Any signs of dinner yet?

The heron appears to be deliberating over his options. Small-fry coming over the waterfall or a huge sea trout negotiating the fish pass? Friends have seen him catch a sea trout. Today was not a lucky day (at least, not while we were there). He hung around on the top step for a while, then off he flew. Perhaps the still waters of the lodge are more of a fast-food restaurant.

Mini-Niagara

We enjoy walking up to the Yarrow waterfall,which always seems to us like a mini Niagara Falls. Before the fish pass was built, there was a narrow fall of water in that spot which reminded us of the American Falls. 

After a few days of heavy rain, a great view and wonderful sound greet us as we walk round this bend.  

Local can be brilliant!

Not much escaping at this time of year....too cold or wet; dark too early; winter fireside syndrome.
A five-minute drive to Yarrow Valley Country Park provides all the walking and fresh air that we need.

A feeding frenzy going on here amongst the swans, the mallards and the black-headed gulls!





The local swans had five cygnets this year, and they could be leaving soon now they are fully grown. The sixth cygnet must be an interloper!

Things to cheer us along our way

We enjoy being out in the fresh air,communing with nature,taking life's little joys to heart. These were the simple pleasures of one afternoon.

As usual, I have to stop and stroke every dog we meet (except the ones which frighten me!!!) These three were delightful and came bounding up to greet us. The owners were quite pleasant too!

We didn't disturb this lone fisherman. Sometimes they glare at us if we make any noise or even say a quiet hello. I guess it frightens the fish away! Anyway, it's nice to watch them fishing especially on the rare occasions that they catch anything.

.  These bright berries caught my eye. I wonder how long they will stay there once the cold weather sets in?

Canal Update

Life has been a bit hectic lately, so there's been no time to update this blog. Now I need to look through my photos and catch up!

We haven't managed even to begin our walk along the full length of the Leeds/Liverpool Canal. The 'other half' suffers badly in cold weather so we've delayed that particular adventure until Spring.

Meanwhile, back in Chorley, this is 'our' bit of the canal, walked most days.These two pictures were taken in early November as the leaves were beginning to turn.

It's dark in 'ere!!!

Loughrigg Cave--sometimes known as Rydal Cave--from inside looking out.

Looking across at interesting and beautiful geological formations.

Grotty?

What looks like a little garden shed is actually a grade 2 listed building called 'The Grot'.

It was built in1668 and it enables people to frame and enjoy the view of lower Rydal beck waterfall. It has been refurbished inside and is very beautiful.

 However, I didn't centre my image properly in the window frame so it doesn't quite do what it says on the tin!!!

Take it from the Top

              Just a couple of the magnificent views of the Lake District.

 Above....looking down the valley towards Windermere, from Alcock Tarn.

Shapes and shadows caused by the sunlight on the opposite fells.

The sun was amazing all day, in and out, causing so many different effects on the landscape.

Intrepid Mountaineers

My fellow travellers admiring the view from the dizzy heights of Alcock Tarn.

It was well worth the climb!!!

Re-BOOT-ing

That's me with the legs dangling way off the floor, but,as you can see, I am in my boots.

Where did they tread?

A very steep climb and a nine and a half mile walk around the fells of Grasmere and Rydal.

In the centre of this photo are some tiny red and yellow coaches. That's where we parked the car.    

And we haven't finished climbing yet!!

Boots!

These boots are made for walking, and that's just what they'll do.

Looking forward to wearing my newly 'dubbined' boots at the weekend, as I head for Grasmere with some friends.


Hopefully, good photos will appear in the not-too-distant future of the places  where these boots have trod!

Walking the towpath

This lovely old bridge spans the canal close to home . Sadly, it has been joined by a very modern one leading to the inevitable housing estate on the edge of the canal. We walk this 3/4mile stretch of the towpath three or four times a week, taking in the changing seasons, the ducks and swans, the narrowboats, dog-walkers and cyclists, to name but a few things of interest.

Over the next couple of years, we hope to walk the full length of the Leeds/Liverpool canal ...all 127 miles of it! It should be fun, interesting and exciting. No doubt we shall be recording our adventures here, so watch this space!!

In the Garden

Sometimes I need go no further than the back garden to discover beautiful jewels. I bought these lilies for the princely sum of £1.50 several weeks back. They were full of buds and considerably shorter, but due to lack of sun, they have only just been brave enough to show off their beauty.

The container is a very ancient sink planted up with humble alpines, and the lilies add a huge splash of colour. Wonderful!!

The Treehouse

I think this was described as the largest treehouse in England.
It is a magical place, high up in the treetops, with walkways linking a restaurant, a cosy little bar,and a meeting room, all with superb views.

On a dark, wet, dismal afternoon it was shining with cheery fairy lights.




A view of the meeting room from the highest point.

Alnwick Gardens

The rain was lashing down as I drove to Alnwick. My 'other half ' wasn't well so I had decided to do the gardens alone. I was tempted to turn back, especially as it was the end of the growing season and I felt there wouldn't be much to see. I'm glad I carried on!

These cascades and fountains are magnificent---even in the drizzle!

I must mention the Poison Garden. (no photo,I'm afraid) We had to be locked in as every plant in there is poisonous, ranging from deadly nightshade to opium poppies.Our guide spun some wonderful tales. What a great experience! 

Northumberland Architecture

Bamburgh Castle. First written reference was A.D.547!!

Present castle dates back to Norman times.

Strong, secure,imposing, yet full of charm.

The three bridges at Berwick-on-Tweed are magnificent.

Each one is very different yet they blend together perfectly on the skyline.

Over the Top

Off to Northumberland, we took the A686 and ended up at a great eating place--The Hartside Top Cafe-- 1903 feet above sea-level. They do mighty, tasty pies and delicious cakes. All bad for you, but it was the first day of our holiday!

    It had been a narrow,long,and winding road to the top but what a pleasant change from the 80 miles of motorway we had just completed.  We always try to make the journey an enjoyable part of the holiday.

The views were wonderful! Hopefully, my photography skills will improve as this blog progresses! I know I could use pictures from the web but that would be cheating, wouldn't it?

Overcoming Obstacles

If I want to escape and really get out there, in tune with nature, there are certain problems to tackle. Like fear!!!!
Lately, I have tried to overcome my fear of big dogs, little spiders and cows!

On a long hike with friends recently, we tramped through at least five fields of cows or bullocks.
 Each time was a little less scary.

Then we came upon a field full of these guys---Highland Cattle. And I mean a field full. There seemed no path through without getting up close and personal.

'No way!' said I.  'We'll guard you,' said my friends.
They did, and I managed it.

                                              What a victory!! 

......and there's more!

Talking of sharing, here are some folk we've shared most of
 our married life with--------our wonderful children.

That was then!!
About 1966 on holiday in Wales.      

 

This is now!!

Well, more or less!  This was taken

about 2005 on holiday in Chorley!

In their favourite place-----the pub.

The Other Half

No doubt this 'good-looking fellow' will appear from time to time in my ramblings.

This is Allan, the love of my life for fifty years this year. We share quite a lot together!

Here at last.

Well!! I never thought I would have my own blog, so don't listen to those folks who say, 'You can't teach an old dog new tricks.'
I'm learning lots of new stuff and it's fun. You just have to take baby steps.

Oh yes......and have a patient, knowledgeable son-in-law!