tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9830575197996898832024-03-14T02:58:20.837+00:00Great British EscapadesEscapade. noun: an act or incident involving excitement, daring, or adventure.
Cumbrian Ramblerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03372624872224851441noreply@blogger.comBlogger536125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-983057519799689883.post-70173789068956070122023-07-07T17:01:00.004+01:002023-07-07T17:04:02.782+01:00Brewer's Loop<p><br /></p><p><span style="color: #ffa400; font-size: x-large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ffa400; font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgifEuEVdUuh3-ES4jwS70xQL2Ggm5AZ-YiFrTJTVF1Xl6ji9vuAuHu7rYXKssNq3ho2ZZN2Zv5UZPmjvSY8mUOPl-XkkHpFS4dXP5PQAWxPRxH1maaLzkitTdixEyXpT8AUxXuV3bdUlYcY0LvSnJvdH5yUwvJw99xYQ0sjkLLdA6NDUopo70Op1sn2p_g/s397/Brewersloop.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="397" data-original-width="261" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgifEuEVdUuh3-ES4jwS70xQL2Ggm5AZ-YiFrTJTVF1Xl6ji9vuAuHu7rYXKssNq3ho2ZZN2Zv5UZPmjvSY8mUOPl-XkkHpFS4dXP5PQAWxPRxH1maaLzkitTdixEyXpT8AUxXuV3bdUlYcY0LvSnJvdH5yUwvJw99xYQ0sjkLLdA6NDUopo70Op1sn2p_g/w421-h640/Brewersloop.jpg" width="421" /></a></span></div><span style="color: #ffa400; font-size: x-large;"><br /><b><br /></b></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">Brewer's Loop, the sequel to <a href="https://cumbrianrambler.blogspot.com/p/our-online-bookstore.html#!/Gin-Cake-&-Rucksacks/p/141005665/category=0" style="color: #dd7700; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Gin, Cake & Rucksacks</a> is finally here! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">After Karen & I toured Cumbria visiting all the gin distilleries and telling their stories, Steve & I decided it was only right to tour Cumbria once again, this time visiting the breweries; all while dragging a beer cask along the way (obviously!).</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">Raising funds for Mountain Rescue volunteers as we went (considering our plans, it felt prudent...), we visited everyone from full-size commercial breweries to family-run microbreweries. With our trusty travel companion, Casky, we climbed mountains, rowed lakes, braved swan invested lagoons and even tried our own homage to Danny MacAskill on the shores of Windermere, as we explored the brewing process and the history of beer in Cumbria. We had an absolute blast and quickly understood why seemingly sane individuals leave lucrative careers to become brewers. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #0a1c2e;">The result is 240 pages of bug bites and chaos, with lots of laughs and a couple of tears, so don your finest beer goggles and grab your copy today: <a href="https://cumbrianrambler.blogspot.com/p/our-online-bookstore.html#!/Brewers-Loop/p/568196293/category=0">Click Here For Beery Brilliance</a></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaVDSOOc8Wp6gaFVxl5pK95Y-yliZOk60AgAEed384nGSdzN-EpoMQamDcX2z45mdmx49L-5D_P7SQewYp3OhI97umH-clSA3hxLBkjWPAMCCH1tKYZQ3bjuduWzZ2DUIDzEk-WYNVK5nMANUZeaBaJ21VxsQyjTlxO7poihn0RP3QF5L0KOMEr9oz02QC/s2520/sitback.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1576" data-original-width="2520" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaVDSOOc8Wp6gaFVxl5pK95Y-yliZOk60AgAEed384nGSdzN-EpoMQamDcX2z45mdmx49L-5D_P7SQewYp3OhI97umH-clSA3hxLBkjWPAMCCH1tKYZQ3bjuduWzZ2DUIDzEk-WYNVK5nMANUZeaBaJ21VxsQyjTlxO7poihn0RP3QF5L0KOMEr9oz02QC/w400-h250/sitback.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Sit back, relax, with a beer in one hand and a beerly good read in the other.<br />(You see what I did there? Trust me, you'll love the book!) </span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://www.mountain.rescue.org.uk/donate/" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="550" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4TrnTUHJGItkJBg_tfLji6r2TGjkONkI8bUqt4SUwGf0VwLef-xAHphisGGQRrMyWDhklwN5IvvpcUHOY8b7KaHgAy5D-EgPX7dTOS8sjCMgvZdC8Mh_IcucMy7cx98DDOTpD6s7N5mM_d5qunijzgPl1IcNqf1-5VoZYNEgY4F9Kx7Ak3kcUJkaR5-XQ/w320-h320/mountain-rescue-1.png" title="Mountain Rescue Donations" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.mountain.rescue.org.uk/donate/" target="_blank">Mountain Rescue Donations</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Cumbrian Ramblerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03372624872224851441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-983057519799689883.post-49318153745623867922021-11-11T17:32:00.007+00:002021-11-13T07:17:03.444+00:00Armistice Day, November 1935<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiDtPmMTdNaD7azI_6KYl_ZRXTYWSLLNzEMf_caS_nTfGGBS3mirkaU8JskIgaMGUgr9edv0t_BfHmuFpJ5i8Hgzr-07EkLHK-VKZbE6QMnI6EdSHgqgDf6Ce0rOEgKDq23yy1tBP07kOeg0QproNSgQ6mtKboJebIi52t_Ym3e6Rf7D2Sc7K4Axg7yQg=s2543" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1236" data-original-width="2543" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiDtPmMTdNaD7azI_6KYl_ZRXTYWSLLNzEMf_caS_nTfGGBS3mirkaU8JskIgaMGUgr9edv0t_BfHmuFpJ5i8Hgzr-07EkLHK-VKZbE6QMnI6EdSHgqgDf6Ce0rOEgKDq23yy1tBP07kOeg0QproNSgQ6mtKboJebIi52t_Ym3e6Rf7D2Sc7K4Axg7yQg=w400-h195" width="400" /></a></div><br />I recently discovered this piece, written by my grandad in November 1935. He was a factory worker and he wrote about the remembrance day service held at Rubery Owen in Darlaston, West Midlands. I think it gives an interesting insight into how things were and how much the effects of 'The Great War' were still being felt. Considering how close they were to World War II, the part about putting our trust in the people who will "...keep the world at peace for years to come..." seems doubly poignant.<p></p><p><br /></p><p>Lest We Forget</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Nov 11<sup>th</sup> 1935<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Once more Armistice day was upon us, and at 10:45am the
annual service of remembrance was about to begin. Anyone coming into our
toolroom would have seen a sight strange to a nuts and bolts factory. Employees
and employers were all gathered together for the purpose of joining in the
thanksgiving to those who during the great war laid down their lives for King
and country.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Eager faces were upon the Rev. B. Chadwick, the vicar of All
Saints Church when he mounted the impressive platform to open the service with
a short prayer, and at his first words “let us pray” every head was bowed and
every tongue was stilled.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">With well-chosen words he prayed for those who had passed
on, and those whom they had left behind, he prayed for those men and women who
were still suffering from the effects of the war, the maimed and the blind and
those whose bodies were still pain-wracked from wounds they received in the
great struggle for supremacy.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">He asked that God’s blessing be upon everyone who had cause
to remember that awful conflict and that extra power would be given to those in
whom we placed our trust, to keep the world at peace in the years to come, and
then all who were congregated there joined in the prayed that our Lord Jesus
Christ taught. “Our father, who art in heaven…”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The vicar then stepped down and his place was taken by
Councillor A G B Owen, one of the board of directors, who had so kindly come to
give a short address, and everyone had a pleasant surprise, for instead of
hearing a speech of intricate terms of phraseology that could not be
understood, we had a delightful sermon in very plain words that came from the
heart, and must have gone to the hearts of those who heard them.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">His address was a message of love, happiness, helpfulness and
Christianity, he told us that to be a good, honest, Christian, we must put our
faith in Christ whom, to use Councillor Owen’s own words “Changes the whole
surface of the world, when he gave so much for us on Calvary.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Councillor Own then spoke of the tract that our Queen sent
to all her friends on the occasion of their Majesties Silver Jubilee and of the
message it contained.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">He also spoke of our King, of how his majesty read a portion
of the bible every day. What an inspiration for all who heard to place their
trust in one to whom even our sovereign kneels to honour.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The dull roar of a maroon in the distance heralded the start
of the two minutes silence, a silence so tense that it could almost be felt. It
seemed as if the very pulsing of our hearts had stopped in reverence of the men
who gave so much for us.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">And then my mind wandered. I no longer stood n our toolroom,
I was on the battlefields of France and what a panorama of destruction lay
before me. Where once the golden grain or wild flowers of every description had
lifted their heads towards the sun, there was now a stench of broken, uneven
ground that looked as if the very fiends of hell had been turned upon it.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Instead of songbirds rising from their nests and sending out
their full throated message of gladness to the world at large, heavy artillery,
machine guns and rifles were sending their screaming, whining messages of death
across that ground which was rightly named “No Man’s Land”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Miles of sandbagged trenches stretched before me along which
I saw many weary tommies, slogging their way through a filth of slime which came
up to their knees, seemingly trying to hold them back from going any further into
this ghastly war.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I saw an officer give the signal and hundreds of men went over
the top and went racing across no mans land in the face of an enemy barrage
that was too terrible to behold. I saw their faces as they went on and one
shouting madly to gain their objective, in their eyes showed that lust which
urged them on to kill and destroy, a lust that seemed so slow that they had
lost all prestige of decency and manhood.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Oh god! How my heart bled when I saw many of them fall and
lie inert on that bloody sword, their lifeblood ebbing from them and staining
the face of the earth a crimson hue.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">And then I saw the ominous yellow mist being borne on the
breeze right into the faces of the charging men. I saw them hastily fitting on
gas masks and then I knew what the cloud was. Poison gas, the most terrible
weapon of the war, a gas which ate the lungs out of any unfortunate who came
into contact with it unprepared.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Then the scene changes. I was in a dressing station behind
the lines. Here I saw women of every station of life in uniforms of red cross
nurses dashing hither and thither, comforting tending and dressing the broken
bodies of the men who were lying on stretchers, or propped up against the
walls. I saw a nurse standing low over a youngster, barely out of his teens,
tears were streaming down her face as she held her ear close to his mouth to
catch the last words of a letter she was writing for him to his mother. I saw
her steady his hand to write his name and then, with a smile of gratitude ad a
softly uttered ‘thank you nurse, god bless you’ the youngster passed on to Him
who said “Come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give
you rest.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">Each year a Remembrance Day service is held on top og Great Gable. <a href=" https://cumbrianrambler.blogspot.com/2013/11/more-than-just-war-memorial.html?m=1">This blog</a> explores the history behind that.</p>Cumbrian Ramblerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03372624872224851441noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-983057519799689883.post-74987343400577381452021-07-18T11:46:00.004+01:002021-07-19T12:28:01.888+01:00A Beginners Guide to Cumbria and The Lake District<p>I decided that now might be a good time to put together a (not entirely serious) user guide for those folks visiting us for the very first time. Please feel free to add things I missed in the comments below.</p><p><b>Roads & driving</b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4LgP2A8IopY/YPQAHFMZTJI/AAAAAAAASzE/jzV-eTgpdPU8lcrEDLXzLtBNi-GjXmAIQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20180507_185056.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4LgP2A8IopY/YPQAHFMZTJI/AAAAAAAASzE/jzV-eTgpdPU8lcrEDLXzLtBNi-GjXmAIQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/20180507_185056.jpg" width="400" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><p></p><p>These still operate in much the same way as they do wherever you are from, but that will probably come as a bit of a shock to many.</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><i>Pedestrians </i>- the cars still have right of way on the roads and allowing children and/ or dogs to play in the middle of a country lane is generally a bad idea. In line with the rest of the UK we drive on the left, so it's advisable to look both ways before crossing. </p><p>If you have to walk along a country lane then do so in single file on the right hand side of the road so you can see oncoming traffic. It's also a good idea to use your ears as well as your eyes - the person you're walking with may be a riveting conversationalist, but when there are large lumps of metal hurtling around at 50mph+ (often being driven by people unfamiliar with the area) it's best to keep your focus on avoiding those and save the in depth chat for the pub later - or a nice quiet footpath.</p><p><i>Drivers </i>- we have a lot of very narrow lanes around here. They are incredibly pretty and many of them command spectacular views. Driving everywhere at 25mph so you can fully admire them, or stopping your car in the middle of a lane to take a photo of said views, will be frowned upon by anyone else trying to use the lane to get to work. We have lots of car parks and laybys perfectly positioned for you to enjoy the scenery.</p><p><i>Saying thank you</i> - always polite, but up here we shy away from the big friendly wave and insted favour the "half nod with index finger raise slightly from the steering wheel" approach. Do anything else and you'll stick out like a sore thumb. </p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><i>Parking </i>- a thorny issue. As I have mentioned, we have lots of car parks and laybys but, on a hot sunny weekend or bank holiday, many of those will be full and overflowing by 10am. When that happens, please don't try to "squeeze in one more", or think that "just because that person has parked there, then it must be fine", pretty, pretty, please, park responsibly.</p></blockquote><p>Please avoid parking in the following places: </p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>passing places - these don't always have a sign in them, but use your common sense to spot them - a small pull in along an otherwise single track lane will be a passing place. </li><li>across the entrance to a field or rammed up next to a field gate - farmers work 7 days a week and need access to their fields at all house of the day and night (seriously, during the summer they will often be out until 11pm and later, then up at the crack of dawn again the next day.)</li><li>opposite other cars along a narrow lane - emergency vehicles will need access from time to time, esepcially during busy summer days when there are more people around than usual - this isn't a city centre, the lane you are blocking could well be the only route in and out of the location so think, if it was you or a loved one who needed an ambulance, would you be happy for it to be delayed by inconsiderate parking?</li><li>on the drive of a random house because it looks empty - sounds bonkers, but has been done more than once.</li></ul><div><b>Food and Drink</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zFVuv2X8PLY/YPQA41GyObI/AAAAAAAASzU/rl4Cos5wDGY71zq0NCuWRq_uf5rrwJwhACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20141128_093154.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zFVuv2X8PLY/YPQA41GyObI/AAAAAAAASzU/rl4Cos5wDGY71zq0NCuWRq_uf5rrwJwhACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/20141128_093154.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hazelmere Bakery & Cafe - Grange-over-Sands</td></tr></tbody></table>It may come as a surprise to a lot of folks, that those of us living up here do not exist on a diet that solely consists of Cumberland sausage and Kendal Mint Cake. Other local delicacies you may wish to sample include <a href="https://thehistoryjar.com/2020/12/18/cumberland-rum-nicky-and-rum-butter/">Cumberland Rum Nicky</a>, Morecambe Bay Shrimps (<a href="https://www.edmondsonspottedshrimps.co.uk/">available here</a>) and <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/XL-Cheese-Flavour-Potato-Crisps/dp/B01N21BIC4">XL Cheese crisps</a> (not made here, but a grab a bag of these, and a can of Vimto, and you'll blend right in like a local).</div><div><br /></div><div>There are loads of wonderful local food and drink producers up here so do try to make the most of them. Whilst Cumbria can, of course, offer you the big chains that you are familiar with, this is the perfect opportunity to try out local cafes and eateries. Some of my favourites include:</div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://unsworthsyard.co.uk/">Unsworth's Yard in Cartmel </a>- utterly divine - local beer, pizza, cheese, bread and wine merchant all surrounding one picture perfect courtyard - what's not to love?</li><li><a href="http://www.ennerdalebrewery.co.uk/">Ennerdale Brewery</a> - for great beer and proper home cooked food that will knock your socks off!</li><li><a href="https://shed1distillery.com/">Shed 1 Gin</a> - gin tasting and an afternoon tea you will never forget!</li><li><a href="http://www.thewainwright.pub/">The Wainwright Pub (Keswick)</a> - excellent range of local beers on tap</li><li><a href="https://thehazelmere.co.uk/">The Hazelmere Cafe (Grange-over-Sands)</a> - cakes, teas, and loads of local produce.</li></ul><div><br /></div><div><b>Wildlife</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cKHugrzEzew/YPQBGOkgxII/AAAAAAAASzY/vH7i1_juTToNLtIzundjJVqomAoT5jrUwCLcBGAsYHQ/s244/Squirrel.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="244" data-original-width="244" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cKHugrzEzew/YPQBGOkgxII/AAAAAAAASzY/vH7i1_juTToNLtIzundjJVqomAoT5jrUwCLcBGAsYHQ/w320-h320/Squirrel.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><b><br /></b></div><div>Red squirrels, sadly, do not scamper around every woodland - in fact you'll be really lucky to spot one - and when you do see one, it will pose perfectly until it sees your camera, whereupon it will disappear at high speed into the undergrowth.</div><div><br /></div><div>Other wildlife to look for up here includes red deer, osprey, seals, and even beavers, although they will be trickier to find. If you want the full lowdown on the local wildlife then check out <a href="https://www.cumbriawildlifetrust.org.uk/">Cumbria Wildlife Trust.</a></div><div><br /></div><div>Sheep and cows may not count as wildlife, but you will encounter plenty of them. Please keep your dog under control at all times around them and, when driving, remember that sheep and cows are unfamiliar with the finer details of highway code so expect to find them sleeping on roads, having lunch on roads and playing chicken with anyone driving towards them.</div><div><br /></div><div>They are also contrary animals - if you want them to leave you alone they will follow you closely, but if you want to get a nice photo of one, they will walk the other way.</div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>Walking up hills</b></div></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P14MWCuL8Ls/YPQBizo7iFI/AAAAAAAASzk/NkfVsQwNJJQs1GRIYKWeckaTPUs6ov2LQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/P7300053.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P14MWCuL8Ls/YPQBizo7iFI/AAAAAAAASzk/NkfVsQwNJJQs1GRIYKWeckaTPUs6ov2LQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/P7300053.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>First the serious part: If you are unfamiliar with hiking up big hills, or maybe just a bit rusty, then pleasse, please, please take a look at the <a href="http://Adventuresmart.UK">Adventuresmart.UK</a> website before heading out. It is FULL of useful information to keep you safe on the fells. I am also assuming that taking your litter home and closing gates behind you goes without saying - although I'm saying it just in case...</div><div><br /></div><div>Other things to think about:</div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>DO NOT RELY ON GOOGLE MAPS - honestly - have you ever looked at Google maps near your home and wondered why it directs you along a random street that makes no sense? Well it's the same in the hills. Google maps is not a navigation tool. Yes, it could help Mountain Rescue to to find you if you need them, but that's about it.</li><li>What Three Words is not a navigation tool either. Again, it can help you be found if you need to be, but no more than that.</li><li>More comprehensive maps are available via apps such as <a href="https://www.viewranger.com/en-gb">Viewranger </a>- but you need more than a map to keep you safe. For a start you need to know how to read it and be able to differentiate between a parish boundary and a footpath.</li><li>When you gotta go... There is<a href="https://www.outsideonline.com/health/training-performance/essential-guide-pooping-anywhere/"> a comprehensive guide to pooping outdoors here </a>- no-one ever talks about it but maybe we should, then people would know what to do. Basically leave no trace - carry a pooh bag with you and do not leave stained white tissues blowing around in the wind. </li><li>Peeing is a lot easier - especially for boys! Ladies, the SheWee is a waste of time and money, plus squatting is great exercise. Be wary of nettles and anything with thorns and try not to be put off by nosey sheep. Also, no tissues - or if you do use one, take it away with you.</li><li>The weather conditions in the valleys will a) vary from valley to valley and b) be very different to the weather on the top of a hill.</li><li>Above 600m you will not find many trees meaning that you will be exposed to the elements - sun, wind, rain etc., so be prepared with extra layers and/ or sunscreen. I would say 'depening on the season' but, frankly, in The Lake District you could need factor 50 sunblock at the start of the walk and full thermals and waterproofs an hour or so later.</li></ul><div><b>Things to do</b></div></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_YVrwaXneZM/YPQB20KQbfI/AAAAAAAASzw/7mnQt0XtiKgwWgKWMQZ8I-7DmijL4vdgwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/P7140066.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_YVrwaXneZM/YPQB20KQbfI/AAAAAAAASzw/7mnQt0XtiKgwWgKWMQZ8I-7DmijL4vdgwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/P7140066.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div><div>Whilst we are the self styled 'Adventure Capital of the UK' and have plenty of high adrenaline activities to keep even the biggest adrenaline junky satisfied (check out <a href="http://Honister.com">Honister.com</a> for starters), there are also hundreds of quiet places to get away from the crowds and enjoy some peace and quiet.</div><div><br /></div><div>Tips for avoiding the crowds:</div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Avoid Bowness, Windermere, Ambleside, Keswick and all of the other 'honey pots' - great if you like a crowd, not if you don't.</li><li>Does it have to be a lake? The lakes will be rammed on hot sunny days, but we have well over 120 miles of coastline to explore, with stunning beaches and bays, so there is always somewhere to escape to.</li><li>East of the M6 - most folks coming up here only head west from the M6, but there are some amazing places to explore to the east - the Eden Valley for starters, so head east and prepare to be surprised.</li><li>Read a map - if you can get to grips with a map of Cumbria you'll find plenty of fells, tarns and quiet spots that are far from the beaten track - places you can walk all day in the middle of the busy season and still not see another soul. And if your mapreading is rusty go back and check out the <a href="http://AdventureSmart.UK">AdventureSmart.UK</a> website I mentioned earlier.)</li></ul><div><b>Useful websites:</b></div></div><div><br /></div><div>Here are a list of useful websites to help you find your way around and make the most of your visit:</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.visitlakedistrict.com/whats-on">What's on in the Lake District and Cumbria</a></div><div><a href="https://www.lakedistrict.gov.uk/visiting/where-to-stay">Accomodation in Cumbria</a> - from tents to 5 star hotels</div><div><a href="https://www.visitcumbria.com/go/">Things to do in Cumbria</a></div><div><a href="https://www.cumbria.police.uk/Traffic/Traffic.aspx">Cumbria Police Traffic page</a></div><div><a href="https://www.lakedistrict.gov.uk/learning/factsandfigures">Facts and figures about the Lake District National Park</a></div><div><a href="https://www.lakedistrict.gov.uk/visiting/car-park-status">Check how full the car parks are</a> - live updates (thanks Jill Holliday for the idea to add this one)</div><div><br /></div><div><b>And finally</b></div><div><br /></div><div>If you want to find out more about Cumbria and the Lake District, then buy one of our books - you'll be helping to support a small local busines AND learning more about the county. Win Win! <a href="https://cumbrianrambler.blogspot.com/p/our-online-bookstore.html">Click this link</a> to browse & buy. Thank you.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><p></p>Cumbrian Ramblerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03372624872224851441noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-983057519799689883.post-2828866647357643402021-06-01T17:50:00.000+01:002021-06-01T17:50:13.844+01:00Dog walkers, runners and psychos...