You know how life can deal you a bad hand every now and again. Well, she can also give you some belters! Sometimes it is the right song at the right time. Sometimes it is that picture postcard sunset. Occasionaly it comes out of nowhere and rocks you on your heels.

Last Sunday we visited the lovely village of Askrigg in Wensleydale. As Mrs P and I wandered round in search of food I experienced a time travel moment! Now, remember that Askrigg is the village used in the Heriott vet TV series. Parked up in the corner of the square was a perfect looking blue and white Austin Healey 3000 with the top down. Out of one the house emerged 2 chaps dressed in tweed flat caps and Barbour jackets. They got into the Healey and turned the engine over. The sound was unbelieveable. As they pulled away the driver gave us a cheery wave and a smile and I stopped until the roar of the exhaust became nothing but a muffled rumble.

Now, bear in mind I am no big fan of the infernal combustion engine and neither is Mrs P. We had parked up our Europasteurised mobile and would not have even noticed any of the new breed of supercar. But that moment left us both with a big grin and an ambition to drive round the English countryside in an old gas guzzler at least once in our lifetimes.

Anyone for high tea?

Cheers

Dave