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
