The Last of England

Just got back from a jaunt in the Lakes with Ian and Craig.

Scafell 3163 feet (Thursday 12th June)

Skiddaw 3054 feet (Saturday 14th June)

This was my last English 3000 footer (of 6 tops) so there was a tear in my eye.

The weather was lovely overall and much walking, drinking and eating was partaken.

Equine Endeavours

Eve's been going riding recently.

I wondered whether she would take to it or if it was a fad but she's really done well.

She started on 'walk-outs' which were basically her being led around for 30 minutes but now she's actually getting taught.

She concentrates very hard (see pic).

Alyson thinks she's a 'natural' (!) and has bought her a pink helmet cover........

All aboard the Caravan of Love

Most weekends my wife, children, parents-in-law and their dogs can be found atop a hill in Yorkshire.


I sometimes visit them.

Quite why people would pay to sit in a metal box might when they have a perfectly good house at home is a question I sometimes ask, but it is fun for a short time (that's just before we all go crazy and kill each other due to being cooped up).

The moors are close by & it's very pleasant and healthy to go for a walk.

These are my delightful children roaming ala Cathy or Emily across the moors...........well, actually bothering sheep.

There's some great pubs in nearby Haworth too which is the principal attraction to my boozy wife.

and the Dales are close by with plenty of opportunity to go for walks so we're all happy.........

Out on the wiley, windy moors

Had a 'literary ramble' last weekend to Top Withins which is the basis for Emily Bronte's 'Wuthering Heights'. Quite a nice jaunt for the family this one- there were people walking with umbrellas and the signposts have Chinese directions on them.....

I tried to imagine the Bronte's roaming across the moors with the wind and rain bearing down on them, sheltering in the ruins and dreaming great things.

"Wuthering Heights is the name of Mr Heathcliff's dwelling. `Wuthering' being a significant provincial adjective, descriptive of the atmospheric tumult to which its station is exposed in stormy weather. Pure, bracing ventilation they must have up there at all times, indeed; one may guess the power of the north wind blowing over the edge, by the excessive slant of a few stunted firs at the end of the house; and by a range of gaunt thorns all stretching their limbs one way, as if craving alms of the sun."Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte.

All I had to contemplate was whether to leave my chocolate bar to the trip back.

It's only a short hour-long 4-5 mile walk from Haworth village.

See: http://www.haworth-village.org.uk/walks/withens/withens.asp

and http://www.haworth-village.org.uk/brontes/places/top_withens.asp

Animal Farm Revisited

It was Party Time for Eve yesterday at a local farm.

She's six next week but it saves money on doing a joint event so it was 'Happy BirthdayEve, Emily and Hannah!' as well as 20 of their school mates.

It was bedlam but at least the kids enjoyed it. They were more interested though in the playground than the lambs, kids, calfs and sundry other animals but it's a great idea and different to the usual 'Fun Palace' events.

http://www.stockleyfarm.co.uk/

Next year she gets to go to the pictures with a couple of friends.......

Buckden Pike (The Yorkshire Dales South)

From Buckden: SD960 788 Height 702m (2302ft)


Went up on 2/4/08 which was a Wednesday. Weather although not sunny was just fine.

It took 90 mins up with 30 mins strolling around the top to the Polish airmen's memorial. See http://www.buckdenpike.co.uk/ Both the site and the spot are well worth the visit and an experience you won't forget.

The track was really muddy in places which bears witness to the numbers of walkers who come here. There was no-one around when I got there which was just as well since it was very peaty. This top is normally taken in conjunction with Great Whernside but I didn't have the time since I woke up late.....

Aquatic child.

I knew all that money spent on swimming lessons would pay off. Eve today was awarded TWO certificates (see pic).

It's amazing how proud you feel whilst waiting in the queue with the other 200 parents to collect them. I was a bit suprised to find I had to pay £2 for each award but hey ho.......

She's really gained in confidence since she started which goes to prove that if you persevere...........

Well, that's the theory anyway.