<p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SYcYNWLUO9I/YLZYf1V_ZLI/AAAAAAAASrw/s09Ha2UcVE4SiRiqcN70MXutCR_nC6y0QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2543/20210428_082014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1236" data-original-width="2543" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SYcYNWLUO9I/YLZYf1V_ZLI/AAAAAAAASrw/s09Ha2UcVE4SiRiqcN70MXutCR_nC6y0QCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/20210428_082014.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunshine on Grange prom</td></tr></tbody></table>I inherited my love for walking from my dad. He never needed an excuse to walk and neither do I. Walking was his 'thing' and it's also mine. It never really occured to me that some people might find it odd to go out for a walk on your own when you don't have a dog, or aren't clad in lycra and cluitching a water bottle, but then last year I was asked to judge a podcast comeptition and one of the entrants focused on how they felt a little odd 'just going for a walk'.</p><p>The title of the blog comes from my friend Rachel, who used it in a Facebook post after she'd been on a morning walk. I know she was joking, but it got me thinking...</p><p>...And then I was invited to review the book <a href="https://thedobook.co/products/do-walk" target="_blank">'Do Walk' by Libby DeLana </a>- Libby goes for a meditative walk every morning at 5am; the book is a reflection on those walks, and it's made me reflect on my own morning walks.<br /></p><p>I never used to go for a 'morning walk' until 'Lockdown 1' curtailed my work travel, and now I don't know what I'd do without it. In fact we recently went on hols to Scotland - we had an amazing time walking, cycling, swimming and kayaking but, after we got home I was feeling antsy and I didn't know why. We'd had fun, I didn't mind being home and I was quite happy to get back to work, but I just wasn't settled.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xOoqyYxRRAM/YLZbfYK084I/AAAAAAAASsM/hgfXJZgsBqYl3yNY4WFVrtuhXqxnPU-WwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2543/20210525_154940.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1236" data-original-width="2543" height="195" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xOoqyYxRRAM/YLZbfYK084I/AAAAAAAASsM/hgfXJZgsBqYl3yNY4WFVrtuhXqxnPU-WwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h195/20210525_154940.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A lovely bike ride to Port Logan</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-amMAEGXoPVc/YLZZY-9Lu4I/AAAAAAAASr8/lOIRbd7IXuUXzRKNZf8AZqdAI1bZScGawCLcBGAsYHQ/s1920/20210524_154623.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-amMAEGXoPVc/YLZZY-9Lu4I/AAAAAAAASr8/lOIRbd7IXuUXzRKNZf8AZqdAI1bZScGawCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/20210524_154623.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kayaking - so much easier without the water...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>It wasn't until we headed for Coniston Water on Bank Holiday Monday that it all fell into place. After going for a lacklustre swim I left Steve to head off for a longer paddle in the kayak while I headed off up into the Blawith Fells, and then I realised - despite having loads of fun, I'd not had my morning walk and I really missed it. Suddenly I was alone with my thoughts again (despite the large crowds on the water, the fells were pretty quiet) and I began to feel so much better. Nothing against Steve at all - I love going for walks with him - I just needed some alone time.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pnYdiDa7Kkk/YLZbMySFWXI/AAAAAAAASsE/h-uITb4b0P0ET07KubpqWT1ztBkolb_1QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2543/20210531_123422.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1236" data-original-width="2543" height="195" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pnYdiDa7Kkk/YLZbMySFWXI/AAAAAAAASsE/h-uITb4b0P0ET07KubpqWT1ztBkolb_1QCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h195/20210531_123422.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alone again...</td></tr></tbody></table><p>In her book, Libby explores this, and it's a fascinating read although, being from New England, some of her winter walks are a lot more extreme than mine, plus I only ever walk for around 40 minutes whereas she heads off on some pretty hefty hikes. I love the part where she talks about really seeing things on your walk and quotes a friend as saying "you never see anyone running through an art gallery" - I'm pretty good at slowing down on my walks, so that made me smile.</p><p>She also talks a lot about the solitude of the walks and that has had me pondering too, especially since lockdown restrictions have eased. I find I am torn between the part of me that says it's selfish to want my beautiful morning walks through the woods all to myself, and the part that truly resents seeing other people on 'my' walk.</p><p>And here's another question - is 'Good Morning' compulsory? My working life requires me to talk to people all day, so I savour my solo morning walks and specifically take less popular routes. If I do meet someone else and they offer a 'good morning' I will smile and return the greeting - but there's one gentleman on my walk who, if I don't reply loudly enough, will stop in his tracks and shout 'GOOD MORNING!" at me until I reply in a manner that satisfies him.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LHGMWa6VXQ8/YLZcVGmit8I/AAAAAAAASsU/Jgwa4MhvSosq7PME010MZWvdfMW_g1bLACLcBGAsYHQ/s2543/20210518_081809.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1236" data-original-width="2543" height="196" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LHGMWa6VXQ8/YLZcVGmit8I/AAAAAAAASsU/Jgwa4MhvSosq7PME010MZWvdfMW_g1bLACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h196/20210518_081809.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's mine...all mine!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>I've seen some really sharp comments on social media recently with folks getting angry when others share pictures of their favourite quiet spot, thus 'ruining it'. Wordsworth thought that <a href="https://www.johndobson.info/Tourists/NumberedPages/Page_39.php">only the 'right sort of people</a>' should come to visit the Lake District - but who gets to determine what the 'right sort of people' are? (I don't have a complete answer to that, but I'll kick off with people who know how to park properly, close a gate and take their litter home, for starters.) </p><p>The 'right sort of people' on my morning walk would be those who slip past quietly, in their own little world, and definitley not the ones who shout at me but, for them, the 'right sort of people' could be the person that stops to chat a while. Who's to say which is right?</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F62suYbLhAk/YLZhjpiumLI/AAAAAAAASsc/37aHiuDmdgk0CpQP1r7NTpByYaRq1NG0wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2543/20210505_083440.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1236" data-original-width="2543" height="195" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F62suYbLhAk/YLZhjpiumLI/AAAAAAAASsc/37aHiuDmdgk0CpQP1r7NTpByYaRq1NG0wCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h195/20210505_083440.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My favourite view from my morning walk</td></tr></tbody></table><p>As well as meaningful insights and reflections the book also has lots of practical tips too - very handy for those new to walking or needing a bit of inspiration. I can also vouch for the fact that, as with most things, it goes splendidly with a spot of sunshine and a big mug of tea.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0O7ceQbhxOo/YLZh_AeYFaI/AAAAAAAASso/FkngRGXCR28hOwSt1-bglf5Bf3Mcw9mVQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2543/20210527_101759.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1236" data-original-width="2543" height="195" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0O7ceQbhxOo/YLZh_AeYFaI/AAAAAAAASso/FkngRGXCR28hOwSt1-bglf5Bf3Mcw9mVQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h195/20210527_101759.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>You can find the book at <a href="http://thedobook.co">thedobook.co</a> and it really is a rather lovely read, full of great quotes and interesting photos.</p><p>You can find me in Eggerslack Woods most mornings. I'm also full of great quotes, but best left alone at that time of day. And please don't shout 'good morning' at me either. Thank you. 😀</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Cumbrian Ramblerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03372624872224851441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-983057519799689883.post-53517938946251856982021-05-10T19:14:00.006+01:002021-05-10T19:14:54.646+01:00Don't blame The Townies<p>As lockdown restrictions finally begin to properly ease - hopefully for good this time - there will be some people dreading the thunder of a million feet heading towards the Lake District. This is understandable, last year there were some dreadful scenes of people disrespecting the landscape, leaving litter, wrecking trees, parking inconsiderately and, sadly, leaving gates open that resulted in the deaths of livestock. Hopefully things will be better this year but, if they're not, please don't collectively blame 'the townie'.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i6QW5pMJr3g/YJlydrRoFcI/AAAAAAAASqk/5rj8xFLyOh8Flx3GdeqHQwh4VI5VtbamgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2543/20210411_115535.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1236" data-original-width="2543" height="195" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i6QW5pMJr3g/YJlydrRoFcI/AAAAAAAASqk/5rj8xFLyOh8Flx3GdeqHQwh4VI5VtbamgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h195/20210411_115535.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table></p><p>I was raised a townie. I had no control over where I was born and raised and, as soon as I was able to, I escaped to greener pastures, but it was drilled into me at a very early age to respect the countryside. (For anyone who knows the West Mids, Walsall Arboretum was our nearest decent sized area of greenery, trips to Sutton Park were a *massive* treat and Cannock Chase was like taking a trip abroad!) </p><p>Closer to home we'd play in the rough strip of ground behind the house, making dens and swings and eating enough blackberries to make us sick. Although we promised that we would never to go further than the end of the road, clandestine trips to Reedswood were the highlight of many a summer - untethered by phone calls demanding to know our whereabouts, or trackers to show where we were at all times, we explored and adventured far beyond where we were supposed to. </p><p>We may have wandered beyond our boundaries, but we never left litter or caused any permanent damage - although there were no mobile phones, or CCTV, we all knew that our mums had eyes everywhere and would somehow know if we'd left an empty crisp packet in one of our dens.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P2RChQ8hlxA/YJly1fO4TpI/AAAAAAAASqw/poaGJrFYwaAZ7XowgNVUh1e3Pw4JUq7AwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20151007_174008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P2RChQ8hlxA/YJly1fO4TpI/AAAAAAAASqw/poaGJrFYwaAZ7XowgNVUh1e3Pw4JUq7AwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/20151007_174008.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me, somewhere in Wales, circa 1977</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><p>I was lucky enough to holiday in Wales regularly, and that always included a daily walk somewhere. I was taught how to dress properly and wear the right shoes and I was expected to observe 'The Countryside Code' at all times (as well as being sure to 'Keep Britain Tidy')</p><p>Because I grew up far away from the countryside, to me it is still a rare and beautiful thing and I still get excited every time I see lambs, or calfs, or birds, or the sea, or a million other things that I never saw regularly as a kid. I am keen to protect it, plant the right flowers and bushes to encourage bees and butterflies and try to keep my 'footprint' as small as possible.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EIOHRe6PJgE/YJlzGTtsRBI/AAAAAAAASq4/-0yxIXssUtom-DGTqdmAntPfy_5TPxyewCLcBGAsYHQ/s2543/20201013_083207.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1236" data-original-width="2543" height="195" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EIOHRe6PJgE/YJlzGTtsRBI/AAAAAAAASq4/-0yxIXssUtom-DGTqdmAntPfy_5TPxyewCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h195/20201013_083207.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grange Prom</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Being controversial, in my experience, sometimes it's the people who grew up with all of that around them that take it for granted. We live in a conservation zone and have neighbours who have lived in the area all their life, but they have ripped up every flowering plant and concreted over their entire garden, turning it into a natural desert. Every leaf is swept the moment it touches the floor and jet washing of the paved backyard is a monthly event. A very few, select, green things are allowed, but they are strictly confined to colour co-ordinated tubs. On the brightside it's inspired me to go a little bit 'wild flower crazy' to try and compensate for their concrete wasteland.</p><p>The point is that it's never as straight forward as blaming one type of person or another, that simply causes division where there doesn't need to be any. We need to focus on doing more to educate everyone about what, I absoultely agree, should be basic common sense, such as taking your litter home, closing gates behind you and not parking like a wazzock. </p><p>I don't have all the answers to the big questions, but I do know that there are amazing groups like the Lakes Plastic Collective who are doing fantastic work to keep the region looking beautiful - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/The-Lakes-Plastic-Collective-103391254958328/" target="_blank">check out their Facebook page here</a> and support them if you can - we can achieve a lot more by working together than we can by creating more division. (You can also find them on <a href="https://twitter.com/lakesplasticcol?lang=en" target="_blank">Twitter here</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/thelakesplasticcollective/?hl=en" target="_blank">Instagram here</a>)</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kvExvnoOdgs/YJl2ZPxLN2I/AAAAAAAASrA/_5UG8VYtM0IgH6Ceb5h0E8El7pFUPHMhwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2543/20210412_082108.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1236" data-original-width="2543" height="195" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kvExvnoOdgs/YJl2ZPxLN2I/AAAAAAAASrA/_5UG8VYtM0IgH6Ceb5h0E8El7pFUPHMhwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h195/20210412_082108.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>We don't cover the blog in adverts and rely on a steady sale of our books to fund the site. <a href="https://cumbrianrambler.blogspot.com/p/our-online-bookstore.html" target="_blank">You can find them all here</a> - please feel free to have a browse. Thank you.</i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LqO3EUKa37I/YJl4CRlN9OI/AAAAAAAASrM/yYWT3XZwoTIJ564zy91xzPGBePpmfJeOwCLcBGAsYHQ/s653/Books.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="515" data-original-width="653" height="315" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LqO3EUKa37I/YJl4CRlN9OI/AAAAAAAASrM/yYWT3XZwoTIJ564zy91xzPGBePpmfJeOwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h315/Books.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Cumbrian Ramblerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03372624872224851441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-983057519799689883.post-37868964945518550422021-04-27T19:23:00.001+01:002021-04-27T22:57:13.975+01:00The best benches in Cumbria<p>Yes, I'm back blogging! It's been a while I know but, to be brutally honest, like many folks, 2020/21 pretty much kicked the stuffing out of me and it was hard to find things to write about that were chirpy and positive when we were stuck indoors all winter, but now we are out and about and things are looking up (at least for now!)</p><p>What better way to bounce back than with a quick blog about benches? I flipping love a good bench - who doesn't? Actually, I'll tell you who, because benches are more controversial than you'd think. One of the most important things we can do to help the older population is to help them keep walking - it's great exercise, plus it's a social activity, giving them a chance to meet and talk to other people, thus staving off loneliness. But, in order to encourage them out more, we need to give them more benches to sit on, where they can pause and catch their breath, and the problem with that is that in many urban areas they are actively removing benches as they are a natural gathering point for ne'er do wells and rowdy youths.</p><p>Tis true, I found out about it a few years ago when I was working just outside Preston. As per usual I'd packed my sarnies and headed out at lunchtime to a nearby park, planning to sit and eat my lunch in the sunshine, but this lovely park didn't have one single bench - so I asked why and that's when I found out about the conundrum. Scary isn't it? I wish I had an answer, but maybe highlighting it so more folks are aware and talking about it is the best first thing I can do.</p><p>And now - onto my favourite benches in Cumbria... (Yeah, I know you'll disagree, but that's part of the fun. Plus I am not including *that* bench on Friar's Crag as it's already too popular by far! 😀 )</p><p><b>1. The one with the view of Blencathra</b></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8OB2Hjpbjlg/YIhRMwsOFtI/AAAAAAAASpk/Z01Uhxgkagc0HIcLCJj8kgiw_3R4D4XHwCLcBGAsYHQ/s960/Glenderamackin%2BPicnic%2Bspot.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8OB2Hjpbjlg/YIhRMwsOFtI/AAAAAAAASpk/Z01Uhxgkagc0HIcLCJj8kgiw_3R4D4XHwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/Glenderamackin%2BPicnic%2Bspot.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>A friend recently stumbled upon this bench and reminded me of this fabulous walk - it's pretty out of the way but the view is utterly spectacular. Don't be fooled by the idyllic image though, after we left this bench we got a little bit lost in a very big bog, and I had a proper dodgy old pair of walking boots on and had to wring my socks out at the end. Still a great bench though!</p><p><br /></p><p><b>2. The one on Scout Scar</b></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a0pHyBOYPl8/YIhSDli524I/AAAAAAAASps/sggipsT0mrY6IkJoQl8-OYA8FyLbVS89wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20180507_131437.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a0pHyBOYPl8/YIhSDli524I/AAAAAAAASps/sggipsT0mrY6IkJoQl8-OYA8FyLbVS89wCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/20180507_131437.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I love Scout Scar - it's utterly perfect for a family walk with free parking nearby and an easily accesible walk along the ridge. You can just do a tiny toddle to a bench for lunch, or wander around the scar for the entire afternoon, admiring the far reaching 360 degree views. There are loads a juniper bushes up there too, in case you fancy brewing your own gin.<p></p><p></p><div><br /></div><div><b>3. The surprise bench</b></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hUdj4lGPWXY/YIhTFyvPkQI/AAAAAAAASp0/YKa2yuOvrEEAXPOsvWCBC-wl0zCZpXULQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Millom%2BBench.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hUdj4lGPWXY/YIhTFyvPkQI/AAAAAAAASp0/YKa2yuOvrEEAXPOsvWCBC-wl0zCZpXULQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/Millom%2BBench.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>If there's one thing better than a bench, then it's a surprise bench - a beautiful bench that pops up when you least expect it. I pretty much literally stumbled across this one on an 'off the beaten track' kind of yomp around the hills near Millom. The town often gets a bad rap, but I have a huge soft spot for it, and who wouldn't with benches like this?</div><div><br /></div><div><b>4. The one that requires a bit of effort</b></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VbWBLFY_ptY/YIhTqOn_isI/AAAAAAAASp8/KlZnr7jLPL0l3r3TxQfoZtPs5iKyRxpNQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1067/Bench%2Band%2BLangdales.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="711" data-original-width="1067" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VbWBLFY_ptY/YIhTqOn_isI/AAAAAAAASp8/KlZnr7jLPL0l3r3TxQfoZtPs5iKyRxpNQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h266/Bench%2Band%2BLangdales.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div><div>How's this for a bench with a view? You can find this beauty half way up The Band, and it was absolutely flipping perishing the day we took that pic. We'd been testing out a small stove that was supposed to brew up water in super quick time, but took so long that I half froze to death and vowed to only travel with flasks of hot tea in the future.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>5. The Royal Bench</b></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hruMXYzfeXs/YIhUJhQB0BI/AAAAAAAASqE/3kZj77Q83-8vwjCggfO-lNX3WaeM-iNrgCLcBGAsYHQ/s962/Group%2BBench%2BOwen.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="641" data-original-width="962" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hruMXYzfeXs/YIhUJhQB0BI/AAAAAAAASqE/3kZj77Q83-8vwjCggfO-lNX3WaeM-iNrgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h266/Group%2BBench%2BOwen.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div><div>This bench was so good that we took William and Kate to see it, and they loved it too! You can find it above the shores of Ullswater, although it is a little off the main path. You get amazing views of Helvellyn and the boats tootling too and fro along Ullswater. I can't promise that you'll always bump into a member of the royal family up there, but you never know.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Buy our books!</b></div><div><br /></div><div>If you're planning your perfect post lockdown escape to the Lake District then what better than one of our books to guide you around? We're always happy to sign them and promise to pack them with love and skip to the post office to send them off - now you won't get that offer from anywhere else! <a href="https://cumbrianrambler.blogspot.com/p/our-online-bookstore.html"><b>CLICK HERE</b></a> to check our bookshelves and place your order. Thank you!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hjJpmxApXro/YIhVjP1b6SI/AAAAAAAASqM/u6epGeUiw9ELfnMuexJtK8gpz53dzfICQCLcBGAsYHQ/s653/Books.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="515" data-original-width="653" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hjJpmxApXro/YIhVjP1b6SI/AAAAAAAASqM/u6epGeUiw9ELfnMuexJtK8gpz53dzfICQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Books.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div>Cumbrian Ramblerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03372624872224851441noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-983057519799689883.post-17512736176110012082021-01-10T10:47:00.005+00:002021-01-11T09:30:06.639+00:00Keeping things on the lowdown...<p>Another year, another lockdown, and we're as fed up and frustrated about it as everyone else, but it is what it is. As someone who walks, writes and shares photos about our Cumbrian adventures I feel it's important that everything I do and share is in line with... well, I was going to say 'government guidelines' but the reality is those guidelines should be common sense by now.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QtC4srN80OE/X_rYmCZlmMI/AAAAAAAASiA/ww-ucLEx_CozCydfYEGJ79wILu20CzvrwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2543/20201013_082741.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1236" data-original-width="2543" height="195" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QtC4srN80OE/X_rYmCZlmMI/AAAAAAAASiA/ww-ucLEx_CozCydfYEGJ79wILu20CzvrwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h195/20201013_082741.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>I'll be honest, I'm running out of patience with the endless debates amongst some of the outdoors community who are quoting and re-quoting their interpretation of government guidelines as if to find a loophole that allows them to race to the top of Scafell Pike. The way I see it is this: we all know what's going on, by now we all probably know someone who has been affected by the virus, so we all know that even though it's a pain in the ass, the best thing we can do is stay low, stay local and stay safe.</p><p>And it's not just me saying that - <a href="https://cumbriacrack.com/2021/01/08/mountain-rescue-teams-lockdown-appeal-to-visitors/" target="_blank">Mountain Rescue are also facing enormous challenges</a>. They are all volunteers and many of their members are fronline NHS workers - the last thing they need is to be called out for fully avoidable incidents. None of us set out with the express aim of having an accident and calling Mountian Rescue, we all think it will never be us, but the reality is that accidents can happen even to the best prepared of folks, but by staying on low, safer, local routes, we can vastly reduce the chances of that happening.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X74tVib5Fyk/X_rYBxQ7QdI/AAAAAAAAShw/ZQSb46cZWWYpg4TVKHCi3MWRwzES0LssgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20180507_185144.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X74tVib5Fyk/X_rYBxQ7QdI/AAAAAAAAShw/ZQSb46cZWWYpg4TVKHCi3MWRwzES0LssgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/20180507_185144.