A Taste of Summer

It's that time of year again. One moment I'm liberally applying sunscreen, then the next I'm trying to convince myself not to switch the central heating on. I've held off so far. It's still very warm, but it's raining heavily here, this afternoon. I'll probably just stay home and bake cookies :)

Recently, we celebrated a birthday in this house. Lily turned 11! I'm still in denial that she has reached this age, and that she will very soon be leaving primary school. I'll be honest in that I have very mixed emotions about this, but she seems to be looking forward to her transition to high school. We're on half term this week, but after that there will only be seven more weeks until she finishes. It will go by quickly, of that I have no doubt, then hopefully we can enjoy a relaxed summer break. 

Fortunately, Lily's mid-week birthday coincided with a whole class trip out, so it became a sort of mini celebration for her, which, for someone who dislikes being the centre of attention, worked out rather well. 

The following weekend, we marked the occasion in our own way. Having racked my brain for a suitable birthday gift, I finally decided on something I had been considering for several years now - an inflatable kayak. It wasn't the most exciting thing to unwrap on the morning of her birthday, as we couldn't exactly inflate it in our living room, but it proved to be one of the best things she could have received.

On the Sunday morning, and with big sister to lend a hand, we set off to one of our favourite parts of The Lakes, Ullswater. And we couldn't have chosen a nicer day for it.

 

It was beautifully quiet, and the views are spectacular. You can see why we love it there so much. 

Once the kayak was inflated, which was far quicker than I'd anticipated, the morning was spent gently floating along the lake. Paddling wasn't too difficult, as the water was so very calm. I even considered enjoying a quick swim while we were there, but after wading in until the water was up to my waist, I thought better of it. The water is still very cold at this time of year and I didn't relish the thought of the drive home while wearing a wet swimsuit. And I also need to buy some new water shoes - the stones can be rather painful, and they are slippery to stand on when getting in and out of the lake. Still, there will be other opportunities before long, I hope.

J. X

A Change of Plan

 

Having been so very lucky with the weather for our camping trip, things took a turn for the worse, and so the plans I'd had for that following weekend were quickly put on hold. I have instead been keeping busy with some far less exciting activities, such as housework, gardening, sanding down the woodwork in the hall, and studying. I also think I may have pinned down a couple of tradespeople to take on some of the work I wanted completing by the end of this year. Happy days!

There has been some more decluttering. Lily's books have been sorted and a large bagful got delivered to the charity shop last week. The shelves are looking much clearer now, and it is only a matter of time before we sort through the toys. And even though I am fully expecting to come up against some reluctance with this, it is definitely time. 

For the first time in what feels like ages, we've been for a bike ride. It was good to be back in the saddle again, and even thought I had been a little bit anxious about Lily's confidence levels, she soon demonstrated that there was nothing to worry about, so maybe we can ride a little farther next time. It is easy to forget how much she is growing and it's a little scary to think that next month she will be starting her final year of primary school. Applications for secondary school are imminent.

With that in mind, my thoughts are beginning to turn to September. We've already been off school for almost three weeks! It sounds like a long time, but it has flown by. And if the next four weeks go by just as quickly, then it will be upon us before we know it. Blackberries and elderberries are beginning to ripen, and there are signs of late summer all around.

With the weather looking like it's beginning to pick up again, yesterday saw us back up in the fells. This time we were on the eastern shore of Ullswater, the opposite side of where we went camping at the end of July (We could see our site from the summit). With another four Wainwrights ticked off, our total now stands at 105, so I'm excited to be almost at the halfway mark. 

J. X

Summer

Weather aside, it's been a very pleasant start to our summer break. The first week is always a period of adjustment and I feel quite out of sorts, as it slowly dawns on me that there isn't anywhere I actually need to be. That isn't to say I haven't been busy, however. And I'm not entirely sure where this last week has gone, but I happy to say that I am finally on top of the housework, the kitchen cupboard is full, and some sort of order has been restored. I am deliberately not including the garden in this statement, as the persistent wet weather has allowed the weeds to run wild, and I don't have the inclination to deal with them just now.

Earlier this week we went camping near Ullswater. Actually, we were 'glamping,' if you can call it that. We were just staying in an empty pod, designed to be used like a tent, and not one of those which contains all your home comforts. But it was very nice all the same, and the site was lovely, with excellent facilities. I booked it back in March, so it was just good fortune that it coincided with the few dry and sunny days we've experienced lately. And I do like to start my day sitting outside on the decking, drinking my coffee, even if it is out of an enamel mug.

