We returned from Northumberland last night after a 5 day visit to Haltwhistle. I was, as ever, really delighted to be up there to visit WOMOTM and J, and I only wish we could stay longer. WOMOTM, we miss you!
On Thursday, CBC and I drove up to Alnwick and Alnmouth as I had some books to take to Barter Books. I had hoped to dispose of some of my books.
What you do is, you give them your books (a maximum of 2 carrier bags full per customer per 7 day period). They then take 20-30minutes to assess the value and sale ability of your books. Then you come back to find out their conclusions.
When we returned, they said they could take some of my books and they gave me £25 of credit for some of the books but alas, some of my Grandad's books had got damp being in my friend's Garage. Still, it was nice to essentially get some new books for free with £10 remaining credit to spent at Barter books! I bought 4 books- three for me with one for CBC for his birthday (no telling what)
If you've missed my previous posts about Barter books (
here and
here) - this amazing Second Hand book shop is set in the old Alnwick railway station and houses a restaurant as well as many books.
I was very interested in this Enid Blyton book. I have read so many of hers but not this one!
I was tempted by these Doctor Who books. Once upon a time, I had around 30 of these. My older sister bought me 27 Doctor Who books one Christmas which she'd picked up in a 2nd hand book shop. It was the best present! I remember the sheer delight and excitement, aged 17, when I opened that present!
It is such an interesting-looking bookshop and there are many delights to be had.
The
sinister doll book which I posted about last time I went to Barter Books didn't seem to be present so I guess someone wanted to read about killer dolls!In its position was this 'Stupid Sock Creatures' book. Sinister in a different kind of way...
I always like to follow the toy train which runs around the ceiling! It was on good form that day!
A particular aspect I love about this wonderful bookshop is the unexpected artwork, quotes or gem you suddenly notice. I have never noticed this child and her feline companions before.
After a while, CBC and I went to go and have lunch in the 'buffet car'. I chose a terribly unhealthy bacon butty and thrice-fried fries! CBC had soup and a sandwich.
Another new discovery I made was the music notation tables in the second annex for eating. Here you can see Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen (saddo that I am, had to sing them to find out what they were) and American Pie upside down.
I'll give anyone musical a chance to work out what this one is! Answer will be at the bottom!*
After that, we drove to the pretty village of Alnmouth for a visit to the beach.
I left CBC lying on a blanket reading a book and I headed for a meander along the beach.
I was looking for seaglass, but the pickings were indeed very slim. This blue piece was left behind as it needed much more tumbling!
I met a couple with this jolly dog who was delighted with his enormous branch.
His owner kept throwing it into the sea for him. It was very heavy and must have made great upper-body exercise!
Heave-ho!
And away she goes!
Dog sets off in rapid pursuit!
I always like spying people making sandcastles or admiring left fortresses. It was fun to watch the tide enter the channel and surround this miniature island.
I can never quite put into words, the soothing serenity that walking alongside the sea gives to my soul but I never leave a beach without that inner joy.
The vast skies full of clouds!
I spied this darling little Wagtail.
Yet another mighty structure left by previous architects!
As I reached CBC and we returned to the car, the sunlight hit upon this spot in a brilliant manner!
I would gladly have stayed longer but we had a long journey back to Haltwhistle!
It was a short but much appreciated visit to Alnmouth beach and Barter books!
Have you been to either?
x
*Imagine by John Lennon.
