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Park run

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 L got up early, had porridge, drove to Ambleside to join the Park Run at 9am. The drive was exciting as the very low bright sun was quite blinding on hill brows. Nic did a parking app rescue for her by phone, after the pay machine at Millers car park broke down. The course was three times around the park, but it was dangerous in the 2-way narrow and slippery paths where fast runners were overtaking others regardless of the risk. L was one of the slowest, but 3rd in her age category, probably out of 3. The photo shows the finish line. She walked into town and bought a DryRobe swim mat, a Guardian and chicken soup for lunch. Arriving at the gate of the Bield, she was stuck in a ten car jam, unable to turn into the gate until some plonker finally decided to reverse and let her in. It was good to be back for a rest, for soup and bread and cheese, a little light packing and a chat to Ann's son Robert who was mowing the lawns of the Bield.  Now the sunny afternoon stretches ahead. ...
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Wet day

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Rain, not swimming! We've been so lucky all week - the original forecast had rain every day after Monday. But finally we have a wet day. Ann went off on multiple errands and for her reflexology, L washed her hair, N finished his book acquired in Coniston and set in this area ... which he now passes on to Ann. Much deskwork.  And so the day went ... the rain continued and we didn't go anywhere. What a lazy day of brews, chats, fly-swatting and reading. Lit the fire at 5pm, worried about it for 20 minutes, later it got so hot N had to hide his feet.  Watched Traitors again with Ann. We were all highly amused and critical of the so-called strategies of some of the celebrities. 
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Round the valley

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  Today was the day for our traditional round the valley yomp, though it was a slow affair today, as we stopped in lots of places. We go left on to the road, then right on to the farm path. From there it's a fine view of Ann's white house, High Bield, against the mountain side. On we go, past Herdwick sheep, to the ancient stone Slater's Bridge. That's where Lesley's sister Mary once went paddling in shallow water. Today the stream was in spate.  We rurn right at the kissing gate to a stony path which goes steeply uphill past the Yorkshire Ramblers cottage. Then we usually stop for a sit on a very high and uncomfortable bench above a field containing Aberdeen Angus cattle.  Then it's a fairly level walk across the valley to the road which takes us back to Ann's.  The road is quite busy with cars and Land Rovers pulling sheep trailers. So L keeps an ear out, and we huddle into the verge while they pass. We have noticed again that the many blackberries in the ...
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Windermere

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Leisurely breakfast, porridge only plus juice and coffee - we are resisting the siren call of toast because we don't need it and we haven't earned it! Bit of deskwork and sandwich making, then to Windermere for Boots, charity and coffee. We had thought of walking up to Orrest Head but could not find 2 hr parking. Changed plan to a lakeside walk, both a bit relieved as tired from yesterday's 10k steps. Parked at Bowness by the lake, past the marina there is free 2 hr parking. Just as we left the car, two jets came up the lake at about 100 feet. We walked along the lakeside path to the ferry, had our lunch on one of the many benches, and just for the hell of it we went on the ferry there and back. £1:50 each - a very cheap ride on the lake! Quite a strong southerly, and two yachts having a fine time. Next was the obligatory ice-cream, delicious waffle cones from a cafe near the ferry. Then a stroll along the countryside path back to the car, and back to Ann's for a brew a...
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Stout-hearted

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Slow start, porridge only, no toast. We set off to walk to the Britannia Inn at Elterwater, via the old 'coffin track', a deep path full of big stones, Nic using his reliable walking poles. We took our elderly sandwiches and a piece of fruit. We stopped off at our usual haunt, a farm which sells pieces of delicious cake, paid for via an honesty box, surrounded by a chorus of plaintive chickens and geese. We picked our way gingerly through the tricky terrain of the coffin track. At last we arrived at the pub and purchased Murphys stout on tap.  We sat outside and ate our ham and cheese sandwiches under a large tree.  Popped back into the pub for a warmer seat and stole some chips from an abandoned plate. The route back was different, via the woods, still steep but less difficult underfoot. Nic did well, given the simmering hip problem.  We spotted some small birds on the final leg up to Ann's house. They were brownish and very speckled. The Merlin app told us they were Mea...
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Local traditions

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L's birthday started with a cooked breakfast provided by Ann - delicious as always and slightly naughty. L opened cards and presents. Next was a swim at Monk Coniston - a beautiful sunny morning and flat calm water, what could be better. The water was 14° and very clean and clear. The associated tradition was picking up conkers from the tree right in the car park, for deterring spiders in our garage and bedroom. Then into Coniston to visit the Honesty Shop which was very well stocked with all sorts. L bought some earrings and a bunch of flowers. Followed by the Vintage market, which closes for the winter in a few days; N bought a book, a murder mystery set around Windermere, and a 1960s green glass vase to go with our collection, L chose more earrings and an old-fashioned cotton teatowel - N paid for the lot because it's L's birthday.  Finally in Coniston, the 'soup cafe' or Green Housekeeper to use the proper name. The portions are huge - we haven't walked eno...
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To The Lakes

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Our annual pilgrimage to stay with Ann. Left home at 0815 and arrived Ambleside earlier than expected at 1600, despite 4 stops. Even the M6 was trouble-free. Used the spare time to do food shop for the week (ish), and N bought a new fleece at 70% off, 7 minutes before closing. V early dinner in Dodd's was lovely, then up to The High Bield just before sunset. Lovely catchup with Ann over a brew by the fire and early to bed zzz
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