retiredmartin

The Cumbrian Completion Caper moved on from Great Asby up the Eden Valley towards an overnight campervan stop in Penrith.

But not before confirming that the White Horse in Kings Meaburn is closed (despite what the GBG app tells you) and being gutted. Whether it will rise again in time to require my visit before October 27th is another matter.

The villages round here are tidy and characterful,

and no doubt get a little bit of trade from Center Parcs. The Fox at Ousby was packed with diners.

and I was forced to nurse a half of something local from a handpump hidden round the side of the bar with these fellas.

A much more pubby atmosphere at Eamont Bridge on the southern edge of Penrith, the third time the Crown has graced this blog as our campervan halt.

As ever, beware the aggressive amphibians.

“It’s the sticky surfaces that make it” said Mrs RM, sagely.

To be honest, it’s the South London landlord, gently abusing every customer at the bar.

“It’s a better class of insult here mate” he says, chivvying along the ditherers. And it is.

A better class of Thai food as well. I skipped the Castle Eden in favour of the Scotch and the Guinness.

It’ll never make the GBG, but as the Thai chef joins the locals to play dominoes between cooking the curries you know you’re in the presence of magic.

We slept the sleep of the just.