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Interesting fact: Hardknott Pass is technically a national speed limit road. That means that, if I wanted to, I could tear along it at 60mph - but we all know that's a bad idea. I should imagine that <i>"But, your Honour, the sign said I could do 60mph!"</i> will carry little merit as a defence after I've embedded my car deep in the Roman fort... I don't need a sign on every bend telling me precisely what speed I should be doing, instead I will revert to the guidance in the Highway Code that tells me something like I need to be in control of my vehicle at all times and be able to anticpate hazards. For me, it's the same with this guidance, just because, on a technicality, I could justify a hike up the nearest snowy peak, doesn't mean I should.<p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x2isOaAmUI8/X_rWQvlbbVI/AAAAAAAAShk/D0iRaTU_Ds4uTQh-R_ERnCuD_CC3d1ToACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20201020_084440.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x2isOaAmUI8/X_rWQvlbbVI/AAAAAAAAShk/D0iRaTU_Ds4uTQh-R_ERnCuD_CC3d1ToACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/20201020_084440.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>I fully appreciate that we are supremely blessed at being locked down in Grange-over-Sands with stunning Morecambe Bay on our doorstep and Hampsfell just across the road, and I never, even for one second, take that for granted but, wherever you are, every walk can be made more interesting and beneficial (I grew up as an urban kid on a council estate so I absolutley know what it's like to live with limited greenery). To try and help a little, here are my top tips for making every walk more interesting, plus some ideas for those with kids (or those of us who refuse to grow up!)</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Walk with all 5 senses</b> - take the time to see, hear, smell and touch (where safe) your environment. Run your hands over a tree trunk, a wall or a rock. Take some deep breaths to truly smell the air, listen to your feet and the different noise they make on different surfaces. Look for the small details on houses, street signs etc. Taste is tricky at the moment, especially since they reclassified a cup of coffee as a picnic, but take a chocolate with you, pop it in your mouth halfway around, and let it dissolve slowly on your tongue as you take in your surroundings.</li><li><b>Spot something different on each walk</b> - make it your mission to find smething new every time you go out - doesn't matter how big or small it is. We've spotted fossils in the prom wall that we'd never seen before, and noticed dates and initials on different houses. We've also watched closely as the seasons have changed around us and spotted lots of tiny details that we would otherwise have missed.</li><li><b>Tool up and do a litter pick.</b> Obviously we have to be a lot more careful now, but a pair of Marigolds and a bag should see you in good stead; there's still plenty of litter that needs clearing, including far too many face masks blowing around...</li><li><b>Make up stories as you go! </b> I honestly thought that everyone did this, but turns out they don't. Invent stories about people you pass - maybe they're spies, or brilliant scientists, or a world famous opera singer that you just don't recognise because they have their mask on. Is that just a tree or is there a door around the other side leading to another world? Perhaps there's a spaceship inside? And that hut at the back of the park - just the workman's hut or is it covering the top of a stairway that leads to a secret subterranean hidden world? Yes, I know it's all a bit bonkers, but it takes your mind off the here and now.</li><li><b>Build up a photo story</b> - take a picture in the same place, of the same feature, each time you go out. Watch how it changes over the months. It will be great to look back on when you put them all together.</li><li>If you can get off the beaten track with your kids a little, <b> collect leaves, twigs,</b> or other bits and pieces to make a collage when you get home. Or, if you feel more comfortable, photograph them then draw, paint to model them when you get home - and then make up stories about it.</li><li><b>Learn about your local history</b> - there are loads of fantstic online local history resources so have a dig around and learn about your neighbourhood. Find old photos online and match them up to today's view, find out who built where you live and what was there before.</li></ul><div>Please join me in staying low and staying local - I'll only be walking from the door until things change and I'll only share posts on social media where people have done the same. It feels like forever right now, but I can guarantee that during the summer of 2025, we'll be sat around in a pub garden, enjoying a glass of wine in the sunshine with our friends and family, and someone will say "The pandemic? Wow, I can't believe that was 5 years ago."</div><div><br /></div><div>And if you have any other ideas and tips for making local walks more interesting, please feel free to share them below!</div><p></p>Cumbrian Ramblerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03372624872224851441noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-983057519799689883.post-32682554860325547672020-12-29T10:18:00.005+00:002020-12-29T10:18:42.629+00:00Be careful what you wish for...<p>I feel that 2020 may be all my fault. One year ago today <a href="https://cumbrianrambler.blogspot.com/2019/12/happy-new-527040-minutes.html" target="_blank">I wrote this blog</a> about how 2019 had gotten away from me and how my wish was to spend more time at home in 2020. Boy, did that wish come true. After a couple of mini adventures in January, February and March, everything screeched to a rather dramatic halt. I dug out my old work handbag the other day and found my final train ticket in there, dated 12th March 2020 - for someone who used to rack up intergalactic mileage on the trains every year, this has been quite a change of pace.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0sSq43f9vUc/X-r4ulCNgnI/AAAAAAAASfQ/FGr9-1_zlkMlNFLQqRB0sw55bLxq3Co-wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2543/20200706_154647.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1236" data-original-width="2543" height="195" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0sSq43f9vUc/X-r4ulCNgnI/AAAAAAAASfQ/FGr9-1_zlkMlNFLQqRB0sw55bLxq3Co-wCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h195/20200706_154647.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p><b>The mini adventures</b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Before lockdown hit work took me to Dublin and Littlehampton</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S5naQOICxJI/X-r5EJzQc4I/AAAAAAAASfg/CqtYKLgA9vwS6TRqeBuJYjyoZAlk5vOJgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2543/20200129_100339.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1236" data-original-width="2543" height="195" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S5naQOICxJI/X-r5EJzQc4I/AAAAAAAASfg/CqtYKLgA9vwS6TRqeBuJYjyoZAlk5vOJgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h195/20200129_100339.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cliff walk near Bray (Dublin)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3LeSTnBFtiY/X-r5WMqg1ZI/AAAAAAAASfo/4EVI-Tryfho5O2KtuOqoZJj3TJl3UwcagCLcBGAsYHQ/s2543/20200123_132047.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1236" data-original-width="2543" height="195" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3LeSTnBFtiY/X-r5WMqg1ZI/AAAAAAAASfo/4EVI-Tryfho5O2KtuOqoZJj3TJl3UwcagCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h195/20200123_132047.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Littlehampton</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>As usual, I tagged on some extra time for exploring, which was all very lovely, but still rather at odds with my plan to spend more time at home.</div><div><br /></div><div>In March, the week before lockdown, we finally got away together in Delores for a week in Clitheroe - it really is a lovely spot and well worth exploring - the sculpture trails alone make it worth the trip.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1zXLyq1wwm8/X-r6DPHU8vI/AAAAAAAASfw/ENNyU312IJsNq0gy1k4MCZPPt6xrJ0SwgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20200318_145718.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1925" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1zXLyq1wwm8/X-r6DPHU8vI/AAAAAAAASfw/ENNyU312IJsNq0gy1k4MCZPPt6xrJ0SwgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/20200318_145718.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sculpture Trail - Clitheroe</td></tr></tbody></table><b>Lessons from lockdown</b><div><br /></div><div>Since March we've barely left Cumbria - we took one trip to Wolverhampton to see my elderly mum during the lockdown reprise over the summer, and a couple of trips to Morecambe for some flat walks after I stuffed my leg in July. Have I missed all the travelling? Not one single bit of it. I have had zero lonely nights in hotels, zero unapetising train picnics, loads more sleep and have spent tons more time with Steve (which I have absolutely loved and I'm hoping he's enjoyed it too! 😁 )</div><div><br /></div><div>Not that this year has been easy - far from it - we lost our entire income and were firmly in the group that qualified for zero government support - but I'm a stubborn old mule and by working incredibly hard together (another big plus, we have dug deep and worked our collective socks off together this year) we are still here. As with any tough journey, lessons have been learned along the way, so I thought I'd share the things we've learned during 2020 in case they are of help to anyone else.</div><div><br /></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Focus on "can" not "can't" - I keep banging on about this, but it is absolutely at the heart of everything we do. There have been an enormous amount of "can'ts" in 2020, but there have been plenty of "cans" too.</li><li>Ask for help. Honestly we would not be here if it weren't for each other and the support of family and friends. In April, May and June we had absolutely nothing and I was utterly humbled by the way our friends stepped up to offer help and support, They even sent gin!</li><li>Learn new things. We have learned countless new tech platforms this year as we completely reinvented our business. There were some very long weekends, lots of tears of frustration and several entertaining mishaps - like the time I pressed the wrong button and kicked every single delegate out of a training session mid way through. Ooops! We survived though!</li><li>Set firm boundaries between home and work - if you work from home, that's not always easy, but try changing clothes at the end of the day, going for a 'fake commute walk' before you start and after you finish, hide your work stuff away when you're not using it, and avoid saying "Just this one more email" - it will still be there when you log on tomorrow.</li><li>Be nice to yourself - we have all had a crap year and we're all feeling pretty fraught just now, so ease up and quit beating yourself up for not living up to your impossibly high standards. I've always hated the expression 'guilty pleasure' - just take time out to indulge in what you love, whether that's The Times crossword or bingewatching the every episode of Friends.</li><li>Accept change. This is a toughie, but things won't magically 'go back to normal' - we've all been changed by this. One of my favourite quotes on change comes from the "Way of the Peaceful Warrior" by Dan Millman: <i>"The secret of change is to focus all your energy not on fighting the old, but on building the new."</i></li></ul>Of course I've also learned to enjoy flat walks, thanks to my slow healing leg, and have enjoyed watching the seasons change on my many (many!) walks along Grange prom.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vxJkm4pERK4/X-r_9_c-p8I/AAAAAAAASf8/uyunWyvcFj0QlkxixrI9wpayq7Sz2iz6ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2543/20200409_131136.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1236" data-original-width="2543" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vxJkm4pERK4/X-r_9_c-p8I/AAAAAAAASf8/uyunWyvcFj0QlkxixrI9wpayq7Sz2iz6ACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/20200409_131136.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-531JDbxN9bA/X-sAHOiQUJI/AAAAAAAASgA/1gRJloSkRL4sMW8vEl8p4LFyMCTNRePhwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2543/20200407_113346.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1236" data-original-width="2543" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-531JDbxN9bA/X-sAHOiQUJI/AAAAAAAASgA/1gRJloSkRL4sMW8vEl8p4LFyMCTNRePhwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/20200407_113346.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bCFinWf3HVU/X-sAQHHKPZI/AAAAAAAASgI/wDNDwyShpWYgVzyfHC67Aw3GOAXMpaZJACLcBGAsYHQ/s2543/20200503_151216.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1236" data-original-width="2543" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bCFinWf3HVU/X-sAQHHKPZI/AAAAAAAASgI/wDNDwyShpWYgVzyfHC67Aw3GOAXMpaZJACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/20200503_151216.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VsWMqgGwk_s/X-sAc3mij-I/AAAAAAAASgQ/0ydwo2aeoigVNuTz3ZOCjzDL6FiSvKarQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2543/20200624_082024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1236" data-original-width="2543" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VsWMqgGwk_s/X-sAc3mij-I/AAAAAAAASgQ/0ydwo2aeoigVNuTz3ZOCjzDL6FiSvKarQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/20200624_082024.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dr70W_gacpI/X-sAjReHfoI/AAAAAAAASgY/I3kpNlAlTms_sT8ssYPt_rEhXN08lZqkgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2543/20201013_082741.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1236" data-original-width="2543" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dr70W_gacpI/X-sAjReHfoI/AAAAAAAASgY/I3kpNlAlTms_sT8ssYPt_rEhXN08lZqkgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/20201013_082741.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sNmzh8ctFXY/X-sApXzLx1I/AAAAAAAASgc/HQT-X3-zRbA5VzTQPaQ1KeuJ_zfoN9dhQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2543/20201115_104231.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1236" data-original-width="2543" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sNmzh8ctFXY/X-sApXzLx1I/AAAAAAAASgc/HQT-X3-zRbA5VzTQPaQ1KeuJ_zfoN9dhQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/20201115_104231.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-92piZRkiX0A/X-sAtq-R43I/AAAAAAAASgk/pdNX4AFXdAMRxTN745gb0JDNKKNeP3cbgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2539/20201112_132334.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1239" data-original-width="2539" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-92piZRkiX0A/X-sAtq-R43I/AAAAAAAASgk/pdNX4AFXdAMRxTN745gb0JDNKKNeP3cbgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/20201112_132334.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Thank you to everyone who has supported us this year by buying books, sending gin and/ or buying us a virtual coffee - we really do appreciate it! Here's hoping 2021 is a little less eventful - and I hope your new year is a peaceful and happy one.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>DON'T FORGET</b> - we still have <a href="https://cumbrianrambler.blogspot.com/p/our-online-bookstore.html" target="_blank"><b>all our books for sale right here</b></a> - perfect for a virual escape or for planning your next Cumbrian adventure!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><br /><br /></div></div>Cumbrian Ramblerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03372624872224851441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-983057519799689883.post-46451100139141823862020-11-27T15:02:00.001+00:002020-11-27T15:02:05.871+00:0010 Great Gift Ideas for lovers of Cumbria<p>It's that time of year again! And this year this blog is more important than ever - so many of our wonderful small business are facing massive challenges due to the continuing COVID restrictions - even if they're allowed to open, so many regions near here are in Tier 3 that few people will be able to travel.</p><p>BUT we can still support them by shopping online. Trust me, Jeff Bezos won't be worrying about where his Christmas lunch is coming from, or whether he'll still be in business next year, but plenty of small business right across the country will.</p><p>Here's my pick of some of the finest gifts and ideas from around Cumbria:</p><p><b>1. Grassmere Gingerbread</b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MxieM8Y3fVk/X8D7L6NHPNI/AAAAAAAAScc/92BLg1ifDYo9LnZD9s6JOFLwAvxsSwIuQCLcBGAsYHQ/s337/Grass%2BGinger.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="233" data-original-width="337" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MxieM8Y3fVk/X8D7L6NHPNI/AAAAAAAAScc/92BLg1ifDYo9LnZD9s6JOFLwAvxsSwIuQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Grass%2BGinger.png" width="320" /></a></div><p>How about an absolutely unique taste of the Lake District delivered right to your door? Grassmere Gingerbread is legendary and as well as tasting great it always arrives perfectly packed too!</p><p><a href="https://www.grasmeregingerbread.co.uk/index.php/page/our-shop/" target="_blank">Click here to visit Grasmere Gingerbread</a></p><p>2. Go Your Own Way</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QSgFsQzW3mc/X8D7_TMIL3I/AAAAAAAASck/2kFw7BFOn4QuczD8yGJszrUzeJHTj5dcwCLcBGAsYHQ/s262/GYOW.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="262" data-original-width="261" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QSgFsQzW3mc/X8D7_TMIL3I/AAAAAAAASck/2kFw7BFOn4QuczD8yGJszrUzeJHTj5dcwCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/GYOW.png" /></a></div><div><br /></div>The guys at GYOW offer a wonderful range of quirky and interesting hand made gifts - everything is made with love and imagination and each gift will be guaranteed to bring a smile to the face of whoever is lucky enough to receive it.<div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.gyow.org.uk/" target="_blank">Click here to visit the GYOW shop.</a></div><div><br /></div><div><b>3. Witchmountain Cards & Gifts</b></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FhinjFjRmOE/X8D8wt8PhiI/AAAAAAAAScw/dYdZxHrQJtEyMdhFHeXumZuDIuQL4_vWgCLcBGAsYHQ/s342/Whitch%2BMountain.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="342" data-original-width="342" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FhinjFjRmOE/X8D8wt8PhiI/AAAAAAAAScw/dYdZxHrQJtEyMdhFHeXumZuDIuQL4_vWgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Whitch%2BMountain.png" /></a></div><br /><div>Honestly, how pretty are these? Kim at Witchmountain has a wonderful array of cards, gifts, prints and soft furnishings availbable. She also offers gift kits and workshops so you can learn to make your own - the perfect gift for your crafty friends!</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://witchmountain.co.uk/" target="_blank">Click here to visit the Witchmountain shop</a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>4. Shed 1 Gin</b></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cQTnoz_lMgo/X8EMclkVwtI/AAAAAAAASc8/fNZEDA8wplY3Mi6lBbCx4OV61-2IEoyzACLcBGAsYHQ/s436/Shed%2B1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="436" data-original-width="270" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cQTnoz_lMgo/X8EMclkVwtI/AAAAAAAASc8/fNZEDA8wplY3Mi6lBbCx4OV61-2IEoyzACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Shed%2B1.png" /></a></div><br /><div><p>Zoe and Andy at Shed 1 gin are great friends of ours, which could make you think I'm biased, but it's not just me that loves their gin. This year they have won another armful of awards, launched their new gin experiences AND found time to support the local community. Their shop is brimming over with great gift ideas!</p><p><a href="https://shed1distillery.com/shop/" target="_blank">Click here to visit the Shed 1 shop</a></p><p><b>5. Jo's Little People</b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eIZh-zFPB54/X8ENY8RfLxI/AAAAAAAASdE/1Ak-ZIT-XpYvHSZ99N2xATXgv-K91ffJACLcBGAsYHQ/s413/Little%2BPeople.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="309" data-original-width="413" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eIZh-zFPB54/X8ENY8RfLxI/AAAAAAAASdE/1Ak-ZIT-XpYvHSZ99N2xATXgv-K91ffJACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Little%2BPeople.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>At Jo's Little People you can find the perfect little person for anyone in your life - paramedic, bride and groom and a whole host of others, as well as lots of cute little animals to choose from too. All personally handmade with oodles of love!</p><p><a href="https://www.joslittlepeople.co.uk/" target="_blank">Click here to visit Jo's Little People</a></p><p><br /></p><p><b>6. Unsworths Brewery</b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8zPf84in1sU/X8EOKtK45WI/AAAAAAAASdQ/B6jU1Fpw3uwdiz-siN5QrhW3n5cpI2uEwCLcBGAsYHQ/s321/Unsworths.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="321" data-original-width="321" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8zPf84in1sU/X8EOKtK45WI/AAAAAAAASdQ/B6jU1Fpw3uwdiz-siN5QrhW3n5cpI2uEwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Unsworths.png" /></a></div><br /><p>So many of us have missed visiting the pub this year, so how about bringing the pub to you? Unsworth's Brewery were a HUGE support to us when we were writing the Brewers Loop book (out spring 2021) - a bottle of Last Wolf was definitely a big treat for me at the end of a long day! They have plenty of beers to choose from and they are all made in the heart of Cartmel village.</p><p><a href="https://unsworthsyard.co.uk/shop/" target="_blank">Click here to visit Unsworth's Brewery</a></p><p><b>7. Sam Read Books</b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P10EABWKQMo/X8EPG9DJDNI/AAAAAAAASdY/2KP3G4BUKoY6sXLqM5Fe6ULAJAN2o_bNQCLcBGAsYHQ/s958/Sam%2BRead.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="338" data-original-width="958" height="141" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P10EABWKQMo/X8EPG9DJDNI/AAAAAAAASdY/2KP3G4BUKoY6sXLqM5Fe6ULAJAN2o_bNQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h141/Sam%2BRead.png" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Yes, we all know that there's another big website where you can buy books, but how about supporting a local bookseller, selling local books? Sam Read is in Grasmere village and has been selling books since 1887 - so they know a thing or two about it and would be delighted to give you some expert advice if you're unsure just what to buy.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.samreadbooks.co.uk/shop/Local_Interest/8">Click here to visit Sam Read online shop</a></div><div><br /></div><div><b>8. The Twig Pen People</b></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pJeVv32tiWE/X8EQKCDc-tI/AAAAAAAASdk/y5HPmlmqx1QVRRDPKD65dqFyaq5j5BWrACLcBGAsYHQ/s1873/Twig.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="451" data-original-width="1873" height="96" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pJeVv32tiWE/X8EQKCDc-tI/AAAAAAAASdk/y5HPmlmqx1QVRRDPKD65dqFyaq5j5BWrACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h96/Twig.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>The lovely folks at The Twig Pen People are also great friends of ours, but I wanted to tell you how they've 'branched out' (you see what I did there?) and now offer lots more gifts! Take a look at their shop where you'll find a range of gifts, cards, notebooks and, of course, their infamous twigpens!</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/TheTwigPenPeople" target="_blank">Click here to visit The Twigpen People</a></div><div><br /></div><div><b>9. Top Trumps Birds of the World</b></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8pvaTszLL9A/X8ERA0VHvRI/AAAAAAAASds/IGgbaZOasq8dJQi48er02wPJVaQzxPatwCLcBGAsYHQ/s766/Trumps.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="766" data-original-width="609" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8pvaTszLL9A/X8ERA0VHvRI/AAAAAAAASds/IGgbaZOasq8dJQi48er02wPJVaQzxPatwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Trumps.png" /></a></div><br /><div>You know how hard I try to learn my birds, and you know how I fail... In my defence, swans and egrets are both white! These are the prefect way for me to learn more about my birds and have a laugh at the same time, and who doesn't love a good game of Top Trumps? There are loads of British birds in there too so there will be no excuses for not knowing your house sparrow from your blue tit AND quoting their wingspan to me next time we meet!</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://shopping.rspb.org.uk/INTERSHOP/web/WFS/RSPB-rspbUK-Site/en_GB/b2c-responsive/GBP/ViewParametricSearch-SimpleOfferSearch" target="_blank">Click here to buy Top Trumps from the RSPB online shop</a></div><div><br /></div><div><b>10. Our books</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lMCh_IcZDJE/X8ETLh8e_zI/AAAAAAAASd4/aW6nNAOFF-4KYUGV2zIUG80OyGwT9DnkACLcBGAsYHQ/s497/Bookshelf.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="395" data-original-width="497" height="318" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lMCh_IcZDJE/X8ETLh8e_zI/AAAAAAAASd4/aW6nNAOFF-4KYUGV2zIUG80OyGwT9DnkACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h318/Bookshelf.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Yes, we still have all our books for sale, and yes, we'd still be delighted to sign them as a Christmas gift. We offer free postage on orders over £20 and I can personally guarantee that I'll do a happy dance and skip to the post office with each order. (Video available upon request!)