Turtles and trains

Leaving Shetland and the impending storms we made a very quick stop in Edinburgh before continuing our journey south. As we plan a journey we look at possible places to stay, often trying to find places we've not been before, so we thought stop at Barnard Castle.

We were staying on a lovely site about 20 minutes walk into town though the woods, alongside the river Tees. As we’d taken out English Heritage membership earlier in the trip we popped into the medieval castle. I can see what you might choose here to test your eyesight as the views are stunning, even if the cost to enter is ridiculously high without membership.

Now, having started this blog by saying we try to visit new places, we returned to somewhere we’ve been many times in Agy (and previously), and although we love it, our visits here are almost always driven by meeting people we very much want to see. Yes, we were back in York, but this time we managed to coordinate our visit so we could catch up with our long term friend (please note I did not say old!) Ariane (Harry) and her lovely husband Steve.

Harry and I were at school together and were great friends, so much so she lived with us for our final upper sixth year, she became a Venture Scout with us and got to know many of our local friends too. It’d been far too long since we’ve managed to meet up, and the time flew by! Thanks for driving over to see us xx.

This is us, just a few years ago...

While we were in the vicinity we decided to make the most of our time and headed to Locomotion, part of the Science museum group and one of 2 sites of the biggest train museum in the world. We do love a train, and this didn’t disappoint.

There were so many stunning locos, carriages and as an extra bonus The Flying Scotsman was there having (what we think) was her insurance boiler testing done. A fabulous free day out!

                                        

Just before leaving York we made use of our English Heritage membership again with a trip up Clifford's tower, and booked in for a tour of the Cold War Bunker. An incredible building, now nestled in the middle of a modern housing estate.

This was a nuclear war fallout monitoring station where volunteers from across the area would report to in the event of a nuclear bomb dropping. We saw the main control room, accommodation and the water/air filtration systems that would keep the volunteers who were locked inside alive for 30 days. After the 30 days, enough information would have been gathered and the volunteers would have had to leave, to find whatever was left behind outside. A sobering thought.

We managed to also catch up with Kate and David again, hearing more about their family celebration before getting ready to party in Telford.

If we are friends, you will know that we are not people who do things like go to  YouTuber’s gathering, or pay to go to parties, but this was an exception. We’d started watching Tread the Globe in 2019 as they packed up their home to drive around the world in their 20 yr old campervan Trudy.

We thought it would be interesting to see where they go as we hadn’t had Agy long at that point. Marianne and Chris seemed like normal people, they are similar age to us and had a van, so it made sense. I’m not going to tell their story here, but as you will know not too long after they set off, the world changed for us all, and Marianne and Chris found themselves in lockdown in a car park in Istanbul. Their vlogs became compulsive viewing for us keeping us entertained through the many months of lockdown and beyond. As travel within Turkiye became possible Marianne and Chris headed off to explore more of the country that welcomed and supported them through such difficult times. On their travels they discovered a woman on a beach, living in a tent, desperately trying to save turtle nests that were being destroyed by locals driving and partying on the beach in Manavgat. That incredible woman is Saher. Chris and Marianne took on the responsibility to support the Dekafok turtle rescue and via their supporters have raised over £42,000, but there’s more needed.

At the party we went to they were celebrating the completion of their round the world drive - yes they did it!

The main aim was to raise funds for the turtle rescue. This is why we went. It was incredible to see the support for this couple who have achieved something remarkable. People they had met on their travels flew in from across the world, but despite the opportunity to come, Saher chose to stay at the rescue as they had 2 sick turtles in the centre that needed constant attention. They now have formal government recognition, academic research taking place and some hospital tanks for injured turtles. People no longer drive on the beach and every primary school child in the area goes to the centre to learn about the turtles and the importance of caring for their environment. It is incredible what a chance encounter ( that makes for very emotional watching) can do. Do go and watch the videos of their visits, and if you love a turtle, make a donation here https://www.gofundme.com/f/tread-the-globe-sea-turtles-rescue-fund

We did what we could to contribute. I made some raffle prizes, we won a few more that we have been able to give to family and friends who will enjoy using them more than us and will continue to follow and support Tread the Globe as they embark on their next epic adventure.. For the islanders, you may be interested to know Marianne grew up on the island and their T-shirts (some again supporting the turtle rescue) are all made on the island!    

I had also made Marianne a bag that had sea and turtle themed fabric on it (that matched the scrunchies and hairbands above). My thinking was it was useful and small in a van, and if anyone asked about her bag, she could tell them about Dekafok and continue to raise awareness on their travels. What I wasn't expecting was she would wear it at the gathering the night before, and for all of the party, as an accessory to her evening gown!

I can also confirm, van life people know how to party!

I did of course have to try the Tread the Globe gin where profits go towards Dekafok too - Oh my it’s delicious and available online! Message me for details!