Newcastle with 'Blinking Eye Bridge' in background

We decided to make the short passage to Newcastle to sit out impending gales. Far better to be in a large marina with good facilities near a city than in a small harbour with very little around.

Afte 2 hours of fast sailing on a sunny afternoon, we arrived in Royal Quays marina (North Shields). It is a locked marina with 24 hour access, attentive staff and good facilities.

A short train ride into the city and here we are again, tourists looking for places to visit. Newcastle is famous for shipbuilding, coal mining and Cheryl Cole (Ah heate Ashley fa wat ees dun) Private joke for Nicky and Emily....... A walk along the river Tyne took us across the famous millenium bridge which looks like an eyelid and opens as such when a large vessel needs to pass under it to go up river.

We visited the Baltic which is an old flour mill converted to a contemporary art gallery, but nothing to shout about. Near to it is the amazing Sage Gateshead Concert Hall. What an fantastic building both inside and out. After a walk around the city, we had a meal on the riverside and returned to the music hall to watch a band perform. 'The Old Crow Medicine Show' and 'David Rawlings'. An american blues/country/rock band. Sean was a bit unsure at first, but after a couple of songs, he was tapping his feet and clapping his hands like a true hillbilly. They were really talented musicians, and we thoroughly enjoyed our evening.

Next day we walked around the local area and did some shopping. The following day we returned to the city again, this time taking in the art gallery and a museum, followed by another meal on the riverside. The great north run takes place on sunday 19th september, and many people can be seen running along the riverside in preparation for this half marathon.