… week gone by. After a dull and dreary weekend, the sun finally appeared late Sunday and from then on, the week mostly took a turn for the better. Monday was cold, particularly across the moors, but fine enough to get the Scrambler out. Tuesday felt a little like Christmas as I drove to Allendale Brewery to collect a hamper and crates of beer. Bright skies and frost appeared on most mornings such that the camera has spent a lot of time pointing at the sky. Thursday was even good enough to take the GS north, across filthy roads to Otterburn and then on single tracks to Sundaysight, Greenhaugh and Bellingham. Nothing is quite as good as being alone on two wheels in wild, empty places.
Sunday 12th December – the sun finally made an appearance, late in the afternoon
Monday 13th December – On the Scrambler to Stanhope and Wolsingham. Still some snow on high ground and colder than expected, but grand to be out again. No low winter sun, which is good thing on the bike.
Tuesday 14th December – To the brewery at Allendale to collect Christmas presents. So much better than depending on a courier who might, or might not, deliver to the right address.
Wednesday 15th December – Sheep migrating north in a golden, morning light.
Thursday 16th December – traffic jam near Sundaysight.
On the same day, on high ground between Greenhaugh and Bellingham, looking towards Sundaysight. The GS is filthy thanks to the lorries emerging from Divethill Quarry on the B6342.
Friday 17th December – Egger from Oakwood, on a cold December morning.
Saturday 18th December – a hard frost on a bright December morning. Flying high on the left is Turkish Airlines, Boeing 787-9 from Istanbul to San Francisco.
On the same day – a different treatment of the same scene.
northumbrian : light 
Good to see the scenery!
Please you enjoyed it Sue – it was great to be out on the bikes this week. Another 120 miles took me over 8500 on two wheels this year.
Wow!
Love that early morning light, and the view towards Sundaysight. Not familiar with the latter but I know that view well, on the way up to Bellingham. Two very good friends have a caravan up there. Too cold at this time of year though. Merry Christmas, Robin!
Thanks Jo – just love that name, Sundaysight. Yes, darn chilly – are they on the caravan park overlooking the golf course. I know that one well.
And a Merry Christmas to you and yours.
All the best, R x
Yes, I think so, Robin. It’s just outside the village. They are normally there Tuesday to Friday but at this time of year they stay home in Newcastle. Thanks, hon!
Sunshine–yeah! Beer–double yeah! Wild, empty places–infinite yeahs! A merry Christmas to you and yours, Robin.
janet
Yeahs to everything – and the best of Christmases to the tribe of Janet!
Thanks, Robin.
I’m seconding Janet, Jo and Sue! It is so very nice to have you back, Robin. Such brilliant vistas.
Thanks Tish – very kind of you to say so. I had better not disappear again 😉
Good for you for getting out on that bike, Robin. 🙂
It really does me good, Julie – not depressed or anything, but I am always buzzing when I get back. It should be available on prescription 😉
Crates of beer and Hampers? Someone’s in for an excellent Christmas! Fabulous photos as always, the scenery is just stunning.
Thanks – yes, I think it will down well … and swiftly 🙂
I’m not sure which attracts me most in this post: the thought of what you collected from Allendale brewery or the freedom (and chill) of the open, narrow roads. Or, of course the photographic opportunities. I’ll not make a choice: give me all three, please!
Thanks CB – definitely a good week when, in December, I can get out twice on the bikes. I really must buy mire from the brewery – I am keen to form them to form a relationship with the golf club.