The recent wet weather, although not entirely welcome, only served to enhance our latest visit to Aira Force. The water in Aira Beck was cascading down the falls in an impressive, and incredibly noisy display; quite a contrast from our visit five years ago, following a hot dry spell, which you can read about here. We enjoyed a walk from the High Cascades car park, down through the woods, then back up again. Stopping part way down for a picnic lunch, followed by a hot chocolate at the tea room :)

The next day, we visited Keswick. Besides a short walk through the town when I'd hiked around Derwentwater a few weeks back, it had been ages since I had enjoyed a proper wander around, and so it was lovely to have the chance to browse some of the lovely independent shops there. Lily spent a good while playing in the park and we even enjoyed a fun game of frisbee, as I'd remembered to pack it in my rucksack. Then after another picnic lunch, we spent an hour or so at The Puzzling Place, trying to get our heads around the many optical illusions on display.  

The following morning, and in another repeat of our previous visit here, we walked up the steep lane behind our campsite and onto the fell beyond, taking advantage of some free fruit on the way. There were so many raspberries, small and sweet.  Lily declared them to be the nicest raspberries ever! 

The views from the summit were just as lovely as I'd remembered. And better still, we had them all to ourselves. The heather, just beginning to flower, is a sure sign that summer is moving swiftly on, even if it feels as though has hardly begun.

Later that morning, and with the weather becoming more overcast, we drove down to Pooley Bridge, or as Lily now calls it, 'The village of pubs!' We walked down to the lake but as it was a little too busy there for our liking, we took a slight detour and visited an ice cream farm instead. I  must say, it was some of the most delicious ice cream I have ever eaten, and we even got to make friends with one member of the production team ;)

The next stop on our itinerary was a walk up Beacon Hill. Only a short walk from the car, we were rewarded with some glorious views of the surrounding countryside. An ideal way to round off our few days away, before heading for home again.  

With the first full week of the holidays already behind me, I have plenty to keep me occupied and to look forward to. I've also got plenty of work I need to complete on the house, and I have also just enrolled myself onto another course of study, to give me something to do on the wet days. But right now, I'm going to make myself a coffee, put my feet up and catch up with some blog reading. 

J. X

Beda Fell

For a while now, I had been meaning to walk up Beda Fell, on the eastern side of Ullswater. We had already climbed it's neighbouring fells, so on this occasion there would be just this summit to tick off our list. The starting point which I had in mind for this walk was a little bit out of my way, and with limited parking available, I knew an early start would be required. That was until I realised we could actually reach that side of the lake by boat - I know, I even surprise myself at times :)

We still set off reasonably early, allowing for seasonal traffic, but the drive was very quiet and we arrived in Glenridding with plenty of time to spare. We left the car here, as our route would eventually bring us right back again. And it was here that we boarded the steamer, making sure to sit at the back to enjoy the best views, as we travelled up the lake towards Howtown. It was a pleasantly warm morning and we were soon able to take off our jackets, before getting off the steamer at the lake shore beneath Hallin Fell. 

Our walk began alongside the steep and winding lane which leads to the church at Martindale. We then dropped down into the valley, before following the straight, clear track leading up to Alan Crag, then a little way farther along to Beda Fell. It was perfect weather for walking. The light cloud cover prevented us from getting too hot, and there was barely a breeze. The views towards Ullswater were beautiful, and we  had to keep stopping to look back and appreciate them.

I always love to see Bog Cotton. A clear indication to stay on the path. I had also hoped we might have caught a glimpse of the red deer, which are found in this area, but disappointingly they were nowhere to be seen.  

Beda Fell summit. Looking towards Ullswater, with Hallin Fell in the centre. We stopped here while we ate our chocolate, then descended towards Bordale Hause, a pass which links the Boredale and Patterdale valleys, where we ate our lunch. From here we headed down towards Rooking, re-joining the Ullswater Way path to Glenridding, back to where we started, and where we treated ourselves to an ice cream. 🍦

J. X

Sunny Thursday

It is beautiful and bright here today. Several loads of washing have been hung out to dry, and earlier I even witnessed the rare occurrence of the base of the laundry basket becoming visible! A small but important victory. 

This morning, I visited the supermarket for what should have been the weekly shop, but in reality what I have bought will only last us for the next couple of days, as I just could not be bothered to think any further ahead than the weekend. I am quite sure I'm not alone in finding meal planning tedious at times, but then comes my guilt at knowing that having a choice is, indeed, a first world problem to have. With that in mind, I have settled for Spanish Omelette this evening - simple, but tasty.

