Geocaching in Ripon

We finally went to Ripon for something other than the Cathedral! We had some early hours to spend before going to Newby Hall (which doesn't open till 10 a.m. on the weekends). We left early and found a geocache and a snack by the Ripon Canal.

We parked near a bridge because the GPS said we were within 200 yards of the cache. The GPS pointed to the other side of the street but we saw a pathway that led under the bridge. We though that would be fun to explore and it was.

Nicely picturesque river walk

On the other side of the bridge we spotted some ducks. We've been freezing old bread slices for quite some time in hopes of Spring when we could feed fine feathered friends. Now was a perfect opportunity. Luckily, both Jacob and Lucy were distracted enough not to notice what was on the other side of the river.

You didn't really want to read about another playground, did you?

Following the GPS, we homed in on the geocache's location. This took us to the canal which was very quiet and peaceful on a grey Saturday morning. I found the geocache (called Ripon Canal Wharfe) pretty quickly while the family provided the cover of "we're just here to feed ducks, really!"

Jacob had quite a following

Lucy lost her focus

Enjoying the morning on the canal's tow path

We soon ran out of bread and thought of getting a snack for ourselves. We walked back to the end of the canal. A group was getting ready to put their canoes in. We saw a small shop that offered hot tea and baked treats. We smiled and did a little shopping.

End of the canal

Great people and yummy treats here!

Lucy picked this delight

Fortified with a snack, we were ready for the next part of our adventure: Newby Hall and The Church of Christ the Consoler!