhile.  It was a good choice since first thing in the morning we received the email stating that our excess baggage shipment was ready to be delivered.  They have this weird rule that you must answer their email within 3 hours in order to receive the shipment promptly.  That seems like an odd system to me, but this time it worked for us.  I set up delivery for Monday the 8^th.   

The rest of the day I spent going through paperwork and organizing while watching British TV.  Now there’s an adjustment.  =)  I had planned on walking around and exploring Harrogate, but it was rainy and cold.  I opted for staying in. 

When Greg came home that evening we decided to spend our last night in Harrogate dining at the world famous Betty’s Tea House.  It was very elegant.  The menu looked wonderful but since this was our first visit we decided we should check out their Afternoon Tea.  It came as a three tiered plate with finger sandwiches, scones and sweets.  It was all very good, though we both agreed that The Old Granary in Pateley Bridge does have better scones.  I’m thinking it might not be good for my waistline to be judging the best scones in Yorkshire. 

Tuesday, the 2nd of October

Early Tuesday Greg drove me and the pups out to the house in Pateley before going to work.  We planned to spend the day cleaning, going through paperwork for the move and getting organized for the rest of the week.  It was also my job to make some phone calls.  I was really dreading it because I didn’t know for sure what information I needed before making these calls.  First call was to the water company to change the bill into our name.  It was HORRIBLE.  I couldn’t understand anything the lady on the phone said to me.  Over and over I asked her to repeat herself.  It was so embarrassing.  Finally she said it veerrrryyyy sssslllooowwww…  ‘Whut. Is. Yur. Da. O. Ber?’  uhhhh...  OH, my date of birth?   Then she proceeded to ask for numbers that I have never heard of.  It was just awful.  I finally gave up and said I’d call back when I got all the right information.  I was afraid to make any more calls.  I just don’t speak the language!

The day only got more embarrassing after that. 

Around 2pm I noticed a water company truck pull into the gates.  Oh, I forgot to mention, since the house is right on the reservoir the property is actually owned by the water company.  So we have water company trucks coming and going all the time checking on the dam.  This time I saw through the window the guy getting out of his truck and coming to the door.  I stepped outside to meet him.  His name is Peter.  So far all the Brits I have met are Peter.  He welcomed us to the neighborhood.  I asked him if he knew the history of the house and he shared quite a bit with me.  It was built around 1900 as two separate homes.  The larger part was for the dam engineer while the smaller left section was for the dam keeper’s family.  After the engineer moved out the larger section became a Bed and Breakfast run by the dam keeper’s family.  And for awhile the large living room was used as a board room for the water company.  They would have banquets and the dam keeper’s wife would cook amazing meals for them.  About four or five years ago the water company decided to convert it into a single family home and rent it out.  I think there may have been a time there for awhile that it set empty.  I’m hoping to stop by the museum in town someday soon and get more detailed information. 

After we spoke and said good-bye I turned to go back into the house and realized… the door locks when you close it.  I’m standing there in my stocking feet without a key.  I had spent part of the morning going through the spare keys and making sure all the windows were locked and secure.  The cell phone is inside, not that that matters since I don’t even know Greg’s work phone number yet.  I am completely stranded.  Peter asked if I had another key hidden… not yet.  He offered to give me a ride to the base but I didn’t have my ID card and it was possible that Greg could be coming home at any minute.  Again, how embarrassing!  But Peter was such a gentleman.  He offered to stop by the base front gate and get a message to Greg. 

I had no idea how long this would take.  It had been drizzling and cold all day but thankfully right now it had stopped.  But the ground was very wet.  I curled up on the front porch under the ledge and prepared to wait.  Then I realized I could kill some time by walking across the dam.  There is a sign saying that’s not allowed, but I figured at the moment I’m the only one around, who’s going to see or care?  I walked in my white socks on the wet dirty ground all the way across the dam.  It’s pretty amazing.  The water is really roaring through the river side.  And I walked back.  I had just gotten curled back up in a ball on the front porch when Peter comes back. 

He had gone to the base and passed a message to Greg, then decided he should come back to the house and give me his coat.  He gave me his coat!  He drove all the way back to give me his coat.  What a nice guy.   Then I curled back up at the front door, a little warmer, and waited for Greg to arrive.  Thankfully when he did he didn’t look too angry.  Apparently getting a message from his assistant that the police are calling about his wife makes for good story fodder.  

