Driving around Windermere over to Broughton

We had a pleasant drive in winter sunshine yesterday, stopping for a simple lunch at Booths supermarket cafe in the town of Windermere. We drove along the east side of the lake, taking photographs from the car, mostly as we were moving. The road is narrow, winding and undulating with few places to stop. We took the road back home that goes through Coniston but we found it closed when we got to Torver so came a long way home over a hill above Broughton with great views of the glittering sea.

For more photographs of Cumbria go to Lake District Saga
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AGPress (USA) has a special deal coming up on the books I have published there. A good place to go for those interested in hand-crafted books (a rarity these days?)

A Ride Around Thirlmere, A Walk in Whinlatter Forest.

Last week it was my husband's birthday. In the morning I thought of asking him if he would like us to go to Whinlatter Forest for a short walk and lunch. There is a great little Siskin café there that serves up homemade food — simple but delicious. Tables outside too where you can watch the birds flying through the trees and feeding from nut and seed feeders that are drawn up to eye level. (The café is built up an incline so as to get lovely views of the forest.)

I decided not to ask as it is a good way for him to drive. Half an hour later, he asked me! This often happens. Sometimes it is quite funny. We both come up with the same reply, or automatically look at each other with the same expression when asked a question, or told a story.

“OOO… Fancy that!” Of course, you may think, “So what!”

We just find it funny.

The drive to Whinlatter takes us along country lanes and roads by the side of lakes and through valleys. Thirlmere Reservoir has been in the news lately because an earlier dry spell lasting far longer than usual had caused a considerable drop in the water level. It caused a hose pipe ban in the areas it feeds, as far down as Manchester. The water is now rising although it still has a little way to go. You will see this from the photographs. They are all of Thirlmere. There are plenty of photographs of Whinlatter in an earlier post.

Since we intended walking, we both decided on a bowl of soup with roll and butter. A piece of cake to share afterwards. (Well, it was hubby's birthday!) My eyes popped when the soup arrived — in two pound size pudding basins! The large seedy roll was also homemade — delicious with tow large pats of butter. (We don't usually eat butter because of the cholesterol) The cake too, was lovely. It was with a heavy tummy that we took a walk afterwards — not far, just about 50 minutes. Slow going as I soon get puffed, as well as my knee being sore at present.

The weather kept fine for us, even if clouds threatened rain.

We drove home via the other side of Thirlmere and I took some photographs.

Once home, hubby decided to cut the grass as rain was forecast for the weekend.

Just as well, rain has poured down!

A lovely day to remember.

Mountains, Forests, Lakes and Dales — The English Lake District

We have just been on a holiday to the upper part of the English Lake District, taking in the Coastal harbours. Not far away maybe, but a break among the mountains, climbing up hills, walking by lakes and rivers, visiting harbours with their new marinas. Taking in sweet scents of pine and wild flowers, lifted to Paradise by magnificent views. The strenuous exercise actually relieved the discomfort I had been suffering with arthritic knees!
We marvelled at the new life all around us — foals, lambs, pretty little pigs, young birds, red squirrels, and, of course, the freshness of new green growth amongst woodland and meadow.
And when we were resting in our caravan, my husband read to me. Two interesting novels, although we were glad to get to the end of one of them as it seemed to go on forever with unnecessary detail. I guess some writers hate to miss out anything gleaned through research, but why stretch out a story with what often seems like padding?

Getting home we were welcomed by the colourful blooming of our garden shrubs and trees. We can't help but wonder how we came to live in such a lovely part of England!

I also found I had received excellent reviews for my Seduction By Design but they deserve a post of their own!

Lakeland in Late Winter

The sun shone today so we decided after doing the domestic chores we would go for a run out in the car.
We first went for an early lunch at the Lakeland Nurseries at Cark. We had a light meal, beautifully set out and highly colourful — salads don’t have to be dull. Since I did a rather large bake on Saturday, we did not have our usual cake for ‘afters’ — we have to watch our waistlines even if no one else gives a damn.
We then drove off towards the lovely Lyth Valley, passing through Grange-Over-Sands. The sands disappeared years ago but maybe one day they will return. Presently there is grass and before that mud. But the Victorians who came here by train, would have had alighted at the station, their eyes feasting on sands, sea and the pretty park, as well as, no doubt, by carriages from the huge hotels on the hillsides. Even today, Grange is a pleasant place and many people retire there. I would recommend a visit to the Netherwood. It is an amazing hotel, which serves good food at reasonable prices. The scenery magnificent and the public rooms are wood panelled with open fires.
On along quiet roads towards Bowness, the sun shone for us, even if dark clouds threatened rain.
We drove on to Ambleside. Then we took the Coniston route towards home, driving on the eastern side of the lake.
‘Look,’ I said, pointing to a fantastic piece of property on the hillside, ‘that’s Robert Watson’s nursing home.’
I should point out that I am speaking here of a character in my latest book, to be shortly published — Checkmate. Watson opens up a posh nursing home overlooking Coniston Water. The house is set in grounds filled with azaleas and other acid-loving shrubs. I knew exactly which house he would choose, and that nothing would get in his way. Robert Watson is a rich and powerful man. (I think we have heard about a lot of those lately!)
Well, we had a good laugh about that. I had already pointed out properties I had chosen for other characters and businesses, on a previous trip out. These people and places are very real to me.
Driving down by the side of the lake, we came to a spot where we could stop long enough to take some photos. Of course, it is still winter and the countryside a little drab, but snow on the peaks gives it a little sparkle in spite of a bit of mist.

I will shortly be putting Checkmate on my author web site.
Visit Wrinkly Writers for more photos, and a variety of postings.
Visit Magpies Nest Publishing and read chapters from some of my books (two in pen names). You can order them from there too.
Visit AGPress for the USA versions of some of my books.

A Week Of Heaven

A break away in our caravan only 50 miles away but heaven indeed. Ennerdale, Whinlatter, Crummock Water, Buttermere, Cogra Moss Water…
Pleasant walks beside lakes and rivers, and along footpaths leading through forests with magnificent views of lakes and valleys below. This is the world of the Lake District National Park and some of the places we have not seen before.
Our caravan park had a lovely setting with footpaths to truly lovely places. One, a place that could only be reached on foot unless an angler with a permit for a car. We took this walk in the evening to Cogra Moss when the sun was about to set. One angler quietly fishing, two foxes calling to each other, about eighty ducks on the water with their young - a little quacking and sudden lifting of wings - the only movement and sound. A golden setting illuminating forests and water in a magnificent display of nature in all her glory.

The Lake District National Park.

The Lake District is a wonderful place to be close to. So much beauty to experience with all the senses, but especially with one's sight.No matter where you go there is beauty. No matter the time of year there is interest. Colours and shadows, sun and mist, textures and reflections and movement. This photograph was taken on a day of showers. Rainbows abounded but hard to capture as they came and went so quickly! Whenever we feel like a relaxing hour or so, a drive around the Lakes is a true delight.