</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://cumbrianrambler.blogspot.com/p/our-online-bookstore.html" target="_blank">Click here to visit our online bookstore</a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Cumbrian Ramblerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03372624872224851441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-983057519799689883.post-70424500188448520202020-10-18T10:04:00.002+01:002020-10-19T08:27:16.389+01:00The Surprising Hills of South Lakeland<p>Lockdown, sensible precautions and a stuffed up leg has meant we've been exploring some very different parts of Cumbria recently. To be fair, we started out in January with the intention of "not walking anywhere we've walked before" and that was all going rather well, up until mid March... For a few months we kind of stuck to that theme by exploring all the paths we'd never taken through Eggerslack Woods - just over the road from us - then we gradually explored further afield and were about to hit the big hills again when 'leg-gate' stopped me in my tracks. Literally.</p><p>So, low hills and easy toddles have been the order of the day. The thing that we've noticed is that each time we pop out on the top of a local hillside is how surprised we are with the views. I completely understand the draw of the high fells, but there is much joy and beauty to be found in the smaller hills, not to mention a lot more peace and quiet.</p><p>The other big plus is that many of the smaller hills have benches - very handy for resting dodgy legs as well as making perfect picnic spots. And on top of all that, there's a lot of limestone in the South Lakes so, even where benches are scarce, there's still somewhere to sit.</p><p>Anyway, enough waffle, here are five of our favourite small, local, hills.</p><p><b>Whitbarrow Scar</b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V13tAqgJ2Bs/X4v9OoWTxuI/AAAAAAAASaM/TMbAdBnikk85CgFDOBPM6JKn6BYuWVH5wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2543/Whitbarrow%2BScar.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1236" data-original-width="2543" height="195" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V13tAqgJ2Bs/X4v9OoWTxuI/AAAAAAAASaM/TMbAdBnikk85CgFDOBPM6JKn6BYuWVH5wCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h195/Whitbarrow%2BScar.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>Whitbarrow Scar was one of the first hills I climbed in the area. When we were camped up here and looking for a house we were staying nearby and often tootled up to the summit. There are several routes to the top and, once you're up there, there's a long undulating ridge of craggy limestone with extenstive views of the fells from the northern end and stunning views of Morecambe Bay from the southern tip. Plus plenty of perfect picnic spots. Honestly, we love it so much we were even up there on Christmas Day 2019 and enjoyed a turkey sandwich on the top. Perfect!<br /><p><b>Scout Scar</b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JEZbtIk8uTU/X4v-Ddg3agI/AAAAAAAASaY/vllrIsfFp70VmjTgsVIWKDvVkg_wc42gQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20170507_133042.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JEZbtIk8uTU/X4v-Ddg3agI/AAAAAAAASaY/vllrIsfFp70VmjTgsVIWKDvVkg_wc42gQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/20170507_133042.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>While we're on the subject of scars, the next one along from Whitbarrow is Scout Scar. The big plus for us this year has been that Scout Scar requires very little effort for very big views. The car park is an easy walk from the main ridge and many's the time we've stopped off there on the way home from somewhere else to finish our flask of tea on one of the perfectly positioned benches. It's also 'juniper central' with dozens of juniper bushes scattered around the limestone scrub. It's a popular local walk but there are plenty of criss-crossing footpaths and wide open spaces, so plenty of room for everyone. </p><p><b>Hoad Hill</b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A2K5B5H6jZM/X4v_EXWXSPI/AAAAAAAASao/pGHUcA7p0mQN6Xkpri_USFxBd0n9aKLiQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2543/20200830_160109.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1236" data-original-width="2543" height="195" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A2K5B5H6jZM/X4v_EXWXSPI/AAAAAAAASao/pGHUcA7p0mQN6Xkpri_USFxBd0n9aKLiQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h195/20200830_160109.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>Certainly the most popular of all the hills in this blog, but it's the only one that has a scale replica of a lighthouse on it, so how can I miss it out? The thing with The Hoad is that most folks go up and down the same route at the front, which is all well and good as the views are superb, but they miss out on a very lovely, and gentle, descent around the back. Honestly, it's really easy to spot on an OS map and very easy to follow - it will lead along a lovely enclosed path and past a fabulously detailed infoboard telling you all you need to know about the area. Not that my life revolves around tea and cake, but around the foot of the pepperpot (as it's known locally) there is plenty of seating so you can put your feet up and enjoy the view.</p><p><b>The Helm</b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uz3GXVkWCds/X4wAaLCNJPI/AAAAAAAASa0/KHnWOLUCVK4-hJOP1l9oeTq55sxV_seaACLcBGAsYHQ/s2543/20201017_155323.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1236" data-original-width="2543" height="195" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uz3GXVkWCds/X4wAaLCNJPI/AAAAAAAASa0/KHnWOLUCVK4-hJOP1l9oeTq55sxV_seaACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h195/20201017_155323.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Sorry for the rubbish photo, but the weather was very grey that day. The views, however, were still stunning! The Helm is tucked away to the south east of Kendal, just above Oxenholme (look for the station on the map and you'll soon spot The Helm!). There's limited parking along the tiny road alond the base of the hill and plenty of paths leading up to the summit. Once up there the panoramic views will definitely take you by surprise - even on a cloudy day there were perfect moody views of the Langdale Pikes, the Howgills, Hutton Roof Crags and Morecambe Bay. I'd have to mark it down for picnic spots, but with Kendal on your doorstep you'll not be far from tea and cake.<p></p><p><b>Dixon Heights</b></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xDjCPVGYAJ4/X4wBqzYVhnI/AAAAAAAASbA/Xx6UIt67xFgIgrCP9K1NPF5xcND7tRt8ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2543/20200525_132931.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1236" data-original-width="2543" height="195" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xDjCPVGYAJ4/X4wBqzYVhnI/AAAAAAAASbA/Xx6UIt67xFgIgrCP9K1NPF5xcND7tRt8ACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h195/20200525_132931.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Remember the end of lockdown, when everyone went a bit nuts and Cumbria was absolutely rammed with people? Well, we went off for a full day hike around Dixon Heights (just before I stuffed my leg). It's just above Lindale and is open access land with plenty of paths as well as lots of opportunities to make your own route. We spent over 6 hours wandering around in the sunshine, enjoyed a long lazy lunch and generally had a fabulous time and didn't see another soul all day. Call me antisocial but, for me, that was pretty much a perfect day.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>We absolutely LOVE exploring hidden away corners and finding out more about them. There are loads of great stories and ideas for places to visit in our books - <b><a href="https://cumbrianrambler.blogspot.com/2020/01/does-size-really-matter.html" target="_blank">please feel free to browse our bookshelves here.</a></b> I know they are available elsewhere online, but we are a small local business and would really appreciate your support. Thank you.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nek1UZA1nFA/X4wDaKhBV0I/AAAAAAAASbM/I74JcNyBEeoQuMJpN2FsfPhdfN797IYCgCLcBGAsYHQ/s497/Bookshelf.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="395" data-original-width="497" height="318" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nek1UZA1nFA/X4wDaKhBV0I/AAAAAAAASbM/I74JcNyBEeoQuMJpN2FsfPhdfN797IYCgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h318/Bookshelf.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div>Cumbrian Ramblerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03372624872224851441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-983057519799689883.post-33295752927222508392020-09-11T16:08:00.007+01:002020-09-12T08:54:11.274+01:00How the other half live<p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nkO5rxuTCtU/X1uQRj5x5FI/AAAAAAAASY8/A56Z2X-dGbsKUEwbc6kx7dbr08-36IjqACLcBGAsYHQ/s2543/North%2BWalney.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1236" data-original-width="2543" height="195" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nkO5rxuTCtU/X1uQRj5x5FI/AAAAAAAASY8/A56Z2X-dGbsKUEwbc6kx7dbr08-36IjqACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h195/North%2BWalney.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">North Walney<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />“Will this do for a lunch
spot?” Amanda pointed towards a nice
sandy spot in the middle of the dunes.<p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -2.3pt;">“Looks good to me!” Chris smiled
and slipped off the tatty old backpack, depositing it onto the sand with a
gentle thud.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -2.3pt;">“Eeewww – sweaty back!” </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -2.3pt;">“I can’t help it, it’s a hot day
– oooh that feels nice.” Chris’s t-shirt billowed out as a cool breeze caught
it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -2.3pt;">Amanda was already busy
unpacking the picnic – sandwiches, tea, cake – she lined them up in the sand
between them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Where are the crisps?”</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -2.3pt;">“Front pocket”</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -2.3pt;">“Got them!”</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -2.3pt;">They sat together eating lunch
and taking in the view.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On a clear sunny
day like this North Walney had a hint of the Caribbean about it, with light
sandy beaches stretching off into the distance and sparkling blue sea
surrounding the dunes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -2.3pt;">An aeroplane passed overhead,
descending on its way into the local airport.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -2.3pt;">Chris squinted into the sky,
staring intently at the plane.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“A
Gulfstream G500 – nice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Very</i> nice.”</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -2.3pt;">“You are <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">such</i> a plane nerd!” teased Amanda.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -2.3pt;">“That,” said Chris “is one of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">the</i> most exclusive private jets in the
world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The whole of the interior is
lined with leather and wood, with made to measure seats – it even has marble
floors; and all for just £44 million or so, depending on the finish.”</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -2.3pt;">“Forty four <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">million</i> pounds?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Amanda
watched as it flew by.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“ I think I just
saw a face at the window – couldn’t see who it was, must be someone
famous.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Imagine having all that
money.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’d never have to worry about
paying the mortgage again, or fixing the car.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She pulled at the sleeve of her t-shirt, studying a fresh hole that had
appeared there that morning.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -2.3pt;">“I’m sure they have their own
worries.”</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -2.3pt;">“Yeah, but money wouldn’t be one
of them!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The plane disappeared out of
sight behind the dunes and down into the airport.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What would you do if we had that sort of
money?”</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -2.3pt;">“It’s almost impossible to say –
I can’t really imagine it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We could get
a swimming pool for a start, although I’m not sure where we’d put it.”</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -2.3pt;">Amanda snorted “Where would we
put it?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With that sort of money we could
get a whole new house!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m thinking two
pools, one indoor and one out!”</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -2.3pt;">Chris poured another mug of tea
from their blue flask, battered and chipped with the scars of previous
adventures. “We could get a bigger flask too! Or push the boat out and get
two!”</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -2.3pt;">“Sod the flasks – we could fly
to India and buy our own tea plantation!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We’d make sure all the workers were well paid and looked after, of
course.”</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -2.3pt;">“Of course” Chris smiled.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -2.3pt;">“And we could buy a massive
woodland somewhere and protect it – but still let people come and visit so they
could see the birds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe we could have
a café with the best cakes in the world – I know, we’ll get Mary Berry in to
bake them all!”</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -2.3pt;">“I’m not sure she’d agree…”</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -2.3pt;">“Of course she would, she must
be bored now she’s not on Bake Off any more.”</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -2.3pt;">“And just how do you plan to get
all of this money?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Got a rich relative
you’ve not told me about?”</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -2.3pt;">“Oh, I don’t know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We could buy a lottery ticket on the way
home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m feeling lucky!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Amanda snuggled up next to Chris who draped a
protective arm around her shoulder, pulling her in close.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -2.3pt;">Chris kissed the top of her head
and smiled. “I think we’re both pretty lucky as it is. Do you want the last
swig of tea?” and handed Amanda the mug.</p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -2.3pt; text-align: center;">****************</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -2.3pt;">The plane taxied to a halt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Princess Margareta uncrossed her elegant legs
and slowly stood up; she smoothed down the creases in her white linen skirt and
walked over to the mirror in the private bathroom suite.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Peering at her reflection she twisted her
head to see if any grey hairs were showing, then stretched the skin around her
eyes to hide the few wrinkles which had begun to grow there.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -2.3pt;">“You look gorgeous.”</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -2.3pt;">She turned to smile at Sarah, stood
in the doorway.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -2.3pt;">“You always say that.”</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -2.3pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Short red power jacket or comfy green coat?”
Sarah held up the two options for Margareta to choose from. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -2.3pt;">“Let’s go with the red, I need
all the help I can get today.”</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -2.3pt;">Sarah hung the green coat on the
back of the door and handed over the red jacket.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -2.3pt;">Taking the jacket with one hand,
Margareta brushed a hair from Sarah’s face with the other, allowing it to rest
for a moment on her cheek as their eyes met.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -2.3pt;">Sarah reached up and covered
Margareta’s hand with her own, pressing it closer to her cheek, before removing
it from her face and gently kissing her palm.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -2.3pt;">Margareta sighed. “I am so tired
of this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why can’t I just be me?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why can’t we be together like normal people?”</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -2.3pt;">“Because we just can’t.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is what it is. Can you imagine the
headlines?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could never do that to you
or your family.”</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -2.3pt;">“Times were different when we
first met, I could understand it back then, but the world has moved on, surely
they would accept us now?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She squeezed
Sarah’s hand, still locked tightly in her own.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -2.3pt;">“The press would have a field
day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>‘Gay Princess Never Loved Late
Husband’ – <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>that’s just what they’re
like.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Archie was a good man, we both
know that.”</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -2.3pt;">Margareta sighed. “You’re right;
I know you are, it just feels so unfair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Did you see those two women on the beach as we flew over just now?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cuddled up close, enjoying a picnic in the
sunshine and not a care in the world.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She let go of Sarah’s hand and slipped on the red jacket, scooping her
hair out from under the collar and allowing it to tumble around her shoulders. “What
I wouldn’t give to be just like them – we could go anywhere and do anything and
no one would give a damn.”</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -2.3pt;">“I know, but we still have so
much.”</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -2.3pt;">Margareta sighed and gently
kissed Sarah’s cheek.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They stood for a
moment, foreheads touching, no words needed. Then, turning, she took a deep
breath, pulled back her shoulders and made her way to the plane exit.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -2.3pt;">She paused at the cabin door,
looking backwards to Sarah for one last reassuring glance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sarah bobbed out her tongue causing Margareta
to giggle, before quickly composing herself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She then fixed her smile and stepped out of the aircraft and into the bright
sunshine to greet the officials awaiting her arrival on the tarmac.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -2.3pt;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -2.3pt;">If you enjoy short stories based in Cumbria then check out my book - it has 10 shot stories, all set in the county, with photos and a location guide for each chapter. <b><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Everyones-Winner-stories-District-locations-ebook/dp/B07QRQR13G/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=beth+pipe+everyone&qid=1599836516&sr=8-1" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a></b> to buy yours (Currently only available via Amazon)</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nr9Btk3m9ms/X1uSC-hnRHI/AAAAAAAASZI/pUTEdVebJu8I3uD29U8lRoLZr4ckFmEvACLcBGAsYHQ/s345/Cover.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="345" data-original-width="218" height="500" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nr9Btk3m9ms/X1uSC-hnRHI/AAAAAAAASZI/pUTEdVebJu8I3uD29U8lRoLZr4ckFmEvACLcBGAsYHQ/w316-h500/Cover.jpg" width="316" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -2.3pt;"><br /></p>Cumbrian Ramblerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03372624872224851441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-983057519799689883.post-64446552552355396262020-09-02T18:45:00.002+01:002020-09-02T18:45:56.307+01:00Alone again, naturally<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c5BKjD8-2Z0/X0_XQVcppbI/AAAAAAAASXc/KQ7WibwqMewXnSY9EyONLdguO-R8EQ70ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2543/20200831_154403.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1236" data-original-width="2543" height="194" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c5BKjD8-2Z0/X0_XQVcppbI/AAAAAAAASXc/KQ7WibwqMewXnSY9EyONLdguO-R8EQ70ACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h194/20200831_154403.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>One thing that is becoming more apparent to me as lockdown restrictions ease, is that I'm a bit of a freak. I mean, I've always known I was a bit weird, but now I feel as if I am decidedly odd, and definitely at odds with most of the rest of the country.<p></p><p>I adored the solitude of lockdown. I have loved being at home. I still do - I am not remotely bored with it.</p><p>Days gradually became a whirl of Zoom meetings and delivering online courses, punctuated with lovely leisurely lunches of freshly made sarnies and a proper cup of tea. Every morning and evening I would wander off into nearby Eggerslack woods, following barely trodden paths to enjoy time completely alone, far away from the rest of the world and the ping of my mobile phone. I saw deer - honest I did - though the varmints always legged it before I could get my camera out.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MXsmBPQtpj0/X0_XmmEQ3WI/AAAAAAAASXo/E-mngJO1l_YlXXXs95gOfLNvrDWX0Z3gACLcBGAsYHQ/s2543/20200831_125941.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1236" data-original-width="2543" height="194" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MXsmBPQtpj0/X0_XmmEQ3WI/AAAAAAAASXo/E-mngJO1l_YlXXXs95gOfLNvrDWX0Z3gACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h194/20200831_125941.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Then I broke my leg. Not the worst thing in the world by a long way, but it meant my solitary walks in the woods were off the agenda - way off.<p></p><p>Week one wasn't so bad as I was completely housebound and we're lucky enough to have enough space to escape each other - although still close enough for Steve to hear my pleas for a cup of tea (most of the time!)</p><p>Week two onward was when I really began to feel it - the fact that I couldn't escape anywhere alone. At a time when restrictions were easing and friends were excitedly heading off on holidays, or meeting up with other friends and family, all I wanted was to do was to go for a walk alone. Completely alone. Like I did in the woods.</p><p>Although I could get around a bit more, I could only tackle flat tarmac and, even then, only for short distances, as I rebuilt the strength in my leg. The thing is, just about all nice flat walks with a view are incredibly popular. We found quieter spots, but I craved solitude at a time when everyone else in the world seemed to be craving other people.<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5aiB9gXtuzc/X0_X3QmVXVI/AAAAAAAASXw/58HKq036iSoHHaH-UUCrynZ7QNZZjVogQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2543/20200826_141635.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1236" data-original-width="2543" height="194" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5aiB9gXtuzc/X0_X3QmVXVI/AAAAAAAASXw/58HKq036iSoHHaH-UUCrynZ7QNZZjVogQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h194/20200826_141635.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Morecambe - perfect place for a flat walk</td></tr></tbody></table></p><p>I tried not to get cranky, but I may, on occasion, have failed. I read an article about a child who had been desperately sick but "not complained once" - sadly the same would never be said of me. If there's one thing my broken leg and lack of mobility has taught me, it's that I am going to be a hell of a handful when I'm old and less mobile. Seriously, I will be a cantankerous old moo and possibly the scourge of any retirement home I end up in. Remember Waiting for God? Diana will seem angelic by comparison.</p><p>Desperate to push myself to regain some independence and solitude I persuaded Steve that Hoad Hill in Ulverston would be a great idea. True, there would be people, but if we went late in the day and took the pretty way down we could enjoy some peace. It worked - and my leg didn't fare too badly. (It's week 6 - I was expecting to be throwing somersaults by now.)</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GT880v00GaY/X0_YG1HNUVI/AAAAAAAASX0/PALaEwuMdVM22g6FZiR1lUegBQ1-A7OmACLcBGAsYHQ/s2543/20200831_130923.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1236" data-original-width="2543" height="194" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GT880v00GaY/X0_YG1HNUVI/AAAAAAAASX0/PALaEwuMdVM22g6FZiR1lUegBQ1-A7OmACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h194/20200831_130923.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Lulled into a dangerous sense of "I'm fine now, honest I am" I suggested Black Combe for Bank Holiday Monday. I love Black Combe. I mean *really* love it. Steve tried suggesting it was, perhaps, a little ambitious. I fixed him with my "Diana stare". He relented. Game on!