Monday, the 1st of October

Monday, the 1^st of October

We had an appointment with the realtor to sign for the house at 1:30pm so we tried to fit as much business into the morning as we could.  Housing could not deliver temporary furniture to the house until Thursday so we were going to be able to continue sleeping at the Ashness until then.  We didn’t have to make a big move out of the apartment yet. 

 We stopped by the ID office and got my overseas ID, the vehicle registration office and got the car up to speed with passes and such, and the library for a library card.  For the next few days the library is our internet connection and has a computer with practice tests for the driver’s license.  We have to take a written test within 30 days of arriving in country in order to get our licenses.  By that time we needed to head out to Pateley to make our appointment.

We met with Ashley at Dacre and Sons and signed more papers than I think we signed to buy our last house.  The paperwork was overwhelming.  Ashley was very nice, walked us through it all and answered all our questions.  And we got the keys.

The house is a short distance outside of Pateley and sits right on a reservoir.  The view is stunning!  The house is much too big for us but it was just so cool we couldn’t resist.  I had asked Ashley about the history of the house but she didn’t know it.  The big question for us is, we will be able to keep the heating bills within our budget?  I sure hope so.  This will be a wonderful place to have family and friends visit.  I’d love to stay here for our whole two – three years.   When we arrived we walked all through the house, taking in the possibilities.  I had seen it online and in pictures but seeing it in person helped to give me ideas of how to use the space. 

And the yard!  I believe the dogs were overwhelmed at first.  It took them awhile to really start exploring all the space.  I’ve seen a family of rabbits, pheasant and a gull all in the yard while the dogs were inside.  I’m hoping we don’t end up with some ‘gifts’ from the pups. 

We left a few things at the house, but without furniture there wasn’t much we could do here.  We headed back to the base to pick up a few things.  Someone had recommended to Greg checking the base thrift store for picking up some starter items to hold us over until our excess baggage shipment arrived.  We were able to get some plates and utensils.  At the exchanged we picked up some towels.  Very basic, but we were about ready to move in.  It was a busy day, but we got a lot done.

Sunday, the 30th of September

Sunday, the 30^th of September

On Sunday morning we needed to make a grocery run for just a few things and decided to check-out the local Walmart store, ASDA.  Most stores here are closed on Sunday so apparently everyone goes to ASDA on Sundays.  It was crazy. 

I guess that brings me to figuring out this strange money.  I think I’ve figured out the paper money, though it’s hard to remember that a £10 note is worth around $16.  The coins on the other hand are tougher.  There are £1 and £2 coins.  I’m finding it difficult not to think of them as just a nickel or quarter.  I’m so used to tossing coins into a change jar, but they are actually REAL money.  On top of that, when shopping on base we use dollars and not pounds.  *sigh*  I’m sure I’ll figure it out with time.

After shopping we drove out to Pateley Bridge to meet Norm and Judy at The Sportsman’s Arm, the local pub near our house.  Though The Sportsman’s Arm might be a bit upscale to call a Pub.  We met in the bar and planned to eat, but the food looked a little too expensive for Greg and Norm.  They were thinking more of traditional pub food for lunch.  So after having a drink we drove to another nearby village to The Wellington for dinner.  Sunday dinners are traditional ‘roasts’ and The Wellington is known for having a good one.  I think that may have been the longest meal I have ever had.  After being seated no one came for take our order for a good 45 minutes, then another 30 or so before starters arrived, then longer for the rest of the food.  It took three hours to eat that meal.  According to Norm and Judy that’s not normal, but next time we go for Sunday roast at a Pub, I won’t go hungry.  The food however, was good, a real ‘rib sticking’ meal of roast beef, chips (potatoes) and bread (Yorkshire pudding).  

Saturday, the 29th of September

We managed to sleep in a bit on Saturday morning, trying to adjust to the time change.   First thing we got out and took the pups for a walk around The Stray, which is the open park area in the center of Harrogate.  It was a beautiful morning, though I learned pretty quick the morning sun would disappear.  After a nice walk we packed the dogs up in our new car (used, left hand stick) and drove out to the village of Pateley Bridge where Greg had already secured a house for us to rent.  We took a look at the house, though we couldn’t actually get inside yet.  It is a fascinating house, but more details on that later.  Afterward we stopped at The Old Granary for ‘the best scones in Yorkshire.’  They were truly yummy!   We took a different route back and stopped by the base where Greg will work and checked out the commissary, exchange and the post office. 

