Summer nights (and days!)🌞🌚

Sitting in a stinking hot van, in the sun, on a very warm day as Himself drove to Manchester today, was an not ideal way to spend a Friday morning, however, it did give me time to ‘pre-write’ today’s post in my head.

Whilst I watched the wind turbines languidly turn in the syrup thick warm air, I thought back on the lovely week we had just enjoyed in the lakes. Youngest and his lovely girl joined us camping in Borrowdale not far from Derwent Water on a farm site tucked between towering tree covered cliff faces. They were in our three person tent and we were in Zeb.

Our original plan had been for a few nights away but when I rang to book I impetuously decided to add another day which meant we had to pack and go almost immediately ! (which turned out to be an excellent spur of the moment decision). We hurriedly sorted out all what we wanted to take with us and headed off. Moss was so excited!

The farm we were to stay on had the narrowest road leading up the entrance and we were very grateful that there’d been no oncoming traffic, squeezing through the stone gateway was a little breath-taking although we knew we should fit through as there were other campervans already parked up.

We found ‘our’ spot and set up fairly quickly with the kettle being the first thing to be unpacked - we know our priorities! (actually Moss was fed and watered first THEN we put the kettle on….. Like I said - we know our priorities)

After we’d eaten we decided to go for a late afternoon-evening exploratory walk and Moss thought that this was an excellent idea and tried to lead us at full speed up the hills. I had to rein her in and keep her at an easier pace - not all of us have ‘four paw’ drive and two of us have ‘stupid’ knees!!

Our path led us up out of the valley although we did not go all the way to the ridge, choosing to stick to the lower level just above the woods. It was lovely to be out and breathing fresh (but still rather sultry) air whilst taking in the fragrance of sun warmed bracken and moss. We found a stream which had come straight off the hills and was breath-takingly and surprisingly cold! Moss threw herself in and splashed and wallowed with such a happy grin on her face. 

It was not long after we spied Derwent Water in the distance and stopped to take photos - a certain dog wriggled impatiently whilst we all caught our breath and admired the view. It felt humid and languid as we’d not thrown ourselves into the icy waters (more fool us said Moss) and were quite warm.

Our return to the campsite was timed with the moon just coming over the horizon towards Rosthwaite - a neighbouring village - so once we returned to the van and the tent, the kettle went back on and cameras were set up to capture what we could of the now pleasantly cool evening.

The groups of children which had happily played in the surrounding trees, had drifted back to their families and the site became a lot quieter with adults chatting quietly around fires, alongside candles or fairy lights which adorned their campervans. Himself and I tend to use the less frequented camping sites so this to us was very different to our usual set up. Youngest and his lovely girl, Himself and I chatted late into the night watching the moon and stars. It was, we all agreed, a very good start to our jollies!

More to follow ….

Moon

Once upon a time, 

in the days when we were allowed to walk a little further than just from home, remember them?🙄

No, I'm not so sure I do either.... any hoo - it was one of those days when Himself, Youngest and Moss took ourselves out on a crisp wintery late afternoon walk along one of our favourite (and least muddy) paths.

It was lovely and dry with the palest of pale blue skies. We walked along the canal towpath admiring the reflections and stillness of the evening air. There were very few folk about, possibly a combination of the lateness of the day and brittle chilly air, we didn't mind - it meant a brisk walk without the usual 'covid-two-step' when meeting someone oncoming along a narrow foot path.

Our walk had us walking away from our starting point towards the setting sun giving us beautiful clear views. Then at the furthest point, the sun now gone and any hint of warmth rapidly vanishing, we turned off the canal path and into the fields to return.

As we crossed the canal bridge, there in the distance far far behind us, was the softest pink moon emerging from the quietly gathering clouds.

We stopped and admired it for the merest of times, our breath hanging around us in wreathes of steam and our faces were feeling pinched with the cold air. We continued our walk, keeping it brisk to keep ourselves warm. Only briefly stopping to take photos.

As we arrived back at the village, the moon had brightened and escaped the cloud cover - we agreed that tonight was going to be a cold and frosty one. We'd had a good 4 mile walk and despite the bracing air, we felt rather euphoric (and ready for a mug of tea!)