While I was in the garden hanging out the washing, I had a potter around. I enjoy spending time looking at the plants and checking for new growth. The wildflowers are beginning to open up now and there is a constant sound of buzzing in the air. The little lemon trees appear to be growing well, and I can't think how I have managed to keep them alive up to this point. The lavender and hydrangea are creating a nice border for the lawn and the large dry patch beneath the swing has grassed over - for now, at least. The solar fountain is currently working hard in the sunshine.

The blackcurrants are beginning to ripen now, and it is already clear that the bush will produce far more fruit than it did last year. I've collected a bowlful this morning, which I will wash and freeze later, ready for making jam in the coming weeks. 

Cycling home this afternoon, I couldn't help but notice the sweet scent of the hedgerows, from the honeysuckle, meadowsweet and elderflower, which spill out onto the lane. It is a lovely ride to and from work, and I feel so lucky I don't always have to drive at this time of year. Instead, I get to experience the beautiful countryside views and warm, gentle breeze as I ride along. I will enjoy it while I can, as it will be a very different story when the days begin to shorten and there is a chill in the air.

Talking of elderflowers, just as I'd hoped, I did enjoy some of my cordial in a glass of prosecco at the weekend. It was a small celebration of myself and a friend having completed The Ullswater Way, which is a 20 mile walk around - yes, you've guessed it - the lake of Ullswater! It is a really lovely, waymarked walk, which we started and finished in Glenridding, at the lower end of the lake. The walk can be completed in shorter sections, but we decided to walk it all in one day. It took us around eight hours in total and I certainly slept well that night. 

J. X

Early Summer

Hurray! Summer has arrived. Bright, sunny mornings see me waking far earlier than I would like, but a steady, unhurried start to my day is much more enjoyable than the need to rush around. Washing is pegged out on the line, birds are fed (I've discovered mealworms are a huge hit), and oh, how satisfying it feels to help myself to fresh strawberries from the garden to enjoy with some yoghurt for my breakfast. And all this is before 7.30a.m. at which time I set off on my bike to ride into work. 

Even that feels like a joy at this time of  year. The lanes are quiet, the calves in the fields are just beginning to stir, and the warm, early morning air is filled with the sweetest of smells. As I ride along I breathe in the delicious scents of the Elderflower, Honeysuckle and Meadowsweet which line the roadsides. 

Lately, weekdays have been quite busy, so I have eased off at the weekends a little more than usual. That said, I still need to get out, and much like a dog, I need to be walked regularly :) So, last weekend we took a gentle stroll up Gummers How. A much loved little fell on the southern shores of Windermere. We like to walk here every now and again, as it's an easy, short walk up direct from the car park and  the views across the lake are stunning. 

The wildflowers in the garden had been flattened by the heavy rain showers, but they soon straightened up again when the sun re-appeared. There are several new varieties which are yet to open up, and I never knew you could get white Cornflowers, so it came as a shock to see one all on it's own, in amongst the blue and purple ones. 

During the week, we finally had the opportunity to go swimming in a pool once again and it felt amazing. The sun was shining, the water was lovely and warm and Lily had a grin on her face the entire time we were in the pool. I've promised that I will book for us to go again very soon. 

The next day, I had planned a visit to Ullswater for some paddle boarding and swimming, after which there would be sausages cooked on the camping stove followed by some hot chocolate. It was warm, sunny evening and a lovely time was being enjoyed, then I realised I had forgotten the sausages! I am seriously not very good when it comes to utilising this particular camping stove, as I have previously been known to forget the gas cannisters! Never mind. A hot chocolate would be good until we arrived back home. But guess who forgot the mugs! I was so cross with myself, until, eventually, I came up with a plan. We could drive on towards Keswick, call at the supermarket for some sausages and cook them by Derwentwater instead. 

Fortunately, I was in need of some more camping mugs, so it wasn't money wasted, and by this time a pack of chocolate Brownies may have also made their way into my shopping basket. I now had everything I needed but the car park machine by the lake had other ideas. I needed to wait twenty minutes, until 7p.m. to pay to park for the evening! By this time I was getting more than a little cross at myself until another visitor, who was also waiting, told me that Max the Miracle Dog and his owner, Kerry were over the road, in Hope Park. They were having a short meet and greet before the unveiling of a bronze statue of Max, which was taking place the following afternoon. Needless to say, I was very excited at this and, once I had paid to park, I can't tell you how great it was to chat with Kerry and stroke the dogs I have read so much about. They are just so gorgeous, and very friendly, happy dogs. I would have happily stayed there all evening but I had sausages to cook.

A little way along the shore we found a quiet spot to set up the stove and, I have to say, the sausages tasted delicious and were well worth the wait. The hot chocolate and brownies were pretty good as well.

As it happened, my forgetfulness worked out rather well for me in the end.

 

I thought you might like to see the new mugs.

J. X