It is a typical summer's evening here. Warm but with a gentle breeze. Looking out of the window I can see Lily happily playing swingball, while Mog is lying on the grass beside the wildflower bed, keeping a watchful eye on the bees. I have just this moment put a small bottle of rosé in the fridge to enjoy later.
Today has been spent quietly at home. Since school finished, just a little over two weeks ago now, we have been comfortably filling our time with some wonderful days out, making the most of the warm sunshine and fine weather. It has been bliss. I have even managed to cross several items from my summer 'must-do' list already. Although, by the time I post this, there is the strong possibility I will have added to it again! :)
Last week, we walked via Grisedale Tarn up to Fairfield, enjoying a picnic lunch on the summit of Great Rigg, before finishing up with a refreshing paddle in Greenhead Gill. There was a slight detour at Lily's request, to sit on the high bench, on which we could sit and swing our legs.
Then a couple of days later we enjoyed a walk right around the shores of Derwentwater, again enjoying a picnic lunch and, of course, another paddle. This is a really delightful walk, with stunning scenery all the way around the lake. Again, we made another slight detour from our planned route, this time to visit the beautiful Lodore Falls.
Earlier this week, we took an evening stroll from Elterwater into Little Langdale, across the 17th century Slater's Bridge to Cathedral Cave, which is in fact a disused slate quarry. We didn't need to take a picnic this time, but there was certainly some paddling in Great Langdale Beck.
Then, just a couple of days ago we climbed Hartside, taking in the glorious views over Ullswater, before returning via Dowthwaite Head and through the delightful Lucy's Wood back to Dockray. The bracken so tall, it was a struggle to see the path at times. The photographs are a little blurry as it was quite a windy day.
In between our days out, we've also met up with friends and been swimming at our favourite outdoor pool. Yesterday we enjoyed a guided tour of an old mill, where I bought some spelt flour. I haven't baked bread in ages, so it should be a delicious treat.
J. X
I always think with baking bread that the smell of it baking is almost as good as the tase.
ReplyDeleteI think you're right, Pat. X
Deletethese are the sort of summers that make lasting precious memories xxxx ❤️
ReplyDeleteI think so, too. Never happier than when enjoying a paddle, following a long walk. X
DeleteNice landscape! Spelt flour is very IN these days.
ReplyDeleteI didn't realise that :) I only had the choice of spelt or rye flour. X
DeleteYou are certainly making the most of your summer holidays out and about. Stunning photos from your walks xx
ReplyDeleteI always feel we should make the most of the warm, sunny days. It is usually a long winter here. X
DeleteYou have had some absolutely splendid days out and your photos really do show the fells at their best. Oh, to be as young and fit again as you both are 😊
ReplyDeleteDefinitely not young, and really not as fit as I would like, but I agree that the fells are looking glorious just now. As for Lily, well the two chaps in that second photograph were most put out that she was skipping between the summits :) X
DeleteYour countryside is so beautiful, it makes my heart ache (in a good way). So very lovely. xx
ReplyDeleteWhen the sun is shining, there is no place I would rather be. X
DeleteSounds like a lovely summer, so far! Enjoy your days!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Bless. We've had some wonderful days so far. X
DeleteThose look like some lovely walks you've been doing. I can't believe two weeks of the holidays are gone already- it's just so lovely having the freedom to do as you please without the constraints of school. We have had a couple of short camping trips and lots of time spent at the beach. Youngest starts secondary school in September so I've had an eye watering amount of uniform to buy but its done and just shoes for second youngest to get.
ReplyDeleteSummer is going by quickly this year, which is why I try to make the most of the good weather days. Camping sounds fun, as does spending time at the beach. That is where we are heading next week :)
DeleteHappy sigh…. A perfect way to start my Sunday morning browsing through your wonderful photos. You have certainly made the most of your first two weeks of holiday. Enjoy that bread. B x
ReplyDeleteThank you, Barbara. We've had some lovely days out this summer. I hope the rest of our holidays will be just as enjoyable. X
DeleteWhat a lovely way to spend Lily’s summer break. She’s growing up fast and it’s so good to see a young person out in the hills in this glorious weather. I miss those days when my daughter was young and we did things together in the holidays. Catriona
ReplyDeleteShe is growing much too quickly for my liking, Catriona. But I consider myself very lucky that she is happy to spend so much time outdoors. I am trying to make the most of it before she hits her teenage years :D
DeleteIt's nice to have some good weather so that you're able to do all the things you've planned. I'm sure you'll have made lots of lasting memories by the time it's school time again.
