We had a good getaway on Sunday morning and the journey went well, although the weather gradually clouded over and became more inclement the nearer we got to The Lakes. We managed to get set up and settled in in the dry though and it was wonderful to be back both in the van and The Lakes. There is nothing like drinking in the smell of a caravan that has been warmed by the sun when you first go in. It wasn't long before Thomas drove over from Ambleside to join us for our evening meal; it was good to be together again.
The next morning we were up early. While the van was being serviced we borrowed the engineer's ladders, brush and hose and gave it a thorough clean. It really needed it, the roof in particular being green with algae. It was soon serviced though and sparkling like new.
Although the day had started grey and drizzly it had cleared and turned warm and sunny during the morning. So service over we had a quick lunch and then set out for a local walk though the woods of Rather Heath. I enjoyed looking for more possible images of footpaths for my final Body of Work Assignment for my degree and experimenting with taking long exposure shots whilst walking/running, as well as collecting images of lichen covered tree trunks which fascinate me. All around are signs of impending spring. Goat or pussy willow is in full bloom along with daffodils. The hedgerows are starting to turn green as hawthorn bushes come into leaf and masses of bluebell leaves are showing through in the wood. They are going to look a real picture when we return in May. In the woods green woodpeckers were yaffling and above we could hear the plaintive mewing of buzzards as they soared above the wood. In the fields curlew were singing their wonderful bubbling song as they establish territory and display to attract a mate. To my mind this is the most beautiful bird song and makes the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. Just before our evening meal we wandered across the nearby fields for the sunset and to make some images of my favourite oak tree with the Kentmere Horseshoe in the background. What a great end to the day.
Tuesday again dawned grey and drizzly but quickly cleared into a beautiful day. We began by driving into Ambleside for coffee with Thomas and a potter around the shops before walking up the track that winds its way eventually up to the summit of Fairfield. We turned off, though, to High Sweden Bridge over Scandale Beck where I enjoyed photographing it and Heather drawing. Mind after scrambling somewhat precariously with camera and tripod down into the gorge to photograph the waterfall, I did wonder how I was going to get out again!! Soon it was time to wander down the track back into Ambleside and heading home for a pot of tea and then I couldn't resist another trip over the fields to photograph 'the tree' in wonderful afternoon light. We finished the day by meeting Thomas in The Watermill pub at nearby Ings for an excellent meal and a couple of beverages. The pub has it's own brewery and the 'Ruff Justice' stout is deliciously bitter and chocolatey as it should be. Marvellous!!
Our final day was beautiful from the word go. We could hear buzzards, green woodpeckers and curlew and several blackbirds were singing their hearts out at the very topmost of the tallest trees. All was still as if nature is waiting in the wings for the starting gun. Sadly it was time to pack up the van, leave it in store and head for home. I can't wait till we are back in May.
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