With the temperature steadily rising, while I haven't been reading, I've been spending much of the afternoon sat on an inflatable seal in the paddling pool. It seems to be the most effective way of keeping cool at the moment.
I'm really enjoying my book. It's typical light summer reading for me. Girl meets boy, some sort of obstacle or misunderstanding gets in the way, but they finally get together towards the end of the last chapter. Easy to pick up and put down with minimal concentration required on my part. And, of course, it will no doubt be set in some picturesque little village by the sea :) Perfect.
Later in the afternoon, we set off to drive into the Lakes. I wasn't convinced it was my best plan to begin with. It was still incredibly hot and then my car got reversed into on the way! Not to worry, no one got hurt and the damage is minimal. Details exchanged, we continued our journey for another mile to the small National Trust car park alongside Blea Tarn, where we enjoyed a walk up Lingmoor Fell, before dropping back down to walk back around the shore of the tarn. Hotter than anticipated, there was some protestation as we climbed the fell but once we had reached the summit, it was downhill all the way, treading carefully along the dry rocky paths and the overgrown bracken. It was a beautiful evening and so very quiet there, which was one advantage of setting off late in the day, and it was lovely to see the Purple Heather beginning to flower. We only passed three other people while we were out walking, one of whom was celebrating his final Wainwright at the summit cairn. Lily and I have a long way to go before we catch up :)
After a short break by the water's edge for some flapjack and a refreshing drink, still hot, and rather dusty by this time, we made our way back to the car, stopping off for chips on the way home. I might also have enjoyed a large glass of red. 🍷