<p></p><p>I struggled in a couple of places on the way up - a few slightly steeper sections that I simply did not have the strength in my leg to pull myself up - but I am nothing if not sheer bloody minded. We took a long lunch break half way up in the sunshine and eventually made it to the top around 3pm, where I collapsed in the shelter with a flask of hot tea and a handful of painkillers - but I'd made it - and the best part lay ahead!</p><p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pYE8DmgEBW4/X0_YP6JB64I/AAAAAAAASX8/QHJ7xfO6qUYoh_Joeayqyf76EvOFNNR_ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2543/20200831_160313.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1236" data-original-width="2543" height="194" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pYE8DmgEBW4/X0_YP6JB64I/AAAAAAAASX8/QHJ7xfO6qUYoh_Joeayqyf76EvOFNNR_ACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h194/20200831_160313.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Solitude at last!</td></tr></tbody></table>Pretty much everyone who goes up Black Combe returns down the same path. Not me. I head off the northern side, dropping down to Butcher's Breast then following the path along the bottom back to Silecroft. Yes, it was far too far and overly ambitious and yes, I was in a huge amount of pain by the end of it. BUT we only saw one other person between leaving the summit around 3:15pm and limping back to the car just before 8pm. Solitude. Utterly blissful solitude. </p><p>Every single ounce of pain was worth spending time alone on a beautiful hillside, on an utterly perfect day. I totally understand that, for many folks, the exact opposite is true, and it's fantastic to see friends excited about spending time together again but, for now at least, I will relish the opportunity to get back to my precious, solitudinous, walks. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ITcse1Dw9pQ/X0_YbR_GbSI/AAAAAAAASYE/IScefbDtN8w3RjlxKpliw5RdAOhAzje-wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2543/20200831_154317.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1236" data-original-width="2543" height="194" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ITcse1Dw9pQ/X0_YbR_GbSI/AAAAAAAASYE/IScefbDtN8w3RjlxKpliw5RdAOhAzje-wCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h194/20200831_154317.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Whoop Whoop!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a6OC5IqBjlo/X0_Yb3vDwuI/AAAAAAAASYM/GWFeLJooCGgGnnxPFTVpF6gTnzuAE233ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2543/20200831_182203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1236" data-original-width="2543" height="194" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a6OC5IqBjlo/X0_Yb3vDwuI/AAAAAAAASYM/GWFeLJooCGgGnnxPFTVpF6gTnzuAE233ACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h194/20200831_182203.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fell Cottage - every time we pass I dream of living here...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C1w5VRMJpJw/X0_Ybu2uQMI/AAAAAAAASYI/0PfgukmrXlkah-ItH-1wJ0xd43oNU_ouwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2543/20200831_190620.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1236" data-original-width="2543" height="194" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C1w5VRMJpJw/X0_Ybu2uQMI/AAAAAAAASYI/0PfgukmrXlkah-ItH-1wJ0xd43oNU_ouwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h194/20200831_190620.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>Selling books was an absolute lifeline for us through lockdown. If you want to support us by buying our books, <b><a href="https://cumbrianrambler.blogspot.com/p/our-online-bookstore.html" target="_blank">you can find them all right here.</a></b></p><p><br /></p>Cumbrian Ramblerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03372624872224851441noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-983057519799689883.post-72757776770148407552020-08-06T10:13:00.080+01:002020-08-06T11:44:38.709+01:00Touching the GinA blog inspired by Joe Simpson's book, but with less blood and more gin.<div><br /></div><div>As pretty much all of you will be aware, I am currently off the fells and nursing a broken foot. I don't even have a god story to go with it - I was spring cleaning and fell downstairs when I was looking for the feather duster. The best part is, it turns out the feather duster was upstairs all along. Anyhoo...<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IHKozlFwtIM/XyvIFY4r4bI/AAAAAAAASVM/v1lU9HaPCmMIXvxEtMA21kZPvY052LEiQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2543/20200802_154451.jpg" style="clear: right; display: block; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; padding: 1em 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1236" data-original-width="2543" height="194" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IHKozlFwtIM/XyvIFY4r4bI/AAAAAAAASVM/v1lU9HaPCmMIXvxEtMA21kZPvY052LEiQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h194/20200802_154451.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div>Being incapacitated for a couple of weeks and now being mobile but slow and wobbly has given me time to reflect on all the teeny tiny things about hiking that I have been taking for granted but can now no longer do. I like to think of myself as someone who has always pondered the smaller details, but there's a lot I have missed.</div><div><br /></div><div>Also, although this is a light and cheery blog, these events have totally driven home to me issues around access to the outdoors that I had not previously considered. That's a topic I am not even remotely qualified to tackle, but if you're interested in learning more about that then follow <a href="https://theoutdoorguide.co.uk/partners/mobility-access-tog/">Debbie North</a>, she's the accessibility champion for Julia Bradbury's The Outdoor Guide.</div><div><br /></div><div>Right, back to the list of things I have missed...</div><div><br /></div><div>1. Carrying things - for the first two weeks I was totally reliant on my crutches and couldn't even carry a cup of tea. I repurposed my rucksack for a lot of the carrying and using flasks for hot drinks, but a G&T simply does not taste the same out of a flask.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PNEWuoNXjaY/XyvIyEsD-QI/AAAAAAAASVk/86cEHUA1laEf0bUwnytpoZYKHAN49uWAgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2543/20200803_171915.jpg" style="clear: right; display: block; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; padding: 1em 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2543" data-original-width="1236" height="328" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PNEWuoNXjaY/XyvIyEsD-QI/AAAAAAAASVk/86cEHUA1laEf0bUwnytpoZYKHAN49uWAgCLcBGAsYHQ/w159-h328/20200803_171915.jpg" width="159" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div>2. Pulling on a fresh pair of walking socks - who knew socks were so complicated? I can just about do them on my own now - on the plus side I had to invest in some very snazzy long socks to go under my aircast. Whaddya think?</div><div><br /></div><div>3. The comforting feeling of a good pair of walking boots - I *love* my boots but it's going to be a good 6 weeks or so before I can wear them again. Or at least wear both of them. I love the safe and secure feeling of lacing them up and knowing I'm good to go!</div><div><br /></div><div>4. Walking without pain - a small thing but worth mentioning. Walking has always been my 'thing' - not just on the fells but everywhere. I have walked through towns and cities whenever I can - you always learn so much more about a place that way. Now that every single step is at best uncomfortable (when I walk in the house) and at worst really painful (after 100 yards or so) I truly miss the ease with which I walked everywhere without giving it a second thought.</div><div><br /></div><div>5. The sound of grass on my boots. I *love* this sound. I posted this short video on my FB page a month or so ago but hardly anyone paid it any attention so I assume it's just me. There's a very specific sound long grass makes when it bounces off my boots and I love it!</div><div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="300" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CqSNvh9361Y" width="500"></iframe></div></div><div style="text-align: center;">(I *always* get my boots from the fab folks at <a href="https://www.thekeswickbootco.co.uk/">Keswick Boot Company</a>)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>6. Stiles. Oh how I have bitched and moaned about stiles at the end of a long hike when all I want is a gate, but no more! I realise a) how lucky I am to be able to hop over a stile and b) how utterly prohibitive they are if you are less mobile.</div><div><br /></div><div>7. Going out alone. This whole 'new normal' has taken a bit of getting used to for me. In the past my job saw me travelling the length and breadth of the country and now I never need to leave the house for work. To restore some sanity I had created a 'fake commute' where each morning and evening I would go for a walk to top and tail my working day - it truly was a sanity saver. Thing is, for now, I am not allowed out on my own. I voluntarily handed in my crutches at the earliest opportunity so as not to get overly reliant on them and to get my foot moving again as soon as possible (Doc said he was OK with it if I was), but it's still early days and I need a walking pole on one arm and a bloke on the other. Don't get me wrong, Steve is indeed a wonderful man, but I do miss going out on my own.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r6R09B83VUU/XyvKHwlrLrI/AAAAAAAASV0/5wGLFhT3a981dMiHS4Swl7a9T8N-a00vgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2543/20200728_181507.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1236" data-original-width="2543" height="199" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r6R09B83VUU/XyvKHwlrLrI/AAAAAAAASV0/5wGLFhT3a981dMiHS4Swl7a9T8N-a00vgCLcBGAsYHQ/w410-h199/20200728_181507.jpg" width="410" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>8. The people I meet - during my fake commute I've chatted to plenty of people and really enjoyed getting to know a few 'regulars' that I'd bump into most mornings. Obviously I've no way of letting them know I'm out of action, and I wonder if they have even noticed I've vanished, but I do miss the quick chats and making friends with assorted dogs.</div><div><br /></div><div>9. Being invisible - this one was a big shock to me. I've often heard people say that they feel invisible in wheelchairs but, for me, it has been the exact opposite. In order to cover a reasonable distance at a reasonable speed, we gratefully accepted the loan of a wheelchair from a lovely friend. This enabled us to get all the way from Hest Bank to Morecambe Jetty and back over the weekend. Never have I been so stared at! We made the journey with a combo of me walking a little then Steve pushing me in the chair. When I was in the chair I was constantly stared at and was quite taken aback that no-one thought it a particularly rude thing to do. Mind you, Steve wasn't to be entirely trusted with wheelchair duty...</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1Lrm2247wec/XyvMGq3hlcI/AAAAAAAASWE/fLRhoyXLwmQ5e2fTabx3ZTSFSYYDnb1QQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2543/20200802_151759.jpg" style="display: inline; padding: 1em 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2543" data-original-width="1236" height="410" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1Lrm2247wec/XyvMGq3hlcI/AAAAAAAASWE/fLRhoyXLwmQ5e2fTabx3ZTSFSYYDnb1QQCLcBGAsYHQ/w199-h410/20200802_151759.jpg" width="199" /></a></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">10. Chocolate biscuits! Honestly - you thought lockdown was bad! I'm barely burning any calories at the moment so am on a strict 'no snacks' diet. Oh how I miss a long day yomping over the fells with a rucksack full of sarnies and chocolate, and coming home to a huge pizza or plate of pasta, knowing that I have burned it all off during the day. I've replaced my favourite chocolate digestive with raw carrots, which I quite enjoy, but it's not the same. Thanks to the lovely folks at <a href="https://shed1distillery.com/">Shed 1</a>, who sent me this as a get well pressie, I can still enjoy my gin ration in the evenings! Cheers!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pp7DWFQllT8/XyvN3t-LWpI/AAAAAAAASWQ/8_YOhccqP_YjzIdASMVelZHyn0-Zg2edwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2543/20200725_144538.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1236" data-original-width="2543" height="249" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pp7DWFQllT8/XyvN3t-LWpI/AAAAAAAASWQ/8_YOhccqP_YjzIdASMVelZHyn0-Zg2edwCLcBGAsYHQ/w512-h249/20200725_144538.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And if gin is your thing - <a href="https://cumbrianrambler.blogspot.com/p/our-online-bookstore.html#!/Gin-Cake-&-Rucksacks/p/141005665/category=0">check out our Gin, Cake and Rucksacks book</a> where I explore the gin distilleries of Cumbria with a complete stranger. I'm amazed we didn't break anything then, to be honest!</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KBlkauM5TVA/XyvWe0E04LI/AAAAAAAASWc/_X0kbmxN7S0BOwV_Dg3k0faaW27tv2ePgCLcBGAsYHQ/s593/Half%2BCover.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="593" data-original-width="399" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KBlkauM5TVA/XyvWe0E04LI/AAAAAAAASWc/_X0kbmxN7S0BOwV_Dg3k0faaW27tv2ePgCLcBGAsYHQ/w269-h400/Half%2BCover.png" width="269" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://cumbrianrambler.blogspot.com/p/our-online-bookstore.html#!/Gin-Cake-&-Rucksacks/p/141005665/category=0">Click here to order</a><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><br /></div>Cumbrian Ramblerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03372624872224851441noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-983057519799689883.post-46903031835666951922020-07-28T10:48:00.005+01:002020-07-28T10:53:24.544+01:00Please help Mountain Rescue<font face="inherit">If you follow this blog you will know that I very rarely host a guest piece or include news items, but this is crucial. Mountain Rescue are buckling under the strain of dealing with calls from ill prepared hikers. Ranting and raging does nothing to help but education does.</font><div><font face="inherit"><br /></font></div><div><font face="inherit">Please have a read of the press release below and share it far and wide - to help Mountain Rescue we need to help people understand the risks they take in the fells and how to be better prepared for them. </font></div><div><font face="inherit"><br /></font></div><div><font face="inherit">Thank you.</font></div><div><font face="inherit"><br /></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O3rXEjavQno/Xx_0Cn5sPPI/AAAAAAAAST0/WQRRurm_eIIkagj7a3ndYRPhfH49gSNewCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20151010_091719_Richtone%2528HDR%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><font face="inherit"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O3rXEjavQno/Xx_0Cn5sPPI/AAAAAAAAST0/WQRRurm_eIIkagj7a3ndYRPhfH49gSNewCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/20151010_091719_Richtone%2528HDR%2529.jpg" width="400" /></font></a></div><div><font face="inherit"><br /></font></div><div><font face="inherit"><br /></font></div><div><font face="inherit"><b>Rescuers Plea for Help </b></font></div><div><font face="inherit"><br /></font></div><div><font face="inherit">Cumbria Police and the Lake District’s Mountain Rescue Team’s have seen a tidal wave
of avoidable rescues that is putting a real strain on our volunteer team members and is
unsustainable. Since last Friday evening we have had 19 callouts in the Lake District
with a focus on the Wasdale team with 9 of these incidents. Wasdale Mountain Rescue
Team cover Scafell Pike, the highest mountain in England and a magnet for walkers and
climbers. Many of our walkers and climbers are very experienced and know exactly what
they are doing. However, 11 of the callouts were truly avoidable with inexperienced and
ill prepared walkers finding themselves in serious, life threatening trouble being either
missing or lost. </font></div><div><font face="inherit"><br /></font></div><div><font face="inherit">The Cumbria weather which was accurately forecasted this weekend has caught out
many but Cumbria Police have also commented that many are dialling in ‘999’ calls with
as little as 1% battery remaining on their mobile phones. This means that after the initial
call their battery dies and the mountain rescue team cannot get back to them which
makes finding them a bigger challenge requiring more numbers of the volunteers. Many
are relying on smart phone mapping apps which drain batteries and no back up. </font></div><div><font face="inherit"><br /></font></div><div><font face="inherit">The rescue on Scafell Pike late on Saturday night in forecasted atrocious conditions for a
family group of three lasted 12 hours and involved five rescue teams. </font></div><div><font face="inherit"><br /></font></div><div><font face="inherit">Stay vacation holidays are introducing a new type of visitor to the National Parks and the
current quarantine rules has the potential to make the matter worse. North Wales is experiencing a similar problem and we are sure that the same is being felt across many of
the UK’s outdoor holiday destinations, great for the economy but a real issue for the volunteer rescue teams. </font></div><div><font face="inherit"><br /></font></div><div><font face="inherit">What can you personally do as a new or even regular visitor to help our volunteer teams? </font></div><div><font face="inherit"><br /></font></div><div><font face="inherit">Exercise within your limits and avoid taking risks. Know your level of skill, competence and experience and those of your group. Make sure you have the right equipment for your trip to the hills
and valleys noting that many of our callouts are low down in the valley bottoms. Learn how to navigate, take a water proof map and a compass, don’t rely on smart phone technology it can let you
down. Take a torch, even on the longest days, you never know when your activity will catch you
out or you go to the help of a fallen, cragfast or lost walker. Take a power bank battery charger it
will save you a lot of grief plus allow you to take even more of the memory photos. </font></div><div><font face="inherit"><br /></font></div><div><font face="inherit">Be kind to our volunteers and respectful to our emergency service, our rural communities and to our farmers. </font></div><div><font face="inherit"><br /></font></div><div><font face="inherit">There is good and essential advice on the website Adventure Smart UK </font></div><div><font face="inherit"><br /></font></div><div><font face="inherit">So Stay Safe: #BeAdventureSmart make your good day better.</font></div><div><font face="inherit"><br /></font></div><div><font face="inherit">Visit <a href="http://Adventuresmart.UK">Adventuresmart.UK</a></font></div><div><br /></div>Cumbrian Ramblerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03372624872224851441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-983057519799689883.post-41595521722597650652020-06-19T15:59:00.001+01:002020-06-20T08:22:56.826+01:00Five things that made me smile in lockdownFollowing on from the previous blog where I was possibly a little less perky than usual - at least that's the way I was feeling when I wrote it - I thought I'd follow it up with something rather more chirpy. As restrictions ease (I was going to add 'at least for now' but let's be optimistic!) many of us are emerging from the experience rather differently to the way we went in.<div><br /></div><div>The headlines may have focused on the folks who seem to have little respect for the landscape but for many of us it's been about learning new skills, making new friends and appreciating the smaller things in life.</div><div><br /></div><div>Here are 5 things which have really made me smile over the past few months.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>1. Walks in the sunshine</b></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i_XVhTm54dQ/XuzKsYqIviI/AAAAAAAASMM/qq9zPXErsRQ85yI3q_1uTF7MXPMBBMEZQCK4BGAsYHg/s4032/20200525_141241.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1960" data-original-width="4032" height="195" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i_XVhTm54dQ/XuzKsYqIviI/AAAAAAAASMM/qq9zPXErsRQ85yI3q_1uTF7MXPMBBMEZQCK4BGAsYHg/w400-h195/20200525_141241.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>As I type this it is *pouring* down outside but, let's face it, the weather during lockdown has been amazing! I still haven't ventured more than 5 miles from our home and during the main lockdown I barely went out at all. But when we did get out we truly appreciated the fresh air, open spaces and wonderful warm sunshine. The day the photo above was taken we'd been out for 6 hours and only saw 4 other people - 2 near the start and 2 near the end. Perfect!</div><div><br /></div><div><b>2. Our Saturday nights in the virtual pub with friends</b></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MQxXFIDqdLw/XuzMBL57jpI/AAAAAAAASM8/hsZ8-lZXE78afdz0W-vFiScTawbeY3nDwCK4BGAsYHg/s2437/20200530_225603.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1952" data-original-width="2437" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MQxXFIDqdLw/XuzMBL57jpI/AAAAAAAASM8/hsZ8-lZXE78afdz0W-vFiScTawbeY3nDwCK4BGAsYHg/w400-h320/20200530_225603.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OnY8x5UPseo/XuzLfa-AjfI/AAAAAAAASMg/NlJwctydJcsrsRcNWpP_zzx3TuTrMUOSACK4BGAsYHg/s4032/20200613_143134.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1960" data-original-width="4032" height="195" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OnY8x5UPseo/XuzLfa-AjfI/AAAAAAAASMg/NlJwctydJcsrsRcNWpP_zzx3TuTrMUOSACK4BGAsYHg/w400-h195/20200613_143134.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>During the first weekend one of our very good friends, who happens to be an events organiser, created a virtual pub. There have been talks, charades which have to be mimed using stuffed toys and, of course, a pub quiz. Everyone has been really inventive with their rounds so me & Steve pitched in. We started by creating really bad drawings of famous events from history (Mo Farrah winning the 5000m at the London Olympics - obviously 😂) and progressed to making models of cartoon characters (Marvin the Martian - how could you not get that one from our superb recreation? 😁). We laughed as much putting the rounds together as we did watching the looks on everyone's face as they tried to figure out what it was...</div><div><br /></div><div><b>3. Posh Sunday lunch</b></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mp-3le5yUkc/XuzM_zi7zAI/AAAAAAAASNg/lLqHf2LSi5wZ_Y5xCShTyWKHSVpgu_MygCK4BGAsYHg/s2640/20200614_123235.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1288" data-original-width="2640" height="195" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mp-3le5yUkc/XuzM_zi7zAI/AAAAAAAASNg/lLqHf2LSi5wZ_Y5xCShTyWKHSVpgu_MygCK4BGAsYHg/w400-h195/20200614_123235.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KYK3GnwvVYc/XuzNAFpTPkI/AAAAAAAASNk/yLR9MXVWDH0D3qfS-AiiDf8m6QclemzmACK4BGAsYHg/s4032/20200614_133447.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1960" data-original-width="4032" height="195" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KYK3GnwvVYc/XuzNAFpTPkI/AAAAAAAASNk/yLR9MXVWDH0D3qfS-AiiDf8m6QclemzmACK4BGAsYHg/w400-h195/20200614_133447.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>One of the highlights was definitely being offered the chance to try out Simon Rogan at Home. We are lucky enough to live within shouting distance of <a href="https://www.lenclume.co.uk/">L'enclume</a> but have never had the cash to visit. I'll be honest (and Steve will cringe when he reads this, but knows what I'm like!) I was worried it would be 'poncy piles of food' and we'd need a bag of oven chips on standby! I couldn't have been more wrong! There was TONS of food - so much that we had mains at lunch time and pud for tea, All the food is freshly made that morning and comes with full and very easy to follow re-heating instructions. I was delighted as I've always loved how hard Simon Rogan and his team work to support our local community. <font face="inherit"> </font>The <a href="https://www.blogger.com/#">Simon Rogan at Home</a> 3 course dinner is just £30 or the 2 course Sunday Roast with all the trimmings is just £25. The only downside is that, for now, it's only available in South Cumbria (but they will be expanding their delivery areas) - so check it out next time you're here!</div><div><br /></div><div><b>4. A fizz fuelled lockdown birthday</b></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TZd29mEAU0s/XuzOX0iCLeI/AAAAAAAASOI/JwS5SGmOYhAYxMjzKScDF5F0aKs33dE7ACK4BGAsYHg/s4032/20200618_174604.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1960" data-original-width="4032" height="195" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TZd29mEAU0s/XuzOX0iCLeI/AAAAAAAASOI/JwS5SGmOYhAYxMjzKScDF5F0aKs33dE7ACK4BGAsYHg/w400-h195/20200618_174604.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Yes, I'm one of the folks who has had a birthday in lockdown. Luckily, these days, I'm not much of a party animal so it wasn't much different to other years. A few years ago we ran off to Scotland in our camper van to celebrate my 50th with only otters for company. This year we were obviously at home and managed a soggy toddle in the morning before I hit the airwaves in the evening. I had full permission from the studio boss to start on the bubbly on song 9 (if you're a Eurovision fan, you'll <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/4pCQsQsMstPMltpVQ3lRHPN/during-song-number-nine-this-year-ill-be-encouraging-everyone-to-raise-a-glass-graham-norton">understand the significance</a>, especially as song 9 was an obscure but lovely Eurovision entry from Malta many years ago!), and he also allowed me an extra 30 mins so I could cram in all my very favourite tunes. I had an absolute blast! (You can catch my show Wed/ Thur/ Fri 5-7pm and Sat 9am - 12noon <a href="https://lakedistrictradio.org/">right here</a>.)</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>5. Spending more time at home, with him.