ReplyDeleteI hope so, Jo. I like to make the most of the sunny days. X
DeleteLooks like you're making the most of these lovely summer, no school days Jules. What a very fine dry stone wall I spot in one of your pictures. Interesting to see what you'll make with the spelt flour x
ReplyDeleteYou're never far from a dry stone wall here :)
DeleteLove that you are fully enjoying your time off.
ReplyDeleteWondering if your husband has time off now also...
🌿🍃🌿🍃🌿🍃🌿
I try to find a balance between relaxation and enjoying days out. Xx
DeleteSpelt bread...yummy...a lovely slice with butter or cream and some homemade jam...delicious! x
ReplyDeleteI toasted some for my breakfast. It was delicious :)
DeleteYour walks are wonderful, such beautiful photos. The weather has been amazing hasn't it and the lakes seems to be a little quieter this year than the last couple of years. Lucy's Wood is a wonderful place, did you visit the barn near to it? It has a wonderful labyrinth spiral in it, it a lovely place although a sad history behind the name.
ReplyDeleteI have noticed a definite difference in how much quieter it is in The Lakes this year, although I am still careful about where I go and when.
DeleteSadly, we didn't visit the barn on this occasion, as we were in a bit of a hurry. X
Stunning scenery and beautiful blue skies - Summer is the best! Lilly is shooting up, isn't she?
ReplyDeleteWe often use spelt flour - it makes really good biscuits and lovely bread! xxx
Lily is getting so tall now. I swear she grows overnight! X
DeleteYour photos are gorgeous, so crystal clear. We do live in a beautiful country don't we and you have captured your bit of it so perfectly. I do miss living in Cumbria and having all that on our doorsteps, although we are not THAT far away now.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Sue. It is wonderful having this beautiful countryside so accessible to us. X
DeleteIt looks and sounds that you are enjoying the summer.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photographs on your post.
All the best Jan
Thank you, Jan. We've enjoyed a wonderful summer so far. X
DeleteAbsolutely lovely...you are doing a fabulous job of enjoying every moment of break! I remember once reading this, and then trying so hard to always DO it,
ReplyDelete"make every day days special, and special days nothing short of extraordinary."
What wonderful memories you're making, thanks for the inspiration! Mary
I try to find a balance. In between days like these, there are also days filled with ironing, shopping, cleaning and gardening :)
DeleteHow green and lush it all looks and swimming too, how lovely.
ReplyDeleteWe love swimming in the outdoor pool. X
DeleteI never get tired of seeing the wonderful pictures of the lakes and your walks. They really cheer the soul. Thank you x
ReplyDeleteThat's very kind of you to say, thank you, Beverley. I love that I can look back at the walks I've enjoyed. X
DeleteAll that paddling! It's definitely been the perfect weather for it, even more so now. Beautiful pictures 🙂
ReplyDeleteThank you, Shazza. A paddle in a stream is the best way to cool down after a long walk. Xx
DeleteBaking with spelt flour sounds wonderful. Those photos are magnificent. I love the cave.
ReplyDeleteI had never used spelt flour before, but it was very easy to work with and the bread tastes delicious. X
Deleteoooh the cathedral cave is wonderful. Lovely pics as ever. x
ReplyDeleteThank you, Jo. X
DeleteSo beautiful!! You live in a fantastic landscape, I would love taking a walk there...everyday...
ReplyDeleteLove from Titti
It is a beautiful area. We try to enjoy it while the sun is shining. Xx
Deletewhat beautiful pictures, such stunning scenery. I hope the bread tastes good,
ReplyDeleteThe bread was delicious. Thank you, Anji. Xx
DeleteHi,so sorry for being a bad blogger.The heat has not agreed with me at all.I love the photos so beautiful, glad to see you all ok,and the gorgeous mog.xx Hugs
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comment, Lee, and I hope you are feeling much better now. Xx
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