That evening we walked around the corner from the Ashness and I had my first try at Fish ‘n Chips at Oliver’s.  As good as they were I’m not sure how much deep fried fish I can eat.  I guess I’ll have to work it out since it’s a local tradition.  =)  

Friday, the 28th of September

We made our way off the plane, which was not an easy task since the plane landed miles away from the terminal and we had to take a bus to baggage claim.  But all our bags showed up in tact.  From there we zipped through Customs with nothing to declare and met our driver, Peter.   Thank heaven for Peter.  He knew exactly where to go for the pups. 

As we walked into the Animal Recovery Center there was a sense of frustration all around.  One lady said something about preparing for a long wait.  She had been there seven hours already.  Another young girl was clearly upset.  Several other people were milling about in different stages of waiting, anxious to calm.  Of course, I knew we had done everything right so we would be in and out in a flash.  (Ha!)  We rang the bell and a very nice lady came out.  We told her we were here to pick up two golden retrievers.  Mentioning two golden retrievers always gets a good reaction out of dog lovers.  She went back to check on them and said they had just arrived and had to pass the customs inspection and would be out soon. 

We sat down.  And waited.  And waited.  And waited.  And waited.  Meanwhile I listened to the young girl who was so upset.  She had come from Colorado to hike the coast to coast trail for three weeks and brought her dog along.  I’m thinking to myself ‘Are you kidding me’?!  Why would you go through this hassle and put your dog through this trauma for a three week hike?!?!  On top of that something was wrong with her paperwork and she couldn’t seem to get it corrected.  She had been there for hours and was getting angry with the vet’s office back in Colorado.  Poor girl.  Too bad she didn’t have it together like me. 

Then it was our turn.  After waiting over two hours I decided maybe we should ring the bell again and ask.   As it turns out there was a problem with our form as well.  Our vet had put on the form the name of the rabies vaccination but not the name of the manufacturer of the rabies vaccination.  Neither the vet nor the USDA had noticed that missing detail.  They had faxed the vet to ask for the further information.  After having listened to this girl deal with her problems for hours I knew I needed to make a phone call.  I looked at the clock and realized that my vet’s office back in Colorado was probably just opening for the day.  (That would explain the young girl’s frustration if she was trying to get something done with a vet during off hours in Colorado)  I gave them a call to make sure they got onto this form as soon as they opened.  And, that the form they faxed back had on it the vet’s office stamp.  That seemed to be a HUGE deal for this particular form for the other girl.  They had the form, the information corrected and the office stamp, but the vet wasn’t due to arrive in the office for another twenty minutes.  But as soon as she arrived they would fax it back.  Okay.  I can wait twenty more minutes.

I waited thirty and rang the bell again.  The fax had just come through.  So I’ll give some huge kudos to Goldenview Veterinary Clinic!  Thank you for coming through for us.  Now it should all go smoothly, right?  I was told give them ten minutes and they’ll be out with paperwork to release the dogs.  Forty minutes later the paperwork came out and they said the dogs would be out in five minutes.  WHAT DOES THAT MEAN?  I don’t understand time here.  Another hour later the pups came out the door, all happy and ready to play.  Apparently they had been having a great day!  Throughout the entire move process they have done great, no digestive problems, no fear issues… just happy, secure, healthy pups.  Whew. 

Peter had brought a van which had plenty of room for bags, dogs and all.  We headed out of London in the Friday afternoon traffic.  If not for the traffic we could have made the trip in three hours, but instead it was over four.  On the drive up Peter stopped by a McDonalds for us to grab a quick dinner.  Yes, McDonalds was my first British meal.  It was an odd experience.  It was a very familiar McDonalds, but at the same time very different.  Very surreal. 

It was close to 10pm when we finally arrived in Harrogate at the Ashness Apartments.  I had looked up the Ashness online and had a pretty good idea what to expect.  Unfortunately my hopes for a garden apartment with the dogs didn’t happen.  Instead we found ourselves lugging all our baggage up to a fourth floor apartment.   It was a REALLY long day, but we were finally able to stop and rest. 

Shortly after arriving at the Ashness, Norm and his wife Judy stopped by and dropped off some bags of groceries.  Norm works with Greg and has been our sponsor throughout the move.  That basically means he’s the one we have been asking all the crazy questions about how to do this move.  Norm, along with Becky (also from work) has been enormous help with so many details.  The bag of groceries was a fantastic way to be greeted at the start of our stay.  We’ll definitely need to pass this kindness along to someone else one day.