</b></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Hj3kBFRSUkU/XuzQDaAWDEI/AAAAAAAASOk/CK37Xi2wOSMNnfbbxKdHu09mUewZQbgWwCK4BGAsYHg/s2640/20200618_115856.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1288" data-original-width="2640" height="195" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Hj3kBFRSUkU/XuzQDaAWDEI/AAAAAAAASOk/CK37Xi2wOSMNnfbbxKdHu09mUewZQbgWwCK4BGAsYHg/w400-h195/20200618_115856.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Pre lockdown my life was a whirlwind of trains, hotel rooms and random offices. While the financial downside is indeed huge, I have massively enjoyed spending more time at home and larking around with Steve. I really feel for all those who have been isolated during lockdown. Three months on and I am not even close to being bored of spending so much time at home. In fact I really hope that the way we're being forced to reinvent our business will enable me to spend more time at home in future and a lot less time in lonely hotel rooms. I think the cats are getting fed up of me now, but Steve seems to be coping ok...</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Don't forget you can support us in two ways. <a href="https://cumbrianrambler.blogspot.com/p/our-online-bookstore.html?m=1">You can find all of our books right here</a> - and we are happy to sign them for gifts etc. if you'd like. You can also support the blog by buying us a 'virtual coffee' <a href="https://ko-fi.com/bethpipe">right here</a>. Thank you.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dybbSz0eHRxahIcF1nU7RzpzQXbwONmLUiPsIuzJsr5z2cuQr85Q0iDhIl9UjTL5iaqzcB9ynximINbY9KN5g' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Cumbrian Ramblerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03372624872224851441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-983057519799689883.post-5213845538784352282020-05-31T18:13:00.005+01:002020-05-31T22:56:44.711+01:00The Lockdown Blog - Work and PanicI've been racking my brains about what to write. I am never usually short on ideas but, right now, I am. At least when it comes to this blog.<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7U665Gy3A08/XtPczfyMeBI/AAAAAAAASEc/F0QvZTKEArAvFV2f4CX2S6i4cOMN89JFgCK4BGAsYHg/20200322_144154.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1960" data-original-width="4032" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7U665Gy3A08/XtPczfyMeBI/AAAAAAAASEc/F0QvZTKEArAvFV2f4CX2S6i4cOMN89JFgCK4BGAsYHg/s320/20200322_144154.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /><div><br /></div><div>Lots of folks have been writing about their experiences of lockdown, well, I can summarise my experience in two words: Panic and Work. With my income wiped and us not qualifying for any government grants we have both worked incredibly hard to reinvent my business skills training online. </div><div><br /></div><div>Luckily I already ran around 20% of my courses online but even so, this has been a MASSIVE shift for us and has required us learning seemingly endless pieces of new software. See - not very interesting is it? (For the record, yes we could apply for a loan, but really do not want to put pressure on the future business or we could furlough ourselves but would then be unable to work on the business and, consequently, not have a business to come back to.) You can find <a href="https://onlivelearning.co.uk/">all of my courses here</a> - and I promise they're fun and excellent value for money!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QyNbV60zIMo/XtPdIctQ43I/AAAAAAAASEw/oRqM020PriQJoENxSmZOeISBiHPiQ5XRgCK4BGAsYHg/20200410_164406.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1288" data-original-width="2640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QyNbV60zIMo/XtPdIctQ43I/AAAAAAAASEw/oRqM020PriQJoENxSmZOeISBiHPiQ5XRgCK4BGAsYHg/s320/20200410_164406.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Other than work we also managed to create a radio studio in our spare room, allowing me to continue my shows on Lake District Radio. At one point I was presenting 7 shows a week and it provided a much needed break from the work worries. I'm still on air Weds/ Thurs/ Fri 5 - 7pm and Saturdays 9am - 12 noon and you can listen in <a href="https://lakedistrictradio.org/">here</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UaFGrBKeY-0/XtPd6lub_mI/AAAAAAAASFI/3k0B8mGuK6g_fpeW348nqdLPI2dU85HfgCK4BGAsYHg/20200416_153912.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1960" data-original-width="4032" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UaFGrBKeY-0/XtPd6lub_mI/AAAAAAAASFI/3k0B8mGuK6g_fpeW348nqdLPI2dU85HfgCK4BGAsYHg/s320/20200416_153912.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We walked along the prom a LOT - even venturing as far as Kents Bank a couple of times. Never once have we taken where we live for granted and every single time we go out we are thankful for where we live.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ag3UKGKzNNw/XtPeToDs86I/AAAAAAAASFg/HVNkctDWywUkkzwfxQJ5-NYSKCi8gpvbQCK4BGAsYHg/20200425_151619.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1960" data-original-width="4032" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ag3UKGKzNNw/XtPeToDs86I/AAAAAAAASFg/HVNkctDWywUkkzwfxQJ5-NYSKCi8gpvbQCK4BGAsYHg/s320/20200425_151619.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z2wO6Hophjg/XtPebHIvulI/AAAAAAAASFs/dw8SjDUz5kUcDXrjAMG5xUJEJjZHNLIEACK4BGAsYHg/20200425_163502.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1960" data-original-width="4032" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z2wO6Hophjg/XtPebHIvulI/AAAAAAAASFs/dw8SjDUz5kUcDXrjAMG5xUJEJjZHNLIEACK4BGAsYHg/s320/20200425_163502.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>For a bit of variety we also wandered up into the woods, which were really pretty when the bluebells and garlic were out. Now long gone. We discovered new paths and got lost a few times too.</div></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b-0834H6_Sc/XtPe5Y5qOyI/AAAAAAAASGE/nw5mbIuGILkcEBFYDYxIbvt4BsZE1iQwQCK4BGAsYHg/20200503_152704.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1960" data-original-width="4032" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b-0834H6_Sc/XtPe5Y5qOyI/AAAAAAAASGE/nw5mbIuGILkcEBFYDYxIbvt4BsZE1iQwQCK4BGAsYHg/s320/20200503_152704.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>It's also been incredibly hard to know what to write about the lockdown. One small word can be taken and twisted out of context. Usually I do everything I can to encourage people to come up here and discover this amazing county for themselves, but that is wildly inappropriate just now. I also didn't want to post too many photos from our walks in case it came over as gloating - "oooohhh look how lovely our views are" if folks were stuck in lockdown somewhere less green and lovely.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h0zS9XFSxRw/XtPfiY-jnLI/AAAAAAAASGk/-qmTS4uMrjoTehaTGRXkqLngNkA3RfvRACK4BGAsYHg/20200525_115825.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1960" data-original-width="4032" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h0zS9XFSxRw/XtPfiY-jnLI/AAAAAAAASGk/-qmTS4uMrjoTehaTGRXkqLngNkA3RfvRACK4BGAsYHg/s320/20200525_115825.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Over the last week or so, as things have eased, we ventured a little further afield - all the way to Lindale - where we enjoyed a blissful walk and didn't see a soul all day.</div><div><br /></div><div>As I write this I still plan on staying home, or close to home, as much as possible. Visitors have descended and, despite government rulings, there are plenty of people staying overnight in holiday homes, second homes, camper vans, tents etc. Sadly, many are not observing the 2m distance guide so, to be safe, I'm staying away and only heading out very early, or very late. The road near our house has been busy all day long, so I'll stay in the garden for now - even though I'm as desperate to get back into the fells as everyone else - I can, and will, wait.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LqrAgamp-5o/XtPgjCF09mI/AAAAAAAASHA/SXVXlcSgNPUAFMsQmez32x_hAlHtqqlYgCK4BGAsYHg/20200526_183150.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1960" data-original-width="4032" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LqrAgamp-5o/XtPgjCF09mI/AAAAAAAASHA/SXVXlcSgNPUAFMsQmez32x_hAlHtqqlYgCK4BGAsYHg/s320/20200526_183150.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>So there you have it. Not particularly exciting. To be honest I wrote this as much for me as anyone else to remember what it was like. Work and Panic still dominate as we try to figure out what happens next. </div><div><br /></div><div>One thing lockdown has taught me is how utterly amazing our friends are - they have sent food, gin (yay!), hard cash, art and even stained glass (see @GlassBasics on Twitter - he's ACE!) to cheer us up and help us along. Some have also offered serious financial support for which I am deeply grateful - I have politely declined, at least for now, because I know that what we really need is a long term plan. I am also indebted to the folks who signed up for our courses and bought our books. Every single sale means an extraordinary amount to us at the moment.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F4u0pkYT6xk/XtPjatYOegI/AAAAAAAASHg/Wrsb7YIx_aYAkxzlx0N1ooP8w2KnyAZFACK4BGAsYHg/20200519_141916.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="See @GlassBasics on Twitter - he is ACE!" border="0" data-original-height="2821" data-original-width="1702" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F4u0pkYT6xk/XtPjatYOegI/AAAAAAAASHg/Wrsb7YIx_aYAkxzlx0N1ooP8w2KnyAZFACK4BGAsYHg/w193-h320/20200519_141916.jpg" width="193" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>It's easy to say "go out and find a job" but, in a region that is dominated by the decimated hospitality sector, jobs are pretty thin on the ground. Plus we started our business 14 years ago and have battled long and hard to get to where we are now - I am not walking away without and almighty fight!</div><div><br /></div><div>Maybe normal service will be resumed soon, or perhaps it will be months, or even years before things return to 'normal' - or maybe they never will be quite the way they were before. Whatever happens the blog stays and so do we - my favourite line is "I'll think of something" and I will. I know I will. It may just take me a little longer than usual...</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><blockquote>One last cheeky request - we are still <a href=" https://cumbrianrambler.blogspot.com/p/our-online-bookstore.html?m=1" target="_blank">selling our books right here</a> and are happy to sign them for you. We have also signed up to Ko-Fi so you can support us by <a href="https://ko-fi.com/bethpipe">buying us a virtual coffee right here.</a></blockquote><a href="https://www.blogger.com/#"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e1hTBun5YX0/XtPkkggQPjI/AAAAAAAASH4/Nk9dSrGiwGwbxnRuKXPRqaTwG15zOHkVQCK4BGAsYHg/all%2Bcovers.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="432" data-original-width="910" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e1hTBun5YX0/XtPkkggQPjI/AAAAAAAASH4/Nk9dSrGiwGwbxnRuKXPRqaTwG15zOHkVQCK4BGAsYHg/s320/all%2Bcovers.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Cumbrian Ramblerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03372624872224851441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-983057519799689883.post-748403685362355882020-04-03T08:06:00.001+01:002020-04-03T08:06:26.386+01:00Sink or swim<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SBIopWb85qs/Xobd57SFbFI/AAAAAAAAR_M/Sic-aLFUAL4Hb0dKuV7MvMRtryo92H6YwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Windermere.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="594" data-original-width="891" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SBIopWb85qs/Xobd57SFbFI/AAAAAAAAR_M/Sic-aLFUAL4Hb0dKuV7MvMRtryo92H6YwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Windermere.png" width="320" /></a></div>
Ever since I was tiny, I've had a fondness for hurling myself in at the deep end. Literally. When I was born my mum was a swimming pool attendant which meant that my formative years were spent around the local pool (or 'baths' as they were then known!). Not that I remember much about that now, obviously, but I could apparently float before I could walk and had little fear of water. <br />
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One story that is often told is about a trip to the pool when I was aged about 4 - we had been merrily splashing away in the water and I was floating around in my armbands. We got out onto the poolside and my mum made the fatal error of turning her back on me for a couple of seconds. Within those seconds I had hared along the side of the pool and, when my mum turned back around, she saw me (still thankfully in armbands) stood on the top diving board. I can only imagine what was going through her mind as I proceeded to hurl myself off the top board into the deep water below, and emerge, thankfully, unscathed from my adventure.<br />
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Although I remember nothing of that incident, it's absolutely typical of how I generally approach life. If you've followed this blog from the start you'll know that we launched into our life in Cumbria full pelt, living in a campervan for 3 months because we didn't have a house. You get my drift.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-52mWD8cYOc0/Xobdx6DUeAI/AAAAAAAAR_I/O7iINFMgnWsCrVhbJpEV6O-ZBAMhY32AACEwYBhgLKs4DAMBZVoCmDgmMZ992-NwegJCcR5qwSeIwq4TxnQCc9U1JK8rBYTpAc_etPTgijX3nuGg-bwcuIAO7LsXw6rrV4l3fLYCciHDIEONP94__X_o8Tm7MyZ_JNMyrNkOwJqwaper6UvfEB4_YFdHu0vhMDSFaVMAIIWQnW_yDfEUmddKM4Lm4Bc6eUwkX-N4_Nau2i5uAD4U6CbtWjcrBxfajN12WPpsGJApmwHdgdhCfaaUJRdUfKAE0bDP0UJ5MDw6RO_JuWkK76PDLib2gxyXJ6zpPxmEJxVu2R7I4JL_XNX2sjxO6w0YBI81RzuRGS0w_3K3nh_1EJpjw6x4inRm2rnRR2bUfCBB2bPvUE9aafuYNBvizLbH2_s9iHA-JtNQZgkrkuWbZpB0Bf4dVZ7FGlDVpjYQSaq_fxIwkFZTwptPytXxbNkORMmXquMnkcSirZ52mNXNzSAWEI9hJFTz_eBBLvm9YCNmb8Q0kFucKCk9EbFrhE9i4LfhhFgt_Oro7Andq0qMihnX9SU7bXsY8XqAQlNA41n21jdsMDi8oT48RBGio1cmUzMqf2I_fKachFsOM0uEymYblL9kQfBN7yJ2fqFbDshqA1QoMHcb8MMvAm_QF/s1600/Ullswater.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="585" data-original-width="888" height="210" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-52mWD8cYOc0/Xobdx6DUeAI/AAAAAAAAR_I/O7iINFMgnWsCrVhbJpEV6O-ZBAMhY32AACEwYBhgLKs4DAMBZVoCmDgmMZ992-NwegJCcR5qwSeIwq4TxnQCc9U1JK8rBYTpAc_etPTgijX3nuGg-bwcuIAO7LsXw6rrV4l3fLYCciHDIEONP94__X_o8Tm7MyZ_JNMyrNkOwJqwaper6UvfEB4_YFdHu0vhMDSFaVMAIIWQnW_yDfEUmddKM4Lm4Bc6eUwkX-N4_Nau2i5uAD4U6CbtWjcrBxfajN12WPpsGJApmwHdgdhCfaaUJRdUfKAE0bDP0UJ5MDw6RO_JuWkK76PDLib2gxyXJ6zpPxmEJxVu2R7I4JL_XNX2sjxO6w0YBI81RzuRGS0w_3K3nh_1EJpjw6x4inRm2rnRR2bUfCBB2bPvUE9aafuYNBvizLbH2_s9iHA-JtNQZgkrkuWbZpB0Bf4dVZ7FGlDVpjYQSaq_fxIwkFZTwptPytXxbNkORMmXquMnkcSirZ52mNXNzSAWEI9hJFTz_eBBLvm9YCNmb8Q0kFucKCk9EbFrhE9i4LfhhFgt_Oro7Andq0qMihnX9SU7bXsY8XqAQlNA41n21jdsMDi8oT48RBGio1cmUzMqf2I_fKachFsOM0uEymYblL9kQfBN7yJ2fqFbDshqA1QoMHcb8MMvAm_QF/s320/Ullswater.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Calming pictue of Ullswater</td></tr>
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All of which brings me to the current situation, where we are pretty much all in at the deepend together. I'm not going to lie, even for someone like me, who has a fondness for deepends, this is scary. I am a small business and, as things stand at the moment, I have fallen through all the cracks in government support - our only options are a loan (which I'm avoiding becuase I don't want to place any future strain on my business if I can possibly help it) and a mortgage holiday, which isn't a holiday so much as a deferrment.<br />
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Rather than sitting around feeling sorry for myself, I've pulled on my armbands and raced to the top diving board again. My work away from here is delivering face to face training courses, which are clearly all cancelled for the foreseeable future so, within the space of 10 days, we have completely reinvented our business and moved absolutely everying online (when I say 'we', I deliver all the coures, but I couldn't do it without Steve setting up all the IT behind the scenes for me - if you've ever seen the IT Crowd he's Noel Fielding in the basement...!) You can find full details of what we're up to at the end of this blog, and your support would be deeply appreciated.<br />
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To give you an idea of the sorts of things I do, and to hopefully be of some practical use, I thought I'd share with you some tips that help me navigate the deep waters I so regularly find myself in.<br />
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<ol>
<li><b>Don't focus on the big picture - big pictures are scary.</b> I find it helps to have a rough idea of the big picture and then focus on what I can do today. As a kid it's highly unlikely that I thought through the whole 'diving board' thing, I just ran up the steps, one at a time.</li>
<li><b>Beware of information overload. </b>In the current situation it is so easy to become overwhelmed with the sheer volume of information out there. We absolutely need information, but hone down where you get it from and how often you look. I find the BBC has good updates, but I don't need to keep refreshing the page every 5 minutes.</li>
<li><b>Seek out support. </b> Even on my diving board adventure I still needed armbands. You may be in isolation, but you don't need to be alone. There are, literally, dozens of apps that will help you connect to people and, once you've connected, don't feel the urge to put on a brave face the entire time. We're all struggling. We all understand. We're all happy to help.</li>
<li><b>Celebrate the small stuff. </b> Yes, there will be a big celebration when all of this is over, but celebrate small things along the way too. We were setting up a laptop yesterday and every time something worked we high fived. It was silly, but we need silly right now.</li>
<li><b>Go easy on yourself. </b> I may look like I have this all under control, but I don't. I'm terrified and have broken down in tears many times. If this new business fails we have no money, it's as simple as that, so yes, I am scared - and that's OK. There have been a couple of days when I've not got much done at all. That is also OK. Just keeping taking one step at a time, even if those steps are sometimes wobbly and a bit soggy.</li>
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Hopefully some of that has helped in a small way - and I am always here if anyone wants a natter - just leave me a comment, or find me on social media for a chat because, let's face it, we could all use more friends right now. Stay safe and keep smiling.</div>
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For those who are interested in supporting our new business, it's called OnLive Learning and we currently offer over 30 interactive, online, learning events. The Personal Development modules are just £10 for 30 minutes and the Management Skills modules are £20 for 1 hour. Discounted season tickets are available - <a href="https://cumbrianrambler.blogspot.com/p/onlive-learning.html" target="_blank">full details right here.</a></div>
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Cumbrian Ramblerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03372624872224851441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-983057519799689883.post-35488659931468828052020-03-22T19:23:00.000+00:002020-05-11T08:27:52.345+01:00Virtually CumbriaWow. It's hard to find the right words just now, but wow seems to cover most things. It feels odd to be writing this as my blog has always been dedicated to shouting about Cumbria and encouraging folks to visit and discover tucked away corners, but not now. At this particular moment we need everyone to<u> stay home and stay safe</u>. The local hospitals and Mountain Rescue do not need to be dealing with Bank Holiday levels of visitors having slips and accidents as well as passing on the virus.<br />
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I'm not about to start ranting - I'm not a ranter (well, apart from when Steve stacks the dishwasher all wrong *again*!) - instead I want to spread a little joy if I can and help everyone enjoy Cumbria virtually. I'm going to start by sharing some of my favourite views and telling you how long they've existed, to reassure you that they will till be there when you're chomping at the bit to return. And, if nothing else, I always find that a geological timescale helps put 12 weeks of social distancing/ isolation into perspective.<br />
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I've also selected 5 locations with webcams so you can enjoy them from home - no need to visit. Keep us, and everyone else, safe and please stay home. Thank you.<br />
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<b>Skiddaw</b><br />
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Amongst the oldest rocks in the county the Skiddaw Group is around 480 million years old, although obviously they didn't look like this when they were laid down, but they have looked roughly like this since the last ice sheets vanished around 11,000 years ago.<br />
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You can find Skiddaw Webcam <a href="https://kcssolutions.co.uk/web-cam/skiddaw-cam/" target="_blank">right here</a>. Now tell me that's not a magnificent view!<br />
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<b>Blencathra</b><br />
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Yeah, I know it's right next to Skiddaw but c'mon, it's awesome! Easily one of my favourite fells to look at, and Halls Fell Ridge is one of the finest routes in the county, in my very humble opinion. Rocks wise, it's much the same age as Skiddaw but twice as sexy. Rarrr!<br />
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You can see the Blencathra <a href="https://kcssolutions.co.uk/web-cam/blencathra/" target="_blank">webcam here</a>. (Please note - not a lot to see when it's dark...)<br />
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<b>Coniston Water</b><br />
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There is SOOOOO much history attached to Coniston Water from Donald Campbell to Ruskin. Or should that be the other way around? Either way it's a magnificent lake. No launches or boats on there at the moment, but you can <a href="https://www.conistonboatingcentre.co.uk/aboutus/live-webcam" target="_blank">watch the webcam here</a> and get your Coniston fix whenever you need it!<br />
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<b>Ullswater</b><br />
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What a chuffing gorgeous lake! Fabulous dogleg in the middle and stunning fells all around. Often gets voted as the best looking lake and the others are properly jealous. Ullswater Steamers aren't running, but you can still <a href="https://www.ullswater-steamers.co.uk/webcam/" target="_blank">watch their webcam</a> and dream of your next visit.<br />
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<b>Osprey Cam</b><br />
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OK, this one isn't quite live yet - but it will be, and when it is you will be hooked, I promise! Cumbria Wildlife Trust have a live camera on their osprey nest which will kick in as soon as the osprey return from their winter hols in Africa - no pesky border controls for them! Once <a href="https://www.cumbriawildlifetrust.org.uk/wildlife/cams/osprey-cam" target="_blank">Osprey Cam</a> is up and running you can watch them as they lay eggs, hatch, and rear their young. Entertainment from late March until the end of the summer. perfect!<br />
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<b>No click bait adverts</b><br />
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Like many folks we've seen our income wiped by the lockdown and, unfortunatley, we slip through the cracks of the government support on offer. We have also chosen not to run 'click bait' advertising on the blog as we don't agree with the content and the damage it does to fellow human beings. If you would like to support us then you can either <b><a href="https://cumbrianrambler.blogspot.com/p/our-online-bookstore.html" target="_blank">buy our books </a></b>or leave us a tip in our virtual tip jar below. Thank you. 😊<br />
