Crisp, frosty mornings in the Christmas holidays.  What do you do?  Lie in bed, wallowing in the warmth?  Well, that’s one option.  But you know that this is Jo’s Monday walk, and really, you’ll feel so much better if you get out for a bit of fresh air.

A scarf would be good, and maybe a hat.  Let’s not loiter and you’ll soon warm up.  I have a nice spot for you, and there’s even a Victorian tea room to round things off in.  Bet that got your attention, didn’t it?

I’m going to Preston Park this morning, beside the River Tees.  There’s ample free parking and a good playground, if any of you have children. (or surplus energy)

There’s not much activity down at the landing stage today, but in summer there are boats to hire. A couple of regal swans gaze disdainfully at the ducks.  Well, they are rather common!

The path runs alongside the Tees in both directions, so spin a coin or follow your instincts.  You can loop back into Preston Park when you’ve seen enough.  The Teesside Heritage Trail will take you all the way to neighbouring Yarm, but you have to leave the river bank and follow a stretch of road to join it.  This morning we’ll stay close by the river.

The dogs are having their own excitable game of ‘tiggy’ and it’s not easy to track one down with the camera.  There are lots of dog walkers out and about, and a relaxed, happy, holiday feeling.

You’ll remember I suggested a cuppa in the Victorian tearooms?  I’d promised my husband a toasted teacake (hoping to get him out of bed on a chilly morning) but it didn’t quite work out that way.  It was fine, though.

It was fresh outside and I could see a smiling face beckoning from behind the counter.  Two smiling faces, in fact, and no customers except us.  Because it was the holiday period, the tearooms were being run by volunteers from the museum staff. You’ve guessed it- no toasted teacakes, but there were complimentary mince pies or biscuits with our mug of coffee.

You know how these things work.  Seeing us cosily inside, people began to drift in from the courtyard.  A couple with a toddler were encouraging her to play skittles, but the warmth lured them too.  Time for us to move on.

You may remember, I’ve visited Preston Park museum before.  It was back in February and I was given a ticket valid for a full year (for only £1!) so I thought I’d have a look and see what was new. I found an interesting exhibition, which I’ll share with you another day, but you can get a flavour of the museum from my link.

The conservatory was closed to the public, for a wedding reception later in the day, but I still managed a bit of a peek.

But the best bit was the polar bears and penguins!  I borrowed a couple of photos from the museums’s Facebook page.  I’m sure they won’t mind.

Our last walk of 2014!  It wasn’t too strenuous, was it?  I do hope you’ll join me next year.  I so look forward to your company.

First, I have some lovely walks to share.  If you’d like to contribute, it’s very straightforward. Take a look at my Jo’s Monday walk page or click on the logo.  Many thanks to everybody for this week’s efforts.  Let’s put that kettle on and have a read, shall we?

Drake is taking me somewhere new this week.  And watery!  It looks fabulous…

Eau de Vologne

And here’s one worth waiting for!  Part 2 of the Botanic Gardens with Jude  :

The Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, and the Domain, part 2 

Aren’t they stylish in Canada?  I love these door decorations from Violet Sky  :

Ring in the holidays! 

And Colline has shared some beautiful windows from Toronto.  I know you’ll love them!

Christmas windows

It just remains to wish you all a joyous and peaceful New Year.  Happy walking!