Saturday 12 September 2009

Sitting on top of the world.

I love being 50. I haven't stopped!! On my birthday, hubby and I saw the kids off to school/college then went out for brunch to Bragazzi's on Abbeydale Road in Sheffield. Abbeydale Road is often compared to Notting Hill in London. It is home to a real ethnic mix, and subsequently the standards of diverse and authentic cuisine are brilliant. This is the real macoy. You won't find fancy places, but the food is superb. We made our way to Bragazzi's which is an Italian deli and cafe. We sat outside as it was baking hot and ate the best sandwich I have ever had - Gorganzola, walnut, rocket and sundried tomato.
Bragazzi's is famous for serving the best coffee in Sheffield. Did they know I was coming?
We then drove out to the edge of the Peak District to Castleton. Many of you will no doubt have been to Castleton on school trips and will know that it is an amazing little place. We drove through Winnats Pass .

And then walked to the top of Mam Tor. The walk up to the top of Mam Tor was really funny. We though that being mid week, we might be the only ones up there, but we were joined by loads of very sprightly (and some quite ancient looking) senior citizens. The path up was like a pensioners super highway!! Well done them! Once on top of Mam Tor, you really do feel that you are on top of the world.
Then hubby gave me my surprise - a parachuting experience.
Not really!! Although there are times I think he would gladly push me off the top of a steep hill I'm sure!! I can never make out whether these guys are brave or stupid - or both! There were around 30 of them flying around us.

This is more like it!! We sat and drank in the spectacular scenery along with a G&T that hubby had stashed into the rucksack.

We wandered back down the hillside via the old hairpin bend in the road that collapsed in 1979. The authority's finally gave in trying to rescue this road and now the only way up or down into Castleton is Winnats Pass which is very steep.
On our way home, we called in at Edale for National Trust coffee and cake,

And finally headed home past Ladybower resevoir - famous for its roll in the Dambusters story. On days like these, I realise that we do live in a truly beautiful part of the world.
We had to be home fairly earlyish as my sister was holding a small gathering at her home for a few family and friends in my honour.
I had the most wonderful day.
I'll be back shortly with the tale of 3 other parties(!!!!!) I think I am going to find being 50 exhausting!

12 comments:

Lyn said...

Diane, Sounds like you had a fantastic day! Mam Tor is one of my hubbys favourite places, not been for a while so thanks for the photos.
Look forward to hearing about the rest of your extended birthday!
Love
Lyn
xxx

menopausalmusing said...

Being in your fifties is fabulous! Sounds like a wonderful day. x

Michela said...

Wow! What a great birthday gift you had! Have a lovely weekend!

Lisa said...

So glad to hear you enjoyed your special day, the photo of the reservoir is stunning.
Keep partying!
Lisa x

Carol said...

You go girl, have as much fun as is possible. The next ten are special years....thats what I say anyway.
Your day looked wonderful.
Looking forward to seeing the rest of the celebrations!
It is my birthday next week but the celebrations start tonight!
Happy Birthday To Us Virgos!
Carol xxx

Beki said...

They do say that 50 is the new 40!
Looks like a wonderful day, you keep on having lots of them!
((hugs))
Beki xxx

Shelby said...

what a fabulous day you must've had!! :)

oh happy day to you.. cheers.

Caroline said...

That must have been a wonderful day!!! Many happy returns!
That looks like a tremendous day out, you live in such a lovely part of the country.

Bumble Bee Cottage said...

Happy Birthday Diane. It looks like you had a lovely day and I hope your evening celebrations were as much fun. Best Wishes, Gillian

BadPenny said...

You give me renewed hope ...four years to go... Oh I like the look of that coffee !

lesley said...

Beautiful! I will show Baz this post, might make him take me...you never know..have to tell him about the Dambusters, it's his ring tone on the mobile lol

The Girl said...

Sounds like you had a wonderful day, the pictures are gorgeous. Who would have thought all that was in Yorkshire!