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Cumbrian Ramblerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03372624872224851441noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-983057519799689883.post-52599666816633939022020-02-22T10:29:00.001+00:002020-02-22T12:52:46.018+00:00The Laws of Physics and Hiking<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lhdBYQi0FNA/XlD2VBdOF0I/AAAAAAAAR5M/OZqwc3-Q3i8RwUF3TSUfAXIlf_dUlR36QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/20191110_100555.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="778" data-original-width="1600" height="155" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lhdBYQi0FNA/XlD2VBdOF0I/AAAAAAAAR5M/OZqwc3-Q3i8RwUF3TSUfAXIlf_dUlR36QCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/20191110_100555.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">As will become apparent <i>very </i>quickly, I am no expert in the word of physics, but it has occurred to me that hiking bends the laws of physics and no-one seems to have noticed. For example, on a circular walk the laws of physics will tell us that if we start and end at the same point then there must be an equal amount of uphill and downhill, but hikers know for a FACT that there is always more up than down in any walk.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">In hiking we can also prove that two wrongs do, in fact, make a right. Very boggy ground - wrong. Temperatures well below freezing with significant wind chill - wrong. But combine the two and the freezing weather makes the bog solid so we can walk over it - right. (OK, that one may not be an <i>actual</i> law of physics, but I'm pretty sure it's a law of something!)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I have dug further into the laws of physics and present, below, my findings on what happens when physics meets hiking. I'm expecting my doctorate in the post from a prestigious university any day now. (All laws have been taken <a href="https://www.jagranjosh.com/general-knowledge/important-laws-of-physics-1513943551-1" target="_blank">from this website</a>, so, if you don't like them, it's him you need to tell, not me.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong style="background-color: white; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">1.Archimedes Principle</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"><i>"The principle was discovered in 3rd century B.C. by the Greek mathematician. Archimedes. It states that when a body is partially or totally immersed in a fluid, it experiences an upward thrust equal to the weight of the fluid displaced by it that i.e. its apparent loss of weight is equal to the weight of liquid displaced."</i></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">Well Archimedes was clearly not a hiker. He also lived in Greece which, I'm guessing, is pretty thin on the ground so far as bogs are concerned. When my foot is 'partly or totally immersed in (boggy) fluid', there is no upward thrust and I experience no weight loss. In fact my mass increases as my boots are sucked into the mire and said bog cakes itself around my boots. If Archimedes had ever tried to walk from High Tove to Castleigg after heavy rain he may have had a rethink.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong style="background-color: white; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">2. Law of conservation of energy</strong><br style="background-color: white; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white;"><i>"It states that energy can neither be created nor destroyed but it can be transformed from one form to another. Since energy cannot be created or destroyed, the amount of energy present in the universe is always remain constant."</i></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OM9OE32ySfA/XlD3EHEhdOI/AAAAAAAAR5c/8a5yRfoXNQkN1Sn067j9SYhWv1DGLhNPQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/20151010_124111_Richtone%2528HDR%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="112" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OM9OE32ySfA/XlD3EHEhdOI/AAAAAAAAR5c/8a5yRfoXNQkN1Sn067j9SYhWv1DGLhNPQCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/20151010_124111_Richtone%2528HDR%2529.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It looks so near...</td></tr>
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Picture the scene. You park at Stickle Barn and take the Cumbria Way/ Angle Tarn route up to the bottom of Great End. You eat and drink well all the way along the route and are feeling good, if a little tired. You wander along the track to the top of Broad Crag with your sights set firmly on Scafell Pike, still feeling nice and perky. You reach the end of Broad Crag and see the drop down, and the climb back up, to Scafell Pike summit. All energy instantly drains from your body. Energy destroyed. My case rests.<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><b>3. Newton’s First law of Motion</b></span><br style="background-color: white; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white;"><i>"A body continues in its state of rest, or of uniform motion in a straight line, except in so far as it is compelled by external impressed forces to change that state. It is also called Law of Inertia."</i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;">I'm gong to agree with Newton on this one. When I'm 3/4 of the way through a long hike and pause for a sit down and a gulp of tea and cake, my body is in a 'state of rest' and I am generally quite happy to remain in this state of rest. The 'external forces' 'compelling me to move' would be a cold wind, Steve nagging that it's getting late, or an overwhelming desire for a wee.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><b>4.</b></span><em style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"> </em><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><b>Newton’s Third Law of Motion</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"><i>"To every action there is equal and opposite reaction."</i></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Wrong. At least so far as midges are concerned. Surely this law is stating that if I swish my hands around in front of my face and swear very loudly at a gathering swarm of midges (my 'action'), then they should disperse (their 'reaction'), but we all know that this does not happen, in fact it only encourages them. And don't get me started on their bites! It is simply not 'equal' for minute specs of airborne evil (aka the midge) to create a series of golf ball sized lumps on my hands and face that leave me crying for my mummy at 3am. And then there are the clegs - inch long velociraptors with wings - when they sink their minute diamond tipped fangs into your arm the 'equal' reaction would be to feel a pinprick of pain, not the searing-hot-poker-in-the-arm reality. Send Newton for a stroll around Kielder Water on a warm, muggy, summer evening, wearing nothing more than tshirt & shorts, and then see what he has to say about "equal and opposite reactions".</span></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;">5. </span><span style="background-color: white; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">Newton’s Law of cooling</span></span></b><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>"The rate at which a body cools or loses its heat to its surroundings is proportional to the excess of mean temperature of the body over that of the surroundings, provided this temperature excess is not too large."</i></span></span><br />
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Any laws pertaining to temperature are null and void when hiking - the rate at which my body cools when I pause for a swig of tea on a cold winter hike defies any law of physics. I can go from baking hot to colder than Katie Hopkins heart in under 5 seconds. Tea also obeys the same rule when released from its flask and poured into a cup - nice and hot when you pour it, but by the time you've rescrewed the top back on to save the rest of your brew and quickly slipped on a glove because you can no longer feel your fingers, then raised the cup to your lips, it's stone cold.<br />
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I'm pretty sure experts in the world of physics will be lining up to tear me to shreds and to all of you I say this: you are welcome to join me on a hike any time and we'll put your laws to the test - infact, bring Archimedes and Newton along and we'll make a day of it. 😁<br />
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<b>Please don't leave just yet. </b>We have written nine books choc full of fun, fab and interesting things with lots of stunning photos. Y<b><a href="http://cumbrianrambler.blogspot.com/p/our-online-bookstore.html" target="_blank">ou can buy them all right HERE</a></b>. We will be happy to sign them and they make the perfect gift for lovers of Cumbria, or you could just treat yourself. Go on, you know you're worth it.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cumbrianrambler.blogspot.com/p/our-online-bookstore.html" target="_blank">Click here to browse our bookshelf.</a></td></tr>
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<br />Cumbrian Ramblerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03372624872224851441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-983057519799689883.post-79077023768976819802020-01-19T08:53:00.000+00:002020-01-19T08:53:28.207+00:00Does size really matter?If you Google '10 Things about Cumbria' you'll find a host of websites clammouring to tell you that we have the highest mountain, the longest (and deepest) lakes and the steepest road in England (I'm not convinced that last one is even accurate!) <div>
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It's true that our towering fells and shimmering lakes are utterly spectacular, and it's also true that you can have some pretty big adventures here, from zipwires to mountain biking, but what often gets missed is that Cumbria is full of small wonders too, things that folks can (and do!) walk right past without noticing. </div>
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This year we have decided to explore nooks, crannies, and paths less travelled - and certainly paths we've never wandered along before. To kick off our 'Small Year', here are my 10 favourite small things that we've spotted on our walks so far.</div>
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<b>1. An enclosed footpath</b></div>
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I love wandering along old enclosed footpaths - you know that 'back in the day' they were probably bustling routes between farms and villages, but today they're just for hikers and wildlife.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xG8xZG5STzI/XiQRMq3oQwI/AAAAAAAAR3w/YwTEH7Vwu2c08GQYsgQzOD4A7X9sxu1lQCEwYBhgL/s1600/20180414_150534.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xG8xZG5STzI/XiQRMq3oQwI/AAAAAAAAR3w/YwTEH7Vwu2c08GQYsgQzOD4A7X9sxu1lQCEwYBhgL/s400/20180414_150534.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b> 2. The Old Concrete Road</b><br />
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While cyclists and drivers in their thousands stream over the high passes, I'll settle for the old concrete road near Shap. It's not the biggest, steepest or most dramatic, but I absolutely love a toddle along it.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HI9a2gDScR0/XiQQ1neqLVI/AAAAAAAAR3g/A1B41gP4iZAq5JGB7MyWNcokmhlvzBGDwCEwYBhgL/s1600/Old%2BConcrete%2BRoad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HI9a2gDScR0/XiQQ1neqLVI/AAAAAAAAR3g/A1B41gP4iZAq5JGB7MyWNcokmhlvzBGDwCEwYBhgL/s400/Old%2BConcrete%2BRoad.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>3. Frozen bubbles</b><br />
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To be fair, I've shared this picture before - but we only spotted these because we were dawdling (as usual!) and paused to look more closely at a tarn. I've never seen frozen bubbles before or since and absolutely love this photo.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cMahQPLZKbs/XiQQMlqHSCI/AAAAAAAAR3A/c_-cXJv1CuE3zuLJKiSgiRU2eTr8kM8CACEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_5258.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="483" data-original-width="800" height="241" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cMahQPLZKbs/XiQQMlqHSCI/AAAAAAAAR3A/c_-cXJv1CuE3zuLJKiSgiRU2eTr8kM8CACEwYBhgL/s400/IMG_5258.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>4. Bluebell Woods</b><br />
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Rannerdale Bluebells are the stars of the show every year, but there are dozens of stunning bluebell woods all over Cumbria, and none more spectacular than Dorothy Farrer's Spring Woods near Stavely.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nOHvh0GIMF4/XiQQXwzvlbI/AAAAAAAAR3M/r5lQUwX21X83iKTuopdgcgm6UoxloFaiQCEwYBhgL/s1600/Dorothy%2BFarrer.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nOHvh0GIMF4/XiQQXwzvlbI/AAAAAAAAR3M/r5lQUwX21X83iKTuopdgcgm6UoxloFaiQCEwYBhgL/s400/Dorothy%2BFarrer.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>5. Packhorse bridges</b></div>
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Yes, Ashness Bridge is super stunning, but it's alo super busy. We discovered this absolute gem by complete accident during our Brewers Loop hike last year. It's not far from Ravenglass, but for full location details you'll have to wait for the book.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ewVt9iruGaE/XiQQF3rEyVI/AAAAAAAAR24/HpHKujZEQ2MOgA7Ks8DIo24uaIlm2OaigCEwYBhgL/s1600/20190708_132635.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="778" data-original-width="1600" height="193" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ewVt9iruGaE/XiQQF3rEyVI/AAAAAAAAR24/HpHKujZEQ2MOgA7Ks8DIo24uaIlm2OaigCEwYBhgL/s400/20190708_132635.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>6. The flowers on Grange Prom</b></div>
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We live in Grange-over-Sands and there are flowers in bloom pretty much all year round. I usually take a detour along the prom on my way to the shops, and I'm never disappointed.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r1Vz8BvAL3o/XiQQjh2bmnI/AAAAAAAAR3U/i-MSCzXOPWUiJc13N6_4gEk2JMq-JXODACEwYBhgL/s1600/20191018_113800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="778" data-original-width="1600" height="193" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r1Vz8BvAL3o/XiQQjh2bmnI/AAAAAAAAR3U/i-MSCzXOPWUiJc13N6_4gEk2JMq-JXODACEwYBhgL/s400/20191018_113800.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>7. Skylarks</b></div>
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Well, birds in general to be honest, but is there anything lovelier than the background music of a skylark during a gentle summer walk? And we were SO excited to see one this close!</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LZg7cEfUbC0/XiQQPo5PtBI/AAAAAAAAR3E/tYLrOqmqrEEJ3febNlgfCjruPODtD8B5gCEwYBhgL/s1600/Skylark.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="619" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LZg7cEfUbC0/XiQQPo5PtBI/AAAAAAAAR3E/tYLrOqmqrEEJ3febNlgfCjruPODtD8B5gCEwYBhgL/s400/Skylark.JPG" width="308" /></a></div>
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<b>8. Moss on a wall</b></div>
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I know you'll think I've lost my marbles with this one, but I love moss on walls - especially when the sun catches it like this. We were meant to be eating lunch but I just kept staring at the wall...</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XmYFHgEVb5Y/XiQP9OvpPDI/AAAAAAAAR2w/ptB8KsYYiEwn2-VRZ-J2W14HyUTZ2YedgCEwYBhgL/s1600/20200118_145442.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="778" data-original-width="1600" height="193" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XmYFHgEVb5Y/XiQP9OvpPDI/AAAAAAAAR2w/ptB8KsYYiEwn2-VRZ-J2W14HyUTZ2YedgCEwYBhgL/s400/20200118_145442.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>9. Wells and water troughs</b></div>
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As well as moss, I also love stumbling on old wells and water troughs, for me they are a great reminder to appreciate the taps in our house. Imagine having to head off with your bucket every time you wanted a drink, or to do the washing, or anything really. So many of them are incredibly ornate too, and often have fascinating snippets of history and folklore behind them.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p9iiDISpCx8/XiQRWSr1cQI/AAAAAAAAR30/Py_0nx2fnAYVPuOYJONtlY49BXXKu9UtgCEwYBhgL/s1600/20180908_150056.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="778" data-original-width="1600" height="193" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p9iiDISpCx8/XiQRWSr1cQI/AAAAAAAAR30/Py_0nx2fnAYVPuOYJONtlY49BXXKu9UtgCEwYBhgL/s400/20180908_150056.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>10. Sharing the experience</b></div>
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Yeah, I know this one is cheesy, but surely one of the finest pleasures is sharing wonderful new discoveries with someone else? I love that we get to work and play outside together so often - it just makes it so much more fun!</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OVIvtj2QUKE/XiQSEIKmZNI/AAAAAAAAR4M/jlM-tlBrUxAiCCaMTL4O9Ltq6fpXW092QCEwYBhgL/s1600/20180209_140211.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OVIvtj2QUKE/XiQSEIKmZNI/AAAAAAAAR4M/jlM-tlBrUxAiCCaMTL4O9Ltq6fpXW092QCEwYBhgL/s400/20180209_140211.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>Want more info on Cumbria's tucked away treasures? </b>Then may I recommend one of our books? They are crammed full of wonderful nuggets of history as well as Steve's fabulous photos, and I promise I do a happy dance whenever we sell one! Click the pic to browse our bookshelf!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cumbrianrambler.blogspot.com/p/our-online-bookstore.html" target="_blank">Click here to browse</a></td></tr>
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Cumbrian Ramblerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03372624872224851441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-983057519799689883.post-10928160260920289472019-12-29T09:37:00.000+00:002019-12-29T10:00:46.594+00:00Happy New 527040 Minutes!<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KXvpg8jy-WQ/XghwMdb3MJI/AAAAAAAAR0k/724uIFW4TEMEL0vbfOR_1c2cRgvfToFlwCEwYBhgL/s1600/20190210_133235.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="778" data-original-width="1600" height="155" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KXvpg8jy-WQ/XghwMdb3MJI/AAAAAAAAR0k/724uIFW4TEMEL0vbfOR_1c2cRgvfToFlwCEwYBhgL/s320/20190210_133235.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sandscaale & Black Combe</td></tr>
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I drive my boss nuts. But in a good way I think. At least that's what I keep telling myself. (To be fair I've been driving Steve nuts for a lot longer than that!). One of the many reasons I drive the people around me nuts is my odd obsession with time. I can set the timer in the kitchen when I'm cooking dinner and just *know* when it's about to go off. Steve thinks that's wierd.<br />
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My new boss is starting to get the measure of me too. Having been full time freelance since November 2012, last October I was in need of more stable employment and was incredibly lucky to land a lovely 3-day-a-week fixed term contract - this was after failing the personality and literacy tests for both Boots and Debenhams... So what is it in particular that drives my new boss a bit nuts? Each day I remind him how many days I have left; not in a "I'm counting down the days to freedom" kind of a way, but in a "I'm only here for XX more days, let's not waste any!" way.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Idcum_FXZjg/XghwVNYFAqI/AAAAAAAAR0o/w7P43G--PQUpqsC3MqmDuJWiu3gDz4ubgCEwYBhgL/s1600/Silverdale.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="778" data-original-width="1600" height="155" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Idcum_FXZjg/XghwVNYFAqI/AAAAAAAAR0o/w7P43G--PQUpqsC3MqmDuJWiu3gDz4ubgCEwYBhgL/s320/Silverdale.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Silverdale</td></tr>
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I try to live my whole life like that, but it doesn't alway work out the way I'd like. My dad died fairly suddenly when I was just 18 and it instilled in me a deep appreciation that our time on this earth is finite. Many people act as if they have an infinite amount of time at their disposal, but the truth is time is the rarest and most valuable thing we have, and this past year I really don't feel as if I've spent my time as wisely as I should have.<br />
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True, I have to work to pay the bills (that's the really annoying part!) but I usually get the balance a bit better than I've managed recently. To be honest, I feel as if I've been running to stand still. Not even that. In some ways I've gone backwards and that's really frustrating,<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DwDbbP193Is/Xghwwe3_LlI/AAAAAAAAR1E/R7Spj3trL7suguyGnpNfPacZchv-GFPdwCEwYBhgL/s1600/Group%2BBench%2BOwen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="641" data-original-width="962" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DwDbbP193Is/Xghwwe3_LlI/AAAAAAAAR1E/R7Spj3trL7suguyGnpNfPacZchv-GFPdwCEwYBhgL/s320/Group%2BBench%2BOwen.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">By Royal Appointment</td></tr>
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It's also true that we've done some fantastic things this year; we guided William and Kate on a walk around Ullswater, man-handled a beer cask on a 138 mile hike around the county and <a href="http://cumbrianrambler.blogspot.com/p/our-online-bookstore.html" target="_blank">launched two new books</a>, but there have been so many things this year that we haven't done. We haven't been away on Delores (our trusty campervan), we haven't been out swimming and kayaking nearly as often as we should and we've hardly managed any hikes for pleasure (as opposed to those required for research for a book).<br />
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I've been working away from home far too often meaning lots of long lonely nights in hotels, and then my weekends have been spent playing catch up with my writing - meeting book deadlines etc., all of which have been my poor excuses for not spending enough time with Steve and the rest of our families.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Helvellyn</td></tr>
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Ironically I deliver Time Management training courses and one of the points I make at the end is that we spend so much of our life worrying about how to manage our work time, and fit in all our work tasks, but how often do we make enough time for the people and activities that are truly the most important to us?<br />
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What's most important to me is Steve, and the time we spend together in the fells, and on other adventures, but we just haven't done that this year, and I've really missed it. I have a whole week off work this week (my boss is no doubt delighted!) and, apart from writing this blog, I promised I wouldn't do any work at all; instead we're spending the week together exploring Cumbria (our rule is that we can't walk anywhere we've walked before!).<br />
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2020 is a leap year, so we get a whole extra day to play with. That means we have 366 days/ 8784 hours/ 527,040 minutes starting at the stroke of midnight on New Year's Eve. My only resolution this year is to spend my time more wisely so that this time next year I can write an action packed blog full of adventures, instead of one about regret.<br />
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I sincerely hope everyone reading this has a wonderful, adventurous 2020, filled with fun, family and happiness! (And here are a few other pics of things from this year, just to make me feel a bit better about things.) 😀<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scout Scar</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6JWJKIbmTWg/Xghw1VGFJyI/AAAAAAAAR1M/JeLZ4GplbbEWOi57LeWIP-xFtqBa7IaqACEwYBhgL/s1600/View%2Bfrom%2BGreenside%2BMines.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="778" data-original-width="1600" height="193" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6JWJKIbmTWg/Xghw1VGFJyI/AAAAAAAAR1M/JeLZ4GplbbEWOi57LeWIP-xFtqBa7IaqACEwYBhgL/s400/View%2Bfrom%2BGreenside%2BMines.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Patterdale</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Aohr_HeuLCk/Xghw-vrbasI/AAAAAAAAR1U/11P6T2hvZnASXMRZTyQz4Il6cFQWNen5gCEwYBhgL/s1600/Ulverston%2BCanal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="865" data-original-width="1600" height="215" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Aohr_HeuLCk/Xghw-vrbasI/AAAAAAAAR1U/11P6T2hvZnASXMRZTyQz4Il6cFQWNen5gCEwYBhgL/s400/Ulverston%2BCanal.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ulverston Canal</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zmM02X4u0_8/XghxDfJULqI/AAAAAAAAR1c/nMpheM-L3ks40QDy9hfmZvXOKblbIZCOgCEwYBhgL/s1600/20190331_095553.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="781" data-original-width="1600" height="195" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zmM02X4u0_8/XghxDfJULqI/AAAAAAAAR1c/nMpheM-L3ks40QDy9hfmZvXOKblbIZCOgCEwYBhgL/s400/20190331_095553.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blencathra</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dfjxkKPrvbs/XghxOOQih9I/AAAAAAAAR1c/51x9rgLnbQMWMI8Ww2xR1bxQo5SIasezACEwYBhgL/s1600/20190920_143728.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="778" data-original-width="1600" height="193" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dfjxkKPrvbs/XghxOOQih9I/AAAAAAAAR1c/51x9rgLnbQMWMI8Ww2xR1bxQo5SIasezACEwYBhgL/s400/20190920_143728.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Humphrey Head</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xrr4bAKmd5I/XghxVpz_TyI/AAAAAAAAR1g/XHAx0TkZkp8t_FFPirgURNUOs18WiLPqQCEwYBhgL/s1600/20191020_132418.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="778" data-original-width="1600" height="193" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xrr4bAKmd5I/XghxVpz_TyI/AAAAAAAAR1g/XHAx0TkZkp8t_FFPirgURNUOs18WiLPqQCEwYBhgL/s400/20191020_132418.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Langdale Valley</td></tr>
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Cumbrian Ramblerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03372624872224851441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-983057519799689883.post-15761629380297713052019-11-03T10:57:00.001+00:002019-11-03T15:14:19.742+00:00Mind full or Mindful?Last week I had to re-enter the corporate world, I'm not looking for sympathy or medals, just stating a fact. For the past 7 years I've been a fulltime freelancer but, thanks to, ahem, uncertainties in the policital landscape, work in my particular field has dwindled somewhat of late, and we are a very long way from earning a living from our books just yet (although you could click on the link at the end and help us along a bit!).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bxxa_y2zIwM/Xb6ovU32FuI/AAAAAAAARuQ/KkFptfylMhMvsB_7eemnhMc4nw56CBFzQCEwYBhgL/s1600/20191031_071318.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="778" data-original-width="1600" height="193" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bxxa_y2zIwM/Xb6ovU32FuI/AAAAAAAARuQ/KkFptfylMhMvsB_7eemnhMc4nw56CBFzQCEwYBhgL/s400/20191031_071318.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from Grange-over-Sands station</td></tr>
