Our plans to cross on the Middlesbrough Transporter Bridge were nixed when we discovered that the bridge is closed for repair. When it works, it carries a suspended gondola with up to 9 cars across the river in just under two minutes.

In support of my quilting endeavors, Heather took us to a lovely quilting/embroidery shop in Embsay. Afterwards, we picnicked at the North Yorkshire Moors National Park visitor centre, where there were stone walls and sheep aplenty.

Imagine what it must have been like when all the windows were filled with stained glass!

The Fountains Abbey cellarium, where the monks stored their food. The vaulted stone ceilings are spectacular.

From Harrogate we went to Leeds, to spend a few days with Anne. The first afternoon, we visited Skipton Castle, the courtyard of which is pictured here. The yew tree was planted in 1659 by Lady Anne Clifford. This was the most intact castle we visited, and it was easy to imagine the medieval kitchen, the banqueting hall, and the watchtowers as they must have been when occupied. During the Civil War, the castle -- with its underground water source -- withstood a three-year siege by Cromwell, and finally surrendering with honour in 1645.