Krakow News

James and family have moved to Krakow, Poland.  YC visited them at the weekend.  You can fly from Newcastle - so it's as quick as catching the train to London.  It's also appreciably cheaper than London - the local Zloty goes much further than a pound or a euro.   The weather was beautiful, with unseasonably warm autumn sunshine.

While there, YC joined the British expedition to climb the mound, played football in the garden with Matthew, and (under duress) forced the odd local beer between his parched lips.  

A jolly time was had by all, and YC can definitely recommend a late break to Krakow.  But be prepared - it drops to minus 20C in winter!

In Krakow Rynek Square

rooftop bar of Sheraton Hotel

jump to it

conquering the mound

Tynemouth Long Sands to King Edward's Bay in one easy swim

Have any readers been sea-swimming recently?  YC and Chris Smith took advantage of calm conditions to swim from The Long Sands to King Edward's Bay.  The sea was flat and the tide was high, meaning we could investigate the rocks at Sharpness Point.  Downwards visibility to the sea-floor was poor, but upwards visibility to the horizon was superb - as these photos from Chris show.  Afterwards, YC sang for his supper at Evensong (some great hymns and chants), then slaked the raging swimmer's thirst at The Tynemouth Lodge.  It's a tough life if you don't weaken...

YC leaves the Long Sands

following in Chris's wake

heading for Sharpness Point

Tynemouth Priory for a backdrop