Starbotton and Home

 It was a lovely morning on 16th which allowed us to get packed up in the dry. Once loaded up we set off for Farfield Mill near Sebergh (one of our favourite places) for lunch. As we were only travelling as far as Wharfdale we had time for a good potter around.

A smashing drive through the Dales took us to Starbotton and the splendid Fox and Hounds. As soon as we had put our bags in the room we went down for a pint outside in the sun and then an excellent meal as usual.

The Lakes Day 12. Sedburgh and Farfield Mill

 Although not so good as Thursday, today's weather was still reasonable and finished with beautiful warm autumn light, allowing us to get the awning down.

Farfield Mill was, as always, inspirational. Printer Stuart Wilkie had an exhibition. We have one of his prints (of High Sweden Bridge) and, as well as his work, I enjoyed looking at his sketch books and work in progress. Other artists had their sketch books on display and they are all works of art in their own right.

What a delightful town Sedburgh is with its book and craft shops. It is the sort of alternative place we love. We found a spinning/weaving shop and spent ages talking to the very friendly ladies about their work.

Once home and awning down it was time for tea: chicken, bacon and avocado salad. A very Nigel Slater experience.

Lake District, April 2019, Day 2.

On 10th we drove over the hills and valleys of the Yorkshire Dales to Hawes to try to see and photograph red squirrels. It was another beautiful day and lapwings wheeled acrobatically in the air as they displayed, their plaintive ‘peewit’ calls carrying clearly to us. The hauntingly beautifully bubbling song of curlews told us they had newly returned from the coastal mud flats to their hillside breeding grounds. We had booked to visit the Snaizeholme Red Squirrel Walk and at the appropriate time caught ‘the little white bus’ from the car park at the Dales Countryside Museum. We were soon being dropped off at the entrance to Mirk Pot Farm where our 2.5 mile walk began. Although there is a strong possibility of seeing squirrels anywhere, half way round the walk is a feeding station. We saw at least 3 of these superb little animals. As they are fed they are completely habituated to people and at times scampered right up to us. Moving as quickly as they did, however, they were a challenge to photograph. I am not too pleased with the photographs as I had the 'wrong' lens with me; still there will be another time.

On the way home, just before Sedburgh, we called at Farfield Mill art centre.  As well as superb art, especially textiles (Heather was in seventh heaven), photography of the ouside of the old buildings was rewarding as was the Clough River, which we felt, was very low.

What a wonderful day.