Back to a normal caravan weekend away following the Tour de France! This weekend, we were heading for the small village of Haswell in County Durham, home to the first mine pit.
The journey there was straight forward and not too far at all. We found our way to the farm without any problems and following a little drive around the farm we cam across the camping field. There were quite a few other units there already, including some tents, haven’t seen those for a while! With nobody around, we found a section of grass near an EHU point and duly began the process of setting up ready for the weekend.
During this, the owner of the site came by and detailed the facilities, namely where the toilets were and water points etc. You can’t go wrong on this site really as they are all huddled together and clearly labelled, including an outside washing up sink. I paid our dues and then we relaxed and had our dinner.
Weather being so nice, we decided to head off on a walk, into the village itself and look for the remains of the colliery pit. I didn’t know exactly where this was as I couldn’t find any information on its exact whereabouts, but it couldn’t be too far away. So after reaching the village we headed for an expanse of land on which I guessed the pit may have been, but I was wrong, no sign of it. So without wanting to walk too long, we headed back to base and decided that we would scout around tomorrow with the car. I gave the ‘van a wash before tea, as the nearside didn’t get a wash in France with the awning being up. Tea time, TV time, relax time, bed time, the usual routine…
Next morning, glorious weather, although rain had been forecast for later on. We decided to make good use of the weather and hunt down the pit first. We drove to the village and again headed out on a public footpath, but again drew a blank on its location. However, upon returning along the path we spotted a building in the distance which looked like it could be the remains of the boiler house of the pit. So back in the car we drove to this location. After a few wrong turns, we eventually found the road that lead to the building. And yes, we had found it! The old boiler house, surrounded by a perimeter fence, 95 of which had little faces on them, representing the 95 men and boys who had died in the pit explosion there in 1844. Content with having found the remains, back to base for some sunshine.
Table and chairs out, we enjoyed what had to be the best day of the year, UK wise, it was so nice to just sit, have a drink and read in the sunshine. Later on however, the weather did indeed change and we retired indoors for dinner. Our neighbours had attracted my attention whilst I was changing the water, they wanted me to take a look at their new awning, a Kampa Ace AIR 400. I’d heard of these air framed awnings but never considered one really, thinking they would be too weak and prone to leaks. Looks like the years have brought some advancements however, as it was a nice awning indeed and very strong. Quick to put up and peg out, it really made us think about one to replace our full awning maybe.
Monday morning, the rain had continued all night and it was a wet pack away, but heck, we are used to it and are prepared for when it does. A short drive back to storage and we put the ‘van back away, passing the new ‘cafe’ that had opened at the storage site! Roll on August, for our week away.
- Date: 25th July 2015
- Nights: 2
- Pitch #: 54.786417, -1.432200
- GPS: 54.786430, -1.432289
