A few weeks ago, I acquired a new unopened copy of the out-of-print board game; Snowdonia: The Deluxe Master Set. When it arrived, I organised the box content but due to a mini vacation and a full diary I hadn’t had the opportunity to play it.

I enjoyed the first time outing of the game. We were learning the rules and ran out of time so didn’t complete the game. We played long enough to know I love the game and I am looking forward to playing it again.

We finished our weekend shop and dropped off a few items for mum before setting off for some fun in the sun. We thought we might lunch in Apley Farm shop on our way to Bridgnorth. When we arrived the café was full, with only outdoor seating available. It was lovely and sunny but far too windy to enjoy eating lunch outside so we continued our journey to Bridgnorth where we enjoyed lunch ‘with a view’ in Violets Tea Room.

I chose a a warmed lemon scone with butter and my lunchtime drink of choice, Elderflower Presse. After our order had been taken Mr C received a message from a friend. “I know it is short notice but I am available for a board game tonight”. Mr C replied that we were available. What game would I choose…

After lunch, it was lovely to step away from Bridgnorth’s  busy streets and enjoy a quiet walk around the perimeter of the Castle Gardens, taking in panoramic views over Bridgnorth, including the rugby pitch which looked more like a swimming pool after the recent rainfalls and flooding.

After walking around the perimeter I stepped Inside the tranquil Castle Gardens and I wondered how the tower keep (all that remains of the Castle), defying the laws of gravity, is still standing!

We returned to the town centre where Mr C and I had a separate random encounter with one of his friends. The street was rather crowded  with people bustling everywhere. I ploughed my way through to a quiet area beyond the market stall, thinking Mr C was behind me. When I turned round I realised that it was a couple following in my footsteps rather than Mr C.

I looked back down the street and couldn’t see him anywhere even when the street was clear of people. I reached for my phone to call him when suddenly I heard a voice next to me saying ‘he is down there’. When I looked to see who had spoken I realised it was that friend of Mr C, we had a brief chat and a hug before he had to rush off.

After our Bridgnorth excursion we enjoyed ‘Fine Dining’ followed by a lovely evening that included the aforementioned board gaming with our friend. We played Alhambra followed by Exploding Kittens!

With just half a mile to go I made sure I went for a quick walk before an emergency food shopping trip to pick up a missing ingredient for our evening meal with a friend. Before dining we enjoyed playing Wingspan, a board game that I purchased at the beginning of our first lockdown to keep us entertained.

I walked a local route that gave me the opportunity to take a December photograph for my bridleway project, completing two challenges in one walk.

We had the perfect window seat for breakfast so once again we sat and lingered enjoying the atmosphere and view.

The forecasted weather wasn’t favourable but we decided to stick with our plan to visit Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal. The weather was cloudy with the occasional burst of sunshine leading to an ever changing palate of autumn colours. We enjoyed our walk around the grounds, remembering some views from our previous visit which I estimate was over 20 years ago! Where does all the time go?

We had lunch in the National Trust Café, I chose Yorkshire Parkin, which was delicious and filling. Unfortunately the food and drink was served on disposable plates, cups and cutlery.

By the time we left the café it had started to rain so we headed to Ripon thinking that we might visit the Cathedral. After a walk around the town we noticed people in elegant clothing arriving at the Cathedral and realised that a church event must be taking place and it was inappropriate to go in. Reluctantly, we left Ripon and drove back to Harrogate, taking the scenic route.

Back in Harrogate, we headed into town and visited a board game shop that we had spotted previously. We were checking an idea for a Christmas gift and also the possibility of board game to play on a rainy afternoon in Harrogate. The shop was busy, making it hard to see the games let alone focus on what might be a suitable game for the circumstances. We left empty handed, chose not to join the long queue at Betty’s and returned to the hotel for a cup of tea.

Not to be thwarted in my Board Game quest  I checked the top 100 on the Board Game Geek website for the game that had caught my eye; 7 Wonders Duel. It was near to the top of the list. I left my cup of tea brewing and headed out into the wind and rain, purchased the game and was back at the hotel within 15 minutes.

My cup of tea was warm and waiting for me when I got back. We thoroughly enjoyed playing the new game although, as usual for a first play, we got some of the rules wrong.

We dined in the hotel, I chose sea bass followed by lemon tart for dessert. Mr C chose steak which, when it arrived, was unfortunately cold putting a bit of a damper on the evening. The bill was discounted to compensate for the problem. We had a nightcap in the bar and one last chat with the bar tender that had looked after us during our stay.

For more of this weeks PhotoHunt pictures check out tnchick

And to finish with, just a little something for Man in the Shed’s SillyWeek:

I Went To the Pictures Tomorrow,
I got a front seat at the back.
A lady gave me an ice cream,
I ate it , and gave it her back.