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The upshot is that I've been lucky enough to find a job in my specialist field (learning & development, thanks for asking 😀), working for a lovely organisation. The only downside is that they're in Salford. I have nothing against Salford, it's just really tricky to get to from Grange-over-Sands. And I mean <i>really </i>tricky. It takes me just under 3 hours each way, and that's without factoring in the vagaries of Northern Rail! To give you some idea, it also takes me just over 3 hours to get all the way to London.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love this building next to Wigan station</td></tr>
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The thing that has struck me most about my commute is how unhappy everyone is. Very few people smile, no-one makes eye contact and kindness is scarce. Those people that do talk are inevitably complaining about their boss/ co-workers/ workload, but most folks are plugged into laptops or phones, oblivious to the world around them. Some things in partcular caught my attention...<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walking to work</td></tr>
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<li>On day 1 I changed trains at Lancaster and had 20 minutes to kill (long story). I sauntered into the waiting room to plug my phone in while I waited - I needed my map at the other end. I then sat down with my knitting. Five minutes later two women barelled in, frantically plugged in (between them) three mobile phones and two laptops, then sat, frantically typing what looked like emails, for 10 minutes before their train arrived, whereupon (fabulous word!) they equally frantically stuffed everything back into their bags and raced to the train. It was 7:20am. I wondered when their working day was supposed to start. The day they were getting paid for. How much have organisations taken advantage of the fact that we can work from anywhere now? No wonder everyone is so unhappy.</li>
<li>On a crammed train a lady got on. She didn't look well. Every seat was taken and folks were stuffed into every nook and cranny along the aisles. She asked very loudly and politely if there was anyone in a priority seat who didn't need it. No-one moved. Not one person. No-one even made eye contact. I'm aware that not not all disabilities are visible but I refuse to believe that every single person in that carriage had one. I was right down the far end but still stood up and called her down. I'm not special, I'm just doing what I was taught as a child; have some decency and respect for others, especially those in need.</li>
<li>On every single trip I made this week I'd say that well over 90% of folks were staring at their phone screens, mostly doing work, but a few were playing games. A handful of people were reading and, on most occasions, I was the only one knitting and gazing out of the window. When are our brains getting any downtime? At the office I've already chatted to a couple of folks who say how stressed they are and how they can't switch off. I'm not surprised - most organisations will take every single second we give them, so we need to set boundaries to save our sanity. </li>
<li>Boarding etiquette is non-existant - it's every man for himself. If I do pause to allow someone on in front of me, the person behind has tutted, huffed and practically climbed into my rucksack. I've been pushed and barged an it's only week one. </li>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gorgeous autumn colours</td></tr>
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These days it's way too easy to have our minds full of things, work, home, family, finances; the list goes on and on, but when are we making time for ourselves? Even if it's just giving our mind a break on our commute. How often are we truly mindful - right there, in the moment, as opposed to having our minds full of a million different things? Your computer doesn't perform as well with lots of tabs open, and neither do you.<br />
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So many people are racing through life from dawn to dusk and not really enjoying very much of it at all, then they take it out on others and so the cycle continues. Misery, it seems, is contagious.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Discovering local landmarks</td></tr>
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I refuse to believe it's complicated, we just need to be a bit nicer to ourselves, and each other. If misery is contagious, why not happiness?<br />
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My mission is this: I resolve to smile at people, to be courteous, to stare out of the windows and not to bitch about my co-workers - we are all in this together and none of us are perfect. There will be times when I fail, I am only human, but if we all tried just a little bit harder the maybe the world wouldn't be quite such a crappy place.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The lights of Morecambe</td></tr>
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<b>You know that bit above where I said you could buy our books? </b>Well y<b><a href="http://cumbrianrambler.blogspot.com/p/our-online-bookstore.html" target="_blank">ou can buy them all right HERE</a></b>. You could even read them on your commute! We will be happy to sign them and they make the perfect gift for lovers of Cumbria. Honest they do. Also Christmas is coming. Just saying...<br />
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Cumbrian Ramblerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03372624872224851441noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-983057519799689883.post-72652431282763043752019-10-06T08:11:00.001+01:002019-10-06T08:54:05.600+01:00Pilgrim's Way to LindisfarneRecently I was lucky enough to land a small piece of work in Berwick-upon-Tweed, so I made the most of it and headed over early for a spot of exploring. I really rather like Berwick, here are a few reasons why...<br />
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It's a place crammed full of history and amazing views, and there's plenty to keep a history nerd occupied for a while.<br />
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Just down the coast from Berwick is Lindisfarne. We'd visited there a few years ago (actually 9 years ago, where did the time go?!) when we pootled over on Delores; this time I was on my own and instead of driving over, I wanted to walk over, following the Pilgrim's Way. The weather and tides looked to be perfect and, although I would be alone, I knew I wouldn't be on my own as there were bound to be others taking advantage of the conditions. I was right.<br />
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I scoured the internet for tips but couldn't seem to find all the information I needed about the crosing in one place - how long did it take? What was the best footwear? etc. so, having done the walk, both ways, I thought I'd share my insights.<br />
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1. <a href="https://www.tidetimes.org.uk/holy-island-tide-times" target="_blank">Check the tide times.</a><br />
2.<a href="https://www.tidetimes.org.uk/holy-island-tide-times" target="_blank"> <b>CHECK THE TIDE TIMES</b> </a>- seriously, I cannot stress this enough. I live on Morecambe Bay so am well awae of the dangers of heading out across tidal marshes.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2hevRJgWXP8/XZmOklP-djI/AAAAAAAARtE/WULmFIVYzG8Hl3Zw7BXJlA1cQJyUjsifACEwYBhgL/s1600/20191002_105526.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="778" data-original-width="1600" height="155" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2hevRJgWXP8/XZmOklP-djI/AAAAAAAARtE/WULmFIVYzG8Hl3Zw7BXJlA1cQJyUjsifACEwYBhgL/s320/20191002_105526.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
3.<b> Getting there and parking.</b> We'd visited before so I know about the huge car park on the mainland right next to the causeway. This car park is now CLOSED. No, I do not know why. It's blocked off with huge concrete blocks. To be honest, as I'd arrived not knowing this I parked on the roadside - not ideal and space is VERY limited, but I was determined to cross. A better solution would probably be to take the bus from Berwick. Bus times etc. are <a href="https://www.lindisfarne.org.uk/general/hibus.htm" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
4. <b>How far is it?</b> I plotted the route in Viewranger and it came out as 2.79 miles one way, so double that if you're planning to walk back.<br />
5. <b> Boots or feet?</b> This is a tricky one. The going is soft, very soft, with lots of paddling. I found that on the way out I wore my boots for the first, muddier, part because, as I quickly learned, boots grip a LOT better than bare feet. In the middle, paddling tends to take over for a while, so I took my boots off for the second half. I did the reverse on the way back.<br />
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6. <b>What else will I need? </b> I found a walking pole incredibly useful. It really is very slippery out there and I have a rubbish sense of balance anyway, so really needed the pole.<br />
7. <b>What's the walk really like?</b> It's a great walk, though more challenging than it first appears. Soft mud is tiring. It's also (depending on the time of year) cold in the paddling bits. There's one stretch of hard sand with lots of broken shells, which I tackled in bare feet, but my feet were so cold that I didn't notice the pain so much. There's also a channel to cross - having watched the folks ahead of me wade through a narrow part that went up to their thighs, I opted for a wider section, which was shallower, and only went in up to my knees. These channels will, of course, shift with the tides, but it's a useful rule of thumb.<br />
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8. <b> How long will it take?</b> When I was researching it I read a post from someone who claimed that he and his wife had made the crosing in 35 minutes - that's pretty impressive stuff! I walked briskly, pausing only to take a few photos, and it took me a shade over an hour to get across.<br />
9. <b>Is there anywhere to rest?</b> Not during the walk, no. There's nowhere to sit and the refuges dotted along the route are there for emergencies only, plus they are tricky to haul yourself up into. There is a nice bench at the far side though, where you can wolf down some tea and cake before heading back. Or you could get the bus back, or walk along the causeway, just be aware that there's no pavement and it can get pretty busy.<br />
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10. <b>How to time it.</b> I figured it would take me about an hour. I'd also read that it wasn't wise to set out the moment the causeway opens as the channel at the far side can still be quite deep. I set off an hour before low tide, so was on the island for low tide and walking back just as it turned, and I didn't encounter any problems at all, conditions were identical in both directions.<br />
11. <b>Is it easy to follow the route? </b> Yes, very easy. From the mainland, walk along the causeway (watch for the cars, there's not a lot of space and they whiz past!) and over the first bridge, you will easily see the tall poles marking the route all the way across; just stick close to them and you'll be fine.<br />
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12. <b>Is it worth it?</b> Yes. I was properly muddy and soggy by the end, but it's a great walk with loads of amazing photo opportunities. Just make sure you <b><a href="https://www.tidetimes.org.uk/holy-island-tide-times" target="_blank">CHECK THE TIDE TIMES</a></b> before you go. (Sorry, did I already mention that?) It's really quite something to be out there, in the middle of the walk, with nothing else around you, knowing that you're following in the footsteps of thousands of folks who didn't have GoreTex boots. The road only opened in 1954, before then, this was the only way over. Well, this and boats.<br />
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If you have any other questions, please just ask - it really was a great walk and I'd be happy to help with any other info if you need it.<br />
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Meanwhile - we haven't written any books about Northumberland (yet!) but we have written LOADS of books about Cumbria. <b><a href="http://cumbrianrambler.blogspot.com/p/our-online-bookstore.html" target="_blank">You can buy them all right HERE</a></b>. We will be happy to sign them and they make the perfect gift for lovers of Cumbria. Honest they do.<br />
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<br />Cumbrian Ramblerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03372624872224851441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-983057519799689883.post-56324234391931378992019-09-07T12:12:00.000+01:002019-09-07T12:12:47.580+01:00Sir Edmund Hillary<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JL26SJf8mWw/XXODLfCIDmI/AAAAAAAARpk/ask8pTfjKTAyoK2i900FVlYpeRh_e3dtACLcBGAs/s1600/Sir%2BEdmund%2BHillary.TIF" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1600" height="204" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JL26SJf8mWw/XXODLfCIDmI/AAAAAAAARpk/ask8pTfjKTAyoK2i900FVlYpeRh_e3dtACLcBGAs/s320/Sir%2BEdmund%2BHillary.TIF" width="320" /></a>This is a bit of a different blog - I'm going to call it an "audioblog" - think it might catch on? Anyway, earlier this week I interviewed Peter and Alexander Hillary, the son & grandson of Sir Edmund Hillary and I was planning to transcribe the interview into blog form but then thought it might be nicer to just listen to it all instead (plus it would have been a *really* long blog)!<br />
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I've broken it down into 4 sections, each of around 4 minutes each, so you don't have to listen to it all at once. They were both utterly delightful and, what you can't see (because I'm only publishing the audio files not the full Skype call) is that there was lots of smiling and laughing. It's my first ever experience of doing anything like this so I hope you enjoy it!<br />
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Section 1 - where we chat about Sir Edmund Hillary and what it was like having him as a father/ grandfather<br />
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<span style="text-align: center;">Section 2 - where we chat about their clothing range and how it is respnsibly sourced</span><br />
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Section 3 - where we chat about present day mountaineering and the future<br />
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Section 4 - where we chat about Mallory, clothing and Kendal Mint Cake<br />
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I'll be honest, at the end of the interview, immediately after I said my thank yous and bid the lovely gents farewell, I cracked up and had a little cry. My bookshelves are full of books by/ about Hillary, Scott, Mallory etc. so it was quite overwhelming to chat to Peter and Alexander and I am so incredily grateful that they took the time to speak with me.<br />
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Their clothing range looks superb - you can buy it locally at Joules B in Kendal or <a href="https://www.edmundhillary.com/" target="_blank">online here</a>.<br />
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If you're interested in investing in the clothing range as they expand in the future, you can <a href="https://www.crowdcube.com/companies/edmund-hillary/pitches/qWMQgZ" target="_blank">find out more here.</a><br />
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<b>FINALLY </b>- I am massively indebted to Helen Woodman who is a friend of my friend Vicki. It turns out that Helen's mum sewed the name labels into Sir Edmund Hillary's clothing for the expedition and she has written a small piece about it. I've included the full text below with her kind permission (and my eternal thanks!). Sadly, Betty passed away earlier this year.<br />
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<b>Cash’s Name Tapes and the Ascent of Everest on 29 May 1953</b><br />
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My mother, Betty Genn (née Mott), an Australian Grazier’s daughter from the outback in North West Queensland, Australia, met my father, Robert Seymour Genn MC, at Farnborough when he was Adjutant, 9 Training Regiment, Royal Engineers, at Cove, Aldershot, in 1951. Betty had not long arrived in the UK and found work at Aldershot General Hospital as a trained nurse and midwife. She had come over to the UK on a whim to accompany her sister, a Rocket Tracker Computer from Long Range Weapons at Woomera Test Range, and two other girls who had the expertise required by the Royal Aircraft Establishment at Farnborough. The four girls lived in a hostel in Farnborough. Betty and Bob got married soon after and lived in the married quarters at Southwood Camp, Cove.<br />
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My father was a junior officer under the then Colonel John Hunt, and on 11 September 1952 Hunt was chosen to lead the expedition for the ascent of Everest. Betty volunteered to help Joy, his wife, with part of the enormous task of sorting equipment and sewing name tapes on to the personal equipment and clothes of the team members. She journeyed up to London by train for days on end in the freezing cold of January/February 1952 (this was a girl from the tropics who had only just seen her first snow on her wedding day) to the warehouse at Wapping Wall of Messrs. Andrew Lusk, where all the expedition equipment and provisions were being gathered, prepared and packed for the boat journey leaving Tilbury for Bombay and onward transmission to Base Camp at the foot of Everest. As far as I understand, Joy Hunt, Mrs. Goodfellow, Mrs. Mowbray-Green and my mother (with, maybe, with other women relatives of the expedition members) spent many hours in the vast, cold Thames warehouse filled with the aroma of exotic spices. Betty, being as she calls herself “a Colonial” took pity on New Zealander, Edmund Hillary, deciding that she would sew on all his name tapes to his clothes, sleeping bags and other personal equipment. It was deemed necessary to name all personal equipment because tempers flare easily at high altitude and, besides, it was important that as the clothing had all been tailored to fit and to personal preference, each man wore his own clothing and used his own equipment. The trying on of clothing took place on 20th January at Lusk’s Warehouse. Betty recalls how she also cleaned some of the very dirty cooking equipment, pressure cookers, cutlery, plates, etc., that were piled high on the floor of the warehouse, loaned by the army. The Royal Aircraft Establishment tested materials and equipment; a new windproof material was put into the wind tunnel.<br />
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And so, on 2nd June 1953, the news came over the wireless that Betty’s sewing had ascended Mount Everest when it was announced “Her Majesty the Queen was crowned today in Westminster Abbey. Crowds waiting in the Mall also heard that Mount Everest had been climbed by the British Expedition. Messages of congratulations have been sent to the Leader, Colonel Hunt, by Her Majesty and the Prime Minister, Sir Winston Churchill.”<br />
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Betty Joan Genn, widowed in 2005, lives in Manor Street, Dittisham and will celebrate her 90th birthday in the first week of January 2014. The Wapping Wall warehouses are now prime river frontage accommodation.<br />
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Helen Woodma<br />
<br />Cumbrian Ramblerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03372624872224851441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-983057519799689883.post-31207953420558326292019-08-25T18:34:00.002+01:002019-08-25T19:23:38.239+01:00Are they available online?<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I got told off on FB - someone said they thought this was rude...</td></tr>
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My in-laws probably think I'm somewhat odd. OK, they *know* I'm odd, but they probably think I'm somewhat odder than usual this week, and can't understand why I'm so bent out of shape about Costa opening in Grange-over-Sands.<br />
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As long time readers of this blog will know, I am a passionate supporter of local businesses. I live in Grange and do 80% of my shopping at Higginsons, Fletchers or the Co-Op. I'll be honest, I rarely, if ever, buy coffee or meals out in Grange, but that's mainly because we can't afford to - although I do look forward to my chippy tea from Fish over Chips every Friday - so why does Costa bother me so much?<br />
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Because the very lovely <b><a href="http://athomecafebistro.co.uk/" target="_blank">At Home Bistro</a></b> opposite is bound to suffer as a consequence. And, if they suffer, other local businesses suffer too. The Bistro gets their bread from Grange Bakery, their milk from the local supplier, their coffee from Farrers (Cumbrian) and their meat from Plumgarths (Kendal) so, if the Bistro suffers, all of those other business will suffer too. (Costa bus all of their provisions in from a regional distribution centre miles away).<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fletchers - for fruit, veg & everything else!</td></tr>
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People keep banging on about the high street and losing shops, but retail is very much a "use it or lose it" situation. Visitors love Grange because of its unique collection of shops and cafes but, if everyone starts shopping at Tesco (opened last year) and Costa, then our high street will turn into just another of those idenikit high streets we see all over the UK.<br />
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In a different context we see it whenever we have a stall on a market to try and sell our books; I have genuinely lost count of the number of times I've had this conversation:<br />
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Customer: Where can I buy the books?<br />
Me (standing behind a table full of our books): Well, we're selling them here all day today.<br />
Customer: I mean, where else can I buy them?<br />
Me: Most of the local bookshops stock them.<br />
Customer: Are they available online?<br />
Me: Yes, but they're also available here, today.<br />
Customer: I'll just take a book mark to remind me. (Wanders off)<br />
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I *know* they're asking if Amazon sell them. (Yes, they do). Amazon is to me what Costa is to the <a href="http://athomecafebistro.co.uk/" target="_blank">At Home Bistro</a> - which is maybe why I want to do all I can to help the little guy.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pizza at The Estuary</td></tr>
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One of the reasons we don't eat out in Grange (and I would LOVE to go spend an evening at <b><a href="https://www.estuary-grange.co.uk/" target="_blank">The Estuary</a></b> munching pizza and sipping wine) is because we simply can't afford to and one of the reasons we can't afford to is because people prefer to buy off Amazon rather than us. We were at a market again all day today and failed to break even, again. I chat to customers, I'm helpful, polite and friendly, I offer directions to other places they ask about or might be interested in, but still the "is it available online" folks far outnumber the wonderful "could I buy this one please" folks.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TzNfvvgc5yU/XWK55JOQTZI/AAAAAAAARoQ/ccV_zs6kmp0SwftRpRWOZMIscBrEEJ3aACEwYBhgL/s1600/20141128_093154.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TzNfvvgc5yU/XWK55JOQTZI/AAAAAAAARoQ/ccV_zs6kmp0SwftRpRWOZMIscBrEEJ3aACEwYBhgL/s320/20141128_093154.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bread and cakes in The Hazelmere</td></tr>
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We're not alone either - our very good friends at <b><a href="https://www.thekeswickbootco.co.uk/" target="_blank">Keswick Boot Company</a></b> recently had a customer who spent 30 minutes being fitted for boots and trying on a variety of different brands before telling the owner, "Thanks, but I'll do what my wife did last year, I'll buy them cheaper online" - and people wonder why the High Street is dying!<br />
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If this sounds ranty then I apologise; I'm as wound up about the treatment of At Home Bistro and Keswick Boot Company as I am about folks buying our books on Amazon. Maybe it's just me - I did get told off on FaceBook by someone who took offence to the image at the top of the blog and told me I was being rude. I'm sure the multi-billionaire owner of Costa has barely slept a wink since they saw it... Other folks have said that I'm over sensitive or pessimistic and that perhaps Costa won't adversley affect the trade of the little coffee shop directly opposite, but their track record does not bear that out and their owners, Whitbread, proudly talk about their "aggressive expansion plans".<br />
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My lovely in-laws visited Costa during their stay, but it cost them more than they bargained for. My brother-in-law had mentioned how much he'd love a jar of damson jam, so I'd bought him one as a gift, planning to hand it over later in the hols. After their visit to Costa I revoked all damson jam priviledges. To be fair they did also visit the At Home Bistro, S Cafe and The Hazelmere during their stay but the damage was done; the jar of damson jam remains in our cupboard and I remain unrepentant. Odd and oversensitive or justifiably principled? I'll let you decide.<br />
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If you want to help me achieve our modest dream of enjoying a pizza and glass of wine at The Estuary, then <a href="http://cumbrianrambler.blogspot.com/p/our-online-bookstore.html" target="_blank">click here for our bookstore</a>. If you want to buy them off Amazon then go ahead, it's a free country, but don't expect damson jam off me anytime soon... 😀<br />
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