Reflections

Continued from yesterday ...

Our plan for Tuesday was to wander down through the fields towards Derwent Water, follow the lake side path until Hawse End, then return back on a higher flanks of the surrounding hills back to the campsite.

So after breakfast - a picnic lunch, flasks and bottles of icy-cool water were sorted and we set off - once again Moss was at the front trying to set the pace and once again she was called to heel - her legs go so very much faster than mine!

After a few fields we came to the water’s edge and followed the path until we found a spot for lunch. Youngest had checked out on his cellphone and found a perfect little ‘beach’ where we could stop and eat and play in the water. It was lovely - absolutely bliss.

The day had really warmed up by then so it was a pleasure to take off walking boots and walk out into the cool water. Moss of course was delighted and spent most of our break either swimming out into the water or standing staring at us - willing us to hurl a stick out for her to swim after.

Alongside ‘our’ little beach was a knot, so Moss and I went up it after I’d eaten to see if the view from there would be good and not only was it superb - there was a bench just in the right place! So we decamped and moved up the knot for a short while before setting off.

It was incredibly warm and humid so our return route was altered so that we did not walk along the hill flanks exposed to direct sunlight but on a lower route which took us through woodland - such a relief!

Back at the van, after we’d eaten and showered (both very necessary!) we once again sat in the wonderfully cool evening air, watched for the moon and chatted, again surrounded by murmuring voices, candles, fires and fairy lights. It had been a lovely - if a little warm - day. 

More to follow….

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 ….

Steampunk and vintage

A chance reminder that there was a steampunk and vintage car event this weekend had us making spontaneous plans for a micro-adventure!

And I am so glad we did 😊 Himself, Moss and I jumped into our 2CV and headed over the moors to Hebden Bridge.

There were not as many steampunk dressed folk as there have been in the past which was a shame however those who'd made the effort looked impressive.

The 400 Roses (Quilt Person) folk dancers and musicians delighted visitors in the market square and I loved their costumes - particularly the ribbon and bell festooned bustles!

We wandered through the market but although the stalls were varied and interesting - it appeared that business was slow - people were looking but not spending.  A sad reflection of the times. We were enticed by the rather deliciously inviting fragrance of Asian street food and once we'd chosen, we sat in the park and scoffed to our hearts content. There may have been a lot of finger licking and lip smacking noises. 

We then crossed over the canal on to the sports fields which, for the weekend, had been turned to a HUGE car park of over 300 vintage cars, stalls and music festival. Himself was almost overwhelmed by all the 'car candy' and we spent a very happy afternoon checking almost each...and...every....car. He was most definitely a happy man😊

We knew that Hebden Bridge would be parked up so we found a spot just outside (see photo on the left) of the town and walked down what felt like a gazillion very steep steps (ooh my creaky knees!) the second zoomed in photo (on the right) is the view over the far half of the vintage car field taken from where we'd parked.

Moss thought today was a 'RUBBISH' dog walking sort of day, we shall have to make it up to her and soon🐾😄We left once we agreed that it was getting a bit too busy for comfort - even for an outdoor event - it began to feel a little claustrophobic. How we've changed .........

We returned back over the moors and spent the rest of the afternoon and evening in the garden with buckets of tea - bliss.  xxxxx

Thrum of rain

As I type, the thrum of rain, the radio, the cat and dog all keep me company. I should be, at this point, getting ready for work however on a Tuesday I work for a private garden rather than the walled garden so I am able to move my working hours around the weather. 

Oh the deliciousness of getting back into bed with a mug of tea and the laptop and listen to the rain for that extra hour and know I can spend a the rest of the morning quietly with myself as I potter around the house. 

A few days ago, after another much needed band of rather heavy showers, I took my camera and the dog out into the garden and captured raindrops on the foliage and flowers. It was not until I downloaded the images and realised the wonderful refraction qualities of some of the droplets.

Thank you everyone for your generous congratulations for Youngest and his lovely girl - they are having a well deserved break at the moment before they launch off again. 

I remember having that energy (once!!)🤣 

Himself and I have some time off later this month - really looking forward to getting on to the hills and doing lots of walking (and sleeping) and of course taking photos.

Finally after a bit of meandering, a rather fuzzy image of a lovable furry face. We call these snoot shots and strive to 'get that perfectly bulbous schnozzle photo' although it often requires the subject not to wriggle or suddenly get camera shy. 

Unfortunately my mug of tea and that extra hour have gone although the rain is still steadily falling - I might just put the kettle back on ..... ooh what a devil! This unexpected bit of down time is absolutely delicious and I shall make the most of it - enjoy your Tuesday and I hope you have time to savour a moment of 'you-time' with a mug of your favourite brew xxxx

CoNgRaTuLaTiOnS!! 🎈🎈🎉🎊

I don't normally share faces of my family here but as I have been given special permission - I want to share how full my heart is for these two😃❤️ Youngest and his lovely girl.

We were invited to their graduation ceremonies and what a brilliant (and long) day it was - so very proud of these two!

And if you think you are going to see a sensible photo - think again! Life is too short to be boring.

Here is to the next step in your lives - may it be as good as today❤️

What weekends are for!

It is really early in the morning and I am sitting on tenterhooks whilst Youngest is about to do 'an interview of a life time' - fingers are crossed so tightly that typing could be difficult! **

So - to keep my overactive imagination doing somersaults I thought I would share our weekend adventures. We, Himself, Moss and I drove down to Eldest and his lovely girl and spent some time with them.  They had a couple of place they wanted to share with us and we had a pair of Eldest's shoes to return,  he'd accidently left them behind at their last visit!

On Saturday we popped into a lovely new eco-shop with a glorious range of deli-style foods, a refill station, gifts and locally made jewellery, I could have spent a fortune there! We have a community eco-shop in our village which has won several awards and it was really good to see how others interpret the same brief. Here is to many more popping up!

A selection of plants and fowl from Pot Hamlet

We then went to a little farm style 'retail village' where you can wander around whilst chickens stroll along the lane or be startled out of your skin by a shrieking peacock - brilliant! We had lunch there, tickled goats until they were almost comatose, laughed at ducks and guinea fowl, were amused by the posturing turkey cock and checked out the garden centre. After lunch we walked along the Silkstone Waggonway which started from the village - Moss thought that this was far more fun that 'shopping'! (Despite her being bought a 'doggy ice cream' and her scoffing it in record time!)

Moss says she's a lapdog!

That evening we shared a meal at our van and despite the chilly wind, it was a lovely evening - especially as Eldest and his lovely girl cooked for us and it was super yum!

The Trans Pennine Trail, lots of rain, stepping stones and a fascinating tunnel.

On Sunday, Eldest, Himself, Moss and I went for a walk along part of the Trans Pennine Trail. Although it must have rained for most of the way, the rain was warm and it turned out to be a really good walk (wet but good haha).

The tunnel was amazing, the reverberations and echoes were incredible!

All too soon we had to return home so after a delicious lunch of soup and cheese toasties, we headed home - tired but replete. These are what weekends are for - filling your soul ready to take on the next week!

**I am typing this at the end of the day and Youngest has returned from the interview feeling positive - it is now just a waiting game - fingers crossed!

The thirsty garden

After the searing heat from the last couple of days (yes even I agree is was definitely the wrong sort of warm and sultry summer weather) today we woke up to gently overcast skies and even more gentle rain. I could feel my garden crying with relief.

I was working this morning and I delayed going out for about twenty minutes as the rain was heavier at that point, however I decided the best thing to do - was to go out and get wet with the gardens.... so I did. And whilst I listened to swallows chittering over head with my hands in damp soil I kept catching myself smiling.

And it was wonderful.

The smell of petrichor, the taste of the mist as it swirled around my head, the light pinprick of droplets on my forehead and the accumulating rain droplets on my eyelashes were magical.

In Africa - rain is a gift, and now in the uk - today - it was too, our precious thirsty garden is just that - very thirsty.

I hope you were gifted with some rain today - gentle